Whisker Therapy

When Ali, a bomb-sniffing Dutch Shepherd, was forced to retire due to his age back in December, his handler, Troy Sutton, was still in Iraq and worried that he would never see Ali again. Luckily, K-9 Hero Haven stepped in and helped Ali transition into retired life while Sutton finished his time in Iraq.

Sutton had served in the United States Army for 24 years but now works for American K-9 Detection Services, where he works with dogs to sniff out bombs in Iraq. Sutton had worked with Ali for about 5 years and became very attached to him during that time. He told WNEP:

“He was my life over there because he took care of me. He was very good at it, too. I trusted him and I think everyone else trusted him, too.”

Bobbie Jo Donovan cared for Ali while Sutton finished out his time in Iraq. She said:

“He fit right in. I have three kids, not a problem, like he’s been there his whole life.”

K-9 Hero Haven provides working dogs with homes after retirement and works with the military, veterans, and first responders. They also help transition those working dogs into retired life. Donovan said:

“These dogs served. They’re soldiers, too. They deserve to have a good retirement. It feels good when you’re giving [them] that. Otherwise, we don’t know where they would end up.”

Sutton is looking forward to living the retired life with Ali.

“If it wasn’t for [K-9 Hero Haven’s president Anne Gibbs] and Bobbie Jo, I wouldn’t get to see him again.”

(H/T: Fox43)

Heartbroken pet parents around the country are warning others to be alert. Several coyote attacks on dogs, mostly small breeds, have already been documented just this year.

If you weren’t aware, you may be surprised at how widespread and healthy the coyote population in the U.S. is. Coyotes can be found in all 48 contiguous states and Alaska, and the population appears to be rising – and so is the number of attacks on pets.

Though some people may get a thrill spotting one of the few wild canids left in the U.S., dog owners are doing what they can to deter them from getting near their homes and families. Coyotes are known to carry off their prey, and those who have seen their small pets attacked by coyotes often state that the attacks happen very quickly.

You may feel a bit safer living in an urban area, but like the fox, coyotes are no strangers to suburbs and even cities. In fact, coyotes are thought to thrive in metropolitan areas due to the abundance of food in the area. They’re often mistaken for dogs, which keeps them safe from those who might harm them.

Coyotes may be predators, but as living creatures and cousins to our beloved dogs, they deserve to live peaceful lives; and though we may not want them in our yards violence doesn’t have to be the answer. There are several steps you can take to keep your pet safe, without having to harm a coyote.

Learn a few non-violent methods to deter coyotes from this video from USA Today:

Other steps you can take to keep your dog safe:

 – Coyotes are attracted to food. Don’t leave dog food or garbage outdoors, especially overnight when coyotes are more active. Wait until morning to take your garbage out. 

 – If you see a coyote, make noise. Coyotes are usually afraid of people, and loud noise is likely to scare them off and deter them from returning. Carry a bicycle horn, shake your keys, be as loud as possible. 

 – Consider a Coyote Vest. It may look a bit strange, but it will make it difficult and painful for a coyote to attempt to carry your pet away. 

 – The best thing you can do to keep your pet safe is to stay outside with them at all times. Coyotes move very quickly and will often carry off prey, it takes only a moment. 

 – If the coyote doesn’t appear to afraid, or is being aggressive, get yourself and your pet indoors and call the authorities for help.

H/T: USAToday.com