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For many people, quarantine has offered up an opportunity to welcome a new family member into their homes. Animal foster and adoption rates have increased since the pandemic began in early 2020. With more time to spend at home, people can devote all that to caring for and snuggling with their new pets.

Even Riverdale heartthrob Charles Melton rescued a pup at the start of quarantine. He’s now completely head over heels in love with his “daughter” Neya the Huskie. Melton plays ‘Reggie’ on the CW’s Riverdale when he’s not making fans swoon with his dog-filled Instagrams.

Neya was being fostered through Hollywood Huskies when Melton met her. He told E! they fell in love instantly.

“She was sheltered in three different homes before I met her before the age of 12 weeks. When I met her, it was a match made in heaven. It’s just been pretty spectacular creating a bond with Neya…She’s been such a great companion. I call her my daughter.”

For the past few months, the two have been traveling, hiking, and exploring together. They also enjoy staying in bed too long (who doesn’t nowadays?)

Since Melton and Neya have been spending so much time together, he feels like they’re becoming one.

“She sleeps anywhere and everywhere so that encourages me to take naps throughout the day. Did she learn this from me or did I learn this from her? We are becoming one person.”

Neya is still a growing girl, and she’s a handful now but Melton loves being challenged by her.

“She’s 8 months right now, kind of like a teenager, so she’s challenging me. But she’s so sweet.”

A Lifelong Dog Lover

Melton grew up with a Jack Russell terrier, so it makes sense he’d want another dog in his life. This time though, his pup is less of a brother and more of a daughter.

“I grew up with a dog. Our family dog was more so my brother than my first pet.”

Even though we now know of him as a successful actor, Melton had to start somewhere. For him, that was walking dogs in Los Angeles. He absolutely loved it, and of course, was a dedicated walker. He shared with Cosmopolitan:

“I would write super-detailed reviews about these dogs as if they were human beings. I loved getting to know their personalities. Walking dogs, in a way, saved me back then.”

I have no doubt he’s an amazing dog parent to Neya now.

Raising Awareness For Shelter Dogs

In addition to rescuing Neya, Melton is committed to helping other shelter dogs. The actor partnered with Purina One to help get more rescue animals like Neya healthy so they can get out of shelters and into homes.

“A lot of people don’t know that there are over six million pets that are in shelter homes. Purina ONE works with shelter homes across the country providing healthy nutritional needs and food for dogs and cats.”

Melton and Neya found true love, and they’re just one example of how rescuing changes lives.

H/T: EOnline
Featured Image: @melton/Instagram

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Dogs and children should never be left unattended in a car, especially when the sun’s shining down on them. For most people, this is common sense. Yet, others don’t think twice about it, which puts so many innocent pups in danger.

Boomer the gray puppy was a victim of heat exhaustion. Sadly, his so-called parent left him alone in hot car in California, where it was about 100 degrees Fahrenheit outside. Boomer had no choice but to cry for help. No real dog parent would ever put a poor dog through so much trauma.

Boomer’s Life-Saving Barks

When Boomer was left in the car, it was about 99 degrees outside. Yet, it was likely even hotter inside because cars can heat up like ovens. The poor pup had no choice but to bark at the top of his lungs. He continuously yelped and shrieked until he caught a kind stranger’s attention.

The stranger saw Boomer in the car and quickly feared the worst. Poor Boomer was barely moving as temperatures soared. So, the kind person found a way to pull the pup to safety. He also managed to perform life-saving aid to the overheating pup. In the process, he reached out to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. They rushed to the scene.

Officers measured the temperature of the car and discovered that it was 130 degrees Fahrenheit inside. If the pup had stayed in there any longer, he might not have made it. They rushed Boomer to the Ramona Humane Society, where they gave him love and addressed his medical needs. Soon after, they located the owner of the car and arrested them for animal cruelty.

A Reminder for Dog Parents

When the sheriff’s office posted about this rescue on Facebook, they made sure to remind dog parents of the dangers of hot cars. Even if it’s cloudy and the car windows are cracked, it could still heat up fast. So, it’s best to never leave your dog alone in a car regardless of the circumstances.

“As a reminder, NEVER leave children or pets alone in a vehicle for even a moment. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach more than 120°F within minutes, even with the windows partly opened on a cloudy day. Exposure to such high temperatures can quickly kill a person or pet. A body temperature of just 107°F may cause brain damage or death from heat stroke,” the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department wrote on Facebook.

