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We worry enough about our dogs when we drop them off at daycare. Do they miss us? Are they scared? Are they getting enough food? Enough play time? Our dogs are our babies after all, and even these little things can get in your head. So stories about animal day care employees mistreating the animals in their care hit extra hard.

SCRAPS (Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Services) began an investigation into a daycare in Spokane Valley, Washington this week. An incident of abuse occurred at Jeanne’s Doggie Daycare & Pet Hotel on Tuesday, February 25th, and the whole thing was captured on [disturbing] video.

The video that initially went viral on Facebook has since been taken down, but as of this post a copy exists here. [Content warning: the video contains abusive actions towards an animal.]

In the video taken from afar, you can see two employees walking with two different dogs. Seemingly to separate the two from one another, one employee visibly strikes the other dog on the head. The other employee stands back for a moment before following the other two inside. Needless to say, it’s upsetting to watch.

The Viral Video Aftermath

According to a manager at the daycare, the other employee in the video reported her coworker immediately. He has since been fired, the manager informed KHQ.

“Following the incident (Tuesday morning,) I received a call from the staff member involved. She told me what happened and expressed her concern for the dog. I immediately was on my way to the location and had him pulled from the dogs. I drove out there to investigate and assess the situation.”

As for comment from the terminated employee, the [anonymous] manager provided none. She alleges that the abuser was fired before the video ever went viral on social media. As far as she knows, that employee had never committed animal abuse before.

“I did not give him the opportunity to say anything. The video is disturbing.”

Naturally, with so many eyes on it, the video prompted an overwhelming negative response. The daycare manager says they’ve received threats from people all over the country. That’s largely why she preferred to remain anonymous.

Jeanne’s Doggie Daycare & Pet Hotel’s Facebook page became flooded with negative reviews. It currently sits at 1 star. Most came to express outrage at the video without having boarded their own pets there. Some referred to other incidents of abuse with this daycare in the past, though those are unconfirmed.

The facts are still coming in as of now, but all of it certainly reads as fishy! Please don’t hesitant to properly report any abuse towards animals you witness.

H/T: KHQ
Featured Image: Screenshot, @emily.custer.184/Facebook

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If you’ve ever planned a wedding, then you know the definition of stress. It’s one thing to find the venue and work out all of the logistics of the big day. It’s an entirely different ordeal to play referee with dueling bridesmaids and gruff groomsmen. One couple solved those problems in the best way possible.

A Bridal Party With 32 Feet

There were no humans on either side of their bridal party- just their seven dogs! It was a bridal party with a grand total of 32 feet! Sophie, Kyuubi, Serena, Skit, Sugar, Stark and Stella made their incredible debut during their parents’ wedding ceremony and the internet has fallen in love with them ever since!

Francis Cleofas and his new wife Irene run a dog training business. Francis is a highly sought dog behavior consultant known as the “Dog Coach.” Their perfectly prim and proper pooches stood by the newlyweds on the happiest day of their lives. Is there really any better way to celebrate a love story?

One of the delightful doggies even acted as their flower girl! She strutted her stuff down the aisle, complete with a flowered crown and a beautiful blush rose in her mouth.

“Stella and Serena were flower girls and Stark was the ring security. The rest walked with the groomsmen and bridesmaids,” the happy couple told Bride and Breakfast.

Some of the puppers even wore matching bow ties! No detail was spared and there was nothing these pups wouldn’t do to make the day special. The four-legged friends even got in on the couple’s pre-vow pictures!

Loving Eyes And Pawsitively Happy Tails

You know those “first look” photos where the groom’s reaction is caught when he first sees his breath-taking bride? Check out the adorable first look Irene’s furbaby had. You can just feel the love in his eyes!

There is no better way to celebrate your love and commitment than by including dogs. Their loyalty, dedication, and forgiveness are an example of the kind of love humans should have for each other every day.

“They make every day better. We never thought of going to places and meeting inspiring people if not for them,” said the couple. “They remind us that it’s the simple things in life that matter, like getting home safe after a long day. They are a reminder to live in the moment and not to judge or discriminate.”

