Whisker Therapy

Dogs are often smarter than we think, and they sometimes surprise us in ways we don’t expect. When Rajah the 18-month-old pup was spooked by fireworks, she ran as far from home as possible. Her family worried about her for over seven hours, fearing that they’d never find her.

Yet, Rajah surprised her family with a human-like action. After a day of crazy adventures, Rajah knew it was time to return home. She rang the doorbell of her own home, excited to tell her family all about her exciting day of exploring.

An Unexpected Adventure

Ryan Washick and Mary Lynn Whitacre were panicked when they lost Raja. The pup was resting peacefully in the yard until she heard the scariest noise of her life. Their neighbors set off fireworks, sending Rajah racing away. Somehow, she scaled the family’s fence at 5 p.m. and made a run for it. Luckily, their other dog stayed put.

Rajah is a fast pup, so she was nowhere to be seen. Ryan and Mary Lynn gathered friends and family to help them with the search. They drove around the area and even walked over six miles on foot. Yet, their night of searching was fruitless.

“Ryan and I were freaking out and we felt really helpless,” said Mary Lynn.

So, the couple went to bed with broken hearts. It was one of the scariest nights of their lives, but it looked like there was nothing they could do. However, after going to bed, the unthinkable happened. Someone approached their door and rang the doorbell. It was someone who knew their home better than anyone.

Don’t Underestimate Dogs

Ryan said he heard scratching on the front door at about 3 a.m. Then, the doorbell rang and the camera picked up footage of a dog ringing the doorbell with their nose. Rajah was home! She knew exactly what to do in the situation, which was shocking to both Ryan and Mary Lynn.

“I don’t even know how she knew how to do that, I’ve never shown her how,” Mary Lynn said. “She doesn’t go out in the front yard, except to the car, so she’s never seen us use the doorbell.”

When they let Rajah inside, they said she cowered as if she was afraid she’d be in trouble. So, her parents assured her that they weren’t mad at all. They’re just happy that she’s back safe and sound. It seemed like Rajah had quite the exciting adventure without her family though.

“She had thorns on her and seemed to have rolled in poop,” Mary Lynn said. “So, it seems like she had a great time.”

We never know when our dogs will surprise us. After all, the family explained that they’d only lived in their current home for about a month. So, that proves sweet Rajah really is a genius!

Watch the Doorbell Footage Here:

H/T: aol.co.uk
Featured Image: Screenshot, SWNS YouTube

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If you’re a gamer, you may know her as “Dogmeat” from Fallout 4. If that sounds like gibberish to you, let me introduce you to River, as she was known in real life. I’m talking about an actual dog who inspired a video game character (also a dog.)

River the German Shepherd’s time in the studio had a huge impact on the popular game. Fallout 4, a series installment released in 2015, is a role-playing game set in a post-apocalyptic environment. The game features a companion character, Dogmeat, who’s a virtual dog you can choose to adventure alongside you.

Sadly, River passed away in June of 2021. Capy Games Studio Director Joel Burgess, who worked on Fallout 4, created a Twitter thread dedicated to the dog and her inspiring ways. Burgess began the thread by saying:

“I said goodbye today to River, who most of you know as Fallout 4’s Dogmeat. Heartbroken doesn’t cover it, but I won’t eulogize her here. For Twitter, I thought it’d be appropriate to look back at her impact on that game.”

River As A Model And Team Member

Technically, Dogmeat existed in earlier games, but the team modified the character with this newer installment. As a reference for the updated game character they were designing, River spent a lot of time at the studio. Burgess’ thread continues:

“River attended countless meetings; but not just to be poked, prodded, recorded and filmed as reference – her biggest job was just to BE with the team. The more they bonded with her, the more they saw Dogmeat as a character – a friend.”

In addition to working alongside the game developers, River became so loved that her personality made its way into the Dogmeat character design. Little details like bringing your character sticks or coming right when called were incorporated.

“The Dogmeat team was just a handful of us early on – as River stole hearts around the studio, however, more and more folks found ways to pitch in and help bring her personality into the game. She was more than a mascot or an inspiration – she was part of the team.”

A Video Game Character Based On A Good Girl

“The only way we could get these was to separate us – I’d have to stand in an adjacent room where she could smell but not reach me, until she started calling out. (These sessions were a little heartbreaking, but they also turned out to be great references for happy little celebration yips as well.)”

