For nearly three weeks, the people of Southern California were pummeled with relentless storms. 32 trillion gallons of water, 160mph winds in the mountains, and tens of millions without power.
For the Brill Family, it also meant that their Australian Shepherd, Seamus, was not able to do his normal routine, which meant going on multiple walks a day. The family let him play in their backyard and gave him endless chew toys, but his energy still pent up inside him.
“The walks are absolutely essential just to take the edge off,” Emily Brill said. “He definitely had some cabin fever.”
On January 16th, the weather finally broke allowing Emily to take both Seamus and their other dog Topaz on a much needed walk. Emily went to adjust the leash when she lost her grip and Seamus broke free. He bolted and wriggled through a fence.
What was normally a dry basin, was now a raging river and Seamus began sliding into the water. She tried to keep up on foot, but was quickly losing track of Seamus. Brill called 911 immediately and her husband quickly drove over to help.
Her husband joined her and they used the Apple Air Tag that was on Seamus' collar to track his location. He was more than a mile down from where he had entered the river.
Unknown to the couple, Seamus was able to escape the water via a drain pipe. That is where Darrell Smith heard him barking. The dog was ten feet below the bike path along the river.
Smith was able to flag down the San Bernardino Fire Department that was called to the scene. The firefighters quickly got down to the drain pipe and rescued Seamus. He was then driven to the location on the tag and when no one answered, the Brill family was called.
Despite the ordeal, Seamus was still his energetic self when he was reunited with his family. “He just took one look at me, and he just gave me a hug,” Brill said.
Emily thanked Darrell for his help and asked if there was anything she could do to thank him. Based on his request, she bought him and others at his camp four queen-size fleece blankets, 20 pairs of socks, sweatshirts, undershirts and nonperishable foods like trail mix, granola bars and protein bars.
Brill also started a gofundme to raise money for Smith to get permanent housing, which he hasn't had for 10 years. “He saved Seamus’s life,” Brill said, “so I just wanted to do more for him.”
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]]>Sato Dogs are generally smaller than 30 pounds and of a Terrier mix. Upon arrival in Dayton, the dogs will be examined, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, heartworm tested, de-wormed, flea treated, and micro chipped.
Additionally, they will be put into foster care until they are available to be adopted.
“Our organization is focused on saving the lives of animals. We work hard every day to support animals locally and we are fortunate to have been a part of making our community a no-kill community. Periodically, we get the opportunity to help other areas of the country that are experiencing an animal-related emergency or crisis. In this case, it is not a natural disaster, but an animal crisis nonetheless,” said Brian Weltge, Humane Society President and CEO.
“When many groups help a little, the overall impact can be enormous … We are happy that we could be a resource for Puerto Rico and we are fortunate to have the amazing volunteers and fosters available to help us with these dogs as they transition to our shelter and soon to new forever homes.”
Puerto Rico has around 500,000 stray dogs to date. Additionally, the island has a 94% euthanasia rate among dogs in shelters. To help save these dogs, many organizations, including the American Humane Society, have launched mass spay and neuter programs as well as setting up placements within the continental United States.
Learn more about the rescue operation on Facebook!
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]]>“They kind of taste like a graham cracker a little bit, but without the sweetness. They seem nasty, but they’re really not. It’s all edible ingredients,” says Charly, a reStart resident, who participates in a job training program for at-risk youth known as reTreats.
The program started in 2020 and currently has three employees. Funding is provided by Jackson County COMBAT and the Health Forward Foundation. Participants receive a stipend to work 9 a.m. to noon three days per week. The dog treats come in two sizes for large dogs ($8) and small dogs ($4). They are sold at Crane’s Raytown Brewery, Waldo Pizza, Fareway Meat Market and Game Café, as well as the City Market and Brookside Farmers Market. To further the mission of helping those in need, for every five bags sold, one bag is donated to the Pet Resource Center of Kansas City.
“Initially, we thought online would be our biggest sales, but in-person sales are most successful because in-person allows us to tell the story,” says Jonathan Roberts, reStart’s Chief Operating Officer. “We didn’t want people to buy dog treats from us just because we told them a sad story. We didn’t want the teens to be stigmatized or tokenized,” Roberts says. “It needed to be a legit business.”
Charly, is just one of many in the nation who have dealt with homelessness. She fled a verbally abusive home, and ended up living in her car and on the street with her boyfriend and their unborn child. After giving birth, she and her boyfriend feared losing custody of the child because of the living conditions. She now lives at reStart with her child. “She’s one of my best workers,” says Older Youth Case Manager Joe Brecht.
“Honestly, the best part about the job is Joe being our manager because he is very supportive,” Charly says. “It feels like you’re just hanging out making dog treats with your friends. It doesn’t really feel like a job. It feels super-easy, but it pays really well, and you’re always looking forward to coming to work. I’ve never had that (feeling) with a job before.”
Another employee, Lucas, has his own experience finding this job. He originally enlisted in the military, but after breaking his hip, he was sent back home. “I was out on the street for a couple of days, and I had a friend reach out to me and say, ‘Hey, check out reStart.’ Joe offered me a job here and I’ve been working here for a couple of weeks.”
“In a place like this, you experience a lot of negativity. You’re homeless and people have this mindset that they can’t go anywhere because they’re stuck here,” he says. “I don’t have that mindset. This is a temporary residence. I’m going to stay here 18 months, save my money and get out and have a house or an apartment, and I’m going to have a car, and I want to be successful.”
The program has been a huge success, as 80% of members find permanent housing and 100% have found new employment.
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While the family felt helpless, a group of local volunteers from the Lost Dogs of King County WA got involved to find the dog. The organization has 34,000 members and a 92% success rate at finding dogs lost in the area. Lily Burns, who volunteers about 16 hours a day as the Facebook moderator, helps to lead these efforts. “About 30 people post about missing dogs every day, and we look into each and every one,” she said. “If there’s a dog out there that needs help, that’s where my heart is. We do everything we can to help reunite them.”
In the case of Penny Moo, her owner was directed to the group just hours after the accident by a neighbor.“She said they’d send people out to look for her, and I remember thinking, ‘This is crazy — how will they possibly find her?’ ” said Crookshank.
The post was soon live with details about Penny, her last location, etc. Within minutes, dozens from the group were out looking for the lost pup. As the sun set, and the searchers went home, Allison's children made missing signs to hang up. However, they never had to post them.
The next morning, Allison received a call from James Branson, the founder of the organization. “He said, ‘I can see your dog — she’s about 50 yards in front of me,’ ” Crookshank recalled. “He’d found her under an overpass, about 50 yards from the accident scene.”
