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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Veteran Breaks Car Window To Save Dog, Owner Has Him Arrested: What Are Your Thoughts?

Athens, Georgia – A man who saved a dog from a hot car wasn't rewarded for his action. Instead, the move landed him behind bars.

"I heard someone say there was a dog in distress in a hot car," said Michael Hammons, a Desert Storm veteran.

Diane Byard said she and a group of shoppers noticed the dog in the Mustang and were waiting on police before Hammons came.

"He says we can't let this dog die, and he starts smashing the windows."

Hammons used his wife's wheelchair leg to smash the window, freeing the dog.

"I've got PTSD, and I've seen enough death and destruction," Hammons said. "And I didn't want anything else to happen if I could prevent it."

Witnesses say when the owner of the car came out of the store, she was furious, and demanded deputies take action.

"We would not have made those charges on our own," said Oconee County Chief Deputy Lee Weems. "The deputies on scene say the owner of the car and of the dog was very insistent that he be charged with criminal trespassing."

The dog's owner told police she had only been gone five minutes.

"It wasn't just five minutes like the lady stated, it was a lot longer," Byard said. "I personally felt the heat in the car; I saw the dog panting. This dog was in distress."

The dog's owner could not be reached for comment Monday.

"If it is 80 degrees outside, within 30 minutes, it will be 114 degrees inside a vehicle, even with the windows cracked," Byard said.

The owner was cited for leaving the dog in the hot car. But without surveillance video, deputies say it is hard to tell how long the dog was actually left in the car.

Georgia state law does allow an individual to break a window to save a child in a hot or cold car, but not a pet. That is something that animal advocates say they are working to change.

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Zoonotic Diseases: A Disease That Can Be Passed Between Animals and Humans

A zoonotic disease is a disease that can be passed between animals and humans. Zoonotic diseases can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. These diseases are very common. Scientists estimate that more than 6 out of every 10 infectious diseases in humans are spread from animals.

Many people interact with animals in their daily lives. We raise animals for food and keep them in our homes as pets. We might come into close contact with animals at a county fair or petting zoo or encounter wildlife when we clear wooded land for new construction.

Because of these interactions, it’s important to be aware of the different ways people can get zoonotic diseases. These can include:

• Coming into contact with the saliva, blood, urine, or feces of an infected animal
• Being bitten by a tick or mosquito (often called a “vector”)
• Eating or drinking something unsafe (such as unpasteurized milk, undercooked meat, or unwashed fruits and vegetables that are contaminated with feces from an infected animal)

Luckily, there are many ways you can protect yourself and your family from zoonotic diseases. You can:

• Always wash hands and follow proper hygiene
• Handle food safely
• Prevent bites from mosquitoes and ticks
• Know the simple things you can do to stay safe around your pets
• Be aware of zoonotic diseases both at home and when you travel

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How Can I Tell If My Dog Has Ear Mites?

There are several types of mites that can invade the ear canals of dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens. The same mite can affect both dogs and cats. In the puppy and kitten, the most common ear mite is Otodectes cynotis. It is not important in the diagnosis and treatment of ear mites to identify the species of mite. Regardless of the mite species involved, we usually refer to mites of the ear canal simply as ear mites. Contrary to popular belief, however, is the fact that ear mites can live anywhere on the animal's body.

How are the mites transmitted?

Ear mites are extremely contagious. They can be passed from the mother animal to her offspring. Additionally, the mites are easily spread to other pets within the household including cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, mice, ferrets, etc. Humans are not affected.

What are the symptoms?

Puppies and kittens with ear mites will scratch around their ears and/or shake their heads. The amount of scratching and shaking depends on the severity of the mite infestation. With more advanced infestations, the ear canals will bleed and either fresh or dried blood will appear inside the canal. Dried blood resembles coffee grounds. If you peer into your pet's ears and notice a build-up of a material that looks like coffee grounds, then your pet probably has ear mites, although a bacterial and/or yeast infection is also a possibility.

