Richard Simmons Beloved Dog's Death Triggered Emotional Crisis

The death of Richard Simmons' dog played an important part in the depression that has turned him into a shut-in ... a dog he considered his child.

TMZ broke the story…Richard hasn't been seen in public for almost 11 months ... and the trigger was a looming knee replacement which shut Richard down professionally and socially.

Sources close to Richard tell us his Dalmatian Hattie died within days of his last public sighting back in January. Richard took the dog with him when he was out and about in L.A. and would often brag about her in his exercise classes.

Richard -- who never had kids of his own -- treated Hattie like a child. Richard had several Dalmatians and Hattie was the last survivor.

Richard had a deep bond with the dog, who was 17 when she died ... and it destroyed him.

The knee was the trigger, but the dog was the emotional tug that contributed to Richard's life paralysis.

President Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Cracked Child-Like Grins in the Presence of cuddly Koala Bears

The world's most powerful political and economic leaders have reached a rare unanimous agreement at the Group of 20 summit in Brisbane, Australia.

The consensus — koalas are adorable.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott greeted the illustrious G-20 attendees before the start of the summit with Jimelung the koala and an as yet unnamed companion, resulting in what may be the most joyful opening to an international economic summit in recent history.

Everyone from President Obama to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi cracked child-like grins in the presence of the cuddly marsupials. Even the usually stoic Russian President Vladimir Putin — who is being widely criticized for his country's actions in eastern Ukraine — beamed as hugged a wide-eyed koala.

Dog Hitches a Ride on the Outside of an Ambulance Transporting his Owner to the Hospital

A part-beagle named Buddy didn't wait for an invitation to see his 85-year-old master at a Texas hospital.

The dog hitched a ride on the outside of an ambulance transporting his owner, Mason County rancher J.R. Nicholson, to Fredericksburg.

Ranch hand Brian Wright said on Friday that he summoned the ambulance on October 26 when Nicholson started feeling dizzy.

The ambulance had been driving for about 20 miles before another motorist flagged down the driver to say there was a dog on the side step.

To read more on this story, click here: Dog Hitches a Ride on the Outside of an Ambulance Transporting his Owner to the Hospital

Coolridge Animal Hospital: Adult Deer Ticks Are Active Through Fall And Winter, Which Is Why It Is Important NOT To Stop Tick Prevention This Time of Year

Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD) called ticks the "foulest and nastiest creatures that be" and no doubt he'd feel the same way today. The black-legged tick transmits several diseases, some just recently recognized. Dr. Susan Little, Oklahoma State University describes their interesting life cycle and their vector potential.

Adult deer ticks are active through fall & winter, which is why it is important NOT to stop tick prevention this time of year!


See video below for important details on this tick .



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

We have Frontline price buy 3 doses get 1 free. For cats Revolution buy 6 get 2 free