Just one question remains. Which lucky dog caught the bouquet?

h/t: brideandbreakfast.ph
Featured Photo: @TeamBenitezPhoto/Facebook

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Death often happens when we least expect it. We don’t go around thinking that we’re going to lose our loved ones, but then it happens and we don’t know what to do with ourselves. This is especially true for losing dogs since they live such short lives. Even though we know they won’t live forever, we still don’t know how to cope with it when we finally do lose them. However, author Amy Kite decided to use the loss of her own dog to help others.

Gus’ Story

Gus was an adorable Bichon mix that Kite adopted from a local shelter. She and her 3 kids had bonded with Gus quickly in just a short amount of time. He was a young pup at only 2 years old, so they figured he still had a long life ahead of him.

However, when Kite was walking Gus one day, something out of the ordinary happened. Gus got stung by a bee and had a horrible allergic reaction! Before she could even process what was happening, he was already gone. 

Just like that, Gus was taken from the family without warning. They didn’t know how to handle their grief.

“I was heartbroken,” said Kite. “For me, everything with a pet is connected to joy and love so there’s this void when that gets taken away. When you walk into the house and he’s no longer there, there’s an emptiness and it’s devastating.”

As sad as Kite was, she knew that her children were in even more pain. They had very little experience with death, so it hit them harder than Kite could’ve imagined. They were all either angry or sad about what had happened to their beloved dog.

For many dog lovers, sitting around being sad seems like the best way to get through the pain. But Kite knew that there was more she could do. Being a writer, she knew she could find a way to help others that were going through a similar situation. So, Gus’ story inspired her to write a children’s book on the topic of grief and loss.

Goodbye, Gus

Kite’s book titled Goodbye, Gus was recently published. It’s designed for kids ages 2 to 8, but she hopes it can help anyone who really needs it. Not only is it a tribute to Gus, but it’s also a tribute to rescue dogs as a whole. Kite hopes that the book will help kids learn how to deal with the loss of their own dogs.

“Death is an unavoidable part of life. Everyone will experience loss,” said Kite. “So, it’s ironic that we steer away from the topic. Death shouldn’t be a taboo topic. Being someone who was younger when my dad died, I still love when people bring up my dad.”

In terms of when it’s okay to get another dog, Kite says that it’s completely a personal choice. After Gus passed away, she adopted another dog the next day in his honor. She believes that just because Gus is gone, it doesn’t mean she can’t open her heart to other dogs in need.

“I felt like to honor Gus, I had to open my heart and so I went back to the rescue shelter and got Cosmo the next day. I was rescuing him but he was rescuing me, too,” said Kite.

Gus only had a short life, but he was lucky to spend it with people who love him. Kite says that’s what having a dog is really all about: living in the present. Enjoy the good moments with your pup so you will have something beautiful to look back on when they pass away. Don’t ever take the moments you spend with your dog for granted.

You can now purchase Kite’s adorable children’s book on Amazon!

H/T: chicagotribune.com
Featured Image: @AmyKiteAuthor/Facebook

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Unfortunately, small dogs are at a disadvantage when it comes to defending themselves. They should never be left outside unattended because you never know what wild animals could be out there looking for a snack. Deborah Falcione thought her beloved pups were safe on her deck, but she quickly realized her mistake. Sadly, her deaf, blind, 6-pound Poodle named Porschia was snatched up by a hawk!

When Falcione realized that her 16-year-old dog was taken from the porch, she panicked and burst into tears. Her dogs are such an important part of her life, so she couldn’t bear the thought of losing them. She knew it was probably too late, but she and a group of friends looked all over for Porschia just in case.

It soon got colder and darker outside, but they still hadn’t found Porschia. However, 28 hours after Porschia had been snatched, Falcione received a life-changing phone call.

It’s a Miracle!

The Banfield Animal Hospital called Falcione to let her know that her dog had been found. When Falcione heard this, she couldn’t believe it! She thought there was no way for the blind and deaf dog to survive for 28 hours. But she was proved wrong!

“I said, ‘That’s impossible!’ She could not have survived 28 hours out in the bitter cold weather, in 10-degree weather. This is a 6 1/2 pound dog. She’s blind, she’s deaf, she’s 16 years old,” Falcione said. “I went down there, and sure enough, this is the dog. The old dog with the strongest will to survive.”

