Whenever you stop at a hotel, kids are sure to burst with excitement if it has a water park. And as it turns out, many dogs are the same way. A South Dakota dog resort recently expanded its facility to include the country’s first indoor dog water park. Dogs can run around in a splash pad space any time of the year.

This doggy play area had a slow start due to COVID, but now it’s booming with success! It’s the perfect day trip for any dog and their human, especially since alcohol is for sale at the tiki bar. So, maybe it’s time to spoil your dog by taking them on the trip they deserve.

Nation’s First Indoor Water Park for Dogs

At the start of 2020, the Smoken Dakota Kennels on South Minnesota expanded, adding “The Splash Bark”. They also expanded their dog daycare facility. The indoor water park has water spraying jets, wading areas, dog drying stations, and places for dogs to rest near their humans. And best of all, there’s a tiki bar for the humans that serves several beers and seltzers.

“We were looking for something to add on that’s new and original to the area,” said owner Teri Jo Olean. “We looked at other options but the splash park seemed to be more beneficial for more dogs.”

The business was a huge success for a few weeks, but then COVID hit. The decrease in customers after a million-dollar expansion was frightening. But they had faith that the business would soon thrive again. Now, a year later, the dog water park is an even bigger success.

The goal of the water park is to give dog parents a place to play with their furry friends, regardless of the weather outside. The demand for a place like that was even higher than they thought.

Time for a Doggy Pool Day!

With COVID cases decreasing, Smoken Dakota Kennels is thriving like never before. Their daycare program and training department are currently full. With so many people adopting new dogs amid the pandemic, these resources are needed more than ever. People have even traveled from different states to visit the water park with their dogs.

“We had a gal drive up from Missouri a couple of weeks ago and made a day trip out of it with her dog,” Olean said. “We had a gal come up from Nebraska recently and last week we had a family come up from Chicago.”

With this being the only indoor dog splash pad in the country, it makes sense that people would travel for it. This unique facility could benefit many furry friends, especially in the winter. Hopefully, parks like these will expand around the world soon. All dogs deserve to have a place to splash around and have fun.

H/T: keloland.com
Featured Image: Screenshot, Jodi Schwan YouTube

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Many police K9s train for their roles since birth, but not Champ. Champ the German Shepherd, Pit Bull, and Boxer mix broke barriers when he started his role. As a rescue dog, he proved that any dog can change the world if given a chance. And he likely opened doors for many other rescue pups after him.

But after a long, fulfilling career full of excitement, Champ decided it was time to say goodbye. This brave dog passed away amid his retirement, and he is greatly missed by his former co-workers. But luckily, he lived the dream after being adopted over a decade ago.

Champ the Hero

The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland donated Champ to the Maine police force in 2010. He worked side-by-side with Maine State Police Sgt. Jeremy Forbes, who later became his family during the K9’s retirement.

As a police K9, Champ was trained to locate drugs and track down suspects. In 2017, Champ and his human received the “James Griffith Memorial Canine Team of the Year” award for their hard work.

“He was a tireless tracker and his work always reflected well on the Maine State Police. His loss will be felt deeply,” the Maine State Police wrote on Facebook.

When he finally retired in 2020, he was suspected to be one of the oldest dogs still working. Surprisingly, he wasn’t the only accomplished police dog and rescue dog named Champ. It must be a popular name for brave, hard-working dogs!

Rest in Peace, Good Boy

Champ already retired by the time he crossed the rainbow bridge, but everyone that he once worked with still felt heartbroken. Forbes reached out to the police department to let them know of Champ’s passing. The news of his death spread across social media on March 24th, 2020. Soon, everyone was sharing their condolences to those close to the heroic canine.

“We extend our love to Sgt. Forbes and Champ’s family and offer our heartfelt sympathy to his Maine State Police family,” wrote the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland.

This inspiring rescue dog lived the fulfilling life he deserved, and he definitely won’t be forgotten. He will live on through his co-workers, family, and everyone else who following his story. And best of all, his legacy will continue to show the world that rescue dogs are amazing. After all, they can accomplish just as many things as any other dog.

H/T: newscentermaine.com
Featured Image: @MaineSP/Facebook

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When we think of unlikely friendships, the combination of cats and dogs is often at the top of our list. But that didn’t matter to a Pitbull named Hades and the stray cat he protected, befriended, and then welcomed into his family. 

