A few months back, the severely injured 3-year-old shepherding dog rushed into his owner’s home in rural Worland, Wyo. (population 5,487), about 150 miles north of Casper.

He’d been shot twice and then burned inside a barrel. The blue-heeler was bleeding from the face, and third-degree burns covered most of his body.

But he was alive. Barely. Talk about an animal with nine lives.

“If Bo does have nine lives, he certainly used up at least a couple of them with this incident,” the dog’s owner, Abby Redland, told the Los Angeles Times.

Bo’s misadventure has divided two families in this small farming community. A neighboring family admits they shot the dog because it was raiding their chicken coop, and later burned the animal because they thought it was dead.

Redland and her husband, Ben, a local banker, have taken out a restraining order on the family. And they’re trying to make it harder under Wyoming law to shoot a domestic animal and to introduce stipulations requiring shooters to contact the animal’s owners.

But for now, all Redland can do is breathe a big deep sigh of relief: Bo is still alive. He’s running and jumping and, other than a few scars, is no worse for wear.

Redland told The Times her nightmare began Dec. 15 when she looked out and saw her dog running toward the house, looking like he was covered in oil.

“Something looked very wrong,” she said.

They opened the door and Bo bounded into the house. “It was this terrible smell,” Redland said. “His hair was melted and falling out. He was still smoldering.”

Not long before, according to a report filed with the Washakie County Sheriff’s Office, neighbors Genevieve Gerber and her 18-year-old son, Wesley, returned home to spot a dog in their chicken coop.

The boy grabbed his rifle and shot twice, grazing the dog on the cheek and in the back.

The dog was Bo. And the Gerbers thought he was dead.

Wesley dragged the dog out of the backyard and went inside to ask his father what to do.

“I said, ‘Burn it,’ because we have had other predators come around — and even our chickens that the dog had killed — how we got rid of them was we just burned them,” Mike Gerber told the Casper Star-Tribune.

So the boy dragged the dog to a burn barrel in the front yard, doused the body with gasoline, and lighted a match. “The next thing you know, the dog comes popping up out of there in flames,” Mike Gerber told the Casper newspaper, saying he watched the now-flaming dog run in a circle.

“I wish it never happened,” he added. “The decisions being made were made fast. Maybe if they would’ve been thought through more clearly, we would’ve done things differently.”

Redland rushed the dog to a local veterinarian’s office. “Bo was in such shock, the vet didn’t think he’d make it.”

But there were those nine lives. “I just sat there with him, touching his head, because I couldn’t touch any other part of his body,” Redland said.

Slowly, Bo got better. He was unable to lie down on his own for 44 days, and Redland said he would cry at times because of the pain. He still limps sometimes, because the burned skin around his back legs has shrunk.

But he’s still Bo.

Story taken from… the Los Angeles Times… read full story… http://articles.latimes.com/2013/feb/21/nation/la-na-nn-wyoming-wonder-dog-shot-burned-20130221

BOISE — On a road outside Gooding, Idaho, Sarah Starr saw something that stopped her in her tracks: a dog with a life-threatening injury.

“We saw it on the side of the road. Its paw was severely mangled,” she said.

Starr tried to catch the dog multiple times, but even with a crushed paw it was still too fast.

“We were able to put out food, and it came back for the food,” said Starr. “It was hungry enough that it didn’t know we were sneaking up behind it.”

When she caught him, Starr headed back to Boise. She and a friend started calling veterinarians.

“We called a lot of veterinarian clinics and unfortunately, they’re running businesses, so it’s hard to take an animal in without money down. We ran into a lot of people that were hesitant, knowing that we were kind of in the circumstances that we weren’t sure what this was going to cost — it wasn’t our animal,” Starr said. “Some of the people we called were quoting us $2,700 which was unaffordable to us at that time.”

That’s where Broadway Vet and Dr. Darrin Everett came in.

“Even in times of financial stress, it’s important to treat the patient as best we can, give them some medication at least to take pain away and then we can figure out what to do from there,” said Dr. Everett, the head veterinarian at Broadway Vet.

He agreed to do surgery to help the dog for only $800. Dr. Everett says the injury was probably from a trap.

“Just by looking at it when he walked in the door, it’s a significant crushing injury just below the wrist, which really fits with a trap,” said Dr. Everett. “Typically, when they get their foot caught, they will chew it off, and this was not chewed off. His foot was still attached by a small amount of soft tissue, the bones were obviously all broken, but there was still some soft tissue attaching his foot. And that would lead me to believe that somebody had to have released him from the trap because there’s no way that you can really escape from those traps without removing your foot.”

“I’m very concerned about these traps. I think that in Idaho there’s no safe place to put these anymore. I mean, every place in Idaho is traversed by somebody at this point in time, and if a pet can get into these traps so can a five-year-old,” said Starr. “I support people’s rights to hunt. We hunt in this state and that’s OK, but I do think that we need to hunt humanely.”

The team at Broadway Vet had to remove the dog’s left front leg. But Everett had hope for the dog.

“Very sweet dog, really not stressed, very stable. Clearly it happened a significant time in the past, probably a couple of weeks, but a super sweet dog, really easy to work with, and probably was going to be a really successful patient,” he said.

Dr. Everett said he will make a full recovery and be a great pet.

The day after Thanksgiving, Starr is thankful for his compassion and her new pet’s fighting spirit.  Story taken from …. KTVB.com.. read full story… http://www.ktvb.com/news/Dog-caught-in-trap-gets-treatment-at-Boise-clinic-180724721.html

Oreo has a tale to tell, but she’s keeping it to herself.

The black-and-white Shih Tzu, almost 10 years old, has baby pictures just like other dogs. Born Aug. 3, 2002, as a pup she lived in Everett, where the Rogge family brought her after buying her in the Kent area.

“I was in second grade. I remember the day, picking her up,” said 17-year-old Rayme Rogge, a junior at Everett High School. The family knows the exact day they brought Oreo home. It was Sept. 15, 2002.

Soon after that, they took Oreo to the Everett Veterinary Hospital for a puppy checkup. There, Dr. Thomas Koenig implanted a microchip into the pooch, right behind an ear, just in case she ever went missing.

Brenda and Mark Rogge and their two children lived at the time in a rented house on Everett’s Colby Avenue. Their own home, where they now live, was being built in Marysville.

“I had a house cleaner,” Brenda Rogge said recently. “We had a fenced yard, but the fence got left open.”

That was five long years ago. On Jan. 20, 2007, The Herald’s classified ad section included a notice about a lost dog — Oreo. No luck, though. No one called with the good news that Oreo had been found.

They were sad about the loss, but didn’t want to dwell on the past. Brenda Rogge said she told her children — Nolan Rogge is now 15 — that maybe someone special needed a dog like Oreo, even more than they did.

Right away, the family got another dog. Their Labrador, Bullet, is now 5 years old. Bullet and the kids grew up. Oreo remained a bittersweet memory — and a mystery.

It was March 19 when a phone call turned family history into a happy surprise. Mark Rogge was at his in-laws’ home watching a basketball game.

The call was from AVID, American Veterinary Identification Devices. The California-based company that made the microchip implanted in Oreo in 2002 had the phone number of Brenda Rogge’s parents. A caller from the company said the dog had been found, and gave the Rogges the name and number of a woman in Federal Way.

“Another lady and I were on the street where I live. We saw her on Dash Point Road,” said Sylvia Corona. The Federal Way woman said Wednesday she could tell by the black-and-white dog’s behavior that it was lost.

“I took care of her for about three days,” the 28-year-old Corona said. She asked around her neighborhood whether anyone was missing a dog, or knew of someone looking for one. When no one came forward, she took the dog to her own veterinarian.

“They scanned her for a microchip for free,” Corona said. “I called AVID and gave them my information.”

The Rogge family was stunned by the discovery. Both Brenda Rogge and Sylvia Corona believe Oreo couldn’t have been on the run all those missing years. Someone must have loved and cared for her, and perhaps she ran away again. When found, Oreo wasn’t wearing a collar.

“She couldn’t have lasted that long without someone,” Corona said.

Brenda Rogge and her daughter drove to Federal Way for the reunion on March 20.

“It’s amazing, she knew her name,” Brenda Rogge said. The dog, she said, was instantly excited at the sound of “Oreo.”

There’s more to the mystery. Although Oreo appeared to have been well fed and cared for, she is missing an eye. Brenda Rogge said veterinarians who examined her thought the eye had been surgically removed.

“Whoever had her took good care of her,” said Jill Hibbard, a receptionist at Everett Veterinary Hospital where Oreo was microchipped. “She’s very healthy. She’s even the same weight she was years ago.”

Hibbard said the microchips cost $45 at Everett Veterinary Hospital, and that some animals receive the chips when they are adopted from shelters.

“This is a message for people: Chip your dogs,” Brenda Rogge said. “If it weren’t for that chip, I would never have seen her again.” … story taken from… the Herald Net… read full story…. http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20120509/NEWS01/705099861

Canton firefighters used a special oxygen mask to save the life of a dog during a house fire Saturday, according to a press release from the Canton Fire Department.

Skylar, a yellow Labrador retriever, was found unconscious and having trouble breathing inside a home on the 6800 block of Carriage Hills Drive at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday, the release said.

According to the release, firefighters arrived at the house and noticed smoke coming from the overhangs. Firefighters forced the front door of the residence open, the release said, and found the family dog unresponsive and with labored breathing.