“Dogmeat is a tether. He grounds you in the world, will always stand by you, lead you to your family, and anticipate your needs. He wants you to be safe and happy. In other words, he loves you. And if love is River’s legacy, I am contented. Rest in peace, big girl.”

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England’s Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) is looking for the man who dumped a blue merle Greyhound with life-threatening injuries. 

The dog was apparently attacked by another canine and suffered a gaping wound to the chest. When questioned by a woman who saw the man walking the injured pooch, he said he planned to leave the dog at an estate in Leeds.

The woman intervened immediately, rushing the dog to a 24-hour vet clinic where he underwent surgery for the almost 12-inch long wound. 

Upon examination, the vet also discovered that the dog has a microchip and is named Blue. However, when staff contacted the family to whom the microchip was registered, they said they had sold Blue 18 months earlier. Now, animal rescue inspector Emma Ellis is investigating the case and trying urgently to find the person who is responsible for leaving the dog in such a condition. 

“I am keen to find the owner of Blue and am appealing for anyone who knows to get in touch,” Ellis told Leeds Live. “He is very distinctive looking and I am confident someone will know who he belongs to and believe he possibly lived near to the area where he was found.”

Ellis also revealed that someone had tried to glue Blue’s wound shut in hopes of avoiding veterinary care. 

“It appears Blue was injured following an attack by another dog and someone tried to glue the wound but did not take him for urgent veterinary treatment when he was in obvious need of help,” Ellis said. “Blue was very lucky to survive as the injury was so serious and he was losing a lot of blood.”

The woman who took Blue from the suspect described him as white and tall with dark hair. He is in his early 20s and was wearing a blue coat and dark sweatpants. The RSPCA is asking for anyone with information about the man or the dog to contact them immediately. 

As for Blue, he is now safe and recovering at the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital. While no one knows for sure quite the cruelties he faced at the hands of humans, it’s clear that Blue is thankful to be safe. 

H/T: Leeds Live

Featured Image: Provided by the RSPCA

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A dog’s love has no limits. Many canines, especially a Nashville pup named Zoey, seem to be willing to help anyone. An ill fawn wandered onto Zoey’s property, but instead of getting protective, the pup sympathized with the small creature. She helped her human look after the baby deer and offered endless amounts of cuddles and kisses to the fragile animal.

Now, thanks to the generous help from the dog and her family, the deer is headed off to receive professional care. Zoey’s kindness might have even saved the fawn’s life!

An Unexpected Guest

Musician Pat Pollifrone from the band Miller Holler found the tiny deer hanging out in his yard all alone. He knew that wild animals should stay in their natural habitats if possible, so he brought the fawn back into the woods. Yet, the fawn just couldn’t stay away.

“Found this little sweetheart yesterday in the yard so we took her into the woods. Came out this morning and she was laying in the driveway,” Pollifrone wrote on Instagram. “So I guess we have a deer now .”

Pollifrone called the fawn Bambi. He offered her some water and treated some of her wounds, including an infection around her eye caused by ticks. It wasn’t long before Zoey noticed the deer and wanted to help out too. Zoey kept checking on Bambi, giving her kisses, and cuddling with her. It was the most heartwarming sight.

Bambi is free to return to the wild at any time, but as long as she’s still around, Pollifrone is determined to help. He knows he’s not a deer expert, though. So, he searched for someone more qualified to care for Bambi.

Safe Space for Bambi

Unfortunately, none of the animal rescues he contacted were equipped to care for a young deer. Other wildlife rehabilitation centers were also difficult to reach. So, he continued to give her the best care possible, with the help of Zoey, of course.

“We will continue to care for the baby until mama comes back,” Pollifrone said. “She is doing SO MUCH BETTER! Pooping, peeing, taking goats milk. Eye infection is clearing up and the ticks have left her alone.”

Finally, Gibson County Goat Ranch offered to care for Bambi. Zoey and the fawn might miss each other dearly, but it’s what’s best for Bambi. Hopefully, after her time at the goat farm, she can be re-released into the wild. But, for now, she will just focus on healing. She was so lucky to have stumbled upon the kind home of Pollifrone and Zoey.

H/T: people.com
Featured Image: @patpollifronemusic/Instagram

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The 4th of July is a fun celebration for humans, but for dogs, it often feels like it’s the end of the world. While we’re attending parties, our poor canines are left to hide under the bed alone. As if that isn’t sad enough, the 4th of July is also the time of year that most pets go missing. So, it’s time for us to make our furry friends a priority this holiday.

