Georgia the Australian Shepherd mix had a rough start to life. Sunshine Dog Rescue in Phoenix found her at a gas station near the U.S.-Mexico border. She was pregnant but didn’t seem to be in good shape. So, the rescue rushed to save her with a mission to keep her and her pups alive.
The pregnant dog had to go into an emergency c-section to deliver her puppies. But unfortunately, they were all born prematurely and didn’t survive. Georgia soon became panicked and heartbroken, not understanding that her puppies were gone.
Anita Osa, the Executive Director of Sunshine Dog Rescue, was extremely worried about the grieving mother. Georgia continuously tore through the sheets of her bed, looking for her puppies. That’s when Osa reached out for help.
Osa posted on Facebook in hopes that someone knew of orphaned puppies who needed a mother. But what she found was not expected at all. She ended up finding three orphaned kittens instead. Osa admitted that she wasn’t a cat person, but she agreed to give it a try.
“I was certainly unsure,” Osa said. “But I had seen other species nurse another species before, so I thought ‘worse case scenario she doesn’t take to them and I have some kittens I need to tend to myself.'”
Luckily, it was love at first sight for Georgia and her adopted kittens. Right away, they bonded with her, and she became protective over them as well. These three tiny kittens made Georgia’s heart feel full once again.
Georgia’s milk production was low, but she allowed the tiny kittens to nurse on her. However, her milk alone was not enough to nourish the kittens, so Osa also bottle fed them. But it’s ultimately Georgia’s love and support that helped them grow. The dog even settled on names for her three beautiful kittens: Graffiti, Gumball, and Goober.
Osa said that this experience was so successful that she would do it again in a heartbeat. These adorable felines have even made her more of a cat lover now. Currently, the family of four are still recovering at the rescue, but they already have forever homes lined up for them.
Georgia’s new dad has decided to rename her Milo. Also, his roommate adopted one of the kittens, so Georgia won’t have to fully say goodbye to her babies. She’ll still get to see one of them grow big and strong in her new forever home. What a lucky pup!
Georgia decided on the names for her babies….dark grey baby is Graffiti, tan baby is Gumball and the newest family…
Banzai has always been a happy boy! Of all the activities he does, his favorite two things are Dock Diving and Earthdog. It’s the perfect way to turn his high energy into passion.
Harper was found wandering in Northern Georgia with a rope around her neck and heavily pregnant. She’s made huge strides in trust and is now the sweetest dog anyone could ask for.
Ruby had always been an active dog. So when Kristen Constable and her family returned home from vacation and discovered their beloved greyhound limping, they assumed Ruby had simply injured herself while playing. Nothing too serious.
But a trip to the family veterinarian led to a referral to the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, which resulted in a devastating diagnosis — Ruby had osteosarcoma, a common type of bone cancer in dogs. The prognosis was grim, probably less than a year to live after amputation of the cancerous limb and several rounds of chemotherapy, not to mention all the side effects that go with it. The Constables were crestfallen.
When a dog is hurting, we feel their pain, too! Pain can be a temporary or longterm condition. Either way, dog parents want to know how to safely and effectively soothe their dog’s suffering and relieve their pain. That’s why one of the most common questions that dog parents research is, “What can I give my dog for pain?”
The last thing any pet parent wants is to make a painful situation worse by giving their dog a medication that can cause them harm. Keep your dog healthy and relieve their pain by administering medications that are both safe and effective for your furry friend.
Signs that Your Dog is in Pain
Dogs experience a wide range of pain from a variety of sources, just like humans. Acute pain can happen after an injury or trauma. This pain can be extremely intense in nature and lessens over time as the wound or injury heals.
Chronic pain is a long term problem that stems from an underlying medical condition. The most common cause of chronic pain in dogs is arthritis. Chronic pain in dogs can be very difficult for dogs and their humans. It has a hugely negative impact on the quality of life. Dog parents are eager to find safe solutions to make their dogs more comfortable despite chronic conditions.
Dogs can be very secretive when it comes to pain. They hide their pain very well, making it tricky to recognize. This leads to many dogs enduring pain for much longer than necessary. Knowing what subtle signs to look for can help address your dog’s pain faster.