Firefighters brought the dog outdoors, the release said, where firefighters waited for a special oxygen masked designed specifically for dogs that was donated to the department in 2008 by then-Canton resident Christy Jones.

Firefighters administered oxygen to the dog for about 20 minutes, until Skylar regained consciousness, the release said, and began breathing better.

Dr. Mark Alsager of Alsager Animal Care Center in Canton arrived at the scene and took Skylar to a 24-hour animal hospital, where the dog is in stable condition and expected to fully recover. Alsager credited the special mask with saving the dog’s life, the news release said… story taken from… Plymouth Patch.. read full story… http://plymouth-mi.patch.com/articles/firefighters-save-dog-s-life-in-canton-fire

A San Antonio dog named Stevie Oedipus Wonder disappeared from his family’s home for about a month, so the owners assumed he had been lost and then died.

Stevie Oedipus Wonder had not died though he wound up at San Antonio Animal Care Services, but his dog tag information had not been updated so the owners could not be found. An ad was published to help find him a home, but he was also scheduled for euthanization. A school teacher saw the ad and volunteered to take him in for a short period. The teacher became curious after looking at Stevie’s dog tags and conducted a search on the Craig’s List website using the key words ‘blind dog’.

One of Stevie’s family members had placed on ad on the site describing the lost blind dog and their contact information should anyone find him. The school teacher reached out to them saying she had Stevie and he was reunited with his family.

Animal services or animal shelters are probably a good bet when one is looking for a lost animal. Also, microchipping a pet can help in these situations, because the owner information will remain with the animal and animal shelters typically know to scan them…. story taken from Care2.com… read story… http://www.care2.com/greenliving/lost-blind-dog-returned-to-home.html

“Wow. Quite frankly, [my husband] John and I just figured somehow she had gotten killed.” Kristen Pruitt told Fredricksburg.com after being reunited with her mix breed pit bull Petunia who had been missing for eight years.

The dog disappeared on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in 2003 from a family farm in Fredricksburg, Virginia, according to Fredricksburg.com. Somehow, eight years later, the dog ended up on the opposite side of the United States at an animal shelter in California.

The shelter then used a microchip implanted in the dog to track down the dog owners, according to Fredricksburg.com.

In a Skype interview with CBS13 Sacramento, Pruitt exclaimed upon seeing the dog,”Awwwwww. Look at her.”

Debra Luis, supervisor at the Yuba County Animal Control Office in California, told the Appeal Democrat about the dog’s health. The Appeal Democrat reports Luis said “that the dog is in fine shape physically, though she also said there are signs the animal had not received enough nutrition in recent months.”

Now, according to KCRA Sacramento, “The shelter is now working with Pruitt to make sure Petunia is home for the holidays.” ….story taken from… The Huffington Post… read story, see video… http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/04/missing-dog-reunited-with_n_1128036.html

ALLEN PARISH, LA (KPLC) -

A dog was found shot on the side of the road in Allen Parish and one man saved the dog’s life by bringing her to a veterinary hospital.

This incident brings up the issue of how people abandon their dogs on the side of the road, generally in rural areas. Dogs left on the streets end up starving to death or getting run over. In this dog’s case, getting shot.

Resident of Allen Parish Jackie Parks said many people dump their dogs on the road where he lives.

“Allen Parish doesn’t have an animal shelter, so people in this area don’t have options,” he said. “For me, there’s never an option to abandon a dog on the side of the road.”

Parks found the dog a few days earlier along with a male dog and a puppy. He would bring food to the dogs and eventually when they warmed up to him, he would take them to a shelter.

“On the last night I checked on them as I went to work, I found the male dog had been shot,” Parks said.

With the male dog dead, he went searching for the female dog and her puppy. He discovered the female dog had been shot as well, but was still alive. The puppy ran off as he got closer to the dog.

“I made kind of a decision to take the female dog to the vet and I would come back for the puppy and try to catch it, but I came back and the puppy was gone,” Parks said.

The female dog he brought to the vet, he named Hope. Parks described her as friendly and calm, but after being shot in the abdomen, she was unable to stand.

“I didn’t know what kind of damage she had. I was really afraid for her,” Parks said.

Veterinarian at the Lake Area Animal Hospital Dr. Sally Kate Scroggs said Hope had a 50-percent chance of survival.

“We took X-rays and she had a broken hip and she also had a ruptured bladder,” Scroggs said. “The first surgery, her bladder was still leaking, so I had to take her back into surgery the next night.”

Two surgeries later, Hope’s tail is now wagging and she’s running around on all four legs. She’s a happy healthy dog.

“People really need to think about what they’re doing before they just dump dogs off. Because I’m sure the people who dropped her off didn’t expect someone was going to shoot her,” Scroggs said.

And Parks is happy to see that Hope has a second chance.

“My hope is that someday she finds a good home and that someone will find a spot in their heart for her,” he said. “It’s kind of a bitter sweet thing. I’m really glad that she has a second chance and I’m thankful for that.”…story taken from … KPLC TV.com… read full story… http://www.kplctv.com/story/16178366/abandoned-dog-is-shot-and-gets-a-second-chance-at-life

Cody, a yellow labrador retriever, was home Tuesday after being kidnapped during a carjacking in Oakbrook Terrace a day earlier.

The dog was in the back seat of the white 2009 Ford Escape stolen from Anyway’s Restaurant parking lot, according to WGN News.

A 25-year-old man, Bradley L. Haggard, of Lombard, was later arrested in connection with the carjacking. Villa Park and Addison police said the SUV was taken to a Wal-Mart and used as a getaway car after Haggard shoplifted items from the store.

Villa Park police chased Haggard east on North Avenue. The chase caused Haggard to crash into a tree at St. Charles Road and Craig Street. Haggard was caught and arrested after trying to flee on foot. Police report Haggard was under the influence and driving with a suspended license.

He is charged with felony charges of aggravated failure to obey an order to stop, possession of a stolen vehicle, resisting an officer and possession of cannabis. He is held on a $150,000 bail at DuPage County Jail.

Cody, the dog, was not hurt during the accident and was returned to his owner… story taken from NBC Chicago News… read story…. http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Villa-Park-Dog–134360373.html

TEHACHAPI, Calif. — During this summer’s Canyon Fire, 23 ABC met Oscar, a dog that suffered third-degree burns while running with his owner from the flames.

After Oscar was treated for his burns he was placed in the care of a rescue organization in Tehachapi called Marley’s Mutts. His stay was supposed to be short because Oscar’s owner planned to take him back, but two months later, the rescue still has the dog.

“He’s a happy go-lucky, very happy dog,” said Zach Skow, the owner of Marley’s Mutts. “We go on bike rides and I let the leash dangle from him. He likes to go on the skateboard.”

This is a whole new world Oscar is adjusting to now that Skow has taken him in.

“He’s just an awesome dog,” said Skow. “(He’s) really well assimilated, surprisingly so because he was really freaky at first. He had never been indoors. (He wasn’t) potty trained at all. He had to learn everything.”

23 ABC first met Oscar on Sept.5 at Bakersfield Veterinarian Hospital where he was being treated for the burns he got during the Canyon Fire.

“His undercarriage was completely burnt — his face, his ears, his tail, back of his legs– all (were) in really bad shape,” said Skow when asked how Oscar was when he got him.

After being released, Marley’s Mutts took him in. At the time Oscar’s owner Tim Shirey was going to take him back, but now Oscar is up for adoption.

“Tim is very grateful,” said Skow. “(He) loves his dog obviously, and wants the best for him. (He) decided to let us try and find him the best home possible.”

23 abc talked to Shirey by phone on Friday and he said he thought the rescue could provide Oscar with more than he could and did what was best for the dog.

Skow is now hoping that for Oscar the best is still to come.

“The best thing for him is to find him a family, someone who can love him and cherish him, and spend time with him,” said Skow. “He’s just so good around dogs (and) around kids. He’s got this amazing personality. The best thing for him is to share that with somebody else rather than keep him in a kennel.”…story taken from Kern County Mountain News… read story… http://www.turnto23.com/mountain/29688874/detail.html

Authorities on Thursday were seeking information about a driver who dragged a dog through a Riverside neighborhood while the animal was tied to the back of a pickup.

The white dog suffered injuries on all four paws in the incident, which occurred Wednesday about 7 p.m., the Riverside County Department of Animal Services said.

“The paws were pretty bloody, and there were a lot of sores,” said Krista Stewart, an animal service officer.

A witness called 911 and alerted authorities that the animal was being dragged near Claycroft and Peacock lanes in the city’s La Sierra area, agency spokesman Jose Arballo said.

It was not clear how far the dog had been dragged. The driver stopped and untied the dog before leaving.

The driver was in a red pickup truck. The dog, about 10 months old, was treated and wrapped with bandages. The dog was recovering from the injuries, officials said… story taken from… The Los Angeles Times.. read full story… http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/11/dog-dragged-behind-pickup.html

AVIS COUNTY, Utah (ABC 4 News) – A pet dog is recovering from a high powered pellet shot wound.
Roxy is a 7-year-old weimaraner.
The injury brought her close to death and collapsed her lungs.

Her owner rushed her to the Mountain View Animal clinic in Layton. She was in severe pain and shock.

Dr. Josiel Lopez gave her a high powered morphine like drug just to reduce her shock and to keep her alive.

