Granddaughter Shares Photos of Her 90-year-old Grandfather and His Brand New Fluffy Friend, Penny on Twitter: Brings Users to Tears

Three weeks after viral photos of 'sad pawpaw' being 'neglected' by his grandkids broke the web's heart, a different senior is getting the exact opposite reaction out of internet users.

Twitter user Jessica Amante shared photos of her 90-year-old grandfather and his brand new fluffy friend, Penny, on March 6, Mashable reported Sunday. Her mom also posted images on Facebook.

And over the past month the pics showing the adorable couple have gone viral, literally bringing tears to the eyes of web users around the world.

Amante's grandfather is in an assisted living facility, and had pictures of his new dog sent to her at the start of the month.

“My grandfather just got a new dog and had his caregiver take pictures of him to send to me,” she Tweeted, along with three crying emojis.

And those thoughts were echoed by the thousands - 81,374 at last count - of web users who 'liked' the Tweet and the 40,771 who shared it.

Twitter user @phunkfina was one of many who responded positively to the idyllic scenes of the grandfather walking his new pal, writing “Why is this one of the most heartwarming things ever?”

But a large number of the users were even more moved than that, with several saying that they had been moved to tears.

'OMG,' gasped @lgbtleeds, saying that the grandpa bore an uncanny resemblance to 'the cute little old guy' from the Pixar movie 'Up.' “I'm crying this is too cute,” she wrote.

And @jewishuncle wrote “That's so adorable I'm gonna get emotional.”

“It makes me so happy I'm teary,” echoed @explicitstiles.

But some fans of the sweet story went even further.

Those crying emojis in Amante's original post proved prophetic for @nAAAYEomi, @kissingjohnson and @valerieamazing.

They were among the users so touched by the story that they couldn't even put it into words.

Instead, they simply send selfies showing their tearful faces, with long lines of mascara running down each cheek.

Pawpaw and paw-paw-paw-paw: Images of the 90-year-old man and his new dog, Penny, went viral after they were posted on Twitter this month by his granddaughter, Jessica Amante.

New dog, old tricks: The sweet photos brought tears to the eyes of many Twitter users. He has been likened to 'saw Pawpaw,' the elderly man whose grandkids 'abandoned' him after he made them burgers this month.

Sweet Tweet: The crying emojis in Jessica's Tweet were prophetic, as many who saw the adorable pictures were moved to tears.

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Happy Easter from The Pet Tree House

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Fairfax County, VA - Police Received Two Reports of Black Bear Sightings in the Vienna/Oakton Area

Fairfax County, Virginia - Police received two reports of black bear sightings in the Vienna/Oakton area between Wednesday and Thursday morning, the Fairfax County Police Department said. This follows an earlier sighting of a black bear and a cub in Vienna on Sunday, March 20. 

According to police, a black bear and a cub (possibly a yearling) were spotted in the 2700 block of Bowling Green Dr., Vienna Thursday morning. Police say a residence in the area reported the spotting. In a press release sent out Thursday police said, "The bears were reported to have taken down a bird-feeder and plastic cabinet on the resident's patio. The bears also took a bag of birdseed from the cabinet before heading into the wooded easement along Interstate-66."

On Wednesday morning police also received reports of two small black bears seen crossing Oakton Road. Police say the bears were spotted near Waples Mill Meadow, Difficult Run Stream Valley Park and Tattersall Park.

Police said in the release, "Bears typically avoid humans, but in their search for food it is not uncommon to see one. Residents should not panic or feel alarmed when they see one. Bears are attracted by bird feeders, garbage, outdoor pet food, compost piles, fruit trees, and berry-producing shrubs. If addressed quickly, situations can be resolved almost immediately by removing the food source. Sometimes, the bear may return searching for food, but after a few failed attempts to find it, will leave the property. Most often, bears will keep moving through an area once they fail in their attempts to find food."

The Fairfax County Wildlife management Specialist and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries give the following suggestions as precautions if encountered by a black bear:

• Keep a respectful distance! In most cases, the bear will move on quickly.