Ear mites are very common, but still serious. Left untreated, they severely damage the ear canals and eardrum and can cause permanent hearing loss.

If mites spread out of the ears to other areas of the body, the animal may or may not scratch the area.

What is the management?

Various commercial ear preparations are available to kill the mites. These products contain an insecticide, usually pyrethrin. Ear products without an insecticide will not kill the mites. Ivermectin, fipronil (Frontline), and selamectin (Revolution) have also been used by some veterinarians. Milbemycin (Milbemite) and Acarexx, a form of ivermectin are approved for the treatment of ear mites in cats. Depending upon the medication used, the ears may need to be treated two to four weeks until all mites are killed. As previously mentioned, many ear mites live all over the body, including the feet and tail. These areas should also be treated. Most products designed for fleas and ticks such as sprays, dips, and shampoos, which contain one of the above ingredients will be effective. Be sure to use products approved for use on dogs, and to treat the tail. This is because while sleeping, the tail is curled around the puppy's body where it lies in close contact with the ear. Because mites are very easily transferred between pets, it is best if all pets in the household receive simultaneous treatment. Most types of mites do not survive long off the pets, so the treatment of the house and yard is usually not necessary.

Can I get ear mites from my pet?

Ear mites are not considered to be a zoonotic disease (disease which can be transmitted from animals to humans).

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Frightened Stray Dog Gets Rescued…Then Gets a Kiss from Betty White

When Eldad Hagar of Hope For Paws went to rescue this dog, the poor pooch was so scared he hid his head. Eldad and Lisa Arturo had to use a soccer net to coral him into a small area so they could get a leash on him.

They named him Einstein. After treatment and a cleanup he looked like a different dog. Happy, loving and playful!

Einstein got adopted by Actor/Director Emanuele Secci; the two of them are now inseparable. He has a Facebook page too.

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Many Puppies Who Come from Puppy Mills Suffer from Serious Health Problems as a Result of Reckless Breeding

Despite the fact that nearly 62 percent of Americans have a pet, there are still more than 70 million homeless dogs and cats living in the U.S. Of these 70 million needy animals, only around six to eight million enter shelters each year. Although they only take in a fraction of America’s homeless animals, these shelters are mostly packed to capacity and strapped trying to function with limited funds. Yet, regardless of this wealth of pets looking for loving homes, only around 20 percent of Americans adopt their dogs from shelters.

So where are the other 74 percent coming from? Well, breeders.

You can find virtually any breed of animal in your local shelter – purebred or mixed – but consumers continue to pay hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars for dogs from breeders.

Some believe that by purchasing their dogs from a special breeder they will somehow be getting a “superior” pet, however, not only is this false but there are a number of other reasons that breeding dogs is irresponsible and harmful no matter how good their reputation may be.

The Myth of Purebred Superiority

Consumers looking for a new family pet are willing to pay exorbitant amounts for a purebred dog because they’re told that the puppy has been raised in a loving environment and will grow up to have a friendly disposition with minimal health problems.

However, there is no way to really tell because in many cases, it’s dependent on the individual dog. While there may be breeders that take precaution to avoid inbreeding (which often leads to significant health issues), and are selective with the dogs they do breed, making sure to raise them in loving environments, there is no definitive “rule” that guarantees these animals won’t suffer from health or behavioral problems early or later on.

You can never forget that breeders are still trying to run a business at the end of the day, so it is only in their best interest to advertise the benefits to owning a purebred, and even perpetuating the myth that certain positive attributes cannot be found in shelter dogs. Ironically, the Humane Society estimates that 25 percent of dogs in shelters are purebred.

What Distinguishes a “Reputable” Breeder

Now, when we refer to “reputable” breeders, it’s merely to differentiate between those that breed their animals “responsibly,” and those that don’t. A lot of consumers don’t do research prior to purchasing their new four-legged family member, and as a result, end up buying their new best friend from cruel puppy mills. Others rely on the pet (AKC) inspection certification to ensure that the dogs they purchase are both purebred and don’t come from an abusive background. However, an exposé into the AKC’s inspection program revealed that many of these certified breeders subject their dogs to puppy mill-like conditions as well.