What is an NSAID, and Can I Give it To My Dog for Pain?
NSAID is an acronym for a group of medications that are “Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs,” or NSAIDs. Humans commonly take them for discomfort related to inflammation, such as arthritis in the joints or common headaches. Humans also turn to them for fever reduction and to reduce swelling from injuries.
Dogs should ONLY take NSAIDs made for dogs, not those made for humans!
Dogs do not tolerate human formulations of anti-inflammatory drugs. In most cases, they are dangerously toxic to dogs. They can cause kidney, liver, or digestive problems. Thankfully there are plenty of NSAIDs designed especially for dogs. Talk to your vet about NSAIDs such as:
carprofen (Novox or Rimadyl)
deracoxib (Deramaxx)
firocoxib (Previcox)
meloxicam (Metacam )
Signs a Dog is Having a Reaction to NSAIDs for Dogs
It is crucial to monitor your dog anytime they start a new medication. NSAIDs for dogs are generally safe. However, dogs can have a bad reaction to an NSAID, just like a human can. This is true even for NSAIDs that are made specifically for dogs.
Pet Web MD shares the acronym BEST as an easy way to remember the signs you may see in a dog that is having a bad reaction to an NSAID. If you see any of the warning signs listed below, contact your vet.
B: behavior changes
E: eating less
S: skin redness or scabs
T: tarry stools, diarrhea, vomiting
Can I Give My Dog Ibuprofen for Pain?
No! You should never give your dog the human medication ibuprofen for pain. This drug, found in Advil and similar products, is not formulated for dogs and can have many adverse health impacts on dogs. Ibuprofen poisoning is very common and can result from minimal doses of the drug.
Instead of leaving the body as it does in humans, ibuprofen recycles through a dog’s liver repeatedly. This leads to ibuprofen poisoning. Ibuprofen poisoning affects multiple systems in a dog’s body and can cause a variety of symptoms.
Gastrointestinal problems such as decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and other stool disruptions, depression and abdominal pain are common. More severe cases can result in organ-system failures, seizures, and coma.
Should I Give My Dog Acetaminophen for Pain?
No! Acetaminophen is the active ingredient found in Tylenol and similar medications. Acetaminophen should not be given to dogs. It’s toxic to dogs and can result in death after a single dose. Small dogs and puppies are at especially high risk.
Symptoms of acetaminophen toxicity can appear within 1-4 hours of ingestion but can take far longer to present. Early detection and treatment are key to recovery. The prognosis becomes worse and worse for dogs the longer the acetaminophen has been in the system untreated.
Dogs with acetaminophen toxicity may have methemoglobin in the body. This disturbs the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to various tissues. Dogs may appear blue around the eyes and gums. Fluid retention may be found in the face, paws, and limbs. VCA Hospital says, “The presence of methemoglobin in the blood demands a prompt diagnosis, hospitalization, and aggressive care.” Best to avoid this altogether by avoiding acetaminophen.
Can I Give My Dog Naproxen for Pain Relief?
No! Do not give your dog Aleve or similar medications. Naproxen is extremely toxic to dogs. The Pet Poison Hotline reports that “While safe to use for humans, naproxen is very poisonous to dogs and cats, as it has a narrow margin of safety (which means it is very potent). As little as one 220mg tablet can cause severe symptoms (even death), even in a large dog.”
Naproxen ingestions can lead to ulcers in the gastrointestinal system of your dog. These can rupture, causing tears in the intestinal tract, which can be very painful and dangerous. Naproxen ingestion can also lead to kidney failure. Naproxen is not a safe choice to treat pain in dogs.
How About Giving My Dog Aspirin for Pain?
Yes, dogs can take aspirin but only with guidance from a veterinarian. Aspirin can be safe for dogs, but it’s critical that you administer an appropriate dosage. Talk to your vet before giving your dog aspirin. They will know how much and how often you should give your dog aspirin for pain.
The American Kennel Association says that aspirin is technically safe for dogs, but it’s not entirely risk-free. You should consult with your vet first. The AKC reported, “Thanks to some of the more serious side effects associated with the drug, aspirin is not a medication that owners should give their dogs without veterinary approval, so be sure to pay close attention to your veterinarian’s instructions.”