• If a bear is up a tree on or near your property, give it space. Do not approach, and bring your pets inside to provide the bear a clear path to leave your property.

• If you see a very small cub, do not try to remove it from the area or "save it."

• The best way to encourage the bear not to return is to remove food sources.

• Do not store household trash, or anything that smells like food, in vehicles, on porches or decks.

• Keep your full or empty trash containers secured in a garage, shed or basement.

• Take your garbage to the dump frequently.

• If you have a trash collection service, put your trash out the morning of the pickup, not the night before.

• Take down your birdfeeder for 3-4 weeks after the bear visits.

• Encourage your neighbors to take similar precautions.

• Unless the animal is sick or injured, or poses a threat to public safety, Animal Control Officers do not take actions to attempt to remove bears from a neighborhood.

Police say bear sightings should be reported to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries through the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at (855) 571-9003.

For more information on bear sightings and how to respond safely click HERE. 

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Heartbreaking Photo of a Stray Dog Hugging a Teddy Bear Has Gone Viral: Triggering a Bit of Controversy

Houston, Texas - This heartbreaking of a stray dog hugging a teddy bear on socialmedia -- and triggered a bit of controversy.

This is the picture. A sadder-than-sad stray dog who has found a tiny bit of comfort...by snuggling up to a forsaken teddy bear.

The picture was taken by a Houston woman named Yvette Holzbach with the group 'Forgotten Dogs of The Fifth Ward'.

When she posted it on her Facebook page, there was criticism.

Why didn't you rescue the dog?"

This is her explanation: "We can feed up to 50 stray dogs [daily]. Of those 50 dogs we are lucky if we are able to save one because...there are not enough foster homes."

"[To] understand what we are faced with we welcome you to do a ride along with us. You will be astounded at how many homeless dogs there are."

That is as true in Southern California - as it is in Houston.

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First Responders Called to a Sushi Restaurant After a Man Allegedly Threw a Giant Python on the Floor and Walked Out

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, L.A. first responders say they were called to a sushi restaurant on Sunday after a man allegedly threw a giant python on the floor and walked out.

“Probably one of the weirdest calls that I’ve ever heard us respond to,” LAPD Lt. John Gavin told Fox 11.

Police say the man had already showed up at the restaurant with a smaller snake earlier that night. When he started arguing with another diner, he was asked to leave.

So the man did – but then he came back, this time with a 13-foot python.

“Customers are yelling, ‘Get this thing out! Are you crazy,’” Jessie Davaadorj, a server, told KCAL 9.

Lt. Gavin said the suspect, who was later arrested, didn’t deny his involvement.

He said that “he was mad, and that he felt that was the only way he could get even,” said the lieutenant.

Thankfully, the fire department and animal control were able to safely corner the snake into a box.

Police say the man, who is homeless, has been charged with criminal threats from “using the snake as a weapon and threatening the patrons.”

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Former Ravens Defensive Tackle Terrence Cody: Sentenced to Nine Months in County Jail, After He Was Convicted on Misdemeanor Animal Cruelty Charges

Former Ravens defensive tackle Terrence Cody was sentenced to nine months in county jail, after he was convicted on misdemeanor animal cruelty charges.

According to Alison Knezevich of the Baltimore Sun, Cody faced more than two years in jail. He was convicted in November of two misdemeanor drug charges and multiple misdemanors regarding the death of his dog Taz.

Prosecutors said the dog was starved to death. He was also convicted of illegally possessing an alligator (of course).

The Ravens drafted Cody in the second round in 2010. He only played one game in 2014, and was released last February.

You may be interested in reading:

Ravens Defensive Tackle Terrence Cody Being Investigated For Animal Cruelty

Ravens Will Cut DT Cody Amid Animal Cruelty Investigation

Terrence Cody Indicted On Animal Cruelty Charges 

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Cat Parasite Linked to Mental Illness, Schizophrenia

Everyone loves cuddling with kittens. But there can be a little-known danger lurking behind that furry little face and that innocent-sounding meow: a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii).