This heartwarming story started when Juan José P. Flores, dog dad of Hades, noticed frequent visits from a stray Calico cat. Despite his inability to get close to her, Flores was concerned she may not be getting enough to eat, so he started putting out food for her. 

Then, one day a few weeks later, Flores heard loud noises coming from his back door. It was Hades, making a commotion. 

“He behaved a little strange, more annoying than usual, faster, ran from one side to the other, hitting doors, windows, as if looking for something, even destroyed a cushion,” Flores commented on Facebook.

When he went outside to investigate the reason for all the excitement, he saw Hades sitting by the entrance of his doghouse and a furry guest nestled safely inside.

It was the stray Calico cat, and she was pregnant, without much time before she was going to give birth. Sensing her vulnerability and urgent need for safety, Hades stood guard from a distance, never leaving her side as she gave birth to two adorable kittens. 

“He dragged a blanket over to the entrance of his house and settled outside the door,” Flores said. 

Shortly after, Flores brought the mama cat and her babies into his home, where she was able to tend to her kittens, and they were safe to explore and grow. 

After a few short months, and when they were old enough, both kittens went to loving homes. Flores welcomed the mother cat, now named Nicol, to stay with him and Hades as a forever family member.

Hades and Nicol are now inseparable BFFs!

It’s no secret why Pit Bulls were once declared “America’s Dog.”

They’re well known for being affectionate, intelligent, and eager to “people please.” It’s unfortunate that myths, anecdotes, and misinformation without backing from scientific studies have created such a negative stigma surrounding them. Because of this, they are often overlooked in shelters or spend long periods of time waiting to be adopted. 

Flores hopes the story of Hades and Nicol can help negate the unfair stereotypes and help more Pitbulls find loving forever homes.

Pit bulls are good dogs,” Juan told The Dodo. “Hades put everything aside to help someone else. We should do the same without expecting anything in return.”

H/T: The Dodo
Featured image: Facebook/Juan Jose P. Flores

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A deserving pup that spent almost two years at the shelter has finally found a forever home. Melvin had to celebrate one birthday behind shelter walls, but he will be celebrating his next one with an incredible family.

The 3-year-old Pit Bull spent 667 days at SPCA LA. After being found wandering the streets by the Long Beach Animal Care Service, he began a two-year waiting game.

Melvin was deeply loved by the staff from the second he walked through the shelter doors. It was clear that he would be an incredible dog for a lucky family, so the team began the hunt to find the perfect home for him.

Though shocking to the shelter staff, finding Melvin a family was not as easy as they hoped. No matter how many ways they spread the word about this incredible pup, nobody was interested in adopting him. Before they knew it, almost two years went by without a single adoption inquiry.

Due to how long Melvin was in the shelter, the team knew they had to go above and beyond to keep him happy and stimulated. Melvin participated in hours of behavioral training, daily enrichment, and even spent some time in a wonderful foster home.

“A dog with a long length-of-stay like Melvin’s receives hours of training and daily enrichment in order to remain mentally and physically resilient and stable in the shelter environment. There is also a significant emotional investment because we become their interim family, waiting for someone to give them a chance to become a companion.” – Sara Taylor, Director of Animal Behavior & Training

Melvin created special bonds with multiple volunteers and staff members throughout his long stay at the SPCA LA. He was always on the minds of the shelter crew, which is why he was the first pup they thought of when meeting a potential family.

This family was in search of a friendly Pit Bull mix to fill the hole in their hearts from losing a previous pet. After hearing about Melvin’s many days spent at the shelter, the couple knew they had to meet him. From the moment they locked eyes with the lovable Pittie, it was clear that he was meant to come home with them.

“We’ve waited 667 days to say these words: Melvin has left the building!

Thank you to staff, volunteers and supporters who made it possible for us to keep Melvin healthy and engaged while he waited for “the one.”

Melvin’s new family has years of large breed experience, and room in their hearts for another dog after the death of one of theirs. Melvin now has two Pit Bull siblings to call family.” – SPCA LA

Melvin absolutely loves his new family and the two Pitbull siblings he now shares a home with. We are so happy for this incredible pup and we have no doubt he has a beautiful future ahead!

H/T: lex18.com
Image Source: spcaLA/FB

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Popstar Pink adores rescue animals. Back in 2018, she mourned the loss of her dog Frangelica, who had been with her for 16 years. While the “So What” singer wasn’t ready to adopt a new dog right away, she continued to post about adoptable dogs on her social media, hoping fans would help dogs in need too.