Branson put Allison on speaker phone to entice the puppy over to the rescuer. This technique is taught to group members to avoid the dog from becoming frightened and running away. “She heard my voice and she ran right over to him,” said Crookshank, becoming emotional. “I can’t put into words how grateful I am.”
“Jim thought, ‘If I were this dog, where would I go? What would I do?’ ” she added. “What he did was such an incredible kindness. I think about what he did for us and Penny Moo every day.”
Jim started the group in 2014 after seeing a similar group in Snohomish County have success. He also runs Useless Bay Sanctuary, which helps find homes for stray dogs. In addition to the phone technique, he also uses his own two dogs, Wakomu and Tino, to find dogs and cats lost in heavily wooded or remote areas.
“Happy reunions are rewarding for the dogs, the cats and the people,” he said. “That’s what keeps me going. And I also like working with my dogs — they’re my family.”
While most searches take a few days, Branson said, some can be exceptionally difficult. Specifically, he recounted a dog named Bonnie that was missing for seven years before being spotted. “When they contacted me, I realized it was Bonnie and we were able to finally pick her up and reunite her with her family,” he said. “She went home and plopped down by the fire and was just glad to be back.”
Lily Burns joined the group after one of her dogs Zoey slipped out of her collar and ran off a few years ago. “I panicked and ran around screaming for her — I did everything you’re not supposed to do,” she said, explaining that frantic yelling is likely to cause a dog to run further or hide.
Luckily, Zoey was found after about 30 minutes. This inspired Lily to help others looking for their lost dogs. “I can relate to people in a panic over their dog, because I’ve been there,” she said.
This amazing organization has shown the power of community and how each and everyone of us can help the most vulnerable.
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]]>"Korean K9 Rescue is happy to work in partnership with HSI in dismantling and rescuing animals from the Ansan dog meat farm. As the animals are suffering in the sweltering summer heat, we have moved quickly to remove them from an unbearable situation that no living being should endure. It's important we keep pushing for reform and change to the agriculture laws within South Korea and effectively promote change from within," Gina Boehler, the executive director of Korean K9 Rescue, said in a statement. A recent Nielsen poll found nearly 84% of South Koreans said they don't or won't eat dog, and almost 60% supported a legislative ban.
"This dog farm is typical of so many across South Korea where thousands of dogs are languishing in filthy, deprived conditions, enduring the unimaginable frustration of being confined in tiny cages their whole lives until they are brutally killed by electrocution. Thankfully, we are able to bring a happy ending for these young dogs who will receive all the medical care and attention they need before flying to North America later in the year to seek adoptive homes." Sangkyung Lee, HSI/Korea's dog meat campaign manager, said of the rescue in a statement.
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]]>1. Tell us about your dogs: Harley is 13.5 years old and Jaxson is 7.5 years old. They are both Goldendoodles (F1 – first generation) but with different breeders.
2. How did they join your family? Harley was born in a puppy mill – came to me at 9 weeks old and was very sick. The four months it took to get his strength back and rid his tiny body from parasites really intensified our bond. He is what I call my “heart dog.” Jaxson joined my family when he was 9 weeks old from a Breeder.
3. How would you describe Harley and Jaxson?
🐶 Harley is very intuitive and understands the human language. His superb communication skills through looks, glares, and antics makes it very easy to know what he wants. A master at telling time, Harley keeps me on schedule for his meals, snacks, and potty breaks.
🐶 Jaxson is my whirling dervish, and he has a very different personality from Harley. Jaxson goes non-stop all day until 9pm. At 9 o’clock he falls down and he’s snoring by 9:15. Jax is an active Doodle who loves the water and thinks that he’s part dolphin. He adores Harley and allows him to win the wrestling matches even though he outweighs him by more then 20 lbs.
4. What are their favorite activities? Harley is the only Doodle I know that doesn’t care for the beach much and will not jump in a pool. He has only chased a ball about four times in his life, and his version of fun is wrestling with Jaxson, hanging out with me, and riding in the car. Jaxson on the other hand is obsessed with balls, and really anything that moves!
5. What do Jaxson and Harley do as Therapy Dogs?
When Harley first started as a Therapy Dog, he was only two years old. Although Harley demonstrated great stillness with the elderly population, navigating around walkers, canes and wheelchairs when we were visiting my mother, I quickly found out he was also wonderful with pediatric patients before and after surgery. He would ride many gurneys into the pre-op units and remain with a child until he/she was sedated. We would then come back out and reassure the parents that their child was now fast asleep and wasn’t afraid. Harley is somewhat retired now after almost 11 years of therapy work, although he comes into work with me on occasion and I make sure he doesn’t stay too long.
Jaxson, is utilized more for therapeutic intervention. He partners with physicians and physical/occupational/speech therapists to help patients with health and recovery goals.
6. What is the most rewarding part of having a Therapy Dog? Watching your dog impact a total strangers life at one of the most frightening moments of their lives. Therapy dogs not only relieve stress and anxiety, but they also combat depression, lower blood pressure and eradicate loneliness. They take a void and fill it with unconditional love and empathy in a way that no human can. I have had to learn how to understand and interpret their body language as my family pet AND as a Therapy Dog. They are entrusting their safety, normalcy and care with me at all times. We are truly connected in an extremely deep way. 🥰
7. What's your favorite thing to do with your dogs in your free time? I love to watch them relax together, play, and have fun as family pets do. Living in Charleston SC affords my husband (aka Doodle Dad) and I the ability to take them everywhere we go. So our weekends are pretty much the four of us just hanging out together.
8. Do your dogs have a secret talent? I get asked that question all the time, and my corny canned response is “making people smile.” After the pandemic subsided and the Therapy Dogs were allowed back into the hospital, the nurses would often cry when they saw us walking down the hall. They thought the teams weren’t coming back and they rely on the dogs themselves for emotional support. One nurse sat down in a chair to catch her composure and Jax leaped up, placed his front paws on her shoulders and tucked his head in her neck. We now coin that with the command “give her/him a hug” and he nails it every time! 🤗
9. How did you hear about Big Barker? I heard about these amazing beds from social media and a few friends who have purchased them. Between Harley’s aging limbs and Jaxson working more hours with me, I thought the 28 day test would be a really great blog series to write about!
10. What are some things you think it's important that every big dog owner should know? Start early in their life (like Jaxson at seven years old) making sure they are receiving the proper supplements for their hips and joints and that they are sleeping in the proper beds!
A big thank you to Cathy & her pups for being such great supporters of Big Barker! 🐾 Be sure to keep up with them on their website, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram for lots of fun dog content!