Other Medicines for Dog Pain Relief
There is a litany of prescription medications available to your dog for pain. You need a prescription from your vet and should always follow the label instructions for dosage. As mentioned above, some of these are classified as NSAIDs. NSAIDs for dogs are usually prescribed to deal with chronic pain, such as arthritis. They include: carprofen (brand-names Novox or Rimadyl), deracoxib (brand-name Deramaxx), firocoxib (brand-name Previcox), and meloxicam (brand-name Metacam).
Dogs who have advanced or more severe arthritis and inflammation or severe allergies may be prescribed corticosteroids. These drugs can be very effective but come with some potential long-term complications. Discuss this with your dog’s vet before using corticosteroids.
Acute pain is typically handled with a different class of drugs. Injuries and post-surgical recovery may require an opioid prescription, which is also used for terminally ill dogs and cancer patients. These drugs are just as potent for dogs as they are for humans, which is why they are only used in particular circumstances.
Natural Pain Relievers I Can Give My Dog at Home
Pet parents around the globe have embraced the use of CBD for pain management in dogs. It can be incredibly helpful for dogs with arthritis and other chronic conditions. There is a growing body of scientific evidence about CBD use in dogs. Every account points to it being a safe, effective, and natural defense against a multitude of problems, including pain.
There are endless accounts of dogs who have benefitted from CBD products made specifically for dogs. We shared this story about River, a dog whose hip pain made every movement excruciating. After taking Cannanine CBD tincture for a couple of weeks, River had the zoomies for the first time ever. People swear by it. If your dog is in pain, consider trying a high-quality CBD tincture made especially for dogs, such as Cannanine.
We get it. There is nothing worse than when your baby is in pain. If your dog is in pain, especially outside of your vet clinic’s normal hours, you may feel tempted to give them something from your medicine cabinet. This can be very dangerous for your dog. Please consult with your vet before giving your dog any medications for pain relief.
Joe Gatto makes his living pulling pranks and making jokes on TruTV’s ‘Impractical Jokers.’ But when he’s off the job, Gatto’s life is all about dogs. Currently, he lives in Long Island with his wife, two human children, and six dogs – for now. I say “for now” because Gatto consistently rescues pups, including seniors.
Gatto doesn’t just love his dogs; they inspire him. That’s why he wrote the book “The Dogfather: My Love of Dogs, Desserts and Growing Up Italian” while at his home during the quarantine.
I’m sure many of you have found comfort in having your dogs with you during the quarantine. If you’re as lucky as Gatto and his family, you have six surrounding you. Gatto figured, why not write what you know? He explained to NY Daily News:
“I was at home with my family and have a house full of puppies, and my cousin mentioned that with all the stories I have about my dogs, it might be a cool opportunity to make a memoir of sorts. So it was a really fun quarantine project to conquer during these crazy times.”
Gatto did note that his dogs have really been milking having people with them all day. They know they run his life.
“The dogs have contributed to both the sanity and insanity of quarantine. It’s nutty when you’re in the house with them all day. They’re super-spoiled now. When I leave, Bessy told me that they won’t stay away from the door for a half-hour, hoping I’ll walk back in. And they all sleep in our bed, so I’m basically covered in puppies at night.”
Gatto and his family currently have six dogs, but even more have brought joy to their lives, and they continue to rescue. Six of the dogs have appeared in a sketch on the television show, ‘Impractical Jokers,’ so you might even recognize them already. The comedian also posts tons of pictures of them on his Instagram. (Look – I get it.)
Most of Gatto’s dogs are mutts under 20 pounds, and all but one were rescues. All of the pups are named after Italian desserts: Biscotti, Tartufo, Zeppole, Spumoni, Pignoli, Cannoli and Napoleon. Pignoli, the oldest, joined the family just last summer, August 2019, from Animal Haven.
The family also lost two elderly dogs: Mishkeen and Zeppole (a one-eyed Cavalier from a puppy mill.) According to Gatto, he frequently adopts senior dogs.