Her X-rays reveal the pellet traveled through her chest area and missed her heart by about one inch and eventually lodged just beneath the surface of her skin.

Several neighbors who know Roxy says she’s lovable.  She doesn’t bite and isn’t threatening.
Her owner, Gary Marchant, wants to know who shot her more than a week ago and why?

“It’s like one of our kids.  It’s like somebody tried to kill one of our family members, trying to kill one of our children.  That don’t sit well with me,” said Marchant

She was last seen wandering a field just south of Love Lane in Davis County before the she was hit September 20.

“She was breathing hard and I turned her over.  I could see some blood on her bottom side there,” said Marchant.
Blood was rapidly pooling into her chest area and she was on the verge of losing consciousness.

“I just scooped her up in my arms and got in my car and hauled her to the veterinarian,” said Marchant.
Now, 11 days later her entry wound is almost healed, but the sting of this injustice continues.

Almost everyone we talked with wants to know who hurt this dog.
“I think they ought to have their pants kicked, really to shoot a dog that’s friendly,” said Gene Clark.

The Davis County Sheriff is still looking for the person who shot Roxy.  If you know anything about this crime call the Davis County Sheriff’s Department.
Roxy finished the last of her pain medications October 31 and ran for the first time since the shooting….story taken from ABC4.com…read story and see video… http://www.abc4.com/content/news/slc/story/Pet-dog-recovering-from-high-powered-pellet/o7zmcuEt4kqUp5hDq3BYxQ.cspx

A starving dog left in an abandoned apartment for two months, jumped from a third-story window in a desperate attempt to find food. Amazingly the dog survived the fall and helped rescue a puppy still locked inside.

The story of one-year-old Pit bull mix, Miracle and a four-month-old puppy named Gracie shows the remarkable spirit of animals.

Abandoned by their owners in a New Bedford, MA apartment for nearly two months, emaciated Miracle made a courageous leap for help by diving out of a third story window on Friday. Incredibly at that exact moment, a police officer pulled to the curb outside the residence to stop a car. The officer looked up and saw the painfully thin dog jump.

Miracle broke her hip and hind leg in the fall, but the officer was there to immediately help her.

Miracle’s amazing leap led Animal Control officers inside the apartment where they found a small malnourished puppy hanging onto life. The puppy, now named Gracie, was too weak to stand.

No food was found in the filthy apartment, but the dogs had managed to survive on a “water source” they found.

Animal Control Officer Emanuel Maciel described the apartment. “It was flea infested – feces all over the floor. It was devastating to see the conditions these animals were living.”

Both dogs are receiving treatment at Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists. Surgeons successfully repaired Miracle’s broken hip and leg and she is on a special feeding program to help her gain weight. Gracie was in shock at the time of her rescue and is in intensive care. The staff said she is “active and alert.”

The property manager said the tenant left the apartment nearly two months ago, but did not leave a forwarding address.

Animal Control is asking for the public’s help to find the owner. Anyone with information is asked to contact New Bedford Animal Control.

“This constitutes felony cruelty against an innocent animal,” said Lt. Alan Borgal, director of the Center for Animal Protection at the Animal Rescue League of Boston. “We are counting on the public to step forward with information to help bring the person or persons responsible to justice.”

“We see this too often,” said Jennifer Wooliscroft from the Animal Rescue League. “These dogs are often so resilient and nice when they have no reason to be nice at all.”

Hopefully both dogs will recover and be available for adoption in the future.

Story taken from… Care2.com …read full story… http://www.care2.com/causes/starving-dog-jumps-from-third-story-window-and-survives.html

On Thursday, a day of deluge, damage and tragedy, a beloved dog fled her Northeast Washington home and vanished. She apparently spent the night amid rain, thunder and lightning.

But for Asia, a medium-size black Labrador retriever/collie mix, the outcome was better than in many of the week’s storm-related events.

After a long chase through Northeast, three D.C. police officers took Asia into custody Friday morning at Gallaudet University.

It was not clear why officers had pursued her, but the chase ended about a mile from Asia’s house, which is at 16th and Rosedale streets. Asia had run out when workers came in. Asia, said owner Chris Maier, is “not used to strangers.”

The workers first looked for her and then called Maier, and he and his girlfriend searched for hours in vain. But after many calls to the D.C. animal control unit, Maier was told Friday morning that “something just came across the police radio” and that “it may have been your dog.”

It was. When they were reunited, Maier said, a tail-wagging Asia was truly excited. But on Saturday, he said, she still seemed “just sort of worn out.”... story taken from… The Washington Post… read story… http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-dog-goes-lost-in-storm-is-found/2011/09/10/gIQAvn5iIK_story.html

BENWOOD – A female mixed English setter dog was rescued Wednesday afternoon as it was trying to jump the median wall of W.Va. 2 in Benwood.

Marshall County Animal Shelter Director Cindy Brautigan said all four of its paws were bleeding. She said a volunteer from the Animal Rescue League saw the dog and stopped her car to try and slow traffic.

A man following also stopped and was able to catch the dog and put it into the woman’s vehicle and she took it to the animal shelter.

“The dog was full of burrs,” Brautigan said. “It was very hungry and very scarred. We are hoping someone comes to claim it. We have been trying to win her trust. We have been feeding it small meals several times a day.”

Because the dog was scared it bit the man who caught her, Brautigan said. She does not know who the man was, who caught the dog, or how severe the bite was.

“We normally hold a dog for five days before we release it,” she said, “but we are going to hold her 10 days before we let her go. We are hoping the owner will call or we will put her up for adoption.”… story taken from… The Intelligencer. Wheeling News-Register… read story… http://www.news-register.net/page/content.detail/id/559575/Dog-Rescued-From-Highway.html?nav=510

Good things come in small packages, the saying goes. A 19-year-old Utah man learned the truth of those words when he was awakened in the middle of the night last Friday by paramedics, who led him out of the family house, which was on fire. The emergency personnel had been led in turn had to the young man’s room by the family dog, an heroic toy poodle named Ted.

The fire broke out at around 3 a.m. That was when a passer-by noticed flames and called the fire department. The sleeping teen’s mother and two children exited the house before the firefighters arrived, but the 19-year-old was still inside. West Jordan Fire Battalion Chief Reed Sharman picks up the story’s thread. As he told the Salt Lake Tribune:

Two of our paramedics, Don Chase and Erik Andersen, had gone inside to search the structure, and when they opened the door, there was the dog. When they went to grab the dog, though, he ran downstairs.

He stopped on a landing, looked back at our guys, waited for them to catch up and then ran down to the next landing.

Ultimately, Ted led the emergency responders to a basement couch where the teenager was fast asleep. By this point, the house had begun to fill with smoke, conditions that further underscore Ted’s selflessness and bravery.

The two paramedics carried the young man and dog outside. The man was treated at the scene for minor smoke inhalation and released. The dog was uninjured, though Chief Reed Sharman told reporters he was “grumpy.” You would be, too, if you wanted to let firefighters know a family member was trapped inside the burning house but had no language in common with them.

The fire, meanwhile, was extinguished within 10 minutes. The house had sustained an estimated $30,000 to $40,000 in damage, but the most precious contents were perfectly fine, in no small measure thanks to a determined little dog…. story taken from… Examiner… read full story… http://www.examiner.com/pet-news-in-national/toy-poodle-rescues-owner-from-burning-home

A miniature pinscher who went missing was finally rescued after showing up more than 750 miles from her home.

It had been eight months since Sharalyn Cooper, from Salt Lake City, Utah, last saw two-year-old Fadidle – in which time the tiny dog had managed to travel across two states to San Diego, California.

The loving owner was finally reunited with her pet at Salt Lake International Airport this weekend, after Fadidle was handed in to San Diego Humane Society as a stray.

The animal shelter placed the dog on a stray hold but, thanks to a microchip implanted under her skin, they were able to link her back to her owners in Utah, the Dereset News reported.

‘It’s wonderful,’ said a delighted Mrs Cooper clutching the tiny, quivering dog to her bosom, her eyes streaming with tears of joy. She noted that Fadidle looked a bit skinnier than when she had left.

‘She’s just a little tiny thing. We’re just happy they found her. It was definitely a long wait,’ she added… story taken from … dailymail.co.uk… read full story…. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2028732/Missing-dog-turns-state–750-miles-home-Utah.html

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga — This is a story of survival. A dog spent two days in the back of a tractor trailer in temperatures well above 100 degrees. No one saw her get on the truck until she jumped off in a warehouse in Lawrenceville. She was sickly and barely alive.

Gwinnett County Animal Control said the dog is now thriving and waiting for a new home. “The veterinary clinic took it upon them to nurse the dog back to health,” said Cpl. Jake Smith.

On July 19, a tractor trailer backed up the loading dock at the Masonite Door Corporation in Lawrenceville. When the driver opened the back door, the dog ran out and into a corner of the warehouse where it cowered in fear. “When the dog ran out, everyone in the receiving department went to try to round it up and see if it needed help,” said plant manager David Toll.

Veterinarians at a clinic in Lawrenceville who nursed the dog back to health did not want to be identified. They named the dog “Carolina.” Carolina is a 4-year-old shepherd mix and should be healthy enough to be adopted in another week or two.