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They reached out to Long Island, New York-based nonprofit Paws of War for help. "We don't have children of our own," she added. "These dogs are our family and Paws of War totally understood that," she said. Paws of War was co-founded by Robert Misseri in 2014, and has since brought over 300 cats and dogs to the States after being rescued by U.S. service members. Because the organization knows the struggle of getting animals out of the Middle East, they quickly came up with a plan, and were able to find a flight for the dogs to make the trip to Japan. The whole family is now reunited in their new home. Coreen said, "Now we're so happy," despite the house not being furnished yet. "We don't need our stuff," she said. "We're just happy to have them with us."
The story of Ruby and Sunny joining the family is just as heartfelt as the whole family being united again. Ruby, a small Jack Russell Terrier mix, was unfortunately used as bait in a dogfighting ring. She was discovered by the Johnson's by sticking her head out of a metal fence. They purchased her for only $10 and luckily, brought her to safety.
Sunny was found on the side of the road severely injured, abused, and burned. The Johnsons shared that when they found him, "He had burns on his body. He was hit by a car. His skull was fractured." He was named for his happy personality and kindness, despite the terrible conditions he had lived in.
Robert Misseri is currently working to provide life-long health care to the two dogs. In addition, Paws of War works to "rescue, train and place shelter dogs to serve and provide independence to our veterans and first responders [who] suffer from traumatic effects sustained while serving their country and community. We provide essential and supportive services to our heroes in need." We thank this organization for their incredible work!
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"It was early in the morning, and it was cold outside. I was walking up to the house, and I heard this quick movement near my feet," Dotan says. When she looked down, she found a small dog who was "scared and looked lost." Dotan rang the doorbell of the home she was standing in front of, but no one responded. Worried about the dog spending time outside alone in the cold, Edie checked the pet's collar and found the pup's name was Yoshi and his tag had a phone number to call on it.
"I could tell that Yoshi was friendly, so I brought him into my car while I called the number on his tag. I turned on the heat to get him warmed up and gave him some water to drink," Dotan detailed.
"I called several times, but no one picked up. He was happy in the car and even came over and sat in my lap while I was parked, so I decided the best plan was to keep him with me while I made deliveries until I could get in touch with his family," she adds.
Yoshi was an amazing sidekick and stayed with Edie during her route. Later that day, Yoshi's owners called and set up a time to reunite with him. "The owner was so kind and grateful. Yoshi jumped right into her hands and cuddled with her like he was finally home. The owner had a big smile on her sweet face," Dotan says of the reunion. Despite Yoshi being an the perfect driving buddy, Edie says she is happy he is home safe.
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Louisiana Boy Writes Sweet Letters About Foster Dog to Pass on to Pup's Adopters
This Teen Makes Bow Ties for Shelter Dogs to Help Them Get Adopted
]]>“The best dog ever!”, is how six year old Roman Duncan describes Maggie, a Pitbull mix from North Shore Animal League America (NSALA). Maggie was found last year as a puppy and was too young to be adopted. The Duncan family stepped forward to care for Maggie until she got older.
According to NSALA, Roman formed a deep connection with Maggie in her first couple months with the family. Roman knew that his furry friend would one day find a forever home, but he didn’t let that stop him from loving Maggie with all of his heart.
When the time came for Maggie to go to NSALA's shelter in Port Washington, New York to be put up for adoption, Roman wrote letters to her future family to let them know all about his best friend. The notes contained praise like, "Maggie is the best dog you could ask for."
The letters were slipped into Maggie’s documentation, and were found to the delight of the staff at NSALA. The team there made sure that his notes were passed along to the new family, so that they could learn all about the wonderful pup they were adopting.
The employee’s at NSALA hoped that Roman’s love and care for Maggie would inspire other families to foster dogs in need.
To learn more about pet fostering opportunities and NSALA's animal rescue work, visit https://www.animalleague.org/.
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]]>1. Name: Hi my name is Sam (Samantha Jacobs)! I have three Great Danes whose names are Maia (7), Atasi (5), and Nala (10 months)! We are a nickname household when it comes to our pups. Maia, her nickname “moo” cause she looks like a cow, Maia moocow. Atasi is sissy or the sister because she was the second one we got so that’s what she was and sissy kind of sounds like her name (odyssey). Nala doesn’t really have a nickname but I call her the little one because she’s the baby and currently the smallest one.
2. Occupation: High school Biology teacher and cheerleading coach 📣
3. Location: Hampton, Virginia
4. If you could ask your dogs one question, what would it be? What do you think of me? I know what I can see and what they make me feel based on their actions, but sometimes it would be nice to hear what they truly think.
5. What’s your favorite pic/video you’ve ever posted and why?
6. What’s something your dog is afraid of?
🐶 Maia is terrified of the hair dryer. I can’t even open the drawer it is in without her coming down the hallway and giving me the side eye like “you aren’t about to pull that thing out right?”
🐶 Atasi hates the vacuum! The biggest dog in the house who could literally step on it and potentially break it, runs and hides when it is time to vacuum.
🐶 Nala is not very fearful of much. She’s our wild one. So if something comes at her she comes right back at it! Haha!
7. What’s the coolest trick your dog knows? “Lick your lips”. We actually taught both of the older girls this trick, the little one is still learning but she’s getting there. We can say lick your lips after they eat or drink or just because and they know to lick their lips! It has been a life saver especially because big dogs = big drool. But not in this household!
8. Where is your dog's favorite place to travel? To get ice-cream or to grandmas house! 🍦
9. What’s the best thing about being an influencer? Meeting new people who have similar interests or lifestyles as me. It is nice to be able to talk to people who understand my life versus those that just say “I don’t know how you have that big of a dog…and 3 of them!” Or people who think I have horses. No….I have little tiny babies and they are mine and I love them! Haha. Dane moms know this thought!
10. What’s the biggest struggle you’ve had as an influencer? Time management with my busy schedule. I love getting items and love sharing them, but taking pictures is a time commitment for sure. You try getting a 100 pound dog to cooperate with you when you are dangling treats in front of them! That takes hard work and time!
11. What’s the most unexpected thing to happen since you started your account? Honestly, getting to work with Big Barker! They were on my dream list and I NEVER thought it would happen, especially so early in influencing. I have met some amazing people who work for the company and the kind words and time they put into their customers and those that work with them is seriously so amazing, on top of their awesome products my girls love of course! 🖤
12. Who are some of your favorite creators? I love watching The Labrant Fam on YouTube!
13. What’s your dog's favorite activity?
🐾 Maia loves being on the leash to go anywhere. She typically doesn’t go on a leash, but when I decide to put it on her she goes nuts for some reason! I think it’s because she knows she will get alone time away from her sisters.
🐾 Atasi loves to sleep. She’s our calm lazy girl. But she saves up all of that energy so when she’s outside being a little adventurer she can chase animals, flying birds, bunnies, squirrels. She’s our sweet one, but also our little hunting dog.