Porschia was found by a neighbor just a few blocks away from home. The poor little dog was incredibly cold and lethargic, but she had no other injuries or broken bones. The vets had kept her in a heating tank to help her warm up again.

Falcione has no idea how Porschia survived as long as she did, but she’s very grateful for this miracle. Despite everything she’s been through, Porschia clearly has such a strong will to live. The old pup wasn’t ready to give up just yet!

Should Dog Parents Be Concerned About Hawks?

Falcione will definitely be keeping a closer eye on her dogs from now on, but should all dog parents be scared of hawk attacks? Hawk Mountain, the world’s oldest refuge for birds of prey, says they don’t believe that Falcione’s pup was really taken by a hawk due to some facts. They agree that it’s tragic what happened, but they think it’s more likely that a different wild animal took her.

Hawk Mountain shared a post about some common rumors about raptors (birds of prey) to explain their theory:

“Even the largest raptors that live in Pennsylvania, such as the bald eagle, red-tailed hawk, or great horned owl, can carry a maximum of 4 pounds according to the literature,” posted Hawk Mountain. “Usually, raptor prey items weigh between 1 and 1.5 pounds. Porschia reportedly weighs 6.5 pounds meaning it was very unlikely that her kidnapper was actually a hawk.”

Whatever the real story is, it’s still important to remember to always keep an eye on your dog when they’re outside. Even if they’re too big for a hawk to carry, there are still coyotes and foxes out there that can easily snatch up a small dog. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your dog’s safety.

H/T: upi.com
Featured Image: Screenshots, upi.com

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Chico is a 1-year-old Husky and German Shepherd mix that’s anything but serious. His dad, Edward Alvarado, had first hoped that Chico could be a guard dog, but the pup was just too friendly. All he wanted to do was play with everyone and show them love. Like many young pups, his curiosity often gets out of hand, especially when he’s bored. One night, Chico even decided to go on an adventure of his own without his dad’s permission!

At about 3 am one night, Chico strolled into the Odessa Police Department, which was about a mile from his home. He seemed to have something important to tell the officers, but they didn’t speak dog! So, they assumed that he had simply come in to report himself missing.

Fun at the Police Station

The officers were in shock at the sight of a dog at the station. Chico just casually walked in and put his paws on the counter. He showed no signs of stress or fear. He was just looking for some fun and games!

Luckily, playtime is exactly what Chico got! The officers spent plenty of time petting him and even playing fetch while they tried to figure out what to do. They posted photos of Chico’s bizarre entrance on their social media, hoping that his family would see them and come for him.

Chico was wearing a collar, but it looked like his tags had recently broken off. So, they knew they’d have to check him for a microchip next. They contacted animal control to scan Chico for a chip.

It was clear that Chico didn’t want animal control to come for him though. He had seen enough dog movies to know that animal control meant trouble. So, he snuck out of the police station before they even arrived.

Case Solved!

At first, the police officers feared that Chico had run off and gotten himself even more lost, but that quickly proved to not be the case. When Alvarado woke up, Chico was home as if nothing had happened.

However, Alvarado’s nephew showed him the photos online of Chico’s late-night adventure. Alvarado could not believe his eyes! The dog in the photos was clearly Chico, but Chico wasn’t lost at all.

Alvarado responded to the police station’s posts to inform them that Chico made it home safely. This fact only made the entire story more amusing, and the officers were honored to be a part of Chico’s crazy adventure.

The police department added to their post saying that Chico is welcome at the station at any time. They had a blast playing with him. He really made their night!

From now on, Alvarado will keep a closer eye on his sneaky pup. However, he’s just so proud that his dog knows where to go in the event of an emergency. Not every dog would be drawn to the police like that. Maybe he really did have something important to tell the officers, but we’ll just never know!

H/T: newswest9.com
Featured Image: @SupportOurPermianBasinPoliceOfficers/Facebook

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A dog in Hong Kong has been placed under a two-week quarantine after samples taken from his nose and mouth tested “weak positive” for 2019-nCoV – also known as Coronavirus. The pup was taken to a vet for samples to be collected on February 26th, and is thought to be the only dog to have tested positive.

