Shelter Puppy And Her Sister Hug Each Other For Comfort After Being Rescued

When Jane MacMurchy, operations director of the Animal Charity of Ohio, received a call reporting a family of dogs in need of help, she came to save the poor animals.

She arrived at the address to find a 7-year-old mother and her two 5-month-old puppies living in t.e.r.r.i.b.l.e conditions. They lived in a makeshift pen and were completely unsocialized.

It was clear that they were not cared for by their owners and had to fend for themselves.
After hours of convincing, the owners agreed to surrender the two puppies Peaches and Layla and their mom Lady to the rescuers. The family dog was quickly taken to the shelter and checked over by vets.

They were relatively healthy, but Peaches and Layla lacked confidence, especially when their mom wasn’t there. They clinged to each other for comfort in the shelter. It broke MacMurchy’s heart to see them comforting each other with a huge hug.“We were doing the vaccinations and the wellness check, and Mom finished first,” MacMurchy said. “We were walking her out into our intake area, and the puppies, without mom, latched on to each other because they were so scared.”

Just a few days after being rescued, Lary is already confident on her own and is happy to meet everyone. However, for her two puppies, they need more time to learn to be confident.

Now, the little family is living together at the shelter, where they get the medical care and socialization they so desperately need. The staffs try to give them time multiple times a day to just relax and learn how to trust.
“[Lady] is a tail-wagging, wiggle-butt little love, who is just happy to receive affection,” MacMurchy said. “The puppies are not quite there yet. They are accepting of love and accepting of affection, they are wiggly and happy when they’re together and they’re leaning on each other for their confidence. They are extremely dependent on each other,” MacMurchy added.

When Peaches and Layla are ready to be adopted, we hope that they will go to a home together. There, not only do they get hugs from each other, but they also get love from their family.

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10 Common Health Problems in Dogs

1. Arthritis

Arthritis is a common condition in older dogs that causes inflammation of the joints, leading to pain and stiffness, which can affect the dog's mobility. This condition can be managed through medication, physical therapy, and homeopathic remedies. Glucosamine is also effective in preventing and alleviating the symptoms of arthritis.

2. Obesity

Obesity is prevalent among dogs, with almost 60% of them either overweight or obese. Obesity increases the risk of certain types of cancer, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. The best way to avoid and treat obesity is to provide a healthy diet and regular exercise. Consult your veterinarian before changing your dog's diet or exercise routine.

3. Dental Diseases

Dental disease in dogs is typically caused by an unclean mouth, and approximately 80% of dogs will have some signs of dental disease by the age of two. Gum disease is the most common type of dental disease, which can cause bacterial infections that may require surgical removal to prevent the infection from spreading to the jaw and skull. Regular dental care can prevent oral diseases.

4. Allergies

Skin allergies in dogs are more common than food allergies and are often manifested as atopic dermatitis. Allergies cannot be cured but can be managed with medication or a prescribed diet.

5. Skin Infections and Hot Spots

Skin infections and hot spots can occur when bacteria infect a wound, leading to redness, inflammation, itching, and irritation. Bathing your dog regularly and seeking veterinary care for wounds can help prevent infections.

6. Benign Tumors

Benign tumors are usually harmless fatty deposits or skin lumps that are unlikely to spread or cause significant harm. If you notice any lumps on your dog's skin, you should get them checked by a vet to determine the best options for treatment.

7. Parasites

Parasites can enter or attach to your dog's body when they eat something contaminated or come into contact with another animal that has the parasite. Internal parasites (heartworms), intestinal parasites (hookworms and ringworms), and external parasites (fleas and ticks) are common. Coccidia in puppies and Giardia in dogs are also frequently transmitted through contaminated water sources.

8. Ear Infections

Ear infections can be caused by several factors, including allergies, autoimmune disorders, wax buildup, and excessive cleaning. Signs of an ear infection include excessive scratching or shaking of the head, odor, dark discharges, and redness or swelling in the ear canal. Medicated cleansers, topical medication, and oral antibiotics can treat dog ear infections.

9. Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause discomfort, pain, frequent urination, or blood in the urine. UTIs could be a sign of a more severe issue like bladder stones or urinary blockage, and it is crucial to consult a veterinarian immediately.

10. Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries occur when a dog pulls a muscle, sprains a joint, or causes damage to the canine soft tissue. Rest, medication, and physical therapy are typically required to help dogs recover from soft tissue injuries.

In conclusion, as a responsible pet parent, educating yourself about the most common symptoms of a sick dog and ensuring access to a veterinarian are essential for your pet's wellbeing. Some health conditions can be hard to detect, and you should never wait until it's too late.