🐾 Nala lately loves jumping uncontrollably. Since she’s the smallest right now, I think she jumps to be the same height as everyone else so we notice her (girl, we see you lol). She also loves following me around the house. Can I pee in peace please?!
14. What’s your favorite hobby? Favorite hobby with AND without dogs are napping! I also love going to Disney! 🎢
15. How would you define your dogs in three words?
✨ Maia: Sassy. Moody. Demanding.
✨ Atasi: Quiet. Sweet. Kind.
✨ Nala: Wild. Crazy. Clingy.
16. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
My mom always said when growing up “it’s not always about what you know it’s about who you know.” I have always tried to make a good impression with everyone I meet, which I think has helped me in navigating this influencing world. I knew (AND STILL DONT KNOW) very little. But I do know that building relationships and staying true to myself will get me authentic connections and build relationships and that could potentially take me further in working with brands.
17. What made you get a Great Dane?
I actually didn’t want a big dog. I had medium sized dogs growing up, shelties, labs. But my husband had Great Danes as a kid, so he always wanted one when we decided we wanted a dog. I said “noooo wayyy that’s a big dog!” And he said he was just going to “look” at one. And sure enough he didn’t just “look”. He brought to my work this little 11 pound puppy who was so sweet and squishy and I said okay we can keep her! Well, needless to say after falling in love with the 11 pound puppy who grew over night, I was the one who decided to get our second one and constantly sent him pictures of other puppies until he surprised me with our third! I probably wouldn’t have anything else but Danes now! They are the best dogs I’ve had and have the most unique personalities! 🥰
Thank you to Sam and pups for taking the time to speak with us! Keep up with her adorable Great Dane pack on Instagram! 📸
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1. Name: SarahBrooke, Bessie my fur baby, and dog dad is Brett
2. Occupation: Neurosurgical Scrub Nurse 🩺
3. Location: Atlanta, Georgia
4. How would you define your dog? Loving - Bessie loves humans of all shapes and sizes. When we go to dog parks she wants to greet every human. It’s my favorite thing about Bessie. I’m an introvert. Bessie has taught me to love more openly and come out of my shell.
5. If you could ask your dog one question, what would it be? I would ask Bessie what her perfect day would consist of and then we’d do that every weekend!
6. What’s something your dog is afraid of? Bessie is afraid of getting a bath. She runs away from the hose and will not get into a dog bath or a shower 🛁
7. What’s the coolest trick your dog knows? Bessie knows how to open door handles. We had to take off all the handles in our home so she wouldn’t open the door. Which has left us with a great grip strength! She also whines every night around 4-5am to get her daddy out of bed to take her potty but then will snuggle on his pillow when he leaves the bedroom. This one always gets a laugh from me. Move your feet, lose your seat, dad! 🤣
8. What’s Bessie's weirdest habit? Bessie will knock her food bowl around when she’s hungry. Once the food is in her bowl she will launch it across the floor with her nose until all the food is dumped onto the floor.
9. What’s your favorite pic/video you’ve ever posted and why? I started Bessie’s Instagram account (@bessiethedane) during the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. I had a lot of extra time on my hands so I got into editing photos. Almost all of my favorite photos of Bessie are with edited backgrounds. Check out some of the awesome pics below:
10. What’s the best thing about being an influencer? I love meeting people from all around the world and having conversations with them. Some of Bessie’s best friends on instagram live in the US Canada, Australia, Mexico, and Portugal!
11. What’s the biggest struggle you’ve had as an influencer? Feeling the pressure to produce content every day. As our lives get busier I’ve learned that it’s okay not to have something available to post all the time 🐾
12. What’s the most unexpected thing to happen since you started your account? I’ve made so many friends who have helped me through life struggles - aside from dog struggles. Two of my best friends on Instagram have helped me through my anxiety. Shout out to Jerry and Christina!
13. Who are some of your favorite creators? It has been a struggle to own a Great Dane at times so seeing those who are able to care for more than one inspires me to have more! Some of my all time favorite accounts are:
14. What’s your hidden talent? Slowly but surely I’ve been working on photography. I enjoy capturing happy moments. My favorite images to capture (besides Bessie of course) are love between two humans. I LOVE finishing a photo, sending it to the couple, and receiving big smiles from my clients, it warms my heart! 📸🥰
15. What’s your favorite hobby? I love to hike with Bessie and when we aren’t outside playing we like to cuddle up on our GIANT Big Barker Bed and read together. My favorite genre is fantasy and historical fiction.
16. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received? As a Christ follower, I’ve learned that love is the greatest gift of all 💗
Ethical breeding is so important for producing healthy puppies! We wanted to gather facts and details for what makes a breeder 'ethical', so we spoke with Tiffany from Tranquil Peak Rottweilers who works hard on her Rottweiler Breeding Program. We were able to ask her many educational questions as well as sneak some adorable photos of her Rottweilers!
Tell us a little bit about yourself, your dogs and what you do.
I started my love for Rottweilers when my father decided he wanted to adopt one from a shelter when I was a teenager. Sam was the best dog I had ever been around. I knew one day I would have another one once I was living in a place that would allow the breed. In 2001 I came across a stray Rottweiler. I had him for 5 months until I was able to find a rescue to help me place him. The rescue was impressed at what I was able to do with this dog's training that they asked me to contact them when I was able to foster in the future. By 2006, I started fostering for a local Rottweiler rescue. As time went on I got more and more involved and then ended up taking it over. During that time I also learned about responsible breeding and was able to met some amazing show, competitive obedience, herding, tracking, nose-work, and carting Rottweilers.
In 2014 I decided to explore purchasing my first puppy, and along came Maasen. With him my world opened up to so many new things. He didn’t turn out for the show ring, but we have competed and explored several dog sports. In 2017 a local Rottweiler enthusiast who I was friends with had their first litter and I ended up with one of their girls: Mona. We have shown in the ring as well as competed in several different dog sports. She has the most amazing temperament and passed all of her health clearances with flying colors.
I never in a million years thought that I would breed a litter of puppies. The reason why I decided to become a breeder was because of all of my years in rescue I saw all of the poorly bred dogs out there that good people purchased without the support of their breeder and/or terribly bred dogs with health and temperament issues.
There are so many good people with their hearts broken who felt like failures because the puppy they tried so hard to raise right was broken. We need more responsible breeders out there as there is always going to be a demand for pure bred puppies. Responsible breeders do not allow their dogs to end up in shelters! We are there for our babies until they make their journey over the rainbow bridge. There needs to more education on the value of responsible breeders so people won’t be so quick to judge and try to push us out with legislation, etc.
How do you ensure that your puppies are healthy and what does the health process entail before choosing to breed?
