Dog Lovers: August 26th is National Dog Day!
Tags: Covid, National Dog Day, Stop Animal Abuse, Rehoming Pets, Pandemic

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In Philadelphia on October 3rd, 2019 a small senior dog (yorkie breed), named Pringles, was found at the bottom of a trash can by a good samaritan. It was evident that Pringles sustained life threatening injuries from it’s owners. Four days after she was found, PSPCA announced with heavy hearts of precious Pringles passing away.

Pringles the dog no doubt fought for her life until the end and we at HASHTAGZ dedicate this year’s National Dog Day to her bravery, desire to live, and to all our furry heroes.

National Dog Day was founded in 2004 by Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert, Animal Rescue Advocate, Conservationist, Dog Trainer and Author, Colleen Paige. We thank people like Ms. Colleen Paige for having found this day that is devoted to man’s best friend.

Five Everyday Heroic Doggo Stories

Pup Rescuing Pup: Heartwarming story of Jessie and Chucky

Who says big dogs are more aggressive? When Jessie, a 7 year old Staffordshire, saw his little 13 year old furry pal, Chucky, slipped in their owner’s swimming pool in Boksburg, South Africa, the big guy stayed by his pals side for 34 minutes and managed to pull Chucky out the swimming pool to safety. This moment was captured on the owners home camera. What an amazing rescue!

2. Courthouse Dog Provides Emotional Assistance: The calm and sweet Molly

What brings a child more comfort then to hold and caress a dog? Molly, 7 year old black lab, is among about 70 dogs in the country to help young victims of abuse get through some very difficult and painful memories as these victims are frightened and feel intimidated to testify. This practice started in the 1990s in a Mississippi child abuse case. Now many states have adapted to a concept called “facility dogs”, as it is referred to as, and depending on the state law, these four legged gentle animals may be allowed to stay with the victim in the witness box as well. What a great move!

3. The Miracle Dog: Story of Sheba

16 year old dog Sheba, a nearly blind and deaf dog, survived nine days after being lost in the wild. Miraculously, besides some dehydration and weight loss, per the veterinarian who checked her, Sheba was found in good health. Sheba’s courage, bravery, and a determination to be rescued, reminds us of Pringles. Way to go Sheba!

4. Dog leading a Dog: ‘Furever’ buddies Charlie and Maverick

When 11 year old Charlie (now passed away), a golden retriever had to have both his eyes removed due to glaucoma, his owners decided to adopt a puppy, 1 month Maverick. Although, it was a bit of a rough start, Maverick soon became a guide dog for his fur pal Charlie. From walking to eating, to even being a pillow to Charlie, Maverick stayed with his pal till the end. Ah, the brotherly love!

5. Heroic War Dog Saves Human Heroes: Story of Kuno’s bravery

No words are enough to say how grateful the British soldiers are to Kuno, a 3 year old Belgium malinois, who tackled his way through a gun fire, saving British soldiers from a gunman in Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. Although, Kuno lost both his hind legs in the process, his heroism will forever be remembered by the British military. What a great honor to have Kuno in the military!

A Closer Look Into Animal Cruelty

Pringles, although surrounded by comfort and love in her final hours, did not deserve the injuries and pain she sustained in her lifetime by her owners. Animal cruelty is never justifiable, no matter how small. Unfortunately, because cases of animal cruelty are not reported, those responsible for such horrendous acts find a way to avoid jail time or other penalties. It is time to step up and be advocates of animal cruelty by ensuring maximum penalty for those arrested for the act.

The Pandemic and Abandoning of Pets

The Covid-19 pandemic has shown us how much affection and support our four-legged friends can give us during a time of emotional, physical and financial chaos. During this time shelters noticed a significant increase in the number of adoptions as more and more people were forced to work from home. Although, many had good intentions when they adopted a pet during the pandemic, whether it was to save a life or provide comfort to the animal, there are those that are now returning or in some instances abandoning those pets. When pets are returned back to shelters, it is more difficult to re-home them as some will have developed anxiety. And those that are abandoned are at a risk of getting injured and dying of heat, cold, hunger.

Pet Re-Homing

Pet re-homing decision must be taken into heavy consideration and if possible not be done at all, unless absolutely necessary where the pet is in some form of danger or owner is gravely sick and unable to take care. So before heading to a shelter please consider the investment of time, love, home environment, healthcare costs, and other financial responsibilities for the next 10- 20 years. Pets are not for pleasure. They are living things like you and I. And although they don’t ask for the luxuries we want, they are living beings that need the necessities of daily living.