“I always have a rotating elderly slot where we let them live out their days comfortably. Now our oldest one is Pignoli. She’s 14 years old and just a beautiful little mess herself.”
Mishkeen’s name notably wasn’t inspired by a dessert, though. The late pup was Gatto’s first elderly rescue. “Mishkeen,” he said, was something his grandmother used to say that roughly translates to “Aww, poor soul.”
“Mishkeen was my first elderly rescue and had an epic tongue. He had no teeth [and] was 14 years old. He was an angry little elf, but was super cute and his tongue was always hanging out of his mouth, so there’s a huge spread in the book with just pictures of his silly tongue.”
Staying home isn’t ideal, but having these delightful pups around doesn’t sound too bad. Look forward to Gatto’s book to learn more about these doggies and how he saved them, and they saved him.
Daisy the Bulldog appeared at the fire station, like many stray dogs do. The Fresno County firefighters were unsure what to do at first. They thought she might have somewhere to return to, so they waited. But sweet little Daisy didn’t budge. For four nights, she slept on the doormat outside the station, waiting for someone to love her.
After some consideration, Fire Captain Lucian Neely called his brother, who recently lost his Bulldog. His brother agreed to foster the dog, but Daisy still needed a forever home. Luckily, all her patience would eventually paid off.
One day, a family friend of Neely reached out to Wagmor Pets about Daisy. Of course, they instantly agreed to take her. They assumed she’d have no problem finding a home since Bulldogs seemed to be in high demand.
But Melissa Bacelar, the owner of Wagmor, soon realized that Daisy had a lot of medical concerns. They suspected that she was used for frequent breeding due to her rough condition. Despite it all, she seemed like a happy, affectionate dog. So, after some necessary medical attention, Daisy was put up for adoption.
Unfortunately, Daisy struggled to find a home. The rescue continued to post her picture on social media, but no one seemed interested. That is until singer Miley Cyrus spotted her.
Cyrus expressed interest in Daisy about a month and a half after she had been put up for adoption. She wished she could adopt the pup, but she had her hands full with her other dogs and her new song, “Midnight Sky.” But she had already adopted at least five dogs from Wagmor so far, and she wanted to help yet another rescue pup.
“About a month and a half into her journey with us, Miley texted me and she said, ‘Listen, I can’t take another dog right now. But can I bring Daisy to set with me. I’m gonna be filming a video and I want to bring her to set and see if I could find her a home,'” Bacelar said.
However, Cyrus bonded with the dog even more than she expected. Right away, she renamed her Kate Moss, after the model. She ended up letting Kate Moss stay with her for longer than intended, but soon enough, she found a home for the pup. That home was with Cyrus herself, of course.
Cyrus continues to give Bacelar updates on her new family member. Kate Moss has quickly made herself comfortable in her new home, and she seems to get along well with her new dog siblings. Only a few months ago, the Bulldog was alone at a fire station, begging for someone to love her. But now, she’s finally getting the love she deserves.
Champ the black Lab lived an incredible life. Despite a rough beginning, he stayed strong and went on to help others. He went from being an abandoned rescue pup to being a hard-working police K9.
This brave dog has since retired from his duties and crossed the rainbow bridge. But his final days on Earth were definitely worth it. He spent his time surrounded by those who loved him and supported him. What more could a dog want?
Champ’s Journey
When Champ was just a young pup, he was surrendered to the Union County Animal Shelter in North Carolina. The deputies at the Union County Sheriff’s Office quickly adopted him, where they trained him for police work. He then became a Narcotics Detection K9, where he excelled at his job. His primary role was to locate narcotics and articles. He was also able to track people.
Champ worked alongside Deputy Tommy Gallis from 2007 until 2014. In 2014, he retired from his duties. He received the highest honors for his seven years of service. On his retirement day, he seemed full of excitement, ready to see what his next adventure would bring.
After his retirement, Champ didn’t leave Sheriff’s Office family, though. Deputy “Buzzy” Helms adopted the Lab and made him a permanent family member. So, Champ got to experience the rewarding life of a working dog and the comfortable life of a companion dog. It was better than any life he could’ve imagined.