“That’s fantastic news,” Toll said, adding that when animal control picked the dog up at the warehouse, he thought she was too sick to survive. “The animal control officer thought that they might put her to sleep, which we were pretty upset about. I’m really glad to hear that something good might come out of this after all.”… story taken from… 11Alive.com News… read full story… http://www.11alive.com/news/article/200578/3/LAWRENCEVILLE-Stowaway-dog-survives-hot-journey

Police informed the Great Falls Tribune that neighbors returned a Jack Russell Terrier after it got out. As they were leaving, the neighbors heard the dog yelp and discovered the owner, 49-year-old David Boyken, in the process of cutting the dog’s throat. All the animals you are about to see are happy and healthy. Police say the injured dog suffered serious cuts requiring stitches.

The good news is that the Jack Russell Terrier is expected to make a full recovery. Sgt. John Schaffer says he received an email from the Great Falls Animal shelter stating the dog is in good spirits and being treated with antibiotics.

Boyken is facing up to a $1,000 fine and one year in prison on misdemeanor animal cruelty. Sgt. Schaffer explains the animal cruelty statue is, “any type of mistreatment, torture, mutilation, killing of an animal, other than for humane purposes”. Aggravated animal cruelty is when a person kills or inflicts cruelty to an animal with the intent of terrifying, torturing, or mutilating the animal or if the cruelty is done to a group of animals. A second animal cruelty offense becomes a felony.

Veterinary Michelle Lague with Central West Animal Clinic has not seen many animal cruelty cases in Great Falls since she moved here 11 years ago. However one that has always stayed with her was an owner that admitted to kicking his Pug, breaking its thigh bone. Lague says, “I called the authorities to try and get this guy prosecuted and I actually got nowhere. No one wanted to listen to me. No one wanted to pay attention to me”.

In the last 10 years she believes animal cruelty laws have changed for the better. However, she does feel that the law fails to take into account the severity of abuse. For example, an animal left without food and water is the same animal cruelty offense as someone using a weapon on the animal. Lague says, “I hope we once again look at that law and see if we think we need to tweak it a little bit”…. story  taken from… kfbb.com… read full story… http://www.kfbb.com/news/local/Animal-Cruelty-in-Great-Falls-127286228.html

Clio — After a year of dealing with a gut-wrenching tragedy, four children and their mother finally got some good news: The family dog is coming home.

Monica Benson, 30, was riding with her husband, Gary, their five children and dog Caesar on June 15, 2010, on a remote stretch of Interstate 40 near Tucumcari, N.M., when their 2001 Chevrolet minivan overturned.

Gary Benson and daughter Emily died from injuries in the crash. Son Benjamin suffered serious injuries and was placed in intensive care at Amarillo Hospital.

Caesar, a white Maltese, was nowhere to be found.

“The dog was probably thrown from the car,” said Monica Benson’s father, Lee Harris. “The accident happened out in the desert; there’s nothing out there but wilderness.”

Then, Friday, they got a call they never expected: Caesar was located at a New Mexico animal shelter.

“I called Monica, and when I told her the dog was still alive, she started crying,” Harris said Wednesday. “She told the kids the next day, and they were so happy.”

Long before the call, little Caesar figured into then-18-month-old Benjamin’s recovery.

“While Benjamin was in the ICU, we placed pictures of him and Caesar on the walls,” Benson said. “When he woke up, he would point at the pictures and say, ‘Caesar.’”

The family returned to the accident site and tried to find Caesar, to no avail.

“We figured he must’ve ran away,” said Harris, one of those who rushed to New Mexico after the accident.

“I went to the hospital and some lady called and said she found the dog,” Harris said. “So she brought this dog to the hospital, but it wasn’t Caesar. She tried to give it to us anyway, but we had too much going on to take on a dog that wasn’t Caesar.”

After Benjamin recovered, the family returned home, resigned to never seeing their dog again.

On Friday, a volunteer for the Tucumcari Animal Rescue Group was looking for adoptable dogs at the local animal shelter and spotted a furry white Maltese. It was among seven dogs that were taken to the veterinarian’s office to be scanned for a microchip, which Caesar had.

The volunteer, Christina Flemming, called the chip company and was given a Michigan phone number, but the number was disconnected. Benson had moved and changed phone numbers, her father said.

But Flemming didn’t give up. She looked online and found a newspaper article about a family from Clio, north of Flint, who had lost a dog during a fatal car crash.”She got a hold of the funeral home in Grand Blanc where the funerals were held, and they were able to get a hold of me,” Harris said.

The dog is en route by plane and auto, and will likely come home Saturday, Harris said.

“The kids are really excited and looking forward to seeing their dog again,” Harris said. “It’s been a really long year, so it’s nice to see them so happy.”

Harris marveled at the dog’s determination.

“It’s just a little Maltese; it’s so small … to survive where it’s been the past year is really an amazing thing,” he said. “It was out in the desert, in the middle of nowhere, and it somehow made its way out.

“That little dog must’ve been really determined to get back to Monica and the children.”…. story taken from… The Detroit News… read story… http://detnews.com/article/20110811/METRO/108110420/1409/rss36

There are lucky dogs and then there are really lucky dogs.

Count Billie, a 7-year-old boxer-pit bull mix, among the latter. Lost for 34 days, she was little more than skin and bones when a Palo Alto Animal Services officer rescued her in the wilds of Los Altos Hills on June 25.

Billie’s normally 65-pound frame had shrunk to 35, owner Angella Tai said Thursday.

“I actually couldn’t hold her,” said Tai, 32, recalling her joyful reunion with Billie, who is a healthy 57 pounds now and climbing. “I was scared I was going to hurt her.”

Billie’s ordeal began on May 23, when painters working at Tai’s home in Los Altos opened a door to the garage the pup was left in for the day. The workers needed to use an outlet in the garage and the sound of noisy equipment firing up sent the typically skittish Billie running.

“I get home at 4:30 and I ask the painters, ‘Where’s my dog?’” Tai said. “They said, ‘She ran away.’ What do you do at that point? Get angry or accept it?”

While Tai and her girlfriend of two years, Lillian Jungleib, 25, accepted the explanation, they were far from ready to write Billie off. The pair canvassed Los Altos, made hundreds of fliers and visited every shelter from San Mateo to San Martin…. story taken from…. Mercury News … read full story… http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_18570606?nclick_check=1

Layla, a pit bull in southern Colorado may have saved her 3-year-old human brother’s life this week. While playing unattended with the family dogs in the backyard, the toddler saw Layla rush to the fence and start digging. Then he heard a noise that sent him inside to get his dad. That noise turned our to be a rattlesnake.

Although rattlesnake bites are rarely fatal (less than 1% according to the American International Rattlesnake Museum), they can be incredibly dangerous, especially to young children. While the child was unharmed, Layla, as well as 2 of the families German Shepherds were bitten. They were taken to an emergency veterinarian and are recovering well…. story taken from… examiner.com… read full story… http://www.examiner.com/dogs-in-national/pit-bull-alerts-family-to-rattlesnake-saves-3-year-old-from-being-bitten

The lucky dog plucked from the water by cops 2 miles off the Brooklyn shoreline was back in his grateful owner’s arms Tuesday.

“It’s not like he’s just a dog,” said Irina Frid, 38, a stay-at-home mom, as she kissed and petted her German shepherd, Charlie. “He’s a family member.”

Frid’s last German shepherd, Ciro, died at age 12 in February, leaving a hole in her life.

“I’m a crazy animal lover,” she said.

Two weeks ago she went on vacation to the Czech Republic with her husband, a real estate developer. Part of the purpose of the trip was to find a new German shepherd.

“They’re the best breeders,” she said of the Czechs. “We needed a family dog.”

Trying to decide between two dogs, they chose Charlie when the breeder told her his birthday was Aug. 1 – the same date her husband was born. The dog will turn 2 next week.

Charlie had to remain behind a week for immunizations and paperwork. Frid met him at JFK Friday.

The pet owner blames Charlie’s disappearing act on his rattled nerves from the long voyage.

“He was trying to swim back to Czech Republic,” she joked. “He spent about 14 hours in a cage. New home, new property. It still smells like the old dog. He was a little confused, with the jet lag and everything.”

Charlie slipped out during a rain storm as she was closing the front gate to her seaside home in Manhattan Beach Monday evening.

“I started calling him, ‘Charlie, come home, come home,’” she recalled.

The pooch was about to come back through the gate when a beeping from a nearby fire truck startled him.

“He got scared,” Frid said. “He ran in a completely different direction.”

Frid asked a neighbor to help search for Charlie. The pair split up and the friend called her with scary news.

“I’ve seen Charlie. He’s in the water very far away from the shore,” he said, according to Frid.

Frid raced to Manhattan Beach but by then the castaway canine was just a speck on the horizon.

“He was going down in the water, up, down in the water, up,” she said. “I was speechless.”

As she stood on the shoreline, she saw two police boats far out at sea approach Charlie.

Eagle-eyed harbor officers Benjamin Reiver and Edward Carr, on routine patrol in a small boat, spotted the struggling pooch about 7 p.m., police said.

Charlie had been doggie-paddling for about 40 minutes.

“We started waving and screaming,” she said. “I was so relieved when I saw police pick him up. A few more moments he would have been gone.”

The cops were about to end their patrol early because of the stormy weather, they later told her. The patrol boat pulled near shore and the officers aboard yelled for her to meet them at a dock at Kingsboro College.

