Heartwarming Story: Watch The Moment Vet Learns He'll Gets His Dogs Back After Hospital Stay

It was a combination of luck and kindness that led to a joyous reunion between two dogs and the owner who'd been forced to give them up during a hospital stay.

The dogs' owner, whose name hasn't been identified, is a veteran who landed in the hospital in September after suffering a heart attack.

Bailey and Blaze had no one to take care of them. So the First State Animal Center and SPCA in Camden, Delaware, stepped in.

The situation was meant to be temporary. The shelter would care for the dogs, while the owner was incapacitated.

But after weeks had passed, the dogs were put up for adoption.

These are good-looking, young, friendly, well-trained dogs, who should easily have found a home. Their owner, upon getting out of the hospital, was so pleased to learn that they had been overlooked.

To read more on this story, click here: Heartwarming Story: Watch The Moment Vet Learns He'll Gets His Dogs Back After Hospital Stay

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Woman Caught on Video Dragging Puppy on Leash

A woman in northwest Houston could be in trouble after she was caught on video dragging her seven-week-old pit bull by a leash.

The video of the incident, which was taken by a neighbor in the Broadleaf Drive area, spread across the Internet this week. According to 9News, the dog was struggling to keep pace with the owner and the woman continued to yank the leash and lift the puppy into the air by its neck.

The neighbor who took the video told ABC13 he reached out to the woman because, as a dog owner himself, he was upset by what was happening.

"I stopped by her and I said, 'Hey, are you trying to kill that puppy?'" the neighbor said. The owner replied she was just trying to teach the dog how to walk on a leash.

While no charges have been filed against the owner, the neighbor said he has contacted the SPCA about the incident, according to ABC 13. The woman admitted the dog may be too little for leash training.

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Heartbreaking: This Video Shows the Techniques Used by SeaWorld to Capture It’s First Orcas

In the wake of the documentary Blackfish, SeaWorld has had to account for their questionable business practices and the ethical questions surrounding cetacean captivity.

This video features the techniques used to capture SeaWorld’s first orcas. It is both stunning in its depiction of killer whale intelligence and the relentless cruelty the capture teams used to take calves from their mothers. In fact, during this particular raid, several whales died as a result of the chase.

Watch this clip from Blackfish:

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Loyal Pit Bull Who Refused to Leave Unconscious Owner’s Side After Fire, Finds a New Home

Precious the pit bull was hailed as a hero after footage of her standing guard over her injured owner after a house fire went viral.

The loyal dog refused to leave its best friend's side after a blaze broke out early Wednesday at their home in Landover Hills, Maryland.

Blind homeowner Jimmy Newell, 65, and his daughter, sustained burns and suffered smoke inhalation in the fire.

His daughter managed to escape but fell unconscious on the grass outside the house where the dog stood guard.

Precious was so protective firefighters were eventually forced to scare her away with an extinguisher so they could treat her owner.

Both the woman and her father were rushed to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Despite her loyal watch guard, Precious and her puppy Molly were then seized by animal control and sent to a shelter.

Officials told the heartbroken owner that she would not be able to get her dogs back because of the county's ban on the pit bull breed. 

“I thought it would be with me until the day I die,” said Newell to New York Daily News. “Everything is changed.”

“It's sad. I love that dog,” said the owner's son Wednesday.

“Our hearts are broken for this family because these dogs cannot be returned to the people they know and love and who love them back. This shouldn't be happening in America,” the executive director of the Maryland Dog Federation, Adrienne Lefkowitz, told The Inquisitor.

But now it seems there is a happy ending for Precious and her puppy after the owner's sister Megan Sanchez, who lives in Montgomery County, agreed to take the pets.

“She just wanted to protect her mommy; that's all,” Sanchez told NBC Washington. “And her house.”

Sanchez, who works with animals and has a dog of her own, said her sister and family is welcome to come and visit their pets whenever they want.

“I'm glad they survived,” she said. “We're animal people.”

Another dog, of a different breed was also rescued from the home during the fire along with two turtles. The dog has now been returned to the family as it is not a pit bull.