The officers also reminded everyone that dogs cannot regulate heat as well as humans. They can’t sweat, so their methods of cooling down are either panting, finding shade, getting wet, or drinking water. Thus, they’re more prone to heat stroke. Dogs cannot directly tell us when something is wrong, so it’s important for family members to be responsible. Boomer was lucky that help arrived in time, but there are many other dogs out there in danger. So, please don’t ever leave your pup in a hot car.

H/T: ladbible.com
Featured Image: @RCSD.Official/Facebook

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Puppy mills and generally poor breeding conditions are some unfortunate realities that many dogs face. It’s despicable, heartbreaking, and oftentimes horrific. Dogs are found in conditions that are far worse than any prison. They were betrayed by the humans who were supposed to love them the most.

Luckily, a tragic story out of Maryland has some essence of a happy ending – or justice at the very least. According to the Baltimore Sun, in April 2019, 56-year old Laura Filler was arrested alongside her husband, 50-year-old John Roberts.

Animal control officers arrested the couple after they found 54 dogs in deplorable conditions. Sadly, 27 of those dogs were deceased. The judge told Fox 5 that the home was a “chamber of horrors.”

The Home Was As Stomach-Churning As It Was Heartbreaking

The floors and walls were reportedly covered in thick sludge and grime from floor to ceiling. Dog food was scattered around the home. It was inedible due to an abundance of mold. Many decaying bodies of helpless dogs were found piled in a bathtub. The putrid odor that radiated from the home was unbelievable. It clung to first responders who removed the dogs.

Melissa Hockensmith is the senior assistant state attorney assigned to the case.

“I think that these dogs deserve justice,” she told the Baltimore Sun.

Judge Fred Hecker described the couple as having an “extreme indifference” for the dogs’ well-being. It was likely this heartbreaking realization that led him to their sentencing.

Justice For The Innocent Lives Lost

Filler was initially charged with 109 counts. Most of the counts were for animal cruelty. She pleaded guilty to 11 of them.

Filler was sentenced this week to 33 years in prison for 11 counts of aggravated animal cruelty. She isn’t eligible for probation for at least five years. Additionally, Filler is also no longer allowed to have any animals in her possession.

She was also ordered to pay $91,400 in restitution to the owners of the home. This was because the home had to be demolished because it was that deplorable.

The judge recommended Filler to serve her time in a correctional institution where she can receive treatment for mental health impairments.

Her counterpart, John Roberts, received one year for his role in the unlicensed dog breeding operation.

“I’m very sorry all this happened,” Filler said before her sentencing.

Laura Filler’s public defender asked for prayers for all of the dogs who suffered due to Filler’s cruelty.

h/t:Fox5dc.com
Featured Photo: @iamevanclark/Unsplash

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Comfort And Mood-Boosting

In this category, Stennerson declared no clear winner. The short of it is: the available data isn’t really conclusive. Many studies have indicated that having either a cat or a dog can lower stress levels and improve mood. Others indicate no correlation, though one thing to consider is the difference in how dogs and cats can be studied. After all, cats tend not to do what you want them to. They make difficult test subjects.

Stennerson explains the complicated nature of studying the mood effects of living with cats or dogs:

“For one, people with depression may disproportionally own pets, skewing depression scores of the pet-owning population. Additionally, the instruments used by researchers to measure mood may have missed important effects because they simply weren’t measuring for them.”

The fact of the matter is: this aspect of dog or cat parenthood is really hard to study. Some people may be affected differently by earning a cat’s purr or a dog’s sweet licks. Maybe certain people end up with more independent animals.

The way I see it is: if you believe your dog or cat makes you happy, then your dog or cat makes you happy!

Social Connection

Many of us feel deep, emotional connections with our dogs and cats. But when it comes to the way your animal affects your interactions with other people, dogs tend to come out on top. That’s the point Stennerson makes in his article.

When you have a dog, you’re more likely to visit dog parks or training classes. With the exception of a few adventurous leash-and-backpack cats, most domestic kitties live their lives indoors or just outside their human’s home. In this way, having a dog may help you connect with other people far more easily than having a cat does.

Impact On Activity Level

Dogs won this category as well. Cats keep us endlessly entertained with their hunting antics and daring climbs. Cats don’t, however, encourage us to take walks like dogs do. Since dogs compel us to get exercise, our moods improve as a happy consequence.