T. gondii is the most common parasite in developed nations, according to Schizophrenia Bulletin. The cat-carried parasite can infect any warm-blooded species, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates more than 60 million people in the U.S. may have it.

Most people never suffer any symptoms at all. But in those with weaker immune systems, infection with T. gondii can cause an illness called toxoplasmosis, which can result in miscarriages, fetal development disorders, weeks of flu-like illness, blindness and even death. It has also been associated with mental disorders including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Now two more studies explore the mental health issues in greater detail.

E. Fuller Torrey of the Stanley Medical Research Institute and Dr. Robert H. Yolken of Stanley Laboratory of Developmental Neurovirology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have been studying the link between infection with T. gondii and schizophrenia for close to three decades.

Their most recent study, published in Schizophrenia Research, along with researcher Wendy Simmons, compared two previous studies that found a link between childhood cat ownership and the development of schizophrenia later in life with an unpublished survey on mental health from 1982, 10 years before any data on cat ownership and mental illness had been published. Results of the analysis indicated that cat exposure in childhood may be a risk factor for developing mental disorders.

To read more on this story, click here: Cat Parasite Linked to Mental Illness, Schizophrenia

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A Pennsylvania Goldfish Might Be the 1st of His Species to Get Braces

A Pennsylvania goldfish named Mr. Hot Wing might be the 1st orthodontic patient of his species

Just weeks after photos of a Michigan dog with braces went viral, veterinary orthodontics are in the news once again.

This time, however, the patient is a goldfish. A standard orange goldfish. The kind who lives in a bowl, retails for roughly 27 cents, and sort of resembles a Buffalo chicken wing when you squint and really think about it.

His name is Mr. Hot Wing, and he's the first-ever pet of his kind to make headlines with a corrective dental appliance.

Philadelphia's 6abc Action News reports that Mr. Hot Wing, who lives in Allentown, Pa., was born without a lower jaw bone, which makes it impossible for him to hold his mouth open.

Because of this, the fish suffers from breathing and eating difficulties. Rather, he did before his owner brought him to Dr. Brian Palmeiro at Lehigh Valley Veterinary Dermatology.

Palmeiro, described by Action News as "the fish doctor," reportedly performed surgery on Mr. Hot Wing to open his mouth.

Then, after conducting "a lot of research" on the topic, he fashioned some custom braces out of a plastic credit card to correct Mr. Hot Wing's bite … or lack thereof.

"Fish Braces!!??" wrote the veterinary clinic on Facebook last week under a post-op photo of its little patient. "Mr. Hot Wing came in today for trouble breathing and inability to eat. He was born without a lower jaw bone and his mouth could not stay open. Brian Palmeiro did surgery to open his mouth and created this brace to help his mouth stay open."

Mr. Hot Wing may be the first fish to get braces, in a matter of speaking, but he's not the first to benefit from Palmeiro's plastic card veterinary devices.

The Lehigh Valley clinic shared a photo of a larger fish, who appears to have a makeshift splint on his fin, in November.

All in all, Mr. Hot Wing's braces were said to have cost about $150.

That may sound like an expensive vet bill for a fish that likely cost less than a dollar, but you can't put a price on family. And hey — it's still way cheaper than human braces.

Or dog braces, for that matter.