Pitbulls have been banned in Prince George’s County since 1997.

Fire officials are still investigating the cause of the fire which is believed to have begun in a bedroom. None of the home's smoke detectors had been working at the time.  

This dog was seen standing guard over his severely injured owner as he lay outside his burning home in Landover Hills, Maryland, on Wednesday as firefighters battled the blaze and extracted other animals.

Here, firefighters are seen dealing with the building after dropping powder extinguisher on the blaze.

Fire officials are still investigating the cause of the fire which is believed to have begun in a bedroom.

Fire fighters who arrived at the blaze in Landover Hills, Maryland, on Wednesday were able to distinguish the flames and also save another dog inside the house and two turtles.

  

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Do You Remember the Story of Caitlyn? The Dog Who Had Her Muzzle Taped Shut: Take a Look at Her Now

Back in May, I shared Caitlyn’s story. Her muzzle was taped so tightly closed that her tongue was nearly cut off.  She recovered splendidly, and is now being spoiled rotten!

A Charleston, South Carolina resident found the tortured dog on their front porch and called police.  She was taken to Charleston Animal Society, who got her immediate medical attention.  The restricted blood flow minimized her sensitivity to pain after a while, but once the binding was removed, feeling came back with superabundance.

“When we pulled the tape off, she kind of opened her mouth and screamed,” said Aldwin Roman of the CAS.

Despite her horrific abuse, Caitlyn thrived.  Today, she’s an ambassador for abuse victims everywhere, and was recently given a “bone” to North Charleston by the mayor.“

Her personality came out immediately after she wasn’t sedated,” said Kay Hymen, Director of Community Engagement at CAS.  Each day we learned more and more about her.  She’s super, super sweet, very loving, extremely intelligent… she’s amazing.”BarkPost recently treated her to the best day ever.

For updates on Caitlyn, or information on adopting her, visit CAS’ Facebook page.

Click on video below:

I have been following Caitlyn story from the beginning. You may be interested in reading the timeline of events concerning her:

$1,000 Reward for Information Leading to the Arrest/Conviction of the Person(s) Responsible for Taping a Dog's Muzzle Together with Electrical Tape

William Leonard Dodson Has Been Arrested in the Animal Cruelty Case of Caitlyn the Dog That Was Found with Electrical Tape Tightly Wound Around Her Muzzle

Caitlyn, The Dog Found with Her Muzzle Taped Shut is Making a Remarkable Recovery 

Caitlyn the Dog Who Suffered Grotesque Injuries After Her Snout Was Taped Shut with Electrical Tape is on the Mend

Caitlyn, The Pit Bull Who Was Found with Her Muzzle Taped Shut Will Be in Shirtless Firefighters Calendar

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A Cheetah Was Spotted Wearing a Bright Orange Scarf Crossing a Highway Near Creston, British Columbia

Ottawa (AFP) - Canadian conservation officials and federal police were on the lookout Friday for a cheetah wearing a bright orange scarf and wandering through the snow-covered outback.

The big African cat was spotted crossing a highway near Creston, British Columbia on Thursday by a motorist who stopped to photograph it.

"It was wearing an orange scarf or collar, suggesting it's a domesticated animal. So we don't believe it's a serious threat," British Columbia conservation officer Joe Caravetta told AFP.

He said cheetahs are typically shy and less aggressive than other large cats, and "this one is probably used to being around people."

But as a precaution, local schoolchildren have been kept indoors and residents have been asked to mind their small pets, a spokesman for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said.

Ownership of exotic animals is allowed in British Columbia with a special permit, but no permits have been issued to anyone living in the area where the cheetah was spotted, Caravetta noted.

Three conservation officers have been sent to track the cheetah, helped by a fresh snowfall. With temperatures hovering just below freezing, Caravetta said a cheetah can probably last only a few days in the Canadian wilds.

The Toronto Star quoted a local school administrator as saying "some of the (students) are excited" about a cheetah in their midst. The official noted that bear or cougar sightings are common in the Canadian outback, but nobody in this area has ever seen a cheetah.