Although the AKC is considered the highest authority on purebred dog standards, Ed Sayer’s, the President of the ASPCA, stated in the New York Times that a number of the raids his organization has carried out involved commercial breeding facilities that were registered with the AKC.

Many puppies who come from puppy mills suffer from serious health problems as a result of reckless breeding. For example, the New York Times highlighted the story of one woman who purchased a puppy from an AKC breeder only to find out the puppy suffered from a number of abnormalities as a result of reckless breeding practices; the breeder had passed AKC’s inspection only two weeks prior. Two months later the facility was raided and all of the dogs were removed from the breeding facility.

When a representative from the AKC was questioned as to just how many breeders have AKC registered dogs in the country, they admitted that they did not have those figures. While the AKC may not believe they’re responsible for all breeders, their approval of these substandard facilities is deceiving to consumers and frankly, they should be held accountable for the breeders they certify.

The Question of Overpopulation

Reputable breeders have a passion for breeding dogs and many do genuinely love the animals they care for, but that does not address the very real problem of what breeding pets does to the existing pet overpopulation problem.

According to the ASPCA, 1.2 million dogs are euthanized in shelters every year because of lack of space, resources, and people who are willing to adopt these animals. No matter how you look at the issue, the idea of producing more dogs to meet the “demands” of people who are willing to pay thousands of dollars for a purebred pup while there are hundreds of thousands of purebred dogs waiting in overcrowded shelters is incredibly irresponsible.

The fact is, all dogs deserve a loving home, but when these dogs become commodities who are bred for profit, it doesn’t matter how well-meaning or qualified the breeders are. If we wish to put an end to the gross pet overpopulation problem and provide loving forever homes for dogs who truly need it, there is no real justification for the perpetuation of dog breeding.

See something, Say something. Bookmark, share and help further build our directory of Animal Rescue Hotlines and let's be prepared to help animals today!

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Chinese Man Finds What He Thinks is a Puppy in the Road…Only to Find Out Later, It’s a Bear Cub

Mr. Gao, who lives in Ban Dong Wu village in China's Chang'an District, found the tiny black bear on his way home with friends after a night out celebrating his birthday.

He decided to take it home after spotting it was being circled by a large dog. 

After spending several days looking after the bear, which is thought to be less than three months old, he has developed a strong affection for the creature, who he named ‘Xiong Da' (Big Bear). 

“I thought it was a puppy being bullied by a bigger dog, so I stopped an picked it up and put it into my car.

“When I opened the car door and my lights came on, I thought it looked more like a bear than a puppy.” He said.

It wasn’t until Mr. Gao, he realized that the animal that he had found, was  not a dog.

“I was shocked to realize I had picked up a bear, he must have been separated from its mother. I knew it couldn’t look for food so we thought we would look after it for a while.”  he, added.

What really surprised Mr. Gao at was that Xiong Da, was not afraid of his new surroundings at all - and spends his days drinking milk, eating apples and climbing trees in his home.

He even dives into the water feature in his garden for a swim.

 “After bringing it home I have been feeding it milk and apples and even sausages and sweetcorn. As long as it , he will eat it, and he is growing so fast,” said Mr. Gao.

“He likes to hold the milk bottle to drink, and loves to swim. He has a very gentle temperament and will not make any noise unless you make him angry…then it will make a growling sound.” he said.

 Although Mr Gao has developed a bond with Xiong Da after just six days, bears are a protected species in China and keeping one at home is not allowed.

He has plans on keeping the bear for a while before returning it to its natural habitat, but is worried that he may be harmed if someone catches him.

He contacted the authorities in an effort to return the bear to his home in the mountains.

Zheng Ce, an official from the Chang'an District Forestry Department, identified the creature as a black bear cub.