In 2019, Pink finally felt ready to open her heart to another dog. She adopted a rescue pup named Nash, short for Nashville. Now, in 2021, she welcomed a second rescue puppy into the family. However, this adorable pup has a name that’s quite the mouthful! Yet, it still suits him somehow.

Puppy with a One-of-a-Kind Name

Pink and her husband Carey Hart adopted their newest family member from the Labelle Foundation in Los Angeles. The proud dog mom shared a photo on Twitter of her two kids, Willow and Jameson, holding the small black pup while wearing their pajamas. Pink revealed the puppy’s name, which is four words long with the couple’s last name added to the end.

“Thank you to the @labellefdn for helping us rescue our newest family member, Habañero Mountain Guy Kadashi Hart. We love the work that you do,” Pink wrote on Twitter.

Habañero Mountain Guy Kadashi is quite a big name for such a little pup. But he’ll likely grow into it. After all, most people don’t even call their dogs by their real names, so this adorable rescue dog will probably have endless nicknames in no time!

An Animal-Loving Family

This one-of-a-kind puppy is now the second dog in Pink’s family. Of course, the singer hasn’t forgotten about her other furry friend Nash. Pink revealed that she adopted Nash after the Nashville Humane Association brought rescue puppies to her show. She also shared a photo of Nash with her daughter Willow after his adoption.

“Thank you to the Nashville Humane Association for bringing puppies to the show for us to play with. Of course we went home with one. Meet our new rescue, his name is Nash. Short for Nashville,” wrote Pink.

Of course, fans are excited to see Habañero Mountain Guy Kadashi grow and interact with his new canine brother. But Pink tends to keep her furry friends away from the spotlight for the most part. Yet, she never stops encouraging fans to adopt, not shop. After all, rescuing dogs could save their lives, so this famous singer certainly has a point.

H/T: people.com
Featured Image: Jesús Arellano Torres Facebook and @Pink/Twitter

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If you’re an outdoorsy person, odds are you have an outdoorsy dog who loves accompanying you on your adventures. Hiking, swimming, exploring, and camping with our dogs can be fun ways to exercise and enjoy some fresh air together. That’s why Utah-based pup siblings Summer and Winter often accompany their parents on ATV trips.

On one of their routine explorations of the backcountry, Summer took a misstep and ended up sliding dangerously down the rock. Luckily, she’s an obedient dog who listened to shouts from above for her to stay put. Eventually, it became clear the dog would need to be rescued.

Bill and Vickie Bagshaw, the dog’s parents, are members of the nonprofit Utah ATV Association. Steven Hawkins, the president of Utah ATV Association, was also present when Summer fell. Hawkins described the worrisome scene to Fox 13:

“Summer got down and she just kind of stepped off the edge a little bit and started sliding. I was like, ‘This can’t happen like this. I have to do something.'”

The Daring Rescue Of A Patient Dog

Since the group of ATV riders (known as “The Wild Bunch”) had trained in rescue and possessed the necessary supplies, Hawkins climbed down the rock to hoist Summer back up. A few friends and even some strangers joined in the risky rescue efforts. He explained:

“Everyone came together to help out a dog. If it had been a human, it wouldn’t have been any different, but people we didn’t even know jumped in to help out.”

An incredible video of the rescue shows Summer looking up from her precarious position, wagging her tail as Hawkins approached. She remained still enough not to slide down the steep rock any further in the meantime. Vickie Bagshaw shared how she was able to push aside her own fears to save her dog.

“I am scared of heights. I am terrified of heights, and it didn’t even cross my mind when she was there. We just jumped into rescue mode.”

Because these friends and adventurers didn’t hesitate to do anything for a dog in peril, Summer is perfectly safe after a very scary day. Still, the images are pretty remarkable to look at. Someone could have been hurt, and miraculously no one was.

After this terrifying and exhilarating experience, Bagshaw expressed gratitude for those who value a dog’s life so highly.

“We knew we had a good group of friends, but I will tell you this solidified it and I think it’s made us all a lot closer.”

A resilient pup, Summer won’t stop adventuring after this either.

H/T: Fox 13
Featured Image: Jim Prairie via Facebook, Screenshot, Fox 13 News

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Throughout our lives, we are often encouraged to “chase our dreams.” Well, one-year-old Sisu, a lab-mix from eastern North Carolina, did exactly this. Only, instead of having predictable puppy dreams of dog bones and tennis balls, this determined dog dreamed of taking home a very specific stuffed purple unicorn from Dollar General. 