The driver who spotted the animal told public broadcaster CBC: "My first thought was, 'that's a cheetah. What's it doing there?'" She described it as panting and seemingly in distress.

She said she tried to "coax it over," but the animal just kept walking up the road until it disappeared over a snow bank.

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How to Get Rid of That Smelly Dog Smell…Without Removing the Dog

We are a nation of people who love to cuddle with our pets. It is undeniable. Long gone are the days when out pets were simply working companions whose place was at the hearth - and that was if they were allowed in the house. Now, they not only cuddle with us on the sofa to watch TV, they snuggle with us in our beds, go on long holiday trips in the car, even out to dinner at our favorite cafés.

All of this one-on-one time means that all of our furnishings are going to hold the distinct smell of dog, and even the most rabid of dog lovers amongst us may not want the whole house to smell of a dog that needs a good washing – not if we want to enjoy the company of human guests. So how do you get rid of that smelly dog smell? It’s relatively easy.

Start off by taking all of the furniture apart – pillows, blankets and the like – and vacuuming everything thoroughly. If the sofa and chairs have removable slipcovers or cushion covers, take those off for washing. Get into the crevices of the furniture as deep as possible to remove all the hair, and flip the bed mattress to get both sides. On the floors, make sure to get under all of the furniture and in the corners, where “hair bunnies” tend to gather.

Next, gather your deodorizing supplies. It’s simple; all you need is a big box or two of baking soda and a bottle of apple cider vinegar. Wash all of your linens, blankets and cushion covers in a mix of oxy powered laundry detergent and a ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar. There are also pet odor removers available at pet supply stores, but generally speaking, they are not much more effective than the home remedies.

On the carpets, bed and furniture, sprinkle baking soda liberally, using a cleaning brush to spread it around and into the fabric. Let it all sit overnight so that the baking soda has a chance to absorb the odors.

For the bed, you might want to do this in the morning so that you can clean and remake the bed at the end of the day. Follow up by vacuuming all of the baking soda from the bed, carpet and furnishings and returning the bed linens and cushion covers or slipcovers to the furniture.

This will get rid of a great deal of the smell, but to really do a thorough job, you might want to rent a carpet cleaning machine with an attachment for furniture – or call a cleaning company to do it for you. Always start with neutralizing as much of the smell as possible before the shampooing, though, or all you will be doing is creating a hybrid of dog smell and perfumed shampoo. Not a good combination. And don’t use carpet shampoo on the furniture, or you could end up with ruined and smelly furniture.

Finally, if you do want to use a perfumed product to help neutralize the smell, make sure that it is non-toxic to animals. Many products that are safe for humans are not always safe for dogs. Some home air fresheners – sprays, plug-ins and scented oils – can be harmful to a pet’s health, so when in doubt, just stick with the tried and true baking soda solution.

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Australian Officials Are Pushing to Put Domesticated Cats Under 24-Hour Lockdown

The Australian government doesn’t want outdoor cats in the outback. Government officials announced a push for cities across the land down under to ban pet cats from running wild outside. But the kittens’ well-being isn’t what Australia is concerned about: it's their prey

Australia is home to many different species of tiny mammals that also happen to be the perfect cat snacks. Feral felines have already wiped out several native species, and some conservationists think they're responsible for almost all of Australia’s small mammal extinctions since they were first brought to the continent by English settlers 200 years ago, writes Cara Giaimo for Atlas Obscura. Now, Australian officials are pushing to put domesticated cats under 24-hour lockdown in order to protect at least 28 endangered species they threaten.

"They are tsunamis of violence and death for Australia's native species," Environment Minister Greg Hunt recently told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

The curfew comes on the heels of the Department of the Environment’s new feral cat plan, which also aims to exterminate 2 million feral cats in the next five years. Because the federal government doesn’t have the authority to impose a country-wide ban, officials are calling on cities and states to take action themselves. "The plan over the long term is to make this part of our culture,” Gregory Andrews, the country’s first Threatened Species Commissioner tells Nicole Hasham for the Sydney Morning Herald. “It's a journey that Australia has to go on."