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Mr. Hot Wing, who lives in Allentown, Pa., was born without a lower jaw bone, which made it hard for him to breathe or eat before his 'braces' were put on. (Lehigh Valley Veterinary Dermatology/Facebook)

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(Left: Matt Elsberry/Flickr, Right: Ernesto Andrade/Flickr)

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Tags;

Goldfish, Fish, Pet, Pet Health, Goldfish Gets Braces, Braces, Veterinary Orthodontics, Lehigh Valley Clinic,

Mr. Hot Wing, who lives in Allentown, Pa., was born without a lower jaw bone, which made it hard for him to breathe or eat before his 'braces' were put on. (Lehigh Valley Veterinary Dermatology/Facebook)

                   (Left: Matt Elsberry/Flickr, Right: Ernesto Andrade/Flickr)

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Meet Ruger, The First Anti-Poaching Dog in Zambia, Where He is Now Responsible for Putting 150 Poachers Out of Business

Ruger, once considered a “bad” dog, is perfect for his job.  Because he had a very rough start in life, he was aggressive and would snap at people, but part of his personality has made him easily trained to become the first anti-poaching dog in Zambia, where he is now responsible for putting 150 poachers out of business.

“Bad dogs have an overwhelming desire to bring you things,” Megan Parker told The Guardian. “Dogs love telling you what they know. They have an inability to quit.

”Parker is the director of research at Working Dogs for Conservation in Montana.  She searches shelters for difficult, “unadoptable” dogs who’d have no problem putting poachers in their place.

Ruger was born on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana.  When he was young, his owner shot his littermates, but he was able to flee.  He wound up in a shelter, where he was noticed by a trainer who told WD4C about him.

At first, Ruger was aggressive, and would bite people.  Parker had a hard time getting him to the vet, and he hated small spaces.  But there was something about him that encouraged her to keep working with him.  However, there was something else that stood in Ruger’s way of becoming an anti-poaching dog at all.

“Early on in his training, Meg was under pressure from her colleagues to decide if Ruger would make the cut,” said Pete Coppolillo, executive director at WD4C. “If a dog doesn’t work out, we make sure they have a forever home. We all wondered if Meg should start finding a place for Ruger, who was losing his sight.

”But she knew that Ruger had the drive necessary to make the cut.

“These dogs have an unrelenting drive,” she said. “For a dog that doesn’t stop, you can train that dog to bring you things.”

Parker was eventually able to match up Ruger with the Delta Team scouts, a law enforcement unit operated by the South Luangwa Conservation Society and the Zambia Wildlife Authority.  The scouts had little experience with dogs, and were leery of the idea that a dog could help.

Ruger proved his worth at his first day on the job.  Roadblocks were set up to search vehicles for illegal paraphernalia.

“It takes humans an hour or more to search a car,” said Coppolillo, “whereas it takes dogs three to four minutes.”

Ruger sat down and glared at one of the passing cars.

“That’s his alert [signal],” Coppolillo continued.

Several pieces of luggage were inside the vehicle, and the scouts who searched them came up empty-handed.  But Ruger kept his eye on one bag, which contained a matchbox in a plastic bag.  Inside of it was a primer cap, which ignites gunpowder in the illegal muzzle loaders that poachers rely on.

“At that moment, everyone believed that Ruger knew what he was doing,” said Coppolillo. “They learned to think of Ruger as a colleague.”

Now he’s been a valuable team member for a year and a half.

“He’s a hero who’s responsible for dozens of arrests and has convinced many skeptics of his detection skills,” Coppolillo noted.

Some people likened his skills to witchcraft, but at a courthouse demonstration, a scout hid a piece of ivory and Ruger found it in only a couple minutes.  And his deteriorating vision hasn’t impaired him one bit.

“His skills have sharpened.  He’s working with a few younger dogs, who are somewhat goofy and get distracted like most puppies do,” Coppolillo said. “Ruger remains focused despite many distractions, such as having wild animals close by. Baboons are the worst. His lack of eyesight works in his favor because he almost entirely focuses on his sense of smell.

”Because the work is very dangerous, Ruger does not have to work every day, and Godfrey, a scout, rewards him with games of tug-of-war when he nabs someone.

“Poachers are well-armed and well-trained,” Coppolillo said. “African elephants don’t live throughout the continent. Poachers kill elephants where they reside and smuggle them to places where they don’t live to throw law enforcement off their tracks.

”Though it is illegal to hunt within South Luangwa National Park’s boundaries, poachers do it anyway, and over the years, many scouts have colluded with them.  Good scouts are hard to come by, and in Africa, it’s even more difficult to find dogs like Ruger.