For the moment, the pup does not have any symptoms of infection. The Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) says that though the virus was found in the samples, it’s still unclear whether dogs or cats can become infected or transmit the disease to humans. It is possible that the positive was the result of environmental contamination. 

The Pomeranian has been taken to a facility at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and is the only dog in quarantine. Officials will continue to run tests for the next two weeks or until the pup is clear of the virus. 

Though it may be tempting to panic about the Coronavirus, we encourage you to stay calm. Though there have been some losses, there have been over 36,000 people who have recovered from the infection.

H/T: USNews.com

Read more about the Coronavirus here: Can My Dog Get Coronavirus? (updated 1/27/2019)

You’ve likely heard about Coronavirus by now. It can be more than a little scary when a virus like this seems to spread so quickly, but as dog lovers, many of us immediately turn our thoughts to our pups at times like these. Especially if you’re familiar with the phrase, “Canine Coronavirus.”

“Can my dog get Coronavirus?” Or worse, “Can I give my dog Coronavirus?”

First and foremost: don’t panic.

What is Coronavirus?

Though people are largely referring to the current illness at just “Coronavirus,” the term actually applies to a family of viruses that look similar to a “crown” when viewed under an electron microscope, called Coronaviridae. The current strain, which was first observed in December, is being called 2019-CoV. Other strains you may have heard of include SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. Both of which caused a similar fuss, but have since settled down.

2019-CoV is thought to have originated at a wet market in Wuhan, China, through the consumption of snakes that were infected with the virus. As of today, there are over 2,500 confirmed cases in China, but only 56 infected people in other countries, including 5 in the United States – all of whom appear to have visited Wuhan, China recently. (as of January 27, 2020)

Can animals get Coronavirus?

Yes. The current strain is actually being linked to snakes sold at market. In this case, it appears that animals carrying the virus were able to pass it to a human host through the consumption of its meat. (This is still being investigated by the Center for Disease Control.)

Can my dog get Coronavirus?

There is Canine Coronavirus Disease – however, it does not seem to be linked to this strain.

Canine Coronavirus gets its name from the same characteristic that human viruses get theirs – a round, crown-like appearance when viewed under an electron microscope. Most cases are caused by dogs eating poop that carries the virus. Another reason to keep his mouth away from any piles he might find.

According to VCA Hospitals, Canine Coronavirus Disease does NOT affect humans.

What are the symptoms of Coronavirus in dogs?

Coronavirus doesn’t often cause symptoms in dogs, but on the few occasions that it does, you may notice a sudden onset of diarrhea, along with lethargy and poor appetite. Your dog’s diarrhea may contain blood or mucus, and if the infection occurs while your dog is suffering from another disease, like Parvovirus, it will cause it to become more severe.

Of course, these symptoms could point to a number of other issues, so be certain to see your vet.

Can I get Coronavirus from my dog?

At this point, there have been no reported cases of 2019-CoV in dogs.

Previous strains of Coronavirus were traced back to human-animal contact. SARS-CoV appears to have been caused via contact with civet cats, and MERS from dromedary camels. 2019-CoV is thought to have first been transferred to humans through snakes that were sold at a market in Wuhan. After infecting the human host, the virus causes respiratory issues and is spread from human-to-human, often through the air, via a sneeze or cough.

Can I give my dog Coronavirus?

If you believe that you may be infected, you should immediately contact your doctor, and let them know you suspect that you may be infected before going to see them, so they can take precautions. See more about preventing the spread of Coronavirus at CDC.gov.

Previous strains of Coronavirus show that mammals, like camels and civet cats CAN get Coronavirus and infect humans. However, there doesn’t appear to be any cases of humans carrying Coronavirus infecting their pets.

Good hygiene practices should always be your first defense – wash your hands regularly, cover your mouth when you sneeze. For your dog – try to keep him from eating poop, pick up after him immediately when he does his business, and bathe him regularly.

Learn more about 2019-nCoV at CDC.gov.

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This story originally appeared as a Facebook post from Stories For The Soul. 

My friend had an abusive boyfriend. We both knew he was an abusive sociopath, but of course being his girlfriend, this was something that she was in denial about for a long time. Finally, she couldn’t deny it anymore and tried to leave him.