Rest in Peace, Champ
Even though Champ was no longer working, it was still heartbreaking for the officers to say goodbye. He was slowing down and gaining more gray hairs, so eventually, Helms knew it was time. They wrapped him in an American flag as they said goodbye.
“We are saddened to announce the passing of (Ret) UCSO K-9 Champ,” the Union County Sheriff’s Office wrote on Facebook. “Champ will not be forgotten and we will remain forever grateful for his service.”
Champ deserves a huge thank you for all his amazing work in North Carolina. He helped prove that rescue dogs can be trained for critical roles, and they can help change the world, just like any other dog. All hope seemed lost when he was first surrendered, but the officers helped turn his life around. Hopefully, his journey will help other rescue dogs be trained for important roles like this.
As the novel coronavirus continues to keep us all home-bound, we’ve had to find creative ways to exercise. Gyms are mostly closed, and not everyone has a home gym, so some figured out ways to create one. One woman, @monsterrats on Twitter, installed a pull-up bar between the beams of her garage. She uses a fold-out dining chair to reach it.
Obviously, the chair isn’t needed for the actual pull-up part. Her little dog, however, doesn’t know this. He just wants to make sure his human doesn’t hit the ground and get hurt. In a video that reached almost 6 million views on Twitter, this cautious pup “saves” his mom by pushing the chair into her path. His mom wrote:
“So helpful of my dog to put the chair under my feet, love him to death.”
This sweetheart is a Miniature Schnauzer/Boston Terrier mix named Igor. He’s just under a year old and already so intuitive and loving. Igor wants to be where his mom is, even if that means staring admiringly as she works out.
After his thoughtful rescue, he stands watch to make sure she suffers no pull-up related injuries. His mom told the Dodo how surprised she was when Igor first did this.
“The move with the chair was out of nowhere. I had no idea he was gonna push it.”
She swears she didn’t train Igor to do this, and as someone who trusts in the pure goodness of dogs, I believe her. He’s just a good boy with an eye for safety!
Dog Parents And Fitness Enthusiasts Relate
The numbers this video reached speak volumes to how people feel about it, but some chimed in with words of appreciation.
“HE HELD THE CHAIR STEADY AFTER MOVING IT UNDER THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE OMFG!!!!” -@datGheeChiGul via Twitter
“He’s like ‘ma’am can you get down please, it’s not safe.’” -@melissapolendo via Twitter
“I’m a cat person myself, but I have to admit that cats would let me die.” –@Czhorat via Twitter
I’m willing to bet many of us can relate to attempting to work out in front of our dogs. I say “attempting” because they’re just so good at interrupting, though apparently, they seem to think they’re helping us. I’ll tolerate any interruption that well-intentioned!
My dog likes to lick me when I do sit-ups, and I like to pretend it’s love and not him enjoying the flavor of my sweat. These dogs all interrupted their people’s workouts too:
I think Igor makes a great spotter and an even better protector.
If you’ve ever smelled something poopy and immediately turned into a detective the moment you arrive home, you’ll relate to this story. Grammy-winning pop sensation Billie Eilish recently solved a poop-related mystery and shared the stinky details with fans. The singer lives with her gray Pittie, who’s still under a year old.
In her Instagram story, Eilish explained she knew something was up when she got home and smelled poop. Her first thought was that she must have tracked it in.
“I walk into my room and I smell sh**. I’m like, damn, did I step on sh** in the yard and I came inside with it?”
When she didn’t find anything on the bottom of her shoe, she kept searching. Then, she discovered the disaster area: Piles of dog poop scattered across her iconic sneaker collection.
The green shoes covered in dog doo are Yeezy Sneakers… Foam Runners to be specific. They’re customized with Louis Vuitton print, so you can imagine that yes, they cost a pretty penny. The gray and black shoes are Nike Jordan 1’s, also very expensive.
Eilish just adopted the pup towards the beginning of quarantine. He was a “foster fail” from Angel City Pit Bulls. Clearly, he’s still learning the ropes of polite living, but he’s cute as heck.
Tips For Cleaning Dog Poop Off Your Shoes
Not only does it stink, but dog poop also contains bacteria, so you don’t want it hanging around for long.