Some cities and municipalities near conservation areas have already enacted bans, including several suburbs of Sydney and Canberra. But some cat lovers, including PETA and the French actress Brigitte Bardot, have taken issue with both the ban and the culling despite the government’s ecological intentions saying that extermination in the name of conservation doesn’t work.

Australia’s pet cats may soon be confined to their owners’ homes, but don't worry: the flow of cat pictures and GIFs to the internet should remain unaffected.

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Washington, DC: MPD Officer Shoots Service Dog Outside of Dog Park in Greenbelt, Maryland

Greenbelt, Maryland - Greenbelt police are investigating the shooting of a service dog by an off-duty Metropolitan Police Department officer outside the Greenbelt Dog Park on December 13.

The service dog, a Pit mix named Cleo, was wounded and is recovering, according to her owner LaToya Plummer of Greenbelt.

Plummer, who is deaf and depends on Cleo to alert her to visitors, is demanding that charges be filed against the unnamed police officer.

According to Greenbelt police, the off-duty MPD sergeant told investigators that Cleo ran towards her and her dog aggressively.

The off-duty officer reported Cleo was "bearing teeth", and the officer said she feared for her safety, according to Greenbelt Police spokesman George Mathews.

The off-duty officer immediately reported the shooting to police.

Plummer said because she is deaf she did not hear the gunshot and wasn't aware how Cleo got injured. At first, she thought Cleo had been in a fight.

Plummer said she did not know the woman was an off-duty police officer and she did not see a gun. Plummer said she left the dog park before police arrived to get Cleo to a veterinarian.

She called police later in the day after learning from the vet that Cleo had been shot.

Plummer said she was at the dog park with Cleo and two other pets and preparing to take her dogs out of the fenced enclosure to her vehicle when the shooting happened.

Plummer disputes the claim that Cleo was aggressive.

"She is the most calm and gentle of my dogs," Plummer said through an interpreter.

Investigators said Cleo was outside the park fence and was unleashed.

The incident happened on Sunday at 6:30 a.m.

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2-Year-Old Boy Found in Filthy Home with Dozens of Dead and Dying Animals

Gray Court, South Carolina - A 2-year-old boy remains in the hospital in critical condition after he was found unconscious in a filthy home with dozens of dead and dying animals, Laurens County authorities said Wednesday.

Authorities charged Savannah Victoria Morgan, 25, of Gray Court, with three counts of child neglect and one count of child abuse and cruelty to animals, according to arrest warrants.

On Tuesday evening, deputies were called to a home where they noticed “deplorable living conditions and a foul odor within,”  according to an incident report.

Animal Control officers seized nearly 90 animals from the scene Tuesday night. The list of deceased animals included 48 rats, 11 gerbils, 10 python snakes, six tarantula spiders and two bearded dragons.

Warrants allege Morgan exposed a 2-year-old to physical abuse, causing the boy to suffer medical injuries such as bleeding in the brain and bruising to the head, neck and back.

The child was airlifted to Greenville Memorial Hospital, authorities said.

The boy’s mother originally told deputies that he choked on some chips and that she called 911 when she went into his room and saw he wasn’t breathing, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Two other children were taken into emergency protective custody due to suspected physical abuse, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Deputies said they saw soiled diapers, clothing, feces, trash and broken glass on the floor and numerous live and deceased animals kept in plastic bins and cages. Two emaciated dogs were found chained up behind the residence and had no food or water, one report said.

Morgan is being held at the Laurens County Detention Center, where jail officials said her bond was set at $85,000.

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Woman Caught Selling Dog Food as Heroin

Dog food and aspirin may not be controlled substances, but one Plymouth woman's alleged attempt to pass them off as such have landed her behind bars.

Megan M. Meyer, 22, was charged with two counts of imitation of a controlled substance and one felony bail jumping count. With enhancers attached for repeat behavior, she could face a maximum of 12 years in prison.

