Whisker Therapy

When people meet Jasper, the 8-pound Chihuahua mix, the first thing they notice is his charming smile. Jasper has a permanent smile, so he always looks like the happiest pup in the world. But sadly, Jasper’s signature grin is a neurological condition that likely causes him pain. Finding the cause and cure for his condition certainly isn’t cheap either.

So, Front Street Animal Shelter in Sacramento, California is asking for donations to help with sweet Jasper’s medical needs. Right now, he might look happy, but this rescue dog deserves to feel that happy too!

Hidden Behind a Smile

Jasper’s unique facial expression makes many people smile in return. But the shelter staff suspect that he has nerve damage that forces his mouth and ears to stay upright. He plays and cuddles just like all the other dogs, but he likely has many underlying issues that you might not notice.

The testing and treatments for Jasper’s condition could cost thousands of dollars, which the shelter doesn’t have to spare. So, they shared an adorable video of him on Facebook, urging followers to donate some money to help him.

“So far it’s looking like it will be around $4,000, but that could add up to more depending on how much treatment he needs and it could be ongoing,” said Haley Waugh with Front Street Animal Shelter.

As the organization tries to reach its goal, the staff are keeping Jasper as comfortable and content as possible. The sooner they figure out his condition and how to treat it, the sooner he can get adopted and live his best life.

Help Jasper Gather Donations!

The shelter still has a lot to learn about Jasper and his medical needs, but it seems that he already has some apparent health problems. His neurological issues cause some twitching, and he also has kidney problems. So, any donations are appreciated, not only to help him but to also help all the animals in their care.

“He might not have the most time left but we’re going to do whatever we can to make the best of it and give him as much time here as we can as comfortably as possible,” said Waugh.

Once they find the root of Jasper’s special smile and start treating him, the shelter staff hope to find the pup his perfect home. If you’d like to help make Jasper’s dreams come true, consider donating to help shelter animals in need. If you’re interested in adopting him, email hwaugh@cityofsacramento.org.

H/T: sacramento.cbslocal.com
Featured Image: Facebook

The post Permanently Smiling Dog Needs Massive Donation To Save His Life appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

via Whisker Therapy

A community in California has chosen a dog to be their mayor! And who can blame them? Dogs are trustworthy, loyal, and protective. Who wouldn’t want those qualities in a mayor? Well, Copper, the five-year-old Golden Retriever is definitely all of that and more.

Copper officially became the honorary mayor of Copperopolis on September sixth, after 1,800 people cast their votes for him to be the mayor of their unincorporated town. (This means the title is purely ceremonial.) The tiny California town only has a population of 4,300, so a sizable percentage of people showed their support for Copper. And his vice mayor, Jaxson, who is also a dog. 

Not only is Copper essentially the town mascot, but he even has his own phone number and ice cream shop! His handsome smiling face adorns the sign, and his presence there always delights the customers. Of course, the shop doesn’t only sell delicious ice cream that’s crafted for people but offers options for their canine companions as well. Often, when Copper visits, a long line forms of fans asking to pose for pictures with the pup.

“People in the town always want to get photos with him. And you can also text him and he’ll respond,” shares Katelyn Nassar about her family dog.

Copper’s dad is Mike Fletcher, a real estate developer who partnered with Tom Hix and acquired quite a bit of land. Their newly acquired acreage encompasses thousands of acres and includes the town square and the 18-hole golf course. They have already begun “transforming the town” and plan to develop over 1,000 homes over the next two decades. Copper is the spokesdog for the development project aimed to rebrand Copperopolis as “Copper Valley, one of California’s best-kept secrets.”

When Copper’s not hosting meet-and-greets, hosting pet costume competitions, or spending time at his ice cream shop, he greets people at the pet-friendly Gateway Hotel that’s located in the town square. The hotel is one of the buildings that was updated when the developers first acquired the acreage. Residents truly enjoy being around Cooper’s relaxed energy and claim it has a calming effect. 