While he was beating her, she managed to get away from him, and drove the short distance to my house to be safe. My house wasn’t safe, though. He followed her, kicked through the glass on the french doors, and unlocked the bolt from the inside.

I wish I could say that either of us made a valorous stand against him, but we didn’t. She had already gone a few rounds with him and neither of us had any kind of self-defense training. He cornered us quickly and used his fists and my scarves to subdue us. He told us what he was going to do to us both (not going to repeat it) and I had pretty much resigned myself to it, too beaten to fight and for whatever reason, it wasn’t in me to beg, either. I just went cold and numb. I couldn’t even feel the physical hurt. Mentally, I just…left.

That’s when Camie, my pit/lab mix finally broke through the remainder of the french doors and came barreling into the room.

Now, Camie is a sweet, loving, goofy dog. She was as gentle as can be with all of the neighborhood kids and had never so much as snarled. She was even kinda dumb…a silly, sweet girl. But when Camie got a hold of this guy, she was a different animal. She was wild-eyed and foaming at the mouth, bleeding from all of the cuts she’d gotten from the glass and not giving a single f**k. She was on top of him in the blink of an eye, and I can’t even describe the sound coming out of her. I counted down in my head until the moment when she ripped that f***er’s face off.

It never happened. The sound of the garage door opening froze us all in place. My father was home. The guy tried to take advantage of the moment and get away from her but Camie backed him into a corner and barked and snarled her head off. My dad must have understood something about that sound because he was in that room in no time flat, with a gun in hand.

The police came. Reports were filed. The trial was held, and he went away. Apparently this wasn’t even his first assault.

Camie’s cuts healed, and so did ours. We no longer have french doors.

She’s an old girl now. An old, sweet, loving girl. Her mind is starting to go, and so are her hind legs. She may not remember what she did for me (and my friend), but I won’t forget. She may be nearing the end of her days, but I will never see a weak, useless old dog. She’s my dog. I don’t know what all my friend’s crazy boyfriend might have done. I don’t even know what I owe her, and that’s the beauty of it.

Dogs are often called man’s best friend, but sometimes they’re more than just friends — they’re our heroes.

This story originally appeared as a Facebook post from Stories For The Soul. 

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When you purchase items from the iHeartDogs store, a portion of that profit is donated to GreaterGood. GreaterGood is an incredible organization that supports charities that help dogs in need. Thanks to amazing customers like you, many dogs and even some people get a second chance at life. Adam and Molly are proof of that.

Adam was a combat soldier in the Air Force, but after he medically retired, he found it extremely difficult to live an everyday life. The memories he had continually haunted him, which caused him to have panic attacks. His friends and family could see his PTSD worsening over time as he struggled to be present in his life. His PTSD eventually got so bad that he considered putting an end to it all.

“I planned to say goodnight to my kids, go out to the shed, and lights out,” Adam recalled.

Luckily, he had friends who understood what he was going through. They helped protect him from suicide because they knew he had hope of getting better. If his friend hadn’t stopped him from ending his life, he never would’ve found K9s for Warriors, an organization that changed his life for the better.

K9s for Warriors pairs rescued service dogs with veterans in need. So, Adam applied and was accepted. Knowing that he would have a service dog in the future suddenly gave him hope. When he arrived on campus, he met a Golden Retriever mix named Molly who was rescued from a shelter. Right away, he knew she was the perfect dog for him.

“I cried. It was a sense of joy and relief, like ‘Oh my God, this is my partner now,’” said Adam.

When Adam returned home with Molly, his loved ones began to see significant changes right away. With Molly by his side, he felt like he could really be who he was before the war. Before, Adam avoided any situations that involved crowds of people, but with Molly, he felt comfortable enough to attend the events that he would’ve missed otherwise. If he feels anxious, all he has to do is rub Molly’s ears. He says her ears are the softest things in the world.

Slowly, Adam is returned to a happier, more normal life with his family. He’s been able to attend his children’s school functions and some community events. Everything feels better with Molly by his side. She truly saved his life, and he saved her life too!

“She’s been not only a part of my healing, but she’s been a part of my growth,” said Adam. “I can’t imagine my life without her.”