In the end, Stennerson declared dogs as the overall happiness-providing winner species. If you read through all this and are left thinking “No way, I don’t agree,” don’t worry. The author himself notes a little bit of bias, having not met many snuggly cats (and I for one have.)

“There are plenty of examples, I’m sure, of highly engaging cats who love interacting with their humans, but I, for one, have never encountered such a feline. And I’m writing this post. Dogs win.”

Still, you can’t deny these truths: dogs make us more active and offer us comfort and love when we need it most.

H/T: Psychology Today
Featured Image: Sharon McCutcheon via Pexels

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Leo the 120-pound Labrador Retriever’s story has warned other dog parents about hot temperatures. Dogs can’t regulate heat as easily as humans, which makes them prone to heat stroke. So, it’s important to be cautious during summer activities with your dog.

Unfortunately, Leo’s dad didn’t plan ahead during a mountain hiking trip. As they traveled up Mount Olympus in Utah, the weather got hotter. Eventually, Leo showed signs of overheating. It grew to the point where the pup couldn’t seem to move on his own.

Help is on the Way!

Leo’s dad tried to keep the pup hydrated, but it was no use. He tried to cool him down and give him extra water, but soon his water supply ran out. Even with all of the hiker’s efforts, poor Leo’s condition didn’t improve. So, the man called Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, and they rushed to the scene.

The temperatures neared 100 degrees as the team came to save Leo. They brought large amounts of rescue equipment just in case. When they finally reached the pup, he was in rough shape. He drank about 4 or 5 liters of water, but he was still weak. Since he wasn’t capable of walking down the mountain on his own, the rescuers had to load him on a litter.

It took several hours to get Leo down the mountain. The poor pup still looked exhausted during the entire trip, but he also seemed relieved to be rescued. Leo’s dad and all the rescuers were in good condition after the trip, but Leo was rushed to the vet.

A Warning for Dog Parents

The rescuers shared an update on Facebook saying that Leo’s health is improving. He’s overcoming his heat exhaustion and his kidney function is returning to normal. At the vet, he is also working on walking again. Overall, he’s improving and should be able to return home soon. However, his dad needs to be more cautious while walking with Leo in the future. Paying attention to the signs of canine heat stroke is crucial.

“Remember your 4 legged friend doesn’t regulate heat as well as you do. If you’re going to hike with your doggy, leave early or wait a few more months until it cools off,” Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue suggests.

Every time the heat rises outside, it’s important to keep an eye on your dog. Even if they love playing outside, you should limit their exercise until the weather cools down. Shorter walks are usually better during the hot months of summer. Hopefully, Leo’s story is the perfect reminder to be careful of your dog’s health during extreme heat.

H/T: people.com
Featured Image: @slcosar/Facebook

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In 2018, a four-year-old Yellow Lab named Cleo and her family moved away from their home in Missouri. Cleo seemed to have a harder time moving than the rest of her family though. On July 12th,  2020 she went missing from their home in Olathe, Kansas.

Meanwhile, across state lines in Lawson, Missouri, a couple returned home to a surprise. Cleo was lying there on their front porch, as if she lived there. And in fact, she used to. Clearly, Cleo never forgot that!

Coming “Home” Again

When the homeowners  Colton Michael and his wife Britney tried to approach Cleo, she wouldn’t let them get close. Colton theorized she probably didn’t understand why strangers were inside of her house.

“She finds her way home, and there’s some strangers living in it. That would be scary for anybody.”

Colton and Britney had Cleo’s microchip checked. That’s when they realized she belonged to the people who used to live in their house. The former homeowners had recently posted on Facebook about their missing dog. No one could have guessed she’d end up back at their old house in Missouri, 57 miles away!

Drew, one of Cleo’s family members, told KMBC News he doesn’t know how she got so far away. He’s just so glad to have her back.

“It’s the most bizarre story. Really, she’s everything to us and to my mother.”

Cleo’s Mysterious Journey

In the end, how Cleo got from A to B remains a mystery. Some have theorized that Cleo made it somewhat far from her new house in Kansas, but was discovered by someone on the way who had her microchip scanned. The microchip was registered to the Missouri address. Whoever found Cleo may have dropped her off at what they believed was her house.

That said, I’ve seen some amazing things from dogs, so I’m willing to believe Cleo walked the whole way!

