Why Losing a Dog Can Be Harder Than Losing a Relative

I was 20 years old when I got my first dog. Of course, there were family dogs growing up, but this was my dog. I was living on my own for the first time, and he was mine to care for, love, and teach. It was like having a child. He relied on me for his basic life needs, like feeding, walking, and love. I relied on him for emotional support, entertainment, and love.

Though unlike a child who would grow up, move out, and start a life of his own, my dog was always going to be by my side, needing me as much as I needed him. We did everything together—we were inseparable. He meant more to me than most people in my life did, and we had a bond that no one could break. Our lives revolved around each other, in the most co-dependent kind of way. I had to plan my days around him, and he had to wait for me for anything he needed. And we gave each other our all.

To read more on this story, click here: Why Losing a Dog Can Be Harder Than Losing a Relative




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Nina and Edgar Otto Were Not Willing to Accept the Loss of Their Labrador, Sir Lancelot, They Decided to Have Him Cloned

When our beloved pets pass on, this is often a very sad moment for the family involved. There are no words that can be said that will bring the pet back and there is no magic wand to be waved to make the pain go away. All we can do in these instances is keep the animal’s memory alive in our hearts and minds and do our best to carry on in this world without them.

One couple decided that this was not enough and they spent a great deal of money to ensure that their pet would not become a mere memory. Nina and Edgar Otto were not willing to accept the loss of their Labrador without a fight and they made a decision that some would call crazy and others would call downright adorable. They decided to spend a boatload of money to clone the animal.

If you were considering cloning a fallen pet, be sure to remember that this couple was willing to shell out a sum of $150,000 in order to make their dream come true. Once they became aware of the fact that animal cloning would become a viable option, they decided to set aside some of Sir Lancelot’s DNA in order to provide themselves with the ability to do so.

BioArts, a firm in San Francisco, is responsible for this amazing story and they worked in conjunction with a South Korean team at the Sooam Biotech Research Foundation. The new dog was named Lancelot Encore (because of course it was) and the animal was created by injecting DNA into the eggs of a surrogate pup. This all sounds so high tech, we find ourselves wondering how it is even feasible.

There are many who are vehemently opposed to what this family has done and they believe that the family should have spent this significant sum of money to assist other dogs who are in need or provide a home to those who cannot find one of their own. However, these opinions are all moot and this family is certainly free to spend their money in any way that they see fit. It is not up to any of us in any way.

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Secondhand Hounds Give Sick Dogs the Comfort and Care They Need to Live Out Their Last Days with Dignity

Some dogs enter the shelter system happy and healthy. Others have serious medical problems that make it more difficult for them to find homes. When a dog has a terminal illness, the volunteers at Secondhand Hounds’ hospice program are there to help. They give sick dogs the comfort and care they need to live out their last days with dignity.

Secondhand Hounds is an animal shelter based out of the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. It does what a lot of other animal shelters do: find forever homes for dogs and other companion critters. What makes Secondhand Hounds truly special, however, is its hospice program. Volunteers at the nonprofit take in very sick dogs — and a handful of cats — and provide them with love and care.

Secondhand Hounds was founded in 2009, and as of 2016, it has saved over 10,000 animals. The hospice program began in 2015, and around 20 dogs receive care through it at any one time. Volunteers look after the animals in their own homes, while the shelter provides financial support and medical care.

Secondhand Hounds’ hospice program doesn’t try to stave off the inevitable, but it provides solace and love for creatures that might otherwise suffer. Pets with chronic illnesses are more difficult to place, and when the illness is terminal, they may otherwise wind up spending their last moments alone in a shelter. By giving these critters care at home, the quality of their lives improves drastically.

For example, Carol Marple’s furry friend, Bella Boo, arrived at the shelter in April 2015. Bella Boo wasn’t expected to stay for long, but as of July 2016, she is still alive and kicking. In an interview with the Star Tribune, Marple stated, “She seems to know that she’s safe, and she’s enjoying life.” 

Sheridan is another example of a terminally ill dog who benefited from the love and care of friendly humans. When Sheridan came down with canine osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, Sheridan’s humans decided to give him the time of his life. They took him out on epic adventures, ensuring he would live out the rest of his life as happily as could be. You can hear all about it in this post celebrating his epic last days.

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Woman Apparently Captures Video of Her Dog’s Ghost

Two weeks ago, Kimberley Pearce of North Carolina had to have her 12-year-old cocker spaniel, Sadie, put to sleep.  While getting some video of her new dog, a strange figure appears to walk across the screen.  Is it a camera glitch, a hoax, or do you think it’s really Sadie’s spirit?

This is Pearce’s account of the scenario:

It was only a few days after when I was showing the video to a friend that I saw her appear. I just knew it was her. That was my dog.

I was in shock – I went outside and started to cry. But then I started to smile. I had been begging for her to give me a sign.

You can see it’s a white and caramel color, and so was my little girl.

The video had been taken around lunchtime and no cars go past my house to make a reflection, and no birds for a shadow or anything. We live quite far out in the country.