“This is a black bear and is a category 2 protected species, and is about two to three months old.” he said.

Mr. Zheng said that the cub will be taken to Xian Wild Animal Management Centre for medical checkups, and if found to be in good health, officials will care for the cub until it is able to fend for itself before releasing it back into the wild.

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Can You Spot an Adorable Border Collie Named Momo, in These Incredible Pictures Captured by Canadian Photographer Andrew Knapp?

They could be scenes from the beloved 'Where's Waldo?' children's books.

But instead of a man in a red-and-striped shirt and bobble hat, the hidden subject is an adorable border collie named Momo.

These incredible pictures were captured by Canadian photographer Andrew Knapp, who lives and works out of a VW camper van.

They feature his pet dog hidden in an array of settings, from Fremont Street in Las Vegas to Grand Central Terminal in New York.

Mr Knapp and Momo traveled to 25 U.S. states to capture the images, which are displayed in a new book, 'Find Momo: Coast To Coast'.

In the book, the photographer says Momo was an “ideal travel companion” who introduced him to “new adventures, new places, new ideas”.

“He stays close when it's cold, keeps watch when it's warm, and is completely at peace with a wrong turn or a breakdown,” he writes.

During their 15,000-mile trip, the pair traveled to Maine, New York, California, Washington D.C and Portland, as well as areas of Canada.

An Instagram page of Mr. Knapp's 'hide-and-seek photography' with Momo, set up a few years ago, now has more than 360,000 followers.

The duo are currently on a book tour in Wilton, Connecticut, on May 16, and Brooklyn, New York, on May 19. 

So, can you find Momo... ?

Can you find Momo? These incredible pictures were captured by Canadian photographer Andrew Knapp, who lives and works out of a VW camper van. They feature his pet dog, Momo, hidden in an array of settings, including Grand Central Terminal (pictured) in Manhattan, NYC.

Picturesque: Mr. Knapp and Momo traveled to 25 U.S. states to capture the images, which are displayed in a new book, 'Find Momo: Coast To Coast'. In the book, the photographer says Momo was an 'ideal travel companion'. Above, Momo hides in Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA.

Crowded: Momo 'stays close when it's cold, keeps watch when it's warm, and is completely at peace with a wrong turn or a breakdown,' Mr. Knapp writes in the book. Above, Momo is barely visible in the brightly-lit Fremont Street in Las Vegas, Nevada, which is packed with tourists.

Landmark: During their 15,000-mile trip, the pair traveled to Maine, New York, California and Portland, as well as areas of Canada (pictured).

New book: 'Find Momo: Coast To Coast' (pictured), which will be published by Quirk on May 12, is available to purchase from Waterstones.

'Hide-and-seek photography': An Instagram account of Mr. Knapp's 'hide-and-seek photography' with Momo, set up a few years ago, now has more than 360,000 followers. Above, Momo is seen hiding in a picture that shows tourists walking past The White House in Washington DC.

Stunning: The duo are currently on a book tour around America and Canada. Above, Momo poses in the Plains of San Agustin in New Mexico.

Above, the border collie hides in a picture showing Saint Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Everyday setting: The pictures, including this one in a Bard Coffee shop in Portland, Maine, could be scenes from a 'Where's Waldo?' book.

Best friends: Mr. Kanpp (seen, left, with Momo) is also an interface designer and illustrator. Right, Momo poses near the camera for a change.

'Find Momo: Coast To Coast' will be published by Quirk Books on May 12. It is available to purchase from www.Waterstones.com.

For more information, visit tour.GoFindMomo.com.

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America’s Most Elite Dog: Enter the World of Military Dogs and Their Handlers (Video)

In this video, we get a backstage pass into the world of military dogs and their handlers, and what difficulties they must face together. From overseas in Afghanistan to the streets of America’s biggest cities, these working dogs serve our country with all of their heart.

it’s worth every minute of your time. Armed with an incredible sense of smell, combined with a work ethic that cannot be compared, these determined dogs have saved countless lives across the world.