Even though she missed her old house, Cleo seemed to miss her family more. She ecstatically greeted them when they arrived to pick her up.

Colton assured Drew that he’ll be looking out for any Cleo sightings going forward.

“Now that we know who she belongs to, if she pops up again we’ll know who to call.”

Hopefully Cleo learns to accept her new home soon. Maybe she will once she realizes her people don’t come with the old house.

H/T: KMBC News
Featured Image: Screenshot, Fox59News/YouTube

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The Guinness World Records recently hit bookstores, and it’s not just people with records. There are many dogs who have made their mark in history by creating or breaking records. The following are 10 current canine record-holders. Could your dog be next?

#1 – Fastest 30 Meters On A Scooter By A Dog

The fastest 30m on a scooter by a dog was achieved in 20.77 seconds and was achieved by Norman the Scooter Dog, owned by Karen Cobb (USA), at All Tournament Players Park, in Marietta, Georgia, USA.

#2 – Fastest 5 Meters On Front Paws By A Dog

The fastest time for a dog to cover 5m on its front legs is 7.76 sec and was achieved by “Jiff” (USA) at TOPS Kennels, Grayslake, Illinois, USA

#3 – Fastest Time For A Dog To Retrieve A Person From Water (25 M)

The fastest time for a dog to retrieve a person from water over a distance of 25m is 1 minute 36.812 seconds, achieved by Jack the Black vom Muehlrad and his handler Hans-Joachim Brueckmann (both from Germany), on the Kaarster See lake in Kaarst, Germany, on 11 June 2013.

#4 – Fastest Time To Complete 10 Meters On Hind Legs By A Dog

The fastest time for a dog to cover 10m on its hind legs is 6.56 sec and was achieved by “Jiff” (USA) at TOPS Kennels, Grayslake, Illinois, USA.

#5 – First diabetes-detection dog

The first diabetes-detection dog was Armstrong, a yellow Labrador retriever trained in 2003 in California to detect via scent the subtle chemical changes leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), a condition that if left unchecked can cause a diabetic to slip into a potentially fatal coma. So successful was Armstrong that Dogs for Diabetics (D4D), a charity training diabetes detection dogs, was founded in 2004.

#6 – Most expensive Snoopy memorabilia

The most expensive Snoopy memorabilia is a HK$2,888,880 (£224,960; $372,750) replica named “The Ever-Shining Star” created by Tse Sui Luen Jewellery (International) Limited, and unveiled in Hong Kong, China, on 13 November 2009.

#7 – Most treats balanced on a dog’s nose

The most treats balanced on a dog’s nose at one time is 26 and was achieved by Monkey and handler Meghan Fraser (USA) on the set of ‘Guinness World Records Unleashed’ in Los Angeles, California, USA.

#8 – Smallest dog living (height)

The smallest dog living, in terms of height, is a female Chihuahua called Milly, who measured 9.65 cm (3.8 in) tall on 21 February 2013 and is owned by Vanesa Semler of Dorado, Puerto Rico.

#9 – Tallest Dog Ever

The tallest dog is ‘Zeus’ (USA) a Great Dane, who measured 1.118 m (44 in) and was owned by Denise Doorlag and her family, of Otsego, Michigan, USA.

#10 – Tallest Dog Living – female

The tallest female dog living is Morgan (Canada), who was measured at 98.15 cm (3 ft 2.6 in) tall in Strathroy, Ontario, Canada. Morgan is owned by Dave and Cathy Payne of Melbourne, Ontario, Canada.

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If you are looking for something different to give your dog as a special treat, or you are trying to work around allergies, these treats with unusual ingredients are just the thing for you. Know of some other treats with unusual ingredients? Tell us in the comments!

#1 – Dogs Love Kale

These dog treats are made from, you guessed it, Kale! Kale is full of antioxidants and vitamins and dogs love the crunch of these USA made treats. They come in a few different flavors, all with limited ingredients which are great for dogs with allergies.

#2 – SPIKE Treats

Brand new from Petcurean, these treats aren’t on the market yet, but they will be by October 2015. One of their flavors is catfish, not something seen in many dog treats but great for those dogs with protein sensitives/allergies. The jerky treats are gluten and grain-free and contain other superfoods such as chia, pomegranate (another unusual ingredient!) and kale.