She raced there, leashed the frightened dog and then pulled him from the boat. She showered her dog with kisses… story taken from… New York Daily news.com… read full story… http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2011/07/26/2011-07-26_dog_saved_after_being_stranded_at_sea_reunites_with_owner_after_dramatic_rescue_.html

UPPER PROVIDENCE — A young dog beaten with a chain Wednesday is healthy, affable and available for adoption, the Delaware County SPCA said Monday.

SPCA Director of Community Relations Justina Calgiano said Skyye, a 1-year-old pit bull-shepherd mix, was officially turned over to the shelter by her owner Monday. Skyye aced all of her adoption tests, Calgiano added.

“When we do these evaluations, she is tested for food aggression, aggression with other dogs and kids,” Calgiano said. “She passed with flying colors. She had constant tail-wagging.”

After speaking with Darby police, SPCA Humane Officer Bill Vernon tracked Skyye’s previous owner to Philadelphia, Calgiano said.

According to police, the dog’s previous owner told her stepson, Antique Benjamin, to get rid of the dog. Darby police arrested Benjamin after witnesses allegedly saw him beating Skyye in the head with a chain in the vicinity of 9th and Main streets. He was charged with cruelty to animals and related offenses, police said. Benjamin’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday in front of Magisterial District Judge Leonard V. Tenaglia… story taken from… delcotimes.com… read story… http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2011/06/28/news/doc4e093326be381750088533.txt

Naki’o was just a puppy when he was found in the icy cellar of an abandoned home.

“His mom was dead in the house. He was the only one that was frozen into a puddle,” said Christie Pace, a veterinarian assistant.

Naki’o lost his paws and the tip of his tail to frostbite.

Homeless, injured and struggling to walk, he was just the kind of dog Pace was looking for.

“I have a soft spot for rescue animals in general. I was looking for something different, unique. I wanted to make more of a difference than a regular dog. I knew I could help him out,” she said.

But she didn’t know how until she saw a dog in a knee brace at her clinic.

That sparked an idea: she raised the money to pay for prosthetics for Naki’o's two rear legs.

Then the maker of the artificial legs offered to make two more for free – for Naki’o's front legs… Story taken from… abcnewsgo.com… read full story… http://abcnews.go.com/Health/bionic-dog-walks-losing-paws/story?id=13926420

EL PASO, Texas — A dog on the verge of starving to death was turned in to the El Paso Humane Society on Tuesday. The woman who dropped the animal off claimed to have found the dog wandering on Fort Bliss. But shelter workers don’t believe the animal is a stray. Instead, they believe someone is responsible for the worst case of animal malnutrition the El Paso Humane Society has seen.

Shelter employees are affectionately calling the 3-year-old Boxer “Bones.” The dog weighs just 22 pounds, half of what he should. “The condition he is in did not happen overnight; it’s been progressing for about a month,” said Betty Hoover, the shelter’s executive director.

Bones showed no signs of being a stray. The dog is extremely well socialized, very friendly and shows no fear of other animals or people. The woman who dropped the dog off at the shelter left her name, address and phone number. But when shelter workers said they tried to reach her, the phone number she left was a non-working number. That is more reason for employees to suspect the dog had not been wandering the streets, rather belonged to someone. “It makes me sick. It makes me very, very angry. I really hope that with the coverage this guy is getting in the news, maybe someone out there knows something about him,” said Hoover…. story taken from… kfoxtv.com… read full story… http://www.kfoxtv.com/news/28246649/detail.html

The Luzerne County SPCA is trying to find out who would beat the little dog then stuff her in a garbage bag and abandon it, especially in this heat.

The case is troubling to humane officers who said the dog survived but needs special care to bring her back to health. Veterinarians are working to help the abused female puppy recover from what appears to be a vicious attack.

The cage at the SPCA is covered with notes warning of a head injury. She receives painkilling medication while those treating her ask who is she, and why would someone hurt her in such a cruel manner.

“She was in critical condition when she arrived. She was in a stupor or in a coma,” said veterinarian Dr. Sharon Finster.

Rescue workers with the Luzerne County SPCA will only say she was found in a high-traffic area, perhaps dropped off by her attacker.

The person who found the dog found it in a large, dark trash bag. The dog inside had a cracked skull. The dog’s attacker left her for dead.

“You just can’t do this to animals. It’s not right,” said Cary Moran of the Luzerne County SPCA… Story taken from… wnep.com… read full story… http://www.wnep.com/wnep-luz-puppy-was-beaten-stuff-in-trash-bag-20110608,0,788783.story

** Newzhoundz believes that there is a special place in HELL for people that abuse animals.. if you could call them people…they are lower than the beautiful animals that they are suppose to care for.

MONSON —  A state trooper saved a puppy that had been trapped for three days under the roof of a home that had been destroyed by last week’s tornado.

On Saturday, Trooper Brian Pearl, who works out of the state police barracks in Sturbridge, was on patrol in Monson. He turned onto Stewart Avenue, one of the town’s hardest hit areas, and saw a woman waving him down.

“She said, ‘We found a dog hiding or trapped under a collapsed roof,’ ” Trooper Pearl said in a news release from the state police yesterday. “You could hear the dog barking but you couldn’t see it. He was way, way, way under there.”

Trooper Pearl retrieved an animal pole he keeps in his cruiser — a long pole with a loop at the end used to capture reluctant animals — and climbed into and under the rubble on his hands and knees toward the sounds. There, under the remnants of a home at 20 Stewart Ave. that had collapsed Wednesday evening, he saw the dog.

Three times Trooper Pearl got the pole’s loop near the dog, and three times the dog slipped out of it, according to the state police news release.

Finally, on the fourth try, he snagged the dog and pulled it to him and then out of the rubble to safety. It was a dark brown puppy, a Shar-Pei-Chow mix, weighing about 25 pounds. The puppy appeared hungry and tired, but not hurt… story taken from… Worcester Telegram & Gazette… telegram.com… read full story… http://www.telegram.com/article/20110606/NEWS/106069887/1116

SALINAS, CA (KION/CNN) – Most dogs like to take a walk, but one dog originally from Colorado managed to travel 1,200 miles all the way to California after getting lost.

Buster Brown’s owner, Samantha Squires, was worried, but she never gave up hope.

“He was with me 24-7, slept with me, ate with me, we ran together, we… everything,” Squires said.

Squires said the story began on a Wednesday morning in November, when Buster went missing.

Six months later he was found in Salinas, CA on Tyler Street.

“She had no idea how he got here. Neither do we. He’s the only one that knows, and ask him, he’s not telling us,” said Cindy Burnham, Animal Services Manager.

His family, 1,200 miles away, never forgot about him.

“I still have his collars with all his tags, I still have everything,” Squires said.

It was a letter in the mail from Salinas Animal Services and a phone call the dog owner will never forget.

“And, uhm, she said ‘He’s Brownie.’ Brownie was his adopted name and Buster Brown was his name, you know, that I gave him afterwards. So I knew it was him, with the Brownie part,” Squires said.

Buster is a bit itchy from allergies, nothing his medicine back home can’t heal.

His journey, though, isn’t over and he will travel inside of a crate on a Frontier Airlines plane from San Francisco, CA to Denver, CO for a big family reunion.

“I can’t even think about him without starting to cry, so I know I’m going to be bawling. It really is like your child that’s coming home, you think that they’re gone, and they’re not,” Squires said.

Frontier Airlines offered to fly Buster Brown back home free of charge, and he should in Colorado sometime this weekend… Story taken from… wdam.com… http://www.wdam.com/story/14838282/lost-dog-travels-1200-miles

Ernest Vasquez was walking his dog Taz this morning when he heard something in the bushes. Vazquez didn’t think much of it, guessing it was probably just a cat.

“Come on boy let’s go and he kept growling,” he said.

Suddenly the two-year-old pit bull started to push extra hard on his leash.

“At that point the hair in the back of his neck stick up he got in a real protective mode, so I looked again and turned I saw a head go up and it was a fox,” said Vasquez.

He tried to pull his dog back home but Taz firmly stood his ground.

“The fox lunged towards us and he just had to do what he had to do,” he said.

The fight was broken up, Suffolk Animal Control was called, and the fox will be euthanized and tested for rabies.

Vasquez says he regularly sees foxes on his morning walks with Taz, but he’s never seen one lock eyes with his dog.

He says they’re all around the neighborhood, hiding in bushes, he guesses the area around his house is the perfect home for a fox.

Vasquez hopes the fox population doesn’t become a problem in Suffolk, though he knows his dog will be able to handle it.

“He used his instincts, he was protecting himself and I guess protecting me,” he says.  Story taken from… ‘News Channel3′… http://www.wtkr.com/news/wtkr-su-fox-attack,0,769013.story

Patrick the dog, who has attracted plenty of media attention and a following across the country—including some celebrities—is making great strides towards recovery, according to those who are caring for him.

“Right now, his progress is good,” said Bruce Sanchez, the director of the Association of the Humane Societies of Monmouth County (AHSMC) in Tinton Falls. Sanchez said that Patrick’s weight has stabilized at around 39 pounds from the emaciated 20 pounds when he was found starved and dumped at the bottom of a garbage chute in Newark.

While Patrick’s progress is looking up, the fate of the person who allegedly abused the pit bull is uncertain and may be determined on Friday, May 6. That’s when Kisha Curtis is expected to appear in a courtroom in Newark to face charges relating to alleged abuse of Patrick.