“Good dog selection is absolutely essential,” Coppolillo said. “Village dogs simply don’t have the drive to do this kind of work. There are only a handful of suitable and reputable kennels in Africa. Most are focused on selling security and military dogs, so they’re not as well socialized as a conservation dog needs to be. Plus, they generally sell those dogs for much more than what it would cost us to source a dog in the US.

”Parker will continue her dedicated work of finding suitable American shelter dogs to send to Africa to keep saving the lives of countless elephants.

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Seaworld: Three Other Things the Park Will Stop Doing Now That it’s Ending its Marine-Cruelty Program

Have you heard the glorious news? SeaWorld has finally decided to end its orca breeding program.

Right before St. Patrick’s Day, the marine theme park announced that its current generation of orcas will be its last. In a recent LA Times OpEd, Joel Manby, SeaWorld’s CEO, said the change was made because the park wants to help contribute “to the evolving understanding of one of the world’s largest marine mammals [the orca].”

In addition to ending its orca breeding program, SeaWorld will also cease to produce and put on its “theatrical orca whale shows.”

This announcement is great–and long overdue. So overdue that we feel comfortable poking a little fun at the park’s announcement by listing 3 other things–albeit fictional things–that the park will also stop doing now that it’s ending its marine-cruelty program.

Lower Ticket Prices

There is not a single theme park in the United States that doesn’t expect a ridiculous amount of money to ride attractions that are over in three minutes, or to look at animals that you typically don’t see every day. Well, now that SeaWorld has decided to stop breeding orcas and training them to put on ridiculous stunts for the masses, the park’s entry price will inevitably drop. After all, everyone knows that orca imprisonment is really expensive.

Stop Giving Out Free Marine Pets to Park Guests

It seems only natural that a park that keeps large, magnificent creatures hostage would also be thoughtless enough to give away smaller, but equally wonderful creatures to anyone who enters the park. So, in a groundbreaking move, SeaWorld also will stop giving away precious crabs, fish, and other small types of sea life to the park’s guests. So compassionate…

SeaWorld, as a Whole, is Going to Stop Functioning as a Park and Will Become a Marine Sanctuary

Yes, sea sanctuaries can exist and help marine life in need. SeaWorld has finally seen the light, listened to its most adamant critics, and decided to stop profiting off the backs of sea creatures. One of the park’s biggest critics is John Hargrove, author of “Beneath the Surface: Killer Whales, SeaWorld, and the Truth Beyond Blackfish” and former senior trainer. A year or so ago, he said the following about the brilliance of sea pens and ocean sanctuaries:

“I’ve spoken with some brilliant-minded people, and I believe sea sanctuaries are a viable solution. They [SeaWorld] should follow the example of the Ringling Brothers, who recently acknowledged that their customers had shifted in their thinking about having elephants in captivity. So by 2018, all of Ringling Brothers’ elephants are going to be retired to elephant sanctuaries. SeaWorld wants to make it sound like it’s impossible. But we’ve been doing sea pens or sea sanctuaries since the seventies. The U.S. Navy had an open-ocean killer whale in a sea pen years ago…”

While we’re obviously trying to have a little fun with this list, we do think it would be great if SeaWorld did begin to use sea pens. Because if the park really did care about marine life, it would do all it could to make all marine creatures’ lives better.

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Today is National Puppy Day

Your puppy is an adorable, sweet, delightfully rowdy creature with a smile that always melts your heart — even after chewing a hole in your favorite pair of shoes. On March 23, celebrate the unconditional love this little furball gives you by finding a way to pamper your dog on National Puppy Day.

Not only is puppy day a great excuse to spoil your dog, it’s also designed to create awareness for dogs across the globe who aren’t fortunate enough to live in loving homes. Colleen Paige, a celebrity pet and home lifestyle expert and author, founded the holiday in 2006 as a way to help save homeless puppies and to highlight the horrors of puppy mills. National Puppy Day 2016 marks the 10th anniversary of the occasion, so be sure to join in the celebration by sharing pictures of your dog on social media using #NationalPuppyDay.