Here are nine tips to help you keep your canine calm and safe during the 4th of July.

#1 – Keep Your Dog Away From the Chaos

Dogs usually like to be a part of things, but the 4th of July is one holiday they won’t mind missing. Instead of bringing them to crowded, noisy celebrations, it’s better to leave them home. Not only will loud fireworks scare them off, but there could be a lot of unhealthy food and other substances falling on the ground. Unfamiliar objects could be hazardous for your dog if they consume them. So, it’s best to keep your dog in a quiet, comfortable space that’s far away from the chaos.

#2 – Stay with Them if Possible

You probably don’t want to miss out on the excitement of this holiday, but you staying home might be the best thing for your furry friend. Having someone familiar around to comfort them could ease their anxiety. If you act calm around your dog, they’re more likely to feel relaxed as a result. If you are unable to stay home that night, consider letting someone your dog trusts stay with them.

#3 – Make Sure Their ID is Up to Date

Even the best-behaved dogs could go missing on the 4th of July. If a dog gets spooked, they might keep running until they’re far away from the scary sound. So, it’s a good idea to prepare for the worst in this scenario. If your dog is wearing a collar with identification tags, along with an up-to-date microchip, it’ll be much easier for someone to bring them back to you if they’re found. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your loved one’s life.

#4 – Set Up a Quiet Space

If you usually leave your dog in the main room while you’re gone, you might need to switch it up. Find the quietest, most sound-proof room in your home and keep your dog there. Also, make sure the space you keep them in is secure, so they can’t sneak out. If your home is too close to local fireworks, consider having them stay at a friend’s house if it’s more peaceful. The quieter the fireworks are, the less likely your dog will try to escape.

#5 – Take Advantage of White Noise

Once you find a quiet space for your dog, you can use white noise to drown out the fireworks even further. Turn on a radio, TV, or fan near your dog. Certain music genres can even have calming effects for dogs. So, take advantage of some white noise to distract your pup from the unusual sounds outside.

#6 – Exercise Them Beforehand

While it’s still light outside, you should exercise your dog as much as possible. Take them for a long walk to tucker them out before the fireworks start. When you go outside, make sure your dog’s harness fits properly, and their leash is securely clipped in. Of course, if it’s hot out, you might need to take several shorter walks instead to avoid heatstroke. After a nice stroll, your dog will sleep better, hopefully distracting them from the fireworks.

#7 – Provide a Distraction

Sleep isn’t the only distraction you can provide for your pooch. Puzzle toys, such as toys filled with treats or smaller squeaky toys, are great for keeping your canine’s mind busy. Playing games with your dog or giving them something to chew on can also distract them. Just make sure that you’re keeping an eye on them while they play to avoid choking.

#8 – Desensitize Them to Fireworks

Some dogs will freak out every 4th of July, no matter how many times they’ve experienced it. If you want this annual anxiety to end, you might need to work on some training. Try playing sounds of fireworks while rewarding your dog with something they love, like their favorite treat. Your dog might learn that fireworks aren’t a threat. If you’re having trouble with this, consult a vet or dog trainer for professional advice.

#9 – Try CBD for Dogs

Even if you’ve tried everything, your dog might still be overly anxious on the 4th of July. So, many dog parents try CBD for dogs to help soothe that nervousness. Cannanine Organic Hemp CBD is a great option for canines. CBD products can calm your dog and help them feel more comfortable without causing the side effects of medications. Plus, there’s no THC in Cannanine, so you know it’s safe and will not make your dog feel “high.”

You might be excited for the 4th of July, but your dog probably isn’t. Keep that in mind before exposing them to loud, overwhelming situations. If your dog dreads this holiday more than the rest, then it can’t hurt to give these nine safety tips a try!

H/T: akc.org

The post 9 Tips To Keep Your Dog Calm And Safe This 4th Of July appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

Punishment for animal abusers ultimately rests with the judge on the case. Still, with how far and wide things can circulate on the internet, these criminals often get their comeuppance in other ways too. That’s what’s fueling angry animal lovers after a woman arrested for a 2017 abuse incident received a less-than-severe sentence.

Keevonna Wilson initially pled not guilty, but later accepted a plea deal. In the end, the judge gave Wilson four years probation, community service, and ordered her to pay just under $600 in court fees. In other words, she avoided jail time for her crime.