“Out of all the dogs we’ve had, he is the most special,” says Copper’s dad, Mike.

If you want to keep up with Copper’s adventures as Mayor of Copperopolis, you can follow him on his social media page, here. 

H/T: calaverasenterprise.com
Featured Image: Copper’s Ice Cream and Candy / Facebook 

The post Dog Chosen As Mayor Of Small California Community appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

via Whisker Therapy

Saying goodbye to a beloved friend is never easy. Still, the staff at Smiths Station Animal Hospital go above and beyond to ensure their patients and clients have every creature-comfort in these heartbreaking moments.

Recently, the Lee County, Alabama vet clinic posted a photo to Facebook, and its bittersweet meaning is hitting viewers right in the feels. The image shows a clear jar filled to the brim with Hershey’s Kisses. Written on the side, with hearts for O’s, are the words “Goodbye Kisses.”

The photo is tagged with the following message from Smiths Station veterinarian, Dr. Nicole Namie:

“This jar is reserved for our euthanasia appointments…because no dog should go to Heaven without tasting chocolate.“

A Sweet Gesture

Such a simple sentiment, but one that has touched the hearts of dog lovers around the world. Pet parents know that eating chocolate can have negative health implications for their pups. However, when the end is near, Dr. Namie feels this is one rule that can—and should—be broken.

“We try to provide as much comfort as possible during a terribly difficult and emotional time. My staff has always kept little snacks and candy bars tucked away specifically for those appointments. Typically, these are treats that I wouldn’t recommend giving to my patients, but in their final moments I think it’s important to offer them something special. It isn’t a service that clients expect or anticipate, but they really seem to appreciate. They seem to find comfort in knowing their pets are going to Heaven with a full belly and love in their hearts,” Dr. Namie told WRBL News 3.

Above & Beyond

On nice days, Dr. Namie and her staff will invite families to sit outside with their pets for a picnic. It is yet another way to soften these devastating moments and reframe their final memories.

“Our clients and patients are like family,” Dr. Namie said. “So when we lose a patient, we really take it to heart as if we’re losing one of our own.  We recognize that they’re saying “goodbye” to a member of their family; in some cases, a family member that has been around longer than a decade. It’s a pet that their kids have grown up with and they’ve made a decade of memories with. Electing to euthanize a pet is an incredibly vulnerable time. In many cases, it’s the first time kids have had to say goodbye to someone they’ve loved.”

Kisses Go Viral

In the span of just over a week, the clinic’s Facebook post received more than 13,000 comments and was shared over 126,000 times.

Impassioned readers have been inspired to share their own stories of loss, often including photos of cherished pets that have passed on. Others have vowed to spread the concept into their own communities.

Nicole Watson wrote: “I need to share this idea with my vet. I wish I had given a “Kiss” to my girl before she passed in March. ”

Lyndzi Stockton shared, “Your goodbye kisses jar made me really think about my dog’s final days. She’s still young now, but I am determined to remember to give her a goodbye kiss when her time comes. “

One post viewer even sent an anonymous bag of Hershey’s Kisses to the clinic to help them continue their good work.

Love, Pass It On

Smiths Station Animal Hospital received so many photos of pets that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, they decided to compile them into three short videos you can view on their Facebook page. They are overwhelmed by the response to their simple post and overjoyed that it has touched so many hearts.

“From all of us at SSAH, we want to thank everyone for the likes, comments, and shares of our Goodbye Kisses post. We did not expect the blessings in return. We have read all your stories, we have cried, and we have been overwhelmed by the sweet responses from people all around the world.”

Dr. Namie hopes more vet clinics will start offering “Goodbye Kisses” to help put a positive spin on families’ final moments with their pets and renew a sense of compassion and community.

H/T to WRBL News 3
Featured Image via Facebook/Smiths Station Animal Hospital

The post Animal Hospital Offers Dogs Chocolate “Goodbye Kisses” In Their Final Moments appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

via Whisker Therapy

My overseas adventures brought me to an incredible dog rescue on the island of Phuket! Amber Abroad: Part 7 introduced you to the tireless work performed within these shelter walls, and a few of the special pups that call the Bodhi Rescue home.