There was nothing else it could have been. Before I kind of did and didn’t believe in ghosts. Now I really do believe.

It might sound strange, but a couple of days after Sadie died I finally went and sat out on the porch and had a half hour conversation with her.

I felt so guilty because I was the one who made that decision to have her put down. I signed the papers. I was shaking even just writing my name on them. And I just wanted to tell her, ‘Sadie, I’m so, so sorry and please forgive me for what I’ve done.’

In that conversation I just begged and begged for her or God to send me a sign so that I knew she was okay.

To read more on this story, click here: Woman Apparently Captures Video of Her Dog’s Ghost

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The Heart-Wrenching Moment Firefighters Resuscitate Dying Labrador Using Oxygen Mask

This is the heart-wrenching moment firefighters carried an injured dog away from a house blaze in New Jersey after risking their lives to rescue two pet canines - but only managing to save one.

Fire crews were called to the multi-family home on Frances Street in Totowa on Sunday afternoon following reports of a three-alarm fire. They quickly determined no people were at the residence.

However, two dogs were inside the property - a Labrador retriever belonging to the unidentified family on the second floor, and a Shih Tzu owned by Carmen and Julio Valencia on the first floor.

Firefighters set about tackling the blaze and initially appeared to have it under control. But before long, flames were flaring up through the house's roof, sending black smoke billowing into the sky.

In an effort to save the pet dogs, officials wearing masks pulled up a ladder to the side of the building and climbed up to a second-floor window, which at one point, flames were spotted shooting out of.

They managed to pull the yellow Labrador through the window, before carrying the panting dog to safety in bedding. They then laid the terrified animal on the ground and gave it oxygen and water.

The Labrador was treated at a veterinarian following the fire, which occurred at around 2.30 p.m., according to NorthJersey.com. Its current condition is unknown and its owners remain unnamed.

But despite the dog's escape, the Valencias' pet Shih Tzu, Luke, was not so fortunate. Firefighters asked the couple where their six-month-old puppy might be hiding, before entering the first floor.

However, when they found Luke, he was already dead.

The Valencias, who have two sons, apparently broke down when they were told their beloved pet had been killed in the blaze. They were handed the deceased puppy in a white bag by officials.

Speaking to the news site, Mr. Valencia, 49, said his wife was 'freaking out' about the death of the Luke, whom she had been worrying about during their frantic drive back to their burning home.

She was also reportedly so shocked about the fire that she had to be given oxygen at the scene.

Firefighters from Totowa, Little Falls, Woodland Park and Wayne spent several hours battling the blaze on Sunday afternoon. The property was left severely damaged, with huge holes in its roof.

No injuries to officials were reported, and the cause and origin of the fire remain unknown.

Police were also at the scene. An investigation is ongoing. 

Saved: This is the heart-wrenching moment firefighters carried an injured dog away from a house blaze in Totowa, New Jersey, after risking their lives to rescue two pet canines - but only managing to save one.

Assistance: Firefighters managed to pull the yellow Labrador retriever through a second-floor window of the burning property. After rescuing the animal, they laid on the ground and gave it oxygen and water (above).

Street Emergency crews were called to the multi-family house on Frances Street (pictured) in Totowa on Sunday afternoon following reports of a three-alarm fire. No family members were at home at the time.

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Camp Springs, Maryland - Coolridge Animal Hospital: Yard Sale/Bake Sale – Saturday, May 2nd - 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

We are raising funds for our 'Memorial Rainbow Bridge Rock Garden', to celebrate the lives of all our fur babies who have crossed over.

This Saturday, May 2nd, we will be having a yard sale/bake sale. We will also have a raffle running the for the next week for a years supply of Heartworm and Flea/tick prevention (this is a $200.00 value). 

The first picture below is the current garden in front of the exit doors. We plan to plant two willow trees ( pictured below), and provide our clients with a bench to sit, along with stones to decorate and fill our garden with the wonderful memories of their fur babies who have crossed.

Once completed we will have a ribbon cutting ceremony, we are currently trying to seek a clergy who would be willing to come out, and bless our garden the day of the ribbon cutting, if anyone knows someone they could recommend, please contact us.

WHAT: Yard Sale/Bake Sale

DATE: Saturday, May 2, 2015
               
TIME: 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

LOCATION:
Coolridge Animal Hospital
6801 Old Branch Ave
Camp Springs, Maryland
(301) 449-1610

Raffle Tickets:
Raffle has begun purchase your $1.00 ticket from now til April 30th, winner will receive 1 year ( 12 months) of Heartworm/flea/tick prevention, for your K-9 or Feline fur baby, this is a $200.00 value. 

All proceeds will ge going towards our Rainbow BridgeMemorial Garden.

Website: Coolridge Animal Hospital

As they say "One man's junk is another man's treasure!"

There is truly something for all at our yard sale!

                                       We will be planting these:

We are thrilled our memorial garden is coming together. We have already received one of our trees.