Responsible breeders will follow their parent clubs guidelines before hey breed. Each breed has a different list of requirements. We follow the American Rottweiler Club guidelines. I did some extra testing that is not required. I have also learned from this experience that there are more tests that I will do before any future breeding’s that are not required by ARC. For me, being a good breeder is to better the breed and try to produce healthy, well-socialized puppies that come from healthy parents with good temperaments. Rottweilers should not be bred until they have had their health clearances done and these can not be done until they are 2 years of age.
What made you get started breeding Rottweilers and what makes the breed so special?
For me there is no other breed like a Rottweiler. They are smart, loyal, and clowns. They love their family and live to work to make you happy. Once you have a Rottie you will always have one and maybe more. They are kinda like potato chips. Rottweilers need a strong leader, or they will not do well. They have to respect you as a leader and handler. They need to be worked not only physically, but even more importantly they need to work their minds.
People need to know that having AKC papers does NOT MEAN they are a good breeder, or that they healthy and have good temperaments. You should always ask for their AKC number of both sire and dam. That way you can look them up on the OFA website. This is where the health clearances will be listed, as well as the pedigree so you can do your research. Good breeders will also only breed their bitches (females) once or twice. A red flag is someone who seems to have puppies every few months, or is breeding their bitch over and over again. Don’t get lured in with a fancy website. Contact your local breed club and ask for breeder referrals. They can generally lead you to the right people, and also warn you of potentially known bad breeders in the area to stay away from. Some of the questions to ask would be, how long to they stay with the mother, ie: 8-10 weeks. How do you socialize and expose your pups to new textures, noises, and people. Do you work on potty training, offer vaccines, microchipping. Is there a contract and do they support their puppy buyers for the dog’s lifetime?
Play, play, and play! I had multiple puppy helpers and we took shifts with puppy care. We had all kinds of boxes, packing paper, balance objects, wobble boards, tubes, puppy mobile for them to play with. We made noises and used a shop vacuum to help desensitize them. We also did temperament testing on each puppy to help place them in the right homes.
Hip and elbow dysplasia. First and foremost make sure that the parents have been tested. What you can do is make sure that they are kept lean, not fat. Feed the pups no more that 28% protein as feeding them too much protein can effect how their joints develop.
My dogs LOVE their Big Barker bed. Maasen will be 8 in April and he usually follows me everywhere. Now in the mornings he doesn’t even raise his head when I get up. He and Mona can share a bed and not even touch, which he prefers (ewww girl germs!). It has also helped with Mona wanting to sneak up on my bed. She is perfectly happy to stay on her bed now. Heck, I have even hung out with them on their bed.
If you could ask your dogs one question, what would it be?
Could you please find a paying job to help pull your weight? LOL.
Maasen is the thinker, Mona is the lovebug. Baby Madison is a rollie pollie.
What is it like to show your dogs to breed standard and why is that important?
Although I am newer to the show world, I think what is behind the dog is more important than what is in front of their name. There are dogs that are shown that don’t have the best health clearances, but are still winning in the ring and are sought after to breed to. The titles behind their name are working titles and Rotties are working dogs. A local vet that is also in the show world shared with me that she is sad to see that to show our breed they are over weight. They are a working breed and should be kept lean and in working shape.
My most proud moment is every time we go out in public together. We go on hikes and go any where dogs are allowed. We have changed the perspective of the breed to so many people and that is my most proud moment.
1. Names: Taylor Cameron, Luna, & Buddha
2. Occupation: Currently working from home as a Social Media Strategist and I have a small Dog walking + Boarding side biz 🙌
3. Location: Ontario, Canada
4. How old were you when you got your dog(s)?
🐶 Luna: I was 19 and surprised my parents with her on impulse. Lets just say they were not happy.. but it was worth it 😉
🐶 Buddha: I was 24 in my first apartment working at a dog daycare. They could both come to work with me and it was the perfect set up to raise a puppy.
5. If you could ask your dogs one question, what would it be? What’s on your bucket lists? (so we can accomplish them all!)
6. How would you define your dog in three words?
7. What’s something your dog is afraid of? Luna is timid of strangers! Buddha doesn’t have many fears at all, but lightbulbs are one of them 💡
8. What’s the coolest trick your dog knows? Luna’s best trick is high five and Buddha’s best trick is “Gimme a kiss” - you get an instant smooch!
9. What’s their weirdest habit? Luna eats forbidden poop...and Buddha needs to nibble on something (including other fur friends) 😂
10. What’s your favorite pic/video you’ve ever posted and why? A reel of Buddha climbing on top of my mom for cuddles on the couch. I love it because it shows so many of Buddhas colors. He’s such a gentle giant and makes it quite obvious in the video. He’s a big silly snuggle bug!
@buddhagreatdane My gentle giant 🥰 #boom #gentlegiant #greatdane #greatdanes #bigdogs #dogsoftiktok #dogs #funnydogs #lol #lapdog #couchhog #puppies ♬ Boom (feat. Talabun) - Ibenji
11. What’s the best thing about being an influencer? Helping people through things I’ve already experienced and learning from others experiences as well. Improving my dog’s life, meeting new friends, collabs, taking photos that I will have for the rest of my life, and making people laugh. The dog community is amazing!! 💖
12. What’s the biggest struggle you’ve had as an influencer? Making sure I stay consistent and having posts pre-prepped for the following day/week. This can be especially difficult when life gets busy. However, it’s a hobby that I enjoy, and as soon as it starts to feel like another job I give myself a break. It’s all about balance!
13. What’s the most unexpected thing to happen since you started your account? Hitting 10K followers on Valentines Day! I started our account for a place that I can post my dog photography, where I wasn’t bombarding my friends and family daily on my personal profile. I never expected the account to take off but its been so fun.
14. Who are some of your favorite creators? @Lovemargot.co 📸
15. What’s your favorite hobby (one dog-related and one not)?
🐾 Dog related: Dock Diving! Watching them swim knowing its so good for their joints is so satisfying and it’s so fun watching them improve their skills over time. ☀️ Personal: I really enjoy a hot summer day by the pool with friends and family. I enjoy vacationing to new places and visiting Airbnb’s.
Did you know? Big Barker beds are the only dog bed clinically proven to improve quality of life for big dogs? Click here to learn more. |
A big thank you to Taylor, Luna & Buddha for speaking with us and sharing more about you! 🐾 Keep up with them on Instagram and TikTok!