According to the criminal complaint:

The Sheboygan County MEG unit set up a buy with Meyer through a confidential informant on Nov. 18. The informant told officers that Meyer had contacted the informant offering to sell a pill of Percocet for $35. After arranging the buy, Meyer increased the price of the pill to $50 and also offered to sell him some "boy," which is slang for heroin.

When the informant made contact with Meyer, she said that the heroin was a "dose and a half" and that she had to get the items out of her apartment before her probation officer arrived in 15 minutes. The transaction was made and the items were turned over to police. However, they were unable to identify the drugs as Percocet or heroin.

When Meyer was picked up on a probation hold and other charges on Dec. 15, investigators interviewed her about the buy. Meyer said she sold the informant fake drugs -- namely dog food crushed up to look like heroin and aspirin in place of Percocet. She did so, she said, because the informant had stolen a car seat from her and Meyer wanted to get back at that person.

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Cats as Pin-Up Girls

Artist Rachael Aslett, from Perth, Australia, has found all kinds of entertaining photographs of cats posing in funny positions.

After pairing them with some selected vintage posters, she has produced something really genius.

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Important Signs and Symptoms That Could Save Your Dog’s Life

One of the best ways to spot serious medical problems is by paying attention to what is going on inside your body. Unfortunately, our pets are not able to tell us when something is wrong inside of their bodies — or are they?

Just in the same way that we should be on the lookout for certain symptoms in our own bodies, there are also signs and symptoms that we can observe in our dogs that let us know when something is very wrong.

Veterinary specialist Dr. Justine Lee writes, “Playing doctor to your pets can be dangerous,” and points out that there are many cases “when you must ask a vet.”

But how are we supposed to know when we should be concerned enough with our dog’s symptoms to take him or her to the vet?

While this list should never take the place of medical advice, this is an exclusive look into the signs and symptoms that indicate something major might be wrong.

The most important thing to do when you observe these symptoms in your dog is to get them medical attention. After all, your pet can’t use words to tell you what’s wrong, so it is your job to make sure you get them to someone who can.

Unexplained weight loss in your dog can be a sign of a serious problem that requires a trip to the vet.

Dr. Bari Spielman writes that there could be quite a few serious causes of weight loss in your dog, such as metabolic disorders, neuromuscular diseases, cancer, and heart disease. The loss of weight may also come from dietary causes including a loss of appetite.

While losing a pound here or there shouldn’t be a cause for alarm, if your dog loses 10 percent of their normal body weight, it is a sign that there may be a bigger underlying problem, and a trip to the doctor is definitely warranted.

A significant and prolonged fever in your dog is a sign that something significant may be going on inside their body.

Dr. Karen Becker writes, “If your dog’s temperature spikes, it usually means his body is fighting an infection. The normal temperature in dogs is 100.5 to 102.5°F. If your pet feels warm to you and his temperature is higher than normal, make an appointment with your veterinarian.”

A fever is a sign that your dog could be fighting off something serious. Especially if it accompanies other symptoms, you should take your dog in to see a doctor.

Diarrhea or blood in your dog’s stool should indicate that something might not be right internally.

Dr. Krista Vernaleken writes, “Diarrhea can cause dehydration and can be life threatening to small dogs.” She goes on to say that you should take your dog to the vet if they have blood in their stool. This could be a sign of an ulcer, a parasite, or even colitis and anal gland conditions.

Blood should always mean a trip to the vet, and diarrhea accompanied by any of these symptoms should certainly set off a red flag.

Persistent coughing in dogs is never a normal thing.

Dr. Justine Lee writes, “Dogs don’t get asthma, so coughing could signal bronchitis, pneumonia, a heart problem, or tracheal collapse (when weak cartilage in the airway hinders breathing). Treatments include anti-inflammatories and surgery.”

An infrequent cough shouldn’t necessarily be cause for alarm. However, all pets who experience a persistent cough should be checked out by a vet to rule out some of the more serious possible causes.

Extreme fatigue and fainting are both symptoms that should be taken very seriously.