On Sunday, March 21st, Animal Control received a call about a stray dog that kept entering a Dollar General as customers exited. Once inside the store, single-minded Sisu headed straight for a stuffed purple unicorn.

He didn’t even hesitate to browse the pet section or stop to sniff any other stuffed animal. All five times he entered, he beelined straight to the same exact purple unicorn. 

“He’d walk in, go to that unicorn and try to get it. He did it four or five times before they locked the door and called us to come get him. Maybe he had a stuffed animal like that in his original home. I don’t know, but he wanted that purple unicorn bad,” said Joe Newburn of Duplin County Animal Services.

When Animal Control Officer Samantha Lane showed up at the store, she saw Sisu standing near the entrance, where he was likely waiting for another customer to leave so he could sneak inside. She went in, purchased the $10 unicorn, and put it on the front seat of her vehicle. Once he saw his prized unicorn, the contented pup hopped into her truck without hesitation, and the trio headed off to Duplin County Animal Services. 

“This is something she’s always done,” Newburn said of Officer Lane. “This isn’t something new to her, it’s just a different dog, but yes, she’s always doing this stuff for the animals.”

It was at the shelter that he was given the name “Sisu” after the dragon character from the new Disney film, Raya and the Last Dragon. They also discovered that he loves affection, knows a few commands, and is obedient with people. During his time at the shelter, Sisu took his beloved unicorn everywhere he went, even cuddling up with it as he slept.

The story of Sisu and his purple unicorn spread quickly after the shelter posted the inspirational story and heartwarming photos on their Facebook page. Not long after he arrived, there was a long list of potential adopters interested in meeting him and his unicorn. No owner came forward to claim this handsome boy, so he and his purple unicorn were officially adopted into a new loving forever home where they can be best friends forever!

People all over the country were touched by Officer Lane’s kind gesture and Sisu’s persistence. Even Dollar General has expressed their gratitude to Animal Control Officer Lane. They plan to make a pet food donation to the shelter and will be sending a “few extra purple unicorns” to Sisu and his forever family.

Sisu may not have successfully “stolen” his stuffed purple unicorn, but he has succeeded in stealing the hearts of people all across the country. This story shows just how much impact even the smallest acts of kindness can have on the world and reminds us to always chase our dreams. We may have more to gain than we realize!

H/T: People.com

Featured Image: Duplin County Animal Services/Facebook

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Pet food company Midwestern Pet Foods had a rough start to 2021. They recalled over 1,000 lots of three of their brands after at least 70 dogs died from aflatoxin contamination. They thought that was all behind them, but now a new recall has surfaced.

The company is voluntarily recalling some CanineX, Earthborn Holistic, Venture, Unrefined, Sportmix Wholesomes, Pro Pac, Pro Pac Ultimates, Sportstrail, Sportmix, and Meridian products due to salmonella contamination. If your dog eats any of these brands, please proceed with caution.

What Products Are Affected?

As of March 26, 2021, Midwestern Pet Foods is recalling all the food produced at their Monmouth, Illinois facility. A routine sampling program done by the company revealed that some of the food could contain salmonella. So, they opted to recall all the products that could be contaminated.

Here is a full list of the recalled products:

How Can Salmonella Harm Dogs?

Products infected with salmonella are a threat to both people and pets. Animals with salmonella could experience lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, or fever. Infected pets could also carry the bacteria without showing symptoms. So, if your dog came into contact with the contaminated food, it’s recommended that you contact your vet.

Humans can get salmonella by touching the food or coming into contact with something the food touched. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, or fever. In extreme cases, you could face arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, urinary tract symptoms, or eye pain. If you have any of these signs, you should talk to a medical professional right away.

Luckily, there have been no reported illnesses related to this recall yet.

What Should You Do with the Recalled Food?

Retailers and distributors are asked to take all recalled products off their shelves. If they’re able, sellers are also asked to contact customers to alert them of the recall.

If you have any of the affected products, do not feed them to your furry friends. Dispose of the food and make sure it’s out of reach from children, pets, and wildlife. Then, sanitize anything the food might’ve touched, such as bowls, containers, measuring cups, and counters. Also, always wash your hands after handling any dog food.