Now that you have a better idea of how the Bodhi Dog Rescue and Shelter began, I’d like to take you through a typical day in the life of caring for the 200 plus dogs that live on site. This work couldn’t be done without the dedication of the hardworking staff, and the many volunteers that offer a helping hand each week.

I had the privilege of filming a typical day with the Bodhi pups during my time in Phuket, and I can’t wait for you all to witness the team’s hard work in action! These pups may have come from different backgrounds, but they all share the same support from their many caretakers.

In this video you will see pups enjoying their homemade meals, barreling through an open field, participating in physical therapy, and cuddling with the many dog lovers that dedicate their time to the shelter. This life would be impossible without Tina and her staff, and we are so thankful for their efforts to save these incredible pups.

Check out the video below for a day in the life of a dog at the Bodhi Dog Rescue and Shelter in Phuket, Thailand. 

If you would like to donate towards the care of the many dogs at the Bodhi Dog Rescue and Shelter, click here!

Check out part 7 in my series: Amber Abroad: Part 7: Dog Shelter In Thailand Has Rescued Hundreds Of Dogs From Heartbreaking Pasts

The post Amber Abroad: Part 8: A Day In The Life Of Caring For Over 200 Dogs In Thailand appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

via Whisker Therapy

An adventurous pooch named Rico is safe at home with his family after a freak accident almost claimed his life. Out on his own one evening, Rico was walking to a neighbor’s house in the small community of Prairietown, Illinois, when he fell into a 40-foot well.

The local fire rescue reached out to the Edwardsville Fire Department, which has a specialized team for technical rescues in confined spaces. The two groups of heroes came together, working in the dark until Rico was back above ground and free from danger.

“Huge shout out to Edwardsville Fire Department for sending out their confined space/technical rescue team!!! This would have been a different story without you,” the Prairietown Fire Department posted on their Facebook page.

“Edwardsville FD came in and got the little guy out. They used specialized training to go down the well,” they continued.

An Elaborate Rescue

The Edwardsville technical team created a pulley system by placing a tripod on top of the well. This allowed them to lower a firefighter down into the narrow space. When the rescuer inside the well had Rico in his arms, the other firefighters engaged the pulley to bring them back to safety.

Once at the surface, Rico was wrapped in a blanket and greeted by overjoyed firefighters who reported the pup was “happy to see everyone once he was freed.” Despite the death-defying drop into the well, Rico was not seriously injured.

“Why when the pager goes off during dinner, bedtime stories with our kids, or family events we go running out the door,” they added. “When we got a call about Rico being down a 40 ft well we all feared the worst. We called Edwardsville Fire Department in for some help and with their heroic efforts Rico is safe and giving us doggy kisses!!!”

Rico’s parents, Paul and Susan Miller, were on the scene to shower their boy with relieved hugs and kisses. Paul commented that the dog’s survival without any injuries is a “miracle.”

“A huge thank you to all the rescue workers who got Rico out safe and sound,” he said. “This morning he acts like nothing ever happened. Amazing!”

Rico and his family are clearly grateful to the Prairietown and Edwardsville Fire Departments. However, this close call is a good reminder of how important it is to keep dogs on a leash when outside the home. It’s a big world, and there are so many potential dangers out there for a little dog.

H/T to Fox2Now
Featured Images via Prairietown Fire Department/Facebook

The post Two Fire Departments Join Forces To Rescue Dog From 40-Foot Well appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

via Whisker Therapy

Fromm Family Foods of Mequon, Wisconsin, recently issued a recall related to some of its canned food recipes. The brand has only had one other recall, which was in 2016 for a similar issue.

The company voluntarily recalled about 5,500 cases of canned dog food due to elevated levels of Vitamin D. If you have any of these cans, Fromm urges you to stop serving them to your dog right away. While Vitamin D is healthy for dogs, high amounts can provide unexpected risks.