#3 – Walk About Treats Goat Jerky

The Walk About Treats come in a few flavors, including grain-free goat jerky. These are another good option for dogs with allergies/sensitivities to proteins, or if you are looking for something different to feed your dog.

#4 – Coq Au Vin

Le Petit Treats are a cute, fun treat with amazingly good ingredients! Their Coq Au Vin recipe includes beets (which give the cookie a cute pink appearance!). Beets are full of antioxidants and vitamins. My dogs have tasted these cookies and loved them!

#5 – Louisiana Alligator Dog Biscuits

These treats are free from wheat, corn, soy and have no artificial ingredients. And, of course, they are made with Alligator!

#6 – Beer Biscuits

These treats from Portland Pet Food are made with spent grain – a byproduct of the beer brewing process. During brewing, the sugars are extracted from the grain and then it’s typically thrown away. However, the grain is still safe and completely consumable so this company decided to turn it into a dog treat! These treats have limited ingredients and they make a flavor with no animal protein. They are sourced locally and made in Portland, Oregon.

#7 – Meaty Bites Wild Brushtail

These treats by Addiction are made in New Zealand from New Zealand Brushtail. What’s a brushtail? (don’t be embarrassed – we had to look it up too). It’s a type of a cat-sized marsupial (non-indigenous to N.Z.) that is part of the possum family.

#8 – Greek Yogurt Coconut Dog Treats

We all know dogs love yogurt, and these treats from Fruitables mix yogurt with the unique flavor of coconut are for a dog who is looking for a sweet treat.

#9 – LickORish

These treats not only have strawberries in them, which you don’t see often, but it’s combined with salmon for a truly unusual taste for your dog. Sound gross? My dogs LOVE them. And they are not only made in the USA, but the ingredients are sourced from here as well.

#10 – Emunity Treats

As the name implies, these treats are made with Emu. Why? According to the company, emu is low in fat and high in protein, is a “lean protein source,” and most dogs are not allergic to it. Their emu is free-range and the treats are sourced and made in the USA.

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Small Business Saturday is November 28th this year. Support small business and our own economy by saving money on Black Friday and shopping on this day instead. Here are 10 small companies that are worth checking out on November 29th.

#1 – Spoiled Pets Shop

This fun site has plenty of unique dog products to choose from, including their own Soothing Dog Sounds CDs. The Perfect Way to Keep Your Dog Calm Vol. 1. It’s part of a series of CDs designed to naturally calm and relax dogs and puppies suffering from stress or anxiety without the use of medication.

#2 – Pet Portables

The EGO (“Emergency to GO”) Pouch First Aid Kit is the newest product to come from this small company, and it’s definitely worth checking out. Having everything that comes in a full-sized kit, this smaller version is not too big so you can clip it onto your leash or belt loop.

#3 – Newflands

Fueled by her passion to help her Newfoundland Rosie who had a terminal heart condition, the founder of Newflands used her veterinary nurse experience to develop her own line of animal health supplements.

#4 – Paws Barkery

Paws Barkery™ has been selling treats since it was founded 14 years ago in Pennsylvania. The treats are sourced and made in the USA with simple ingredients that most people have in their kitchen cupboards.

#5 – Scout and Zoe’s

Specializing in allergen-friendly dog chews, including antlers, Cindy Dunston Quirk’s store is named after her two dogs. Aside from the antlers, they also carry sweet potato and chicken chews.

#6 – Earth Heart Inc.

Vicki Raw Thorne created her signature product, Canine Calm, to help dogs relax while staying at boarding facilities. She now has an entire line of natural, plant-based remedies for dogs.

#7 – Herbs For Your Pets

A passion for pets and herbs led Cindy Wenger, an animal behavior consultant, to get her certification in herbal studies. She uses her knowledge of both to create wonderful organic herbal supplements that help improve the health of your best friend.

#8 – 4Knines

Annoyed with the lack of quality in car seat covers, this husband and wife team started their own company to do just that. They offer 100% satisfaction guarantee, Lifetime warranty, and even free shipping.

#9 – Gold Paw Series

This dog coat and harness company is family run, with materials sourced and sewn here in the U.S.A. They are made from top-quality blends that are made to withstand a dog’s life, while remaining comfortable.

#10 – Save This Life

This is probably the coolest dog ID system on the market. They are the only ones that allow someone to Google your dog and find you. They make updating a snap, and you can use their microchips or your existing ones.

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