Thanks to purchases from the iHeartDogs store, dogs like Molly are able to be rescued and trained to help veterans like Adam. Both Molly and Adam got a second chance at life due to these amazing donations. iHeartDogs sells a variety of exciting products for both you and your furry friend, and every purchase makes a difference. Thank you to everyone who has bought products to help dogs like Molly and people like Adam!

Images from K9s for Warriors

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There really is a perfect family for every dog. No pooch knows that better than Bandit Rider! The petite Shepherd mix was rescued as a stray in 2014 and taken to the Gwinnett County Animal Shelter in Lawrenceville, Georgia. He was then chosen to participate in the Gwinnett Jail Dogs Program where a select handful of inmates foster and train dogs to prepare them for adoption.

Like so many southern strays, Bandit tested positive for heartworm disease. However, unlike the others, he suffered rare and serious side effects from the treatment. Bandit was left completely paralyzed in his hind end.

“At first we all assumed this was something acute or temporary,” Lori Cronin, a volunteer with the Gwinnett Jail Dogs Program, told The Dodo in 2018. “We were wrong. His condition not only persisted, it got worse.”

Bandit’s disability didn’t faze his pals in the Jail Dogs Program, especially when he received his very own wheelchair. This spunky senior can do everything the other pups can do – just in his own special way.

Unfortunately, finding the right home proved more difficult. Four different families adopted Bandit, but each ended up returning him, unable to handle the special care he requires.

Finally, after six long years in “the slammer,” a special couple came across Bandit on Facebook. Darrell and Sue Rider were not the slightest bit concerned about Bandit’s paralysis. You see, Darrell also uses a wheelchair. 

“The most intriguing part of Bandit is that he and I share the same type of paralysis and use a wheelchair to get around,” Darrell told The Dodo. “Because Sue and I know what it’s like for life in a wheelchair, we knew what was needed for Bandit. We also felt a much deeper connection.” 

Despite their instant bond with Bandit, the Riders took their time learning all about his needs before making the adoption official. After six years, Bandit didn’t mind waiting one more month. Once everyone was positive Bandit had found his perfect match, it was finally time for him to go home forever!

According to the Riders, it’s as if Bandit has been there for years. He settled right into his new routine and loves embarking on new adventures with his humans.

His friends at the correction center miss him dearly, but they are also happy and proud to have been a part of Bandit’s journey. They posted this moving tribute to him on Facebook:

“It was a bitter-sweet goodbye today with Jail Dog Bandit. Bitter because he has been with us since 2014 and is adored by all that have come into contact with him. He has made many inmates’ time served just a little easier, he has greeted many tours with his awesome tricks, and he has been loved on by volunteers and deputies alike.

“The sweet part is because we get to watch Bandit make the Jail Dog Program a thing of his past and start on his new journey. Bandit has done “his time” and has reformed many of us that have been fortunate to be in his presence. He has made believers out of the non-believers that thought a wheelchair bound dog wouldn’t make a good pet. He has persistence and perseverance when it comes to learning new things and can adapt and overcome when it comes to finding someone with a treat!

“…There has never been a dog more deserving of the wonderful family he has been adopted into and we are grateful to them both as they add to Bandit’s next big adventure.”

H/T to The Dodo 

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Hondo was a  7-year-old Belgian Malinois who joined Herriman City Police Department in 2015. Hondo was assisting US Marshals with an operation to apprehend a dangerous fugitive in Utah. He was shot and killed in the line of duty. His fellow officers asked a local auto body and paint to shop, Rawtin Garage to help honor Hondo and his service with a customized casket. 

Chief of Police Chokes Back Tears as He Shares the News of Hondo’s Death

The Herriman City Chief of Police shared details of the operation and resulting death of Hondo at a press conference. Choking back tears, he said, “We mourn the loss of a member of our family, but honor his sacrifice.” The Chief said that some of his officers were enlisted to assist the US Marshal’s Violent Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (VFAST). The operation was to apprehend a dangerous fugitive at large in the Salt Lake City area. VFAST located the wanted fugitive who then fled on foot.