Outside of court, the 26-year-old Instagram model, who goes by “Flawless” or “Flawless World” on social media, faced the fury of animal lovers and advocates worldwide after a video of the abuse resurfaced.

The 2017 Abuse Incident

The reason Wilson saw trial in the first place is thanks to an elevator security camera in the Miami area condo building where she resided. CCTV cameras captured her abusing her dog at around 1 am in September of 2017.

In the security video, you can clearly see Chastity, a then 18-month-old Shih Tzu/Yorkie mix, run frightened into the elevator. Wilson chases the little dog into the corner and begins stomping on her with her foot.

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING IMAGE MAY BE UPSETTING TO SOME READERS.

When given a moment, Chastity trots apprehensively over to the other side of the elevator, where she receives even more kicks. The already devastating video ends on a heartbreaking note, with Chastity exiting the elevator after her owner but not wanting to follow right away.

Later, someone reported that a dog had defecated in the building, so security reviewed the CCTV and saw this footage. They then turned the horrifying video over to the police.

Upon Wilson’s arrest, Miami-Dade Animal Services seized Chastity. Fortunately, after inspection, they were able to determine she was not severely injured. She did, however, suffer emotional damages, wincing at the people trying to hold her.

Following Wilson’s Arrest

It didn’t take long after her arrest for Wilson to be let out on a $5000 bond. Initially, she issued an apology before deleting her Instagram account. She explained that she was taking anger management classes, writing:

“I should’ve never allow[ed] my anger issues to dictate how I would treat my own defenseless dog. I don’t want to make any excuses for my wrongs, I was completely out of line for my actions.”

Today, it appears the once deleted account is back and fully functioning as a display of the “Flawless” brand and Wilson’s modeling photos. It even boasts over 67,000 followers (which can equal a lot of income for an influencer.) Whether the lessons she claims to have learned stuck as well remains to be seen. Fortunately, she won’t be seeing Chastity or owning another dog.

Social Media Still Hopes For Justice

Enraged by what they saw, the lack of jail time, and Wilson’s return to a thriving Instagram account, people online hope sponsors and fans of “Flawless” think twice about their support.

“I didn’t know animal abusers have models.” – Maritza Puga via Facebook

“If every animal lover out there shares what she’s done n spams her every post, however unrelated, about her abusing her puppy, let’s see how many followers remain.” -Yvonne Loh via Facebook

Though Wilson was ordered to pay the $2,795 veterinarian bill to cover the costs of services and treatment for Chastity, many think that falls short. Hopefully, Wilson is really committed to making up for her past, but if not, karma will have some heavy lifting to do.

H/T: TapHaps.com
Featured Image: MA Milian via YouTube

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Day in and day out, police officer Brian Kitko and Max the Belgian Malinois were at each other’s sides. 

From police missions to time at home, the pair were nearly inseparable, according to the Grove City, Ohio Police Department. But in early June, the two made their last call together. 

A cancerous growth was discovered on Max, resulting in emergency surgery. It was a risky procedure, and sadly, Max did not survive.

Max had been with the police department since 2015. His 6-year tenure has left a hole in the department, which is now mourning the loss of one of their own. 

“It was so unexpected,” said police Lt. Jason Stern. “Most of us are still processing it. It is shocking. He was so healthy and had endless energy.”

Unfortunately, growths like the one that Max had can go undetected for a long time. By the time the opportunity for surgery arises, it is sometimes too late. 

Max joined the department when he was just 2 years old. According to the department, he was the force’s first canine officer since the 1960s. There, he would assist officers with narcotics detection, criminal apprehension, and article search. 

He served with the special operations bureau and patrol — and assisted in more than 600 arrests during his career. 

“That is pretty tremendous,” said Stern. “That is about 100 arrests a year. That is a lot for anybody.”

Not only was Max a great worker on the police force, but he was also a community asset. Kitko and Max participated in Grove City events, marched in parades, and were regular presenters at the Grove City Library.

“Max was kind of a celebrity,” Stern said. “Max was a serious working dog – he was all business. But he would go out in the community around kids, and he was great. That was a well-done component of Brian’s job.”

As for the future of the canine program in the Grove City Division of Police, Stern said that it is still up in the air.

“The sudden nature (of Max’s death) caught us flat-footed,” Stern said. “We are not prepared to open that door yet.”

On June 15, Max’s life was celebrated with a small police procession through Grove City with his remains in tow. It was a private matter, as requested by Officer Kitko. 