Detractors have indicated on Facebook and the Internet that they plan on showing up outside the courthouse, en masse, to call attention to animal cruelty.

As for Patrick: “He’s doing great, doing absolutely wonderfully,” according to his physical therapist Susan Davis who donates her time to work with the dog. While Patrick still has “deficits,” including weakness and muscle atrophy in his left hind leg, therapy should help to correct it, said Davis.  Story taken from… ‘LittleSilver Oceanport Patch’…  read full story… http://littlesilver.patch.com/articles/patrick-the-miracle-dogs-progress-good-but-health-issues-remain-2

A 72-year-old man has told how he wrestled with an alligator to save his pet dog from certain death.

Gary Murphy leapt on to the back of the six ft-long beast in a desperate attempt to save his pet West Highland terrier named Doogie.

He threw himself on the to back of the alligator and began punching him on the head to force the gator to release the terrified dog from its jaws.

After a few blows to the head the gator released its prey and slid back into the water in Palm City, Florida.

Mr Murphy said: ‘I hit the back of that gator. It was like jumping on a pile of rocks.

‘But when I did, I caught him right behind the head, his mouth opened and Doogie took off and the gator turned around and went under the boat and out he went.’  story taken from… dailymail.co.uk… read full story and see video… http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1389879/Man-rescues-pet-dog-Doogie-jaws-alligator-punching-beast-head.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

After surviving two attempts to put him to sleep, WALL-E has been placed with owners who live out of state and want to remain anonymous. The shelter spent months trying to find the right home for the animal, said Amanda Kloski, veterinarian technician at Arbuckle Veterinarian Clinic in Sulphur…story taken from NewsOk.com … read full story… http://www.newsok.com/oklahoma-dog-thought-euthanized-gets-new-home/article/3572439?custom_click=pod_headline_usnational-news

A SCOTTISH couple who made the ‘heartrending’ decision to return home from holiday without their missing pet dog are relieved she has been found.

Pat and Hamish Robertson visited their holiday home at Eller How House, near Lindale, when their two dogs, Inca and Cassie, went missing on May 16 after crossing the dual carriageway near the BP garage.

Cassie was spotted by a jogger shortly afterwards but Inca went missing for days.

But a local woman found Inca in Meathop this afternoon (Thursday) bringing a worrying week for Mr and Mrs Robertson to an end.  Story taken from… The Westmorland Gazette.. read story… http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/9048174.Holiday_couple_s_missing_labrador_found_safe/?ref=rss

When San Bernardino Valley Humane Society Officer Mike Ashbaker responded to Francine Lucas’ home in April 2010 on a report of animal cruelty and neglect, he was shocked at what he found – a small, white male terrier, who had been living for weeks without proper veterinary care after he was attacked during a dog fight.

Ashbaker remembered a clicking noise that interrupted his talk with a woman who was leaving the home with the dog.

It was the sound of the dog’s leg bone meeting concrete.

“He was filthy, smelled and on top of that, the smell of infection from his wound was a little overpowering,” Ashbaker said. “We deal with cruelty neglect cases all the time, but I don’t know how someone couldn’t – or didn’t – do

 

Terrier mix Lucky gives Humane Society recovery room supervisor Dawn Mehl a kiss at the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley’s office on Monday. Lucky lost a leg after being mauled by a pit bull. He was rescued by a Humane Society employee from a home in Highland last year. (Al Cuizon/Staff Photographer)

anything (for him).”

What he saw on that call is something he’ll never forget, he said.

Especially since he gave the pooch – now known as Lucky – a new chance at life.

When Ashbaker first encountered Lucky – then known as “Buddy” – he was matted, dehydrated, underweight and missing a portion of his left rear leg.

He learned that the dog had been attacked by a pit bull. The pit bull chewed off a portion of Lucky’s leg, leaving bone exposed.

Lucas claimed the dog did not belong to her, but had been living at the residence for weeks with the injury. Instead of taking the dog to a veterinarian for proper care, Lucas said she had given him antibiotics, according to a report from the San Bernardino County Probation Department.

“It’s not my dog. All I did was nurse him back to health,” Lucas told Ashbaker, according to the report. “The kids bring me animals, and I take care of them,” she continued. When the officer asked why she did not call Animal Control if the dog was a stray, she replied, “I don’t do that! I didn’t want him to be put to sleep.”

She told the officer that she could not afford the $500 bill for vet costs, but after putting antibiotic ointment on the dog’s wounds herself, she said the dog was running around on three legs after a week.

“The doctors here at the Humane Society said based on how the wound was healing that he had been at the residence for at least six to seven weeks,” he said. “But without proper vet care, the wound would have never healed itself.”

Recovery

The dog was taken from Lucas’ residence and brought to the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley for proper treatment.

The wound was so severe, the dog’s leg had to be amputated.

After a successful surgery, Lucky was on the road to recovery…Story taken from… Redlands Daily Facts…Read full story… http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/sanbernardinocounty/ci_18076900

A once forlorn stray dog that a group of Marines serving in Afghanistan adopted as their unit mascot is now safe in the U.S. and living with one of those Marines thanks in part to schoolchildren who raised money to help bring the canine to Indiana.

WISH-TV reports that students at Lebanon Middle School donated one dollar at a time to raise more than $1,000 that helped pay for the dog’s long journey from the war-torn nation to the central Indiana city.

Capt. Matt Taylor of Lebanon visited their middle school last week with the friendly white and tan dog, Alice, to thank the students for their generosity.  Story taken from… Chicago Tribune News… Read full story… http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-in-afghanistan-dogs,0,3890950.story

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) — Rescued from the deep, dark waters of death, we have a local survival tale that relies on you for the happy ending. What started out as a walk around town turned into a will to live when a wrong turn lead to a big drop. From the icy cold to warm and fuzzy, pay close attention, because this survivor desperately needs your help.

“She’s a very sweet dog,” said Steve Minton, Boyd County Animal Control Officer.

This is a story about a dog. She’s a beautiful beagle who’s travelled on one wild death-defying adventure.

“I’m not sure if she’s a stray or someone’s pet,” said Minton.

It all started on Ashland’s north side in a very remote area. The beagle cut through a flood wall, crossed several railroad tracks, walked a half mile and boldly disregarding the no trespassing signs wandered into the Ashland City Sewage Plant.

“When I saw her, she was over in that basin near the center wall and I didn’t know how I was going to get to her,” said Mark Anderson.  Story taken from… WSAZ3 News Channel.. read story, see video… http://www.wsaz.com/huntington/headlines/Dog_Rescued_from_Ashland_Sewage_Plant_121352804.html

SAN FRANCISCO—A little dog has some singed hair and a little eye irritation, but is otherwise OK after surviving a fire that gutted a San Francisco residential hotel, authorities said Thursday.

Firefighters found a Chihuahua “scared, but running around” in a closet on the top floor of the three-story Park Hotel around 5 a.m. Thursday, San Francisco Fire Department spokeswoman Mindy Talmadge said.

Firefighters turned the dog over to city animal care officials, who were able to reunite the dog with its owner Thursday.

“He smelled very smoky, but was in remarkably good spirits considering the experience he’s been through,” said Eric Zuercher, a supervisor with the San Francisco Department of Animal Care and Control. Story taken from… Mercury News.com …read story… http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_18003715?nclick_check=1

The story of Colton, a one-year-old English bulldog, does not begin as a happy tale of a puppy romping with laughing little children. It does, however, end with a smile.

Born paralyzed in both of his hind legs, Colton spent the first year of his life trying to get around by dragging the two legs until, in time, a huge hole had been worn in one back leg, and both were painfully infected.

The owner who took in Colton after finding out that the breeder would euthanize the pup came to realize that the care the dog required exceeded her capabilities, so she called upon Black Hills Boxer Rescue, a local organization of about 50 volunteers that provides care and foster homes to dogs.

“The owner contacted me back in November,” said Shelley Cumella, who along with her husband, Vince, started up Black Hills Boxer Rescue in 1999. “The owner’s daughter who lived in Mitchell had taken the dog and discovered that with her own children, the dog had become too much for her to take care of. At that time, they moved Colton to Rapid City.”

Cumella said that even though she had been told the basics of Colton’s past, she hadn’t realized the severity of his disability until seeing him for the first time. Realizing that Colton’s injuries required immediate attention, Cumella contacted Dean Falcon of All Creatures Veterinary Hospital, who had tended her own two dogs.  Story taken from… Rapid City Journal… read story… http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/article_0f49b950-7226-11e0-ad6f-001cc4c002e0.html

Two days after finding a pilot dead in the wreckage of his Cessna, a pair of Parks Canada employees have located the dog which survived the same crash.

He was alive, well and happy to see people.

Visitor safety specialist, Chris Gooliaff with Yoho Park, and J.P. Kors, went back to the site near the B.C.-Alberta border Friday armed with dog biscuits and hope when looking for Ed Fedaj’s border collie, Rusty.

First they travelled several kilometres by snowmobile and then skied towards the plane, which went down Wednesday.

They could hear Rusty bark as they called his name before they reached the site.  Story taken from… CNews… read story… http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Good_News/2011/04/30/18086611.html

GIRARD, Ill.— The Chet Rhodes family considers their pet, Patch, to be a miracle dog after he survived a recent tornado. Patch was caught up in the EF3 tornado on April 19 that severely damaged more than 22 structures in Girard, demolishing five homes. 