Did you know? Big Barker beds are specially engineered to help dogs with joint conditions like hip dysplasia. Click here to learn more. |
1. Name: Nicole, Tank, Jo, Momma, Simba
@packofpotatoes Reply to @bigbarkerusa we cannot thank Big Barker enough for giving us more dog beds for Simba to steal! Link in bio #fyp #fypシ #fypp #dog #rescue ♬ Taste It - Ikson
I wish more people would have a game plan before said puppy comes home. There’s a misconception that puppies “start” training later on in their life (typically after 6 months is what I hear) but that’s entirely untrue. Training starts day 1. Finding a well qualified balanced trainer is important beforehand so you know what to expect and have some level of routine in mind.
What's your background (what jobs did she have before, did she study anything specific, etc?)
I was born in Ottawa, ON, however, I have family roots (and was raised) in Czech Republic. I lived in Canada for almost 3 decades and then I moved to Tampa, FL when I met my (now) husband. I grew up on the family farm, constantly surrounded by animals; cats, ducks, rabbits, dogs, the neighbors cows, - you name it. I always wanted to study veterinary medicine however quickly realized that amount of studying was absolutely not for me.
I started a full service pet care company in 2011, when in my late teens, which quickly grew to be the largest full service pet care company in the province of Ontario. I managed 25+ staff, hundreds and hundreds of clients, and was simultaneously delving into the world of dog sports with my personal pack of dogs at the time. Full speed ahead, before I knew it we were teaching, training and competing, so I figured that we should split the two “main” services up so in November of 2018, I started The Working K9 “officially". After a decade of phenomenal success in pet care, and having The Working K9 in two countries - it was time to go big or go home; we said goodbye to Happy Tails in April of 2021 and grew The Working K9 internationally.
Now that we’re closing the 2021 year, I summarize myself/The Working K9 with a few sentences: We are a full service training company, teaching, training and competing in both Canada and the USA, with our show, sport, and working dogs. We have trained with and under some of the most influential national and internationally recognized names in dog training, we have been on the board of several local and international rescue organizations, and have the most amazing supporters and sponsors surrounding us. We truly wouldn’t be the company we are today if it weren’t for our “Working K9 Crüe” as we like to call it. The Working K9 offers a wide range of services from helping you purchase a purpose-bred puppy, adopting a shelter dog, or training the dog that’s sitting in front of you, to helping you get started in dog sports, helping with your competitive training or even purchasing a fully trained protection dog.
If we want to go way back, it's definitely inherited from my late great-grandfather. He was a holocaust survivor and had a heart of gold - especially for his farm animals. He passed away when I was very young, however my family to this day still talks about him and how I most definitely got my love of animals from him.
That we don’t sugar coat a single thing; we are as real as real gets, and sometimes that includes telling clients not what they want to hear, but rather what they need to hear. I think our clients chose us and love working with us because we are the definition of straight-forward.
To be honest, it's distinguishing myself between everyone else in such an unregulated industry. Second to that, it would have to be something along the lines of having to tell clients what they need to hear rather than what they want to hear. There’s nothing worse than trying to explain to a client why their Labrador will never be a protection dog, if they don’t quite understand how genetics work and how genetics have such a huge role in how a dog turns out.
I would say I’m constantly making new memories. I am always in awe of the people I meet. I have met and trained with some of the coolest people on the planet in my opinion. I have had some experiences people only dream of having because of my dogs and where this passion of mine has led me.
One of my soft spots is actually rescue. Although I have a pack of purpose-bred show, sport and working dogs, I also dedicate a lot of time to rescue’s. I have been on the board of a few local and international rescue’s and try to help until this day however we can. We offer free services, discounted services, we try to donate items as well as funds, and so much more. Many people these days (if they’re newer to following us) likely know me for my involvement in helping save dogs from the Chinese meat trade and define the literal term: rescue. We work with a few organizations to help take in dogs from some of the most horrific places on earth and try our best to give them a life they deserve. It doesn’t always end the way we want, however if we are able to change the life of one animal, all the work that led up to that is worth it. In 2021 alone, we have been able to directly help a handful of dogs find their forever home, after being fostered and trained by us, and have also been able to take in 2 opossums, 2 baby kittens (we ended up keeping), as well as 2 squirrels. I’m sure I’m missing a few animals but you get the point! We have one foster currently in particular whose video went viral - his name is Angelo. Angelo was rescued from the Chinese Meat Trade by Plush Bear Shelter & Malinois Rescue League and has been getting trained for about 7 months now. He is available for adoption however requires a very special home.
If you wanted to get involved with or support us here at The Working K9 there’s several ways to do so that include but aren’t limited to:
There’s so many ways to get involved with either joining our team, working with us, training with us, helping out our foster efforts, and more. Anything you can think of, we support! Social media buzz is truly the best way to spread the word about our company - and it doesn’t cost anything!
Oh yes, on the foster/rescue side we get dogs who almost always need a plethora of medical care. I’ve actually never had a dog - or animal - through my doors who didn’t need medical care. We currently have one dog in particular, Angelo who’s mentioned above, who has hip dysplasia, SLO, has an enlarged spleen, missing 8 teeth, has an amputated toe, and more. Until his quality of life deteriorates, there's no reason to live life any differently aside from making sure he has plenty of safe exercise, a comfortable and appropriate bed and crate to lay in, and of course a healthy diet. Quality of life is the most important and Angelo is very much living an excellent and happy life with us.
Because we have 1 bed to share amongst several dogs, we will rotate their use on it. Our personal dogs who are all show, sport, and working dogs will love using it to help with rest, relaxation and mainly healing after a long day of training. Our fosters will benefit from a Big Barker bed because of it’s proven design helping dogs with joint problems - or helping prevent them!
Thank you to Veronica and everyone at the Working K9 for helping support these amazing dogs and for all that you do!
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1. Names: Kelly & my pups: Lennox, Laila , Thor & Zoey
2. Occupation: Dental Hygienist 🦷
3. Location: Wilmington, DE
4. If you could ask your dogs one question, what would it be? What makes you happiest?
Did you know Big Barker beds are the only dog bed clinically proven to improve the quality of life for big dogs? Check it out here! |
5. What’s your favorite pic/video you’ve ever posted and why? Our original 4 + a VERY special foster dog named Chloey, now Zoey 😉 My favorite because I will never forget our first crew of 4. And fostering is so very rewarding!
6. What’s something your dog is afraid of? The Danes are afraid of our new kitchen floors 😝
7. What’s the coolest trick your dog knows? We love the place command!
A big thank you to Kelly & all her adorable pups for being a HUGE part of the Big Barker family! Did you know her pups actually received the Big Barker Good Dog Gold Medal award for their incredible work in their community each day? Check it out here! 🏅
Keep up with with the Voss Clan on Instagram!
1. Names: Katie & Bruin
2. Occupation: Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse
3. Location: North Andover, Massachusetts
4. Where did you get your dog from?
We were temporarily living in New Mexico for my husbands Air Force Pilot training & found Bruin on a rescue website. We drove 4 hours to meet him & took him home that day. Right when we saw him we knew he had to be ours.