Having a beer with a friend after a long day can be a great way to decompress. But what if your best friend is your furry family member? Alcohol isn’t safe for dogs, so they can’t truly enjoy a drink with you. That is, until now.
Busch beer has launched a new product in honor of National Dog Day: dog-friendly beer. Now, you and your best friend can finally hang out the way your human friends do.
Of course, this beer is non-alcoholic, but it’s as close to real beer for dogs as you’ll get. Instead, it’s a savory bone broth that your dog is sure to love. It comes in a normal can of beer, but it’s labeled as “dog brew” so humans don’t get confused.
The ingredients are bone-in pork butt, whole corn, celery, basil, mint, turmeric, ginger, and water. Not your typical beer ingredients, but your dog won’t know the difference. Plus, it’s supposed to help promote a healthy digestive system for your pup.
Like other bone broth products, this “beer” can be served by itself in a bowl or it can be used as a tasty food topper. Your dog can have the whole can without any negative effects, but if you have a smaller dog, you can leave the opened can in the fridge for up to 5 days. Believe it or not, this dog beer is much healthier than the human alternative.
Buy Some Beer, Save Some Dogs
Busch’s dog brew isn’t just made to benefit your own dog. It can actually help other dogs in need too. Busch has partnered with Best Friends Animal Society to help dogs find forever homes. For every case of beer (six 4-packs) sold, $1 will be donated to the organization. This will continue for up to $50,000.
“After a long day there’s nothing quite like having a Busch with a friend, and with so many new pet owners across America this year, we wanted to create a brew to give our fans a chance to share a Busch brew with their ‘best friend,'” Daniel Blake, VP of Value Brands at Anheuser-Busch, said. “Additionally, we’re proud to be able to partner with Best Friends Animal Society and continue our efforts to help those furry friends still looking for a home.”
This isn’t the first time the company has reached out to help rescue dogs. They held another event where anyone who adopted or fostered a dog during the pandemic was eligible to win a 3-month supply of free beer. It’s clear that this company loves dogs just as much as they love beer.
Knowing a dog is nearing the end of their life is heartbreaking. But we need to stay strong for the sake of our furry friends. After all, they deserve some happiness and excitement in their final days.
That’s why Jenny Leech and her husband opened their hearts to 12-year-old Theo. The elderly Golden Retriever was abandoned in a Walmart parking lot. They soon found out that he also had terminal cancer, but that didn’t stop Leech from choosing to foster him. She knew she could make his remaining time worth it.
“He has cancer nodules throughout his abdomen,” said Leech. “The oncologist said he wouldn’t have long but would not put a number on him.”
Theo’s Bucket List
Despite everything, Theo is a very happy dog. Leech knew he deserved a farewell that was full of love and exciting adventures. So, she created a bucket list of fun activities for Theo to complete. Since it’s unclear how much longer he’ll live, the list will keep expanding as he checks more things off.
The list started off with small items, such as chewing a fresh bone or getting a burger at a drive-thru. Leech documented every moment on her Facebook page, which soon blew up. Suddenly, there were people all over the world who were inspired by Theo’s story. Many suggested new bucket list ideas while others sent gifts or even offered to help him complete his list items.
He soon had a wide selection of blankets, treats, and octopus toys. Theo’s favorite toy has always been an octopus, so now he brings one with him everywhere he goes.
His list has now expanded to newer, more creative ideas. He rode in a skydive plane, had a picnic with a blind date, and even won the lottery! Every day, Leech finds a new bucket list item for him to complete.
Theo’s bucket list has been going on for over two months now, and the senior pup still seems very full of life. Leech will continue to spoil him for as long as she can. Once she notices his health or happiness deteriorate, she’ll know it’s time to say goodbye. But at least she’ll know that she made his last few months worth it.
“He came for some purpose. I think people are looking for things and ways to feel good, and he’s giving people that chance,” said Leech.
We might never know what the beginning of Theo’s life was like, but at least we know that the end of his life is spectacular. It’s heartwarming to see so many humans coming together to help a dog in need. Thank you to Leech and all of Theo’s followers for helping him experience these exciting adventures!