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Coolridge Animal Hospital: Our Raffle Has Begun - Purchase Your $1.00 Ticket Starting Today Until April 30th - Win One Year of Heartworm/Flea/Tick Prevention, for Your K-9 or Feline Fur Baby

Our Raffle has begun!  Purchase your $1.00 ticket starting today until April 30th. Winner will receive 1 year ( 12 months) of Heartworm/flea/tick prevention, for your K-9 or Feline fur baby, this is a $200.00 value.

All proceeds going towards our Rainbow Bridge Memorial Garden.

Haven't heard about our Rainbow Bridge Memorial Garden?

Please read: Coolridge Animal Hospital: We Are Building a Memorial Rainbow Bridge Rock Garden for All of Our Fur Babies Who Have Crossed Over - Come to Our Yard/Bake Sales for the Next Two Saturdays, April 25th and May 2nd

Coolridge Animal Hospital
6801 Old Branch Ave
Camp Springs, Maryland
(301) 449-1610

Website: Coolridge Animal Hospital

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Camp Springs, Maryland - Coolridge Animal Hospital: We Are Seeking a Clergy to Bless Our 'Memorial Rainbow Bridge Rock Garden' for Pets Who Have Crossed Over at Our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

We are raising funds for our 'Memorial Rainbow Bridge Rock Garden', to celebrate the lives of all our fur babies who have crossed over.

Once completed we will have a ribbon cutting ceremony, we are currently seeking a clergy who would be willing to come out, and bless our garden the day of the ribbon cutting, if anyone knows someone they could recommend, please contact us.

Please read our post concerning the Memorial Garden at: Coolridge Animal Hospital: We Are Building a Memorial Rainbow Bridge Rock Garden for All of Our Fur Babies Who Have Crossed Over - Come to Our Yard/Bake Sales for the Next Two Saturdays, April 25th and May 2nd

Contact:
Coolridge Animal Hospital
6801 Old Branch Ave
Camp Springs, Maryland
(301) 449-1610

Website: Coolridge Animal Hospital




Please Share!

FOLLOW US!

Coolridge Animal Hospital: We Are Building a Memorial Rainbow Bridge Rock Garden for All of Our Fur Babies Who Have Crossed Over - Come to Our Yard/Bake Sales for the Next Two Saturdays, April 25th and May 2nd

We are raising funds for our 'Memorial Rainbow Bridge Rock Garden', to celebrate the lives of all our fur babies who have crossed over.

For the next two Saturdays (April 25th and May 2nd)  we will be having a yard sale/bake sale. We will also have a raffle running the next 2 weeks for a years supply of Heartworm and Flea/tick prevention (this is a $200.00 value). 

The first picture below is the current garden in front of the exit doors. We plan to plant two willow trees ( pictured below), and provide our clients with a bench to sit, along with stones to decorate and fill our garden with the wonderful memories of their fur babies who have crossed.

Once completed we will have a ribbon cutting ceremony, we are currently trying to seek a clergy who would be willing to come out, and bless our garden the day of the ribbon cutting, if anyone knows someone they could recommend, please contact us.

WHAT: Yard Sale/Bake Sale

DATES: Saturday, April 25, 2015
               Saturday, May 2, 2015

TIME: 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

LOCATION:
Coolridge Animal Hospital
6801 Old Branch Ave
Camp Springs, Maryland
(301) 449-1610

Raffle Tickets:
Raffle has begun purchase your $1.00 ticket from now til April 30th, winner will receive 1 year ( 12 months) of Heartworm/flea/tick prevention, for your K-9 or Feline fur baby, this is a $200.00 value. 

All proceeds will ge going towards our Rainbow BridgeMemorial Garden.

Website: Coolridge Animal Hospital

As they say "One man's junk is another man's treasure!"

There is truly something for all at our yard sale!

                                       We will be planting these:

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Little Boy Says Heartbreaking Goodbye to Pet Goldfish

Alberta, Canada  - It can be hard to say goodbye to your best friend – especially when you have to flush him down the toilet.

In a scene that is probably familiar to those of us who owned pet fish when we were young, a little Alberta boy’s heartbreaking goodbye to his goldfish has become a viral video hit.

Spirit River, Alberta’s Brooke Geherman originally posted the video to her Facebook and YouTube channels this past March showing her young son, Kowen, saying goodbye to his dearly departed goldfish.

Kowen bids goodbye to the fish in question, named “Top”, with a few kisses before committing his body to the water.

But it’s his reaction once the fish has been flushed that’s truly heartbreaking, as the tearful boy shares a hug with his mom.

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Heartwarming Story: Owner Grants Dying Dog’s Lifelong Wish - Just Mans Best Friend for Life

Stories like this truly makes my heart melt. A 13-year-old dog named Sunshade was diagnosed with cancer and to give her the best memories in the last few months of her life, her owner decided to grant her biggest wish: to have guinea pigs of her own.

According to Sunshade’s owner, the Airedale Terrier has always adored guinea pigs. Whenever they went to the pet store, Sunshade always stares at the guinea pigs for the longest time. She was so in love with them.

Sunshade finally got her wish and even got two guinea pigs. Her owner intended to get the dying pooch two females but something unexpected happened. Check out the video to know the surprising twist to the story.

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