Celebrating your dog on National Puppy Day doesn’t have to involve spending lots of money. No matter what size your budget is, there are plenty of fun and affordable ways to make your puppy feel special and loved.

Ways to spoil your dog on National Puppy Day

Adopt a Puppy

Get your dog another best friend — in addition to you of course — by adopting a puppy from a local animal shelter or rescue. Not only will you be saving a life, you’ll also cut costs. Generally speaking, it costs an average of $250 or less to adopt a rescue dog — who will typically be spayed or neutered, microchipped and up-to-date on shots — as opposed to paying $500 to $1,000 for a puppy from a breeder, plus the cost of shots, microchipping and spaying or neutering. Plus, now your current pup has a new brother or sister to play with.

Head to the Dog Park

Taking a trip to the dog park is free and your pup will have a great time running off-leash and making friends with all the neighborhood pooches. This is especially fun for puppies that live in an apartment or a house without a yard.

Pamper Your Pup at the Spa

Treat your puppy to a day of pampering at the groomer for a haircut, ear cleaning, nail cleaning and a bath. Costs can vary greatly by location and the size of your dog, but typically range from $30 for a small dog to $90 for larger breeds or ones with lots of hair.

Buy Your Puppy a New Toy

Your puppy is your furry child and kids are always excited to get a new toy. Dog toys are available in a variety of price points, but start as low as $1, so you can even work this fun surprise into a limited budget. Alternatively, you can also look up how to make some easy DIY dog toys for free.

Brush Those Puppy Teeth

Your dog has a strong set of teeth, so it’s important to work hard to maintain his good oral health. He might not make brushing his teeth too easy, but stay strong because this simple act can help prevent gum disease, tooth loss, chronic oral pain and more as he ages. A dog toothbrush and toothpaste can be purchased at major pet stores for under $10.

Update Your Dog’s Wardrobe

Anyone who claims puppies don’t need to wear clothes clearly hasn’t seen the American Apparel line of dog clothing. Choose from a variety of t-shirts and hoodies for your furry friend, priced from approximately $10 to $30.

Get a Puppucino

If your dog doesn’t have a sensitive stomach, add a puppucino — a cup with a little bit of whipped cream inside — to your Starbucks order. This treat is free at participating Starbucks locations, and your puppy will eat it up — literally.

Buy a Puppy Car Seat

Your dog goes everywhere with you, but buckling him into the back seat of your car with a seatbelt doesn’t work. Keep him safe on the road by investing in a car seat specially made for puppies, which can be purchased at major pet stores starting at approximately $35.

Make a Steak Dinner

Supplement your dog’s dinner with a few bites of steak — just be sure to trim the fat and remove the bones first. T-bone steak currently averages $7.93 per pound at major retail supermarkets across the U.S., making this special treat more than worth it.

Purchase a New Dog Bed

Even the highest quality dog beds can become worn out over time due to wear and tear, so give your puppy an upgrade. New beds average in price from approximately $30 to $100, so find a comfortable option you can afford.

Spend Quality Time Together

You are your puppy’s hero and he wants nothing more than your undivided attention. Spend at least an hour of one-on-one time with your dog to make him feel special and loved. Going for a walk together, playing fetch in the yard or hanging out on the couch won’t cost you a dime, but it will make him feel like a million bucks.

Splurge for a Day of Doggie Daycare

Instead of leaving your puppy home alone while you’re at work, drop him off at doggie daycare where he can spend the day playing with new friends. The cost for this services varies by location, but ranges from $12 to $38 for a full day of care.

Go on a Road Trip

For most dogs, there are few things in life more exciting than a car ride. Celebrate the holiday by hitting the road with your puppy for a fun road trip. Dogs stay free at La Quinta Inns & Suites, Kimpton hotels and Red Roof Inn, so it won’t cost you any extra to have your pooch in tow.