Hondo’s handler deployed him and Hondo pursued the fugitive. The fugitive produced a handgun and the Marshals and Police Officers opened fire on the fugitive. At some point during the struggle between Hondo and the fugitive, Hondo suffered a shot to the sternum. It is unclear if the shot was from the fugitive or friendly fire. He was rushed to an emergency vet clinic where he succumbed to his injury. The fugitive was successfully taken into custody. Hondo’s handler, the family, and the entire department are heartbroken by the loss.

Police Department Asks Local Auto Detail Shop to Customize Hondo’s Casket

Hondo had a highly awarded and decorated career as a K9 Officer. He was involved in the takedown of over 100 felons and the removing 100’s of pounds of narcotics from the streets of Herriman and Salt Lake County. His fellow officers wanted to honor him eternally. They enlisted the help of a local auto detail shop, Rawtin Garage to customize Hondo’s burial casket.

Johnny Ward runs the shop with his friend Keith Eccles. They accepted the job free of charge and delivered it within 24 hours. The shop usually has a two-month waiting period. Johnny Ward told KSL-TV, “It’s hard work, but there’s an incredible sense of satisfaction. This dog really is a hero.” His partner Keith Eccles added, “In a weird way, it was kind of a spiritual experience. You feel like, by the time you’re done, you really got to know Hondo.” Keith handprinted Hondo’s face. 

We thank Hondo for his service and the men at Rawtin Garage who donated their time and effort to honor this fallen hero. A memorial service is planned for Hondo this Saturday.

H/T Fox5atlanta.com
Featured Image Rawtin Garage/Facebook

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Brielle Leger is a 9-year-old girl who loves dogs much like any other kid. However, her love for dogs truly goes above and beyond any other 4th grader. Brielle is an aspiring author, so she writes her own stories about dogs, complete with illustrations that her younger sister, Brynn, helps her draw. Once a week, the sisters visit the Fairhaven Animal Shelter, where they read their stories to all the dogs waiting to be adopted.

This heartwarming idea started at the beginning of the school year when Brielle’s 4th-grade teacher showed her a video of someone reading to dogs at a shelter. That video truly inspired her! Brielle already had a love for writing, so she figured that shelter dogs were the best audience to share her stories with.

“They came in and they gave us a donation for the animals,” said Terry Cripps, head of the shelter. “They went back there and I had no idea what they were doing, so I went back and I saw that they were reading. It was awesome.”

Brielle’s Stories

Of course, all of Brielle’s stories are about dogs. She has an entire book series about a dog named Bean, who is based on her Rottweiler, Oliver. Brielle and Brynn were very close to Oliver, but he recently passed away at 16 years old.

Each of Brielle’s stories are written on standard printer paper, and they are stapled together. Brynn and Brielle work together to create adorable illustrations using markers. To the dogs, the stories are just as exciting as a published book.

“They absolutely love dogs,” said Heidi Leger, Brynn and Brielle’s mom. “Every dog they meet, they want to know the name of the dog, the breed, [the] personality. They really just enjoy dogs.”

Every time they visit, the girls bring new books to read to the dogs. It might just seem like a cute way to spend their time, but Cripps says that it actually benefits the dogs a lot. Reading to them helps socialize the dogs. So, the more time the girls spend with them, the more beneficial it is.

These sweet girls also just do this out of the kindness of their hearts. They truly love dogs and they want to make dogs happy, so they figured this was the perfect way to do it. Their mom and dad are very supportive of it too.

The Perfect Audience

Now, Brielle and Brynn are getting to know the dogs that they visit very well. Not only do they read for them, but they also bring donations and play with the dogs. So, they know a lot about each dog’s personality, which definitely helps them choose the perfect books to read!

“I think the dogs like that we’re trying to be nice to them, and I think they like the stories that we read,” said Brynn.

Even though they love visiting the dogs very much, the girls still hope that one day the shelter will be empty. Brielle thinks it would be amazing to see each and every dog get adopted. She knows her books are helping them in the meantime, but a forever family is what they truly need.

It’s clear that Brielle’s love for dogs will only continue to grow from here. When asked what she wanted to be when she grows up, she said a dog sitter! But who knows? Maybe she’ll also become a famous author!

H/T: southcoasttoday.com
Featured Image: Screenshot, boston.cbslocal.com

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