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Happy Mother's Day To All Pet Moms!

Happy Mother's Day To All Pet Moms!

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Beagle That Once Weighed 85 Pounds is 23 Pounds Slimmer and Available for Adoption

Kale Chips, the once-obese beagle taken in by a Chicago animal rescue organization, was listed Thursday as being ready for adoption after losing 23 pounds.

"He's still quite overweight, but the difference in his body shape and energy level is amazing," Heather Owen, the executive director of One Tail at a Time, told NBC Chicago in a statement.

The pup weighed in at a whopping 85 pounds when he was transferred from Chicago Animal Care & Control to One Tail in early January. Since then, he was put in with a foster family who monitored his diet and gave him regular exercise.

Owen said Kale Chips could "barely walk 10 feet" at the start of his program but can now walk up to a half mile per day. The dog has lost 23 pounds since the start of his regimen and has about another 25 pounds to lose before he's within his ideal weight range.

The ideal forever home for Kale Chips would be one in the Chicago area where he can continue on his weight-loss program.

He gets along well with other dogs and cats, but would prefer no energetic children, One Tail said. Kale Chips has an "enthusiastic" bark and would do best in a single-family home with people who are home often to spend time with him.

Those interested in potentially adopting Kale Chips should contact One Tail at a Time .

The organization has posted photos and a video to Facebook documenting Kale Chips' transformation.

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Wishing All Mothers A ‘Happy Mother’s Day!’

Wishing All Mothers, A 'Happy Mother's Day!'

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Did You Know that the Fennec Fox is a Member of the Canine Family, and Can be Kept as a Pet?

The fennec fox, also known as the desert fox, is a beautiful, small member of the canine family. Fennec foxes can be kept as pets, although they are not very common. They are petite, save for their enormous ears. They behave much like dogs, but since they are not domesticated they do require careful socialization as well as precautions against escape. As always, before deciding on adopting one of these beautiful little animals, be sure you will legally be allowed to keep them where you live.

Fennec foxes have a mature weight of just 2 - 3.5 pounds, with a soft, thick, short coat that is off white on the underside and reddish or tawny on the back, with some black markings on the back and tail. They are very active, quick and agile, and have a high pitched yelp. These foxes are nocturnal in the wild although pet fennecs adapt somewhat to their owner's schedule. They are clean animals and can be litter trained, although owners have varied opinions on how easily.

In the wild, fennec foxes are omnivores, eating a diet of insects, rodents, plants, fruit, and reptiles. The ideal diet for pet fennec foxes would probably be a commercial wild canid diet (such as zoos would feed), but most owners will feed a mix of dog food, cat food, vegetables and fruit with good success. Some breeders will alternatively recommend a diet of raw meat, vegetables, and a vitamin mix.

Fennecs are very active and need an outlet for their energy. They are curious, and will get into anything and everything.

They are also known for their digging. Outdoor enclosures must be designed to prevent them from digging under or climbing over the fence, both of which they will do quite readily. Burying a significant portion of the fence and turning the fence in at the top (or completely covering the enclosure) should prevent escape. Some owners have taught them to fetch like dogs, and this makes a good outlet for their energy. If out of a secure yard, however, they must be leashed. They are extremely quick and if they run after something as they would in the wild they can be very difficult to recapture. As long as adequate shelter is provided they are fairly tolerant of both hot and cold weather. One of their favorite activities is basking in the sun.

Fennec foxes are quite similar to dogs, and hand raised pups are usually docile, only biting if feeling cornered or threatened. They can be trained to a leash and to come when called (still, they should always be leashed when out of the house/yard). They are also generally not afraid of strangers and are friendly to everyone. They may bother other pets in the household, if only because fennec foxes will want to play with them all the time.

Also be sure to have a veterinarian available who will treat fennec foxes. They are quite hardy animals, but will require vaccination against standard canine diseases and medical care similar to a dog.

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