If you have further questions about this recall, you can email info@midwesternpetfoods.com or call 800-474-4163, ext 455. Their office is open from 8am to 5pm CT, Monday through Friday.

H/T: fda.gov
Featured Image: @earthborn.holistic/Facebook

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In This Issue ● Signs You Are Bathing Your Dog Wrong ● Is Your Dog At Risk For Canine Distemper? ● Dog Stops Traffic To Save Her Human ● The 5 Dog Personality Types ● Benadryl For Anxiety ● Can Dogs Share Your Easter Feast? Recent Food Recalls 3/16/21 – Bravo Packing, Inc. 1/17/21 – Mars Petcare UK 1/11/21 – Midwestern Pet Foods 11/13/20 – Albright’s Raw Chicken 10/8/20 – Sunshine Mills, Inc. HEALTH ALERT #1 5 Signs You Are Not Bathing Your Dog Correctly Of all the things you do to care for your dog, bathing may seem like a no-brainer. But dogs have sensitive skin and delicate ears prone to infection. There is a delicate balance between over-bathing and under-bathing that can mean the difference between clean & comfy and stinky & itchy! If your pup is showing any of these 5 signs, you may be bathing him wrong. A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND Drinking too much water could make vomiting or diarrhea worse. Offer ice chips instead. HAPPY, HEALTHY MUST-HAVES Itchy Dog? Try These Tasty Chews From Amazon Dogs need omega fatty acids to maintain healthy skin and a soft, silky coat, but most do not get nearly enough from dog food alone. If your pup is itchy and uncomfortable with dull or greasy fur, give him soft, delicious Happy, Healthy Omega-3-6-9 Select Krill Chews – Now available from Amazon Prime for only 50 cents a day! QUIZ OF THE WEEK Which dogs are at risk for Canine Distemper? Stray Dogs Puppies Under 16-weeks-old Unvaccinated Owned Dogs All of the Above Not sure? Read on to find the answer! HEALTH ALERT #2 Is Your Dog At Risk For Canine Distemper? Canine Distemper is one of those diseases that, like Measles in children, has been mostly eradicated by the miracle of vaccinations. However, those who choose not to vaccinate their puppies or do not keep up with routine boosters, may still see this frightening illness affect their dogs. Learn the symptoms of Canine Distemper, how it is spread, and how to protect your dog. IN THE NEWS Dog Stops Traffic To Save Her Human During A Seizure Service dogs can be trained to perform amazing tasks on behalf of their humans. But one rescue pup went above and beyond to save her master – without any training at all! When Haley Moore suddenly suffered a seizure, her dog Clover sprang into action to keep her safe and get her help. Check out the heartwarming story and view the CCTV footage of Clover’s heroic actions here! A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND If your dog has a bout of reverse sneezing, try gently blowing in her nose or massaging her throat. BEHAVIOR & TRAINING Dogs Have 5 Major Personality Types Some are outgoing; some are shy. Some can’t bear to be away from their people while others are quite independent. Scientists now say that dogs have 5 major personality types. Which best fits your pup? VET CORNER Does Benadryl Work For Dog Anxiety? by Laci Schaible, DVM, CVJ Benadryl is an antihistamine most often used for the treatment of allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny eyes itching, and hives. However, there is evidence that it can be used to help nervous dogs battle anxiety and avoid taking prescription-strength medications. Dr. Laci Schaible has the scoop. TIS THE SEASON Can Dogs Share Your Easter Feast? Baked ham, scalloped potatoes, deviled eggs, and lots of pastel-colored desserts. Easter is a great day for delicious, indulgent foods. But should your dog share in the feast? Dr. Jack Stephens’ list of Easter foods to avoid dates back to 2014, but it holds true to this day. See what the veterinarian and founder of Pet’s Best Insurance has to say about 6 popular Easter foods below. 6 EASTER FOODS TO AVOID SHARING WITH PETS Do you have a question or topic you’d like The Healthy Hound to address in an upcoming newsletter? Click here to let us know! Quiz Answer: 4. All of the Above. According to veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Primm “Any unvaccinated dog or puppy is at risk, especially young dogs not old enough to have completed their vaccine series, stray dogs, and even owned dogs that are not current on vaccines.” Sharing is Caring! The Healthy Hound Newsletter is currently invitation only. Send the following link to a friend to invite them to subscribe! iheartdogs.co/TheHealthyHoundInvite Find all past issues of The Healthy Hound Newsletter here.

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