At the police office, there is a patio with bricks that feature the names of retired officers. Stern said that they might dedicate one of the bricks to Max. 

After all, he was one of their own. 

H/T: Columbus Messenger
Featured Image: Grove City Ohio Police/ Facebook

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Pet Insurance: Rip-Off Or Life-Saver?

In this article we are going to cover the topic of pet insurance. It is hotly debated by dog owners, vets and others alike. As an informed owner, it is something you’ll want to understand.

So what is it?

Pet Insurance is an insurance policy that pays for your vet bills should your dog get injured or sick. Most policies have limits on what they cover and many reimburse you for money spent vs. paying the vet directly.

Why does this even matter? According to the ASPCA , the average yearly cost of a dog is $1,000 – $2,000. This does not include an emergency vet visit. Those can run $500 – $5000 depending on the type of care needed. Alternatively, the yearly cost of Pet Insurance can range from $300 – $500.

A survey done by the Associated Press found that a significant number of pet owners (41 percent) are extremely or somewhat worried they could not afford the medical bills for a sick dog.

So is pet insurance the answer? It depends.

Buying pet insurance is both an economic and emotional decision that needs to be based on your personal financial situation and what you’re willing to pay for peace of mind. If you can have an emergency fund of $3,000-$5,000 you can set aside then you are probably good to go. If you don’t then pet insurance could work for you. The right policy can be a big asset to the health of your dog.

Let’s be frank – it’s all about our dog(s). No one in the moment of some unforeseen issue wants to have to worry about the costs. We all just want to focus on our fur babies and giving them the best care possible.

If pet insurance sounds like something you’d like to explore, you can start by getting a quote from Embrace – one of the top pet insurers. If you want to look at other quotes. any mainstream insurer with a solid reputation can provide you a quote as well.

(Disclaimer: The Insurance company listed above has an affiliate relationship with iHeartDogs.com. Their recommendation, however, has to do with their performance in recent third party pet insurance reviews.)

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Several days after the Champlain Towers South Condo collapsed near Miami Beach, only 11 have been found dead, with 150 still missing. Yet, that isn’t the only heartbreaking part of the situation. Now, many survivors are coming forward to ask about their pets, who have been missing since the collapse.

With people being the priority, officials haven’t been searching for the furry family members, so residents fear the worst.

Pets Are Family Too

It’s unclear what the pet restrictions were in this condo. Some say that only therapy animals were allowed while others say that all pets were. Either way, it’s clear that some animals were living in the condo, and many of them are still missing. Someone claimed they saw a large dog being rescued with their family, and another individual reported that their dog didn’t survive. But like humans, many animals are still unaccounted for.

Susana Alvarez is one of the residents speaking up about lost animals. Her emotional support cat named Mia is missing. If Mia survived, Alvarez believes that she’ll be hiding beneath her bed, too scared to move. Alvarez just needs someone to help bring her furry friend down.

“I am alone – I have nobody,” said Alvarez. “I thought we were being bombed. If I hadn’t been so scared, in hindsight, I would have gone back in to get her, but I was terrified.”

Right now, there’s not much being done for the missing pets. Of course, finding the missing people is the current priority, so finding pets will have to wait until the humans have been accounted for. That leaves families even more worried about their pets’ safety.

An Ongoing Tragedy

This tragedy seems to be an accident caused by a damaged garage and pool deck. Yet, the damage it caused is surreal, and the search for survivors looks like it won’t end anytime soon. Along with the many heroes already at the scene, animal organizations have also stepped up to help reunite lost pets.

“There are a number of families we know who have not been reunited with their pets and we are working to identify others,” said Yolanda Berkowitz with Friends of Miami Foundation. “Any persons displaced by this tragedy in need of boarding, medical assistance, or anything else their pet may need during this time can contact us at info@fomapets.org for assistance.”

Some residents are trivializing the pet deaths of the collapse, arguing that everyone should be worried about the people instead. Yet, it’s okay to worry about more than one thing at a time. Anyone who has an animal in their family knows how loving and loyal they can be. Our pets wouldn’t give up on us, so that’s why their families are searching so hard for them.

Hopefully, there will soon be some good news for both humans and animals affected by the collapse. Authorities suggest that pet parents should register their furry friends as missing to receive more assistance in the matter.

H/T: nypost.com
Featured Image: Champlain South Surfside Building Collapse, Rescue and Resources Facebook

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