5. If you could ask your dog(s) one question, what would it be?
Do you realize how much I love you? 🥰
6. What’s your favorite pic/video you’ve ever posted and why?
Definitely our Big Barker post! It was a blast shooting photos of him with his new bed. He was so comfortable that photos were easy to take & came out so effortless!
Did you know Big Barker beds are the only dog bed clinically proven to improve the quality of life for big dogs? Check it out here! |
7. What’s something your dog is afraid of? The rain! He held it for 32 hours once. I tried to take him out about 25 times. I put a rain coat on him & even held an umbrella over his head and he would not budge.
8. What’s the coolest trick your dog knows? High five 🖐
9. What’s your dogs weirdest habit? He insists on sleeping under the blankets of our bed every night & he only eats his food if we watch him… both bad habits I know.
10. What’s the best thing about being an influencer?
Having my own space to create content to share with others. It’s rewarding when you get a message from someone & they say “thanks for the dress recommendation I felt so pretty at my cousins wedding wearing it!”
11. What’s the biggest struggle you’ve had as an influencer?
Finding time to be consistent with posting new content since I work full time as a nurse.
12. What’s the most unexpected thing to happen since you started your account?
I was gifted shoes and a bag from Steve Madden in exchange for an in-feed post. I thought the email asking me to collaborate was a prank at first! 🤣
13. Who are some of your personal favorite IG creators?
@skinnytaste for recipes
@madelinemoves for workouts
@humerus_nurse for laughs
14. What’s your favorite hobby (one dog-related and one not)? Doggy dates with friends so B can get all of his energy out & golfing with my husband ⛳
15. How would you define your dog in three words?
Goofy, snuggly & handsome
16. What kind of personality does your dog have?
He can be extremely goofy & hyper when we purposefully get him in a playful mood but 90% of the time he is VERY chill and is always well behaved. He is 60% boxer so his personality surprises a lot of people.
17. What’s your all-time favorite quote?
“People are in your life for a reason, a reason, or a lifetime”
Thanks so much to Katie & Bruin for being an integral part of the Big Barker family! 🐾 Keep up with them on Instagram!
During a recent 2,000 mile trip, Stephanie and her Mastiffs, Junior and Sulley put the Backseat Barker through its paces. Scoring this bed on ease of use, quality, durability, affordability, and the drool score. Watch the full review to see how it scored!
]]>Stephanie from Big Dog Mom™ has struggled to find the best car travel bed for her Mastiffs to keep them comfortable while traveling. Throughout her bed buying journey, some beds haven’t been thick enough, some slide around and others don’t cover the cargo area, leaving her interior susceptible to scratches. During a recent 2,000 mile trip, Stephanie and her Mastiffs, Junior and Sulley put the Backseat Barker through its paces. Scoring this bed on ease of use, quality, durability, affordability, and the drool score.
Watch the full review to see how it scored!
Stephanie spent a lot of time trying to find the right dog bed for their Lincoln Navigator. She knew it had to be easy to clean and maintain while providing support and safety for her mastiffs. Before, she used a thin fabric liner until Junior ripped the zipper… more than nine times. Sewing the zipper back on and trying to stop the ripping wasn’t working. Then Stephanie got a Weathertech liner and despite some of the positives, it has provided little to no comfort for her pups.
She’s also noticed the Backseat Barker creates more stability for her dogs during twists and turns on the road, in part because the pillow wings protect the dogs from being pushed against the sides of the car.
Her two Mastiffs, Sulley (5 years old) and Junior (3 years old) have required lots of attention and love, and how could you not love those sweet faces?
Stephanie was worried about her dogs joint health, especially when she would see them sprawled out on the hard ground. She began looking for a bed that could support her dogs — each weighing over 200 pounds. Luckily, Stephanie found Big Barker beds which not only give Sulley and Junior a comfortable place to sleep, but ensure they never feel the hard ground underneath them.
Sulley and Junior have been using their Big Barkers for more than 5 years to help support their joints as they nap.
If you’re interested in additional information or advice from Big Dog Mom™, be sure to check out her blog or subscribe to her YouTube channel! From helpful articles about feeding to training to health, she has lots of resources available and is sure to help you and your big dog!
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Another benefit Cally noticed was the size of the bed. With Hank’s 7-inch thick Big Barker bed, he couldn't stand up in the car without hitting his head on the ceiling. However, with the 3-inch thick Backseat Barker, Hank can move around easily. Cally also noted that the wings of the Backseat Barker not only let Hank get cozy, but they protect the car from scratches and hair. After long hikes, Hank can get a little dirty, but because his new travel bed is machine washable and easy to clean, it's no problem. Watch their full review for more insights and info!
Is your car ready for an upgrade? Check out the Backseat Barker here. |
Adventure Rig is just that, all about adventure! Tyson, Cally, and their dog, Hank, share their adventures exploring North America. From hiking and RV-ing to mountain biking and even flying, they’re doing it all!
Adventure is always around the corner for this trio, but Hank’s old bed wasn’t helping him to get the rest he needed to keep up. Cally and Tyson could really see Hank starting to slow down especially after a day full of activity. Hank weighs about 90 pounds and needed a bed that could support him (and his love of sleep)! Now with a Big Barker, Hank is more comfortable than ever and better prepared for all the adventures to come.
Keep up with this crew on their blog and by subscribing to their YouTube channel! They have great articles and videos about their travels, comprehensive product reviews and awesome how-to’s!
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]]>Did you know that Cole has been nominated for the American Humane Hero Dog Awards? Be sure to vote for Cole, here. |
Have you seen the Cole Mobile? Fully equipped to spread Cole’s important message with a Backseat Barker SUV bed. Check it out here! |
Keep up with Chris, Hannah, and Cole the Deaf Dog on their Instagram and YouTube!
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6. What's something your dog is afraid of?
Griffin is very afraid of thunder/loud noises in general (unfortunately it's gotten worse as she's gotten older)
Boston is generally afraid of the unfamiliar. We adopted her when she was older, so she missed out on her critical period of socialization being stuck in a shelter as a pup. It takes her a while to warm up to new people and new things in general.
Check out what Rory and the Dobie Sisters think of their Big Barker bed, click here to watch! |
7. What's the coolest trick your dog knows?
Griffin does a high five while in a sit pretty (it's always a crowd pleaser!).
For Boston, she does a head down command, but the word we use for it is "Eeyore" since she has such big blue ears.
Keep up with Rory and the Dobie Sisters on their Instagram!