Microchip Your Puppy

Your puppy relies on you for everything, so it’s devastating to think about what would happen if he gets lost and doesn’t know how to find his way home. If he doesn’t already have one, take him to the veterinarian to be microchipped. This procedure costs approximately $45 and offers a lifetime of protection.

Donate to an Animal Shelter

As a dog lover, it’s only natural to want to do everything you can to give all puppies a loving home. While it won’t directly benefit your dog, making a National Puppy Day donation to the Humane Society, Best Friends Animal Society, the ASPCA or a local organization in your area can literally save a life. No amount is too small or too large to donate, so just give what you can.

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Did You Know that Animal Transport on Flatbed is Legal in Texas?

Houston, Texas - Photographs taken by a Houston area driver have so many people ticked off that they're going viral.

The pictures were taken on Sunday on Highway 59N near Humble; they show a dog tethered to a moving truck’s flatbed, reportedly driving 65 mph.

Because Monica Schmidt with the Houston Humane Society is used to protecting animals, she had no problem speaking out about the pictures.

“You get a sense of disbelief that this could even happen,” said Schmidt. “And you think, ‘are you sure this isn't Photoshoped?’, because it's just so horrible that anybody would do that.”

The man who took the photos didn’t want to be identified but you can see his Facebook post has been shared thousands of times and has generated comments like, “needs to be in jail!”, “that's so terrible! I can only imagine how terrified that poor baby was!” and “Oh my god that makes me sick to my stomach.”

Even though the pictures have generated plenty of outrage, according to the District Attorney’s office, this type of animal transport is legal in Texas. It only becomes a crime if the animal is hurt; something Schmidt says is highly likely.

“We really need stricter laws in Texas to be able to protect those animals that can't protect themselves. Every dog owner should be saddened that as a society that happens… here in Houston on our highways.”

Schmidt recommends that anyone who is upset by the animal’s treatment contact their elected official and encourage them to push for tougher animal rights legislation.

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Breaking News: Fromm Family Pet Food of Wisconsin Has Announced a Voluntary Recall of Three Separate Types of Their Canned Food for Dogs

Fromm Family Pet Food of Wisconsin has announced a voluntary recall of three separate types of their canned food for dogs, which may contain too much Vitamin D.

The affected products were distributed between December 2015 and February 2016. A state-by-state list of Fromm retailers can be found here.

Why Were They Recalled?

Voluntarily recalled by Fromm out of caution, these cans of dog food contain too much Vitamin D. This discovery was made by Fromm themselves, and the recall is being done in coordination with the FDA. While no health issues have been reported, the primary symptom is assumed to be a loss of appetite, though, as you'll see below, harsh cases of Vitamin D Poisoning will bring with it further symptoms, as well as the threat of death.

What Are the Symptoms?

According to Pet MD, dogs of all ages are susceptible to Vitamin D Poisoning, though young dogs and puppies are at higher risk. If your dog has consumed the food affected by this recall, keep an eye out for the following symptoms of Vitamin D Poisoning:

Vomiting

Weakness

Depression

Loss of appetite

Increased thirst

Increased urination

Feces containing blood

Blood in vomit

Loss of weight

Constipation

Seizures

Muscle tremors

Abdominal pain

Excessive drooling

What Can You Do?

If you have purchased any of these cans of Fromm, call the company at [800-325-6331] to inquire about a replacement or a refund. If cans have been opened, dispose of the food as soon as possible, ensuring your pet won’t find it.

What to Look For:

NAME: Fromm Family Chicken Pate

SIZE: 12 oz.

LOT #: 11893

UPC: 72705 11892

NAME: Fromm Family Salmon & Chicken Pate

SIZE: 12 oz.

LOT #: 11891

UPC: 72705 11890

NAME: Fromm Family Chicken & Duck Pate

SIZE: 12 oz.

LOT #: 11895

UPC: 72705 11894

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