“My wife, Andrea, and our other four dogs rode out the storm in the basement, but Patch has always been shy about being in the house,” Chet Rhodes said about the evening of April 19. 

The Rhodes’ home, located on Neff Road, northwest of Girard, is a combination of an older one-story home with a new second-story addition, situated on 10 acres with 100 trees. 

“After the tornado passed, we came out to survey the damages, and saw all our fencing gone, all 100 trees down, part of our roof gone, siding missing and all the dog kennels, doghouses and Patch gone,” Rhodes said. By Maggie Borman. The (Alton) Telegraph. 

The couple spent the rest of the evening walking the debris field and calling for Patch.  Story taken from… Chicago Breaking News… read story… http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/news/local/chibrknews-miracle-dog-survives-downstate-tornado-20110429,0,1765753.story

HUNDREDS of dogs being trucked to Chinese restaurants were spared a culinary fate after about 200 animal lovers mobilised to stop them ending up on dinner tables.

A truck crammed with the dogs was forced to stop on a highway in eastern Beijing by a motorist who swerved his car in front of the vehicle then used his microblog to alert animal rights activists, reports said.

The dogs, many apparently stolen from their owners, were being transported from the central Chinese province of Henan to restaurants in Jilin province in the northeast, the China Daily said. It said 430 dogs were rescued, while the Global Times put the number at 520.  Story taken from the Herald Sun.. Read full story… http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/world/activists-save-hundreds-of-chinese-dogs-from-cooking-pot/story-e6frf7lo-1226041150852

Southfield— Firefighters rescued a cold, shocked and tired young pit bull mix clinging to branches in the rain-swollen Rouge River in Southfield on Wednesday afternoon.

The rescuers used a boat to reach the frightened dog and city animal control officers brought the dog, a female believed to be about 5 years old, to Michigan Veterinarian Specialists. She was treated for hypothermia and some scrapes, said Kati Carroll, a veterinary technician at the Southfield center.

Firefighters nicknamed her Nemo. She is recovering and is expected to survive.

“She’s in fine shape,” Carroll said late Wednesday. “She’s comfortable and at a normal temperature. … That’s the best we can hope for.”… story taken from… ‘The Detroit News’.. read story… http://www.detnews.com/article/20110428/METRO02/104280423/1409/METRO/Firefighters-rescue-dog-from-Rouge-River

COASTGUARDS swung into action to save a pet dog in the River Mersey.

The black dog was swept out to sea off Wallasey’s Manor Road, close to Egremont, yesterday afternoon.

Liverpool Coastguard watch officer Lindsay Holt said the dog was rescued and reunited with its owner.

She said: “We received a number of 999 calls shortly after midday. Initially there were reports there was no one with the dog, but the owner was in the area. One of the man’s dogs managed to get back to the shore but the other one didn’t…. story taken from ‘Wirral News, UK’…read story… http://www.wirralnews.co.uk/wirral-news/local-wirral-news/wallasey-news/tm_headline=coastguards-save-dog-as-it-is-swept-to-sea-in-wallasey%26method=full%26objectid=28572214%26siteid=80491-name_page.html

Eastlake, Ohio.  A man and his friend are alive thanks to being nudged awake by his dog, Coco, as flames crawled up the walls of their trailer.  They all managed to escaped in time, before the trailer was destroyed.

While homeless, Coco’s owner is grateful that they are alive, and he was also able to save all eight of Coco’s puppies. Coco’s owner is looking for temporary foster care for Coco and her puppies until he can get himself back on his feet and find some more accommodation.  Read story… http://www.latimes.com/wjw-dog-saves-men-from-eastlake-fire-txt,0,5039794.story

San Jose. Some unidentified good samaritans may be heroes after pulling five dogs from a burning van recently.  As the blaze was moving from the front to the back of the van where the dogs were in their kennels, passersby removed the dogs as quickly as they could. Three of the five dogs were treated by a veterinarian and allowed home, the remaining were rushed to a veterinarian hospital burns unit and are presumed in a serious condition.  Read story… http://www.doggydoodles.com.au/wp-admin/post-new.php

Philadelphia. Kelly the Pit Bull puppy used as bait in a dog fighting ring has begun the long road to recovery.

Kelly was found wandering the streets of Philadelphia with open wounds on her legs, head and ears, and a broken infected jaw.

Kelly will be ready for adoption in about six weeks. Donations are urgently needed for her treatment.  Read story… http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/02/14/national/main20031918.shtml

Animal Control Officers are seeking help in identifying someone who might have shot a Mastiff recently.

Officers found the wounded four year old Mastiff in a ditch. They believe she may have been shot up to a week before being found.  She is now at the Humane Society in a stable condition.  Read story… http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/02/17/1548485/graham-authorities-seek-information.html

Plymouth. Tucker, a six year old dog, is lucky to be alive after firefighters found him in an open space caused by fallen closet doors – after the building burned and the roof collapsed.  Tucker hadn’t had any food or water for three days when he was found by firefighters searching through the debri for his remains, but is otherwise in good shape and happy to reunited with his owner.  Read story… http://kstp.com/news/stories/S1957480.shtml?cat=1

Conway. Police seized two malnourished dogs from a Conway home recently, and owner(s) charged with animal cruelty. Sadly, this is not the first time that this person(s) have had malnourished and mistreated animals from the property.

The two dogs in question are in very poor condition and weigh less than half of their expected healthy body weight. With the proper care and attention they are expected to make a good recovery, although this will take some time.  Read story… http://www.carolinalive.com/news/story.aspx?id=579882

Larksville.  Four dogs have been rescued by firefighters in a blaze that destroyed a kennel and grooming business.

The four dogs were taken to the local animal hospital where they were given oxygen and reported to be fine. The grateful kennel owner said it could have been much worse. It was the slow season and there were few dogs boarding at the time. There could have been as many as 50 dogs there in the peak season.  Read story… http://www.timesleader.com/news/Four_dogs_rescued_from_blaze_01-24-2011.html

Poland.  A dog rescued from from icy waters in Poland last year has celebrated the anniversary of his rescue at sea with the crew that adopted him.

Named ‘Baltic’, he is now the ship’s pet and mascot, and is out at sea regularly on the Baltica, a research ship. Baltic shows signs of anxiety in rough seas, but sails around happily with the crew when the sea is calm.  Read story and see video… http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/8284396/Dog-rescued-from-icy-water-finds-sea-legs.html

Holi, the much loved family pet, is lucky to be alive after the quick thinking of a member of the family’s landscaping crew performed CPR, after Holi’s collar became entangled. Holi had collapsed to the ground not breathing. Mouth to mouth was performed and Holi recovered soon after.

She is reported to be doing well.  Read story… http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=240985

Ingham County. Tatiana, the two year old Pit Bull mix, is lucky to be alive after being bound, beaten and left for dead on the frozen ground.

Tatiana faces a lengthy recovery and won’t be up for adoption for some time.  Ingham County Animal Control officers are conducting an investigation, and are following ‘a couple of good leads’.  Read more… http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20110122/NEWS01/101220318/Promising-leads-emerge-involving-dog-left-for-dead-in-Lansing

Cambridge.  Gibson, a Sheltie mix, is happy to be safe and warm again after experiencing three harrowing days trapped in the middle of an icy reservoir.

Gibson was finally rescued by the Animal Rescue League, and is in good condition despite her ordeal.  Read story… http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/local/12003317823045/dog-rescued-after-days-on-reservoir-in-cambridge/

La Mesa.  Nine year old Oreo is lucky to be alive after consuming at least one ball of meat filled with a highly toxic poison suspected to be strychnine.

After Oreo’s owners found at least six balls of meat in their backyard, they suspect somebody in the neighbourhood is trying to kill their dogs. Neighbours say that five other dogs have been poisoned and killed in their area within the last five years.

Thanks to the generousity of donations, thousands of dollars have been collected to save Oreo. It costs thousands of dollars a day to keep Oreo alive on a ventilator while the poison works its way through his system. Read story…or make a donation to help Oreo… http://www.760kfmb.com/Global/story.asp?S=13851459

Hawaii. Keli, the five year old blue nose Pit Bull is back home again, and slowly recovering from his ordeal after being stolen from outside his home over a year ago.

Keli’s owners had almost given up hope, when they were given a tip as to his whereabouts. After confronting the perpetrator he confessed to taking Keli, and led them to the property that Keli was kept.

Keli was found in very bad condition, and was close to death. It was suspected that he had been used in an underground dog fighting organisation.

The case is being investigated.  Read more… http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=13832113

New York.  Police officers jumped into the frigid waters of the Hudson river to rescue a German Shepherd that had fallen off a boat and was stuck under a pier.

Eight year old Chloe had been on the deck of her owner’s boat when she slipped into the water and became trapped under pilings of the pier.

A detective pulled on special gear and dived into the freezing waters while others tossed out a line from the police boat and pulled them safely aboard.

Chloe’s grateful owner has given the petrified Chloe a hot shower to warm her up, and says she is feeling fine now.  Read story… http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2011/01/07/5786613-ny-police-rescue-german-shepherd-from-hudson-river

Australia.  Sarbi, and eight year old Labrador-Newfoundland cross, specially trained in explosive detection, was reunited with her handler at home on Australian soil after disappearing in September 2008 in Afghanastan after a clash with insurgents.