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Meet Darius Brown. He's the genius behind creating bow ties for adoptable animals and he's only a teenager! He is on a mission to help as many dogs and cats in the world as he can. When he was young, he was known for his dapper attire and wearing bow ties. He's made up to 1,000 bowties already and each one is hand sewn (taking about 15 minutes per tie!) But watch his amazing story and the incredible work he is doing to help out animals. You can also read more about Darius, here.
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]]>In central Ohio, an organization called Pets for Heroes, has made it their mission to train rescue dogs to become companion dogs for veterans who suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“It’s giving the dogs that second chance they deserve and making a difference in a veteran or a first responder’s life.” explained Heather Brown, a dog trainer with Pets for Heroes. Volunteers foster the rescue pups for three months as they train to become companion dogs for these amazing veterans.
Watch the video to learn more about this fantastic organization or read the full story here.
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The Explosives Detection Dog Who Has a Soft Spot for Kids in Need
]]>Horror struck a couple as their sweet lab ventured off the cliff and could not be reached. Luckily, the Fire Department was just a call away and hurried over to help this pup. Watch as the Fire Department climbs down the cliff to rescue this sweet pup. You can read the full story here.
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Guy Carries His Rescue Dog Everywhere He Goes
Woman Saves Dozens Of Abandoned Dogs In The Bahamas After Hurricane Dorian
]]>Our friends at Adventure Rig, Cally and Hank have had their Big Barker for awhile now and wanted to share how it’s been going. Hank is seven years old and Cally noticed that he’s been sore after long hikes and walks and seems stiff in the morning. But never fear, Big Barker to the rescue! Cally mentioned that the support a Big Barker bed has to offer is just what Hank needs. Make sure you stay until the end of the video, where Cally talks about all the benefits of Big Barker Dog Beds!
We’d like to send a big thank you to Adventure Rig for taking the time to make this great review! Check out the full blog post here!
Is your dog ready for a long lasting bed that supports joint health? Click here to learn more. |
Adventure Rig is just that, all about adventure! Tyson, Cally, and their dog, Hank, share their adventures exploring North America. From hiking and RV-ing to mountain biking and even flying, they’re doing it all!
Adventure is always around the corner for this trio, but Hank’s old bed wasn’t helping him to get the rest he needed to keep up. Cally and Tyson could really see Hank starting to slow down especially after a day full of activity. Hank weighs about 90 pounds and needed a bed that could support him (and his love of sleep)! Now with a Big Barker, Hank is more comfortable than ever and better prepared for all the adventures to come.
Keep up with this crew on their blog and by subscribing to their YouTube channel! They have great articles and videos about their travels, comprehensive product reviews and awesome how-to’s!
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]]>Ghost was badly hurt. Hailley immediately began calling rescues to get help. Luckily, Partners for Pets in Marianna, Florida was able to see her first thing the next morning.
The diagnosis was heartbreaking. The vet explained that Ghost had suffered a through and through shot from a high powered rifle at close range. Even worse, the bullet had been laced with poison.
It truly is a miracle that this dog was still alive. The vet also said she needed treatment for heartworm and has a long road for recovery.
Due to the extent of her injuries and underlying medical conditions, Ghost was having a hard time sleeping, resting comfortably and had trouble getting up and down from her bed. When Hailley reached out to us, we were amazed by her dedication to Ghost’s recovery and were happy to send her a Big Barker to recover on. Since receiving the new bed, she is already seeing improvements with Ghost! Hailley says, “she is snoring and sleeping so well! It is all thanks to the Big Barker company for making it possible for her!”
We’re very glad Ghost is resting comfortably and that there are extraordinarily kind people out there like Hailley. Get well soon, Ghost!
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A magic moment when this paralyzed pit bull got up and walked again
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1. Names: Kelsey, Ryuk (on the left) and Nori (on the right)
2. Occupation: Stay at home dog mom
3. Location: New Jersey
4. If you could ask your dogs one question, what would it be?
What could I do to make you happier?
5. What's your favorite pic you've ever posted and why?
It’s not our most liked photo but this was the first time that my husband and the dogs met my nieces. I was worried how they’d do since they had never been exposed to children and they loved them and did so amazing!
6. What's something your dog is afraid of?
Ryuk — His own farts
Nori — Patio Umbrellas
7. What's the coolest trick your dog knows?
Ryuk — Sit pretty
Nori — Wave
8. What's their weirdest habit?
Nori will pick up a toy (her babies) anytime you enter the room and parade them around. Ryuk likes to dig at his beds.
9. What's the best thing about being an influencer?
Interacting with other dog owners and photographers. Forming friendships with like-minded people.
10. What's the biggest struggle you've had as in influencer?
Not focusing on engagement or “likes”.
11. What's the most unexpected thing to happen since you started your account?
The strong bonds I have created over the years. I still talk to people I met on here 5 years ago when I got my first Dane Moose.
12. Who are some of your favorite creators?
I have looked up to @freyaeverafter ever since I started using Instagram. She is by far one of my favorite animal photographers! @jessicadrossin is my favorite human photographer because her photos are like paintings and always tell a story. She also offers photoshops actions that I love.
Keep up with Kelsey here:
https://www.instagram.com/lifewithtwodanes/
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]]>Just take Tracy Dietz and her sweet dogs, Thelma, and Louise, for example. 5 years ago, Tracy was driving on a highway in north Texas and noticed two abandoned dogs at the truck stop. After working to get the dogs safely off the interstate, Tracy noted Louise and Thelma’s terrible conditions. Thelma had hip weakness, problems getting up, and would drag her leg.
Thelma
Louise
When Tracy took Thelma to the vet they suspected she’d been hit by a car or suffered another injury. Tracy was committed to turning these sweet dogs’ lives around by giving them love and a caring home.
Because Thelma was a larger dog with hip problems, Tracy knew she needed support. She decided to get her a Big Barker bed which she now loves to nap and relax on.
Tracy also helped Louise get back on the road to good health. Shortly after she was rescued, Louise was diagnosed with IMHA (a tough to treat immune disorder) and as a result of the high doses of immunosuppressants, developed a hygroma that became infected and ruptured open in three places. Thelma was gracious in allowing Louise to use her Big Barker while the hygroma was healing.
These sweet sisters are truly amazing and thanks to Tracy, they have been saved.
See how your dog can benefit from a Big Barker bed like Thelma & Louise: Click here to learn more. |
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Dion Leonard expected to meet some new friends while participating in a seventy seven mile race in a new country. However, he never expected to meet Gobi, a truly athletic little pup. They ran through most of the race together, and even crossed the finish line together.
After Dion returned home, he started a GoFundMe campaign to cover the costs related to bringing Gobi home to live with him, and was successful in doing so – the two friends will soon be reunited! What an awesome story!
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