Which Products Were Recalled?

Fromm recalled four different flavors of their Shredded can Entrée dog food. All of the products were 12-ounce cans with an expiration date of 08/2024. Each case has 12 cans in it.

The following products were recalled:

• Four-Star Shredded Beef in Gravy Entrée
  • UPC: 7270511876
• Four-Star Shredded Chicken in Gravy Entrée
  • UPC: 7270511880
• Four-Star Shredded Pork in Gravy Entrée
  • UPC: 7270511878
• Four-Star Shredded Turkey in Gravy Entrée
  • UPC: 7270511882

No other formulas were affected by this recall. Fromm announced that they have since identified the error and added corrective actions on top of their existing safety process to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.

Risks of Too Much Vitamin D

No injuries or illnesses have been reported in this recall, but dogs of all sizes could be affected. The packages have been pulled out of distribution, but some cans could have already been purchased by dog parents.

Dogs who consume too much Vitamin D could experience vomiting, loss of appetite, excessive drooling, weight loss, increased thirst, or increased urination. At drastically high levels, dogs could be at risk of severe health problems, such as kidney failure.

If your dog eats this food and experiences unusual symptoms, contact your vet immediately. Vitamin D is essential for healthy bone growth, but too much of any vitamins and minerals can be dangerous for canines. So, it’s always better to be safe than sorry in these situations.

What to Do with Affected Cans

The company distributes products to pet supply stores nationwide. If you purchased one of the recalled items, stop feeding it to your dog right away. You can return the affected cans to the place you bought them from for a full refund. Retailers have already been notified to take the products off the shelves.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this recall, you can call Fromm Family Foods at 1-800-325-6331 any time Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm Central Time. You can also email them at info@frommfamily.com.

H/T: fda.gov
Featured Image: Facebook

The post RECALL: Popular Dog Food Brand Has Elevated Vitamin Levels appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

via Whisker Therapy

On September 22, 2021, a plane crashed just 30 miles southwest of Page, Arizona. The plane came from San Martin, California, and it went down as it was descending into the Arizona city. The cause of the crash is still unknown.

It was a smaller plane with two humans and one dog inside. The pilot died amid the crash while the passenger was severely injured. The dog survived but ran off in a panic immediately after. Luckily, officials later tracked down the skittish and traumatized pup. He’s now in the safety of a familiar home, but it may take him some time to recover.

An Unexpected Crash

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene, which occurred at around 9:25 pm. They identified the pilot as Jim Petersen and the passenger as Uta Petersen. They didn’t say how they were related. The National Transportation Safety Board is still investigating the incident, trying to discover the cause of the crash.

Then, officials spotted a dog amid the plane wreckage, looking incredibly confused. When someone tried to approach him, he ran off in fear. They didn’t see the dog again that day.

Officials took Uta Petersen to a Utah hospital, but her injuries haven’t been disclosed yet. Jim Petersen’s body went to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s office for further investigation.

Dog Returns to Safety

Investigators returned to the scene three days later, and to their surprise, the dog was back. He sat beside the wreckage again but bolted when he saw the helicopter land. The crew members used water to lure the dog to them, and they put a leash on him to prevent him from escaping again.

The dog was exhausted, hungry, and thirsty, but other than that; he was in good shape despite everything. Somehow, he didn’t seem to have any major injuries from the crash. His survival was like a miracle.

“This tough guy seemed to be in decent shape for having survived a plane crash and a few days in the Arizona wilderness,” wrote the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

The air rescue team took the dog to the Page Airport, which was his initial destination. From there, Coconino County officers reunited the pup with his family members. It may take him some time to calm down after this traumatic incident, especially if he was close to the humans on board. Hopefully, Uta Petersen will have a speedy recovery.

H/T: azdps.gov
Featured Image: Twitter

The post Dog Reunites With Family After Surviving Fatal Plane Crash appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

via Whisker Therapy