Dr. Debra Primovic writes, “Some dogs recover very quickly and look essentially normal just seconds to minutes after collapsing, whereas others stay in the collapsed state until helped. All the reasons for collapse or fainting are serious and should not be ignored. See your veterinarian immediately.”

If your dog appears to be abnormally tired, a trip to the vet could be crucial in catching the potential illnesses, which include cancer, kidney disease, and pancreatitis.

A distended belly is when there is abnormal swelling of the stomach area. This should always be taken very seriously.

Dr. Krista Vernaleken says that many of the potential causes of a distended abdomen could be life-threatening. This swelling could be a sign of some kind of hormonal disease, or even internal bleeding.

Not only could this distention be a sign of disease, but the swelling could put pressure on the chest cavity, making it difficult for your dog to breathe. Always seek medical advice when you notice this symptom.

There are many reasons why your dog might be making frequent failed attempts to urinate, but some of them certainly are serious enough to warrant a trip to the vet.

Dr. Justine Lee writes, “If you own a male dog, [these] symptoms can mean bladder stones or other obstructions. Your vet can remove the blockage or operate if needed.”

Another thing to keep an eye on is blood in the urine. This could be a sign of those same bladder stones, as well as cancer or an infection. If you observe blood, a trip to the vet is absolutely necessary.

Just as with people, difficulty breathing is a serious symptom that requires immediate medical attention.

Dr. Ernest E. Ward, Jr. writes that if your dog is “panting more than normal, fatigues easily, or suddenly has loud or noisy breathing, it should be examined by your veterinarian immediately. Heart and lung disease, infections, obstructions, and more can cause sudden breathing problems.”

Difficulty breathing can lead to not enough oxygen reaching your dog’s tissue and major organs, and heart failure is certainly a possible result.

Redness in the whites of your dog’s eyes could be a sign of a much bigger problem.

Dr. Karen Becker writes, “If the white area of your dog’s eye turns bright red, it’s a sign of inflammation or infection that signals one of several diseases. Certain disorders of the eye can lead to blindness, so any significant change in the appearance of your dog’s eyes should be investigated.”

Besides an eye infection, possible causes could be glaucoma or an eye socket disorder. It is crucial that a veterinarian takes a look at your dog’s eyes to determine what is wrong.

Restless behavior in your dog could be their way of telling you that something is wrong. This restlessness could include whining, looking scared, shaking, or pacing.

Dr. Krista Vernaleken writes, “These symptoms could be a sign of some very serious illness.” While the restlessness itself isn’t necessarily caused by the disease, it can be your dog’s way of indicating that they don’t feel like their normal selves. This can create a sense of anxiety in them.

Whether your dog is in pain or just general discomfort, you will want to have a vet check them out to find the cause.

Vomiting might be something you’ve grown accustomed to as a pet owner. In fact, occasional vomiting shouldn’t be a large cause for concern. But if it becomes much more frequent, like three or more times per day, it is time for a trip to the vet.

Dr. Ernest E. Ward, Jr. writes, “Don’t take a chance that your pet is suffering from intestinal obstruction, infection, pancreatitis, liver or kidney disease, hormonal imbalance, or worse. The sooner your pet is diagnosed and treated, the better (and less costly) the treatment.”

Again, if frequent vomiting is present, particularly when accompanied by other symptoms, it is best to seek medical advice.

Knowing the different symptoms that require a trip to the vet should not be a cause for alarm. But it is very important to keep an eye out for any of these. Your loving dog is depending on you to do so.

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Hyattsville City Police Department's K9, Rudy, Has Received a Bullet and Stab Protective Vest Thanks to a Charitable Donation

Hyattsville City Police Department’s K9 Dog, Rudy, has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vest was sponsored by an anonymous sponsor and is embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Mindy”.

  

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c(3) charity located in East Taunton, MA whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 1,600 protective vests, in 49 states, through private and corporate donations, at a cost of over 1.5 million dollars. All vests are custom made in the USA by Armor Express in Central Lake, MI.

The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.

The suggested donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $1,050. Each vest has a value between $1,795 – $2,234, and a five-year warranty and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.

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