Sarbi became separated from her handler when shrapnel from and exploding rocket-propelled grenade broke a clip attaching Sarbi to her handler’s body armour.  Her handler was unable to retrieve her because of injuries.

Although Sarbi’s handler looked for her, his tour of duty ended and he had to return to Australia without her. Fourteen months after Sarbi disappeared, an American soldier spotted her with an Afghan man, and realising she respoded to English commands, returned her to coalition forces.

Sarbi is being reassessed to she if she if fit to return overseas. If her handler deploys once again, she may go with him. If it is determined that Sarbi is not fit for duty, then she can look forward to a comfortable life living with her handler.  Read story…. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/bomb-dog-sardi-reunited-with-handler-20110110-19kck.html

Nipomo.  Cedric, the two hundred pound English Mastiff, is resting and getting back to normal after falling into a twenty foot sinkhole in the family backyard.

Cedric’s ordeal started shortly after he was put out into the backyard for the evening. Soon after the family heard Cedric barking, which was unusual for him, and found him at the bottom of a three foot wide and twenty feet deep hole. It is thought that the hole may have been an old well or an old septic system that was just concreted over, but not filled in.

Rescuers managed to secure a harness around Cedric and pull him free four or five hours after he fell in. The hole has now been boarded up. Cedric suffered no more than a bit of soreness from his ordeal. Read story… http://www.santamariatimes.com/news/local/article_385b0606-1bc2-11e0-b6f5-001cc4c03286.html

British Columbia. A young boy is alive today thanks to the bravery of the family’s Golden Retriever, Angel. The eleven year old boy had gone to retrieve fire wood, and as the cougar charged at him, Angel stepped in between them and took it on.

The boy ran inside as the fight ensued and they called emergency services, who shot the cougar while it was still attacking Angel. Angel has quite a few puncture wounds to her face and neck, but is definitely lucky that help made it in time.  Austin, her eleven year old companion, was even luckier that he had Angel to protect him.  Read story…and see video …  http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20100103/bc_dog_saves_boy_100103/20100103?hub=BritishColumbia

New Haven.  Sasha the Bull Mastiff is lucky to be alive after being found shot in the jaw. Sasha’s jaw was broken but the gunshot hadn’t affected her eyes or her brain.

Sasha now has a steel plate in her lower jaw, but still needs complex surgery.  Read more… http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2011/01/07/news/doc4d26807e5e0ff216750011.txt?viewmode=default

Boston. Trooper the black Labrador is lucky to be alive after falling into the frigid waters of Charles River. A firefigher wearing a survival suit tethered to the shore by rope swam out to rescue Trooper, who was going under repeatedly.

Trooper suffered from hyperthermia, and is not back to his normal self yet, but is resting up at present and on his way to recovery.  Read story… http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/01/06/firefighters_rescue_dog_from_frigid_charles_river/

New Zealand. A black Poodled is recovering after being dragged behind the family 4wd for over a kilometre. It was reported that the family were driving their Toyota Hilux when their Poodle jumped off the back suspended by its lead.

The family were alerted to the dog’s plight by another motorist pulled them over, at which point the dog had left a trail of blood along the road.

The Poodle is now in a stable condition, with grazing, burns and damage to the pads of his feet.

Newzhoundz would like to remind all pet owners to buckle up their much loved pets while driving, to avoid injury to their pet, or worse.  Read story… http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4499377/Dog-recovering-after-4WD-accident

Roxy, a fifteen year old female  Boxer, is a hero after running from room to room to alert the family to the fire. Roxy and her family, including the other dogs, all made it out safely. Sadly the home and its contents were all destroyed.

Three cheers for Roxy!… read story… http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/12/28/ns-dog-saves-family-from-fire.html?ref=rss

Wisconsin.  A happy ending for Jack the Golden Labrador picked up by the Humane Society of Portage County as he was wandering around with another dog. The Golden Labrador was thought to be a stray, but was soon scanned and found to have an embedded microchip.

Jack went missing after he went outside to relieve himself, and was given up as lost for good. Jack is now back with is grateful family. Read story… http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-wi-long-lostdogfound,0,4713115.story

A little black and white dog called Bob Dole had a chilly time of it on New Year’s Eve when he fell through thin ice, and had to be rescued by firefighters.

Bob Dole was treated for a few cuts and bruises and hypothermia, but is otherwise resting comfortably at home.  Read story… http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/dec/31/firefighter-rescues-ore-dog-who-fell-through-ice/

Hamstead Marshall, England.  Angel the Mink Hound is lucky to be alive after spending six weeks wandering the countryside in freezing weather conditions.

Many sightings were made of Angel and she was finally caught by a Newbury Dogs Trust assistant. Reports are that Angel is in good condition.  Read story… http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2010/12/31/Dog-survives-six-weeks-of-frigid-winter/UPI-15781293786000/

Los Angeles.  Rebel, an eight month old German Shepherd puppy was stuck fast after somehow managing to squeeze his head through a hole in an eighteen inch block wall in the family home.

Rebel was discovered by a neighbour after hearing the dog’s cries. Rebel’s owner was not home at the time. County Animal Services Officers were called and managed to free Rebel after much nudging back and forth for approximately half an hour.

Rebel was released to the neighbour. He is reportedly doing fine.  Read story… http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/12/german-shepherd-puppy-gets-himself-in-stuck-in-a-tight-spot.html

Williamsburg. Willis, a six year old clumber Spaniel, is back home again after a year’s absence, and his owner couldn’t be happier.

Willis disappeared from his owner’s backyard on the 21st December 2009. It was believed that he was stolen. 

Extensive networking amongst humane societies and and rescue groups may have helped in his recovery. Willis was found at an animal shelter in very poor condition and on the list to be euthanised soon.

Willis is now recovering and his coat is growing back again.  Read story… http://hamptonroads.com/2010/12/dogs-return-after-year-lost-gives-owner-happy-tale

Fort Wayne. A black Labrador was rescued by a firefighter who donned an ice-resue suit to go into the river after him.

The Labrador is doing fine, although he did not have any identification tags on him. He has been taken to Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control. Read story… http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20101225/LOCAL07/312259946/1002/LOCAL

Oakland. Kevin, a four year old Schnauzer, has been hospitalised after a policeman found him lying by the side of the road. Kevin had been badly beaten and kicked, and had been shot with a pellet gun.

Kevin and another one year old Schnauzer, Clint, escaped from their property after a building contractor did not shut the front door properly. Sadly, Clint has not been found.

Kevin is recovering slowly, and is expected to return home to his grateful owners soon.

Newzhoundz wonders what kind of world we live in that allows such cruelty and maiming of helpless animals. Read story… http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_16927822?nclick_check=1

Chicago. Follow up story on pup thrown from vehicle reports that he is doing fine and trying to be a lap dog, although he is a little to big. He has a friendly disposition despite his ordeal, is believed to be about six to eight months old, and has been named Ralphie.

Ralphie will be transferred to the West Suburban Humane Society after New Year’s Day to be put up for adoption. Ralphie has become very popular and dozens of people have phoned to adopt him.

A man has been charged with cruel treatment of an animal in connection with the incident.  Read story … http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-elmhurst-dog-profile-1225-20101223,0,1381923.story

Silverton.  A Pit Bull stoen from an animal shelter in August has been found tied to a tree and left to die.  The dog originally came to the shelter covered with scars and it was suspected that she was used in dog fights, and stolen to be used again. She has lost around 20 pounds in weight since disappearing from the shelter, and it is hoped that she will recover.

A five hundred dollar reward is being offered for information leading to the prosecution of those responsible for the theft and animal cruelty.  Read story… http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013689866_apwastolenpitbull.html

Chicago.  A white dog with dark spots is doing ok after being thrown into traffic from a moving vehicle in Elmhurst.

Witnesses say that they saw a man throw the dog out of the driver’s side window and continue driving, leaving the dog in traffic.

The dog is being cared for at a local animal shelter, and will eventually be transferred to the West Suburban Humane Society. Authorities have been contacted in regards to animal cruelty, and the friendly dog will be put up for adoption once the case is closed.  Read more… http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-puppy-tossed-1216-20101215,0,5023231.story

Nebraska.  Laila, the light-brown Boxer-mix, is lucky to be alive after she got her front leg caught in an illegal wild-life trap.

Laila, who went missing from the family home in October 2010, was found by Humane Society Officers with the trap still attached to her leg. It was estimated that the trap had been on her leg for about three days before she was found. Her leg later had to be amputated.

Reports are that Laila, while losing a lot of weight, is now in good shape, and her owners are expecting her to recover nicely.  Read more… http://www.omaha.com/article/20101214/NEWS01/101219851/822

Bakersfield, California. Lacey, a six pound Terrier-mix, earlier reported here after enduring being struck in the mouth with a golf club sprayed with bleach, has attracted support from as far away as Australia and England.

Lacey’s plight has outraged people from around the world, and donations are pouring in. There is enough money now to help Lacey’s recovery and to also help other animals.

Once the police investigations are over, the case will be sent to the District Attorney’s office for review and consideration of charges against the perpetrator.

Newzhoundz would like to add three cheers for brave Lacey, and another 3 cheers for those who rescued her and donated money for her recovery.

Read more… http://www.bakersfieldnow.com/news/111822114.html

Illinois.  Shelby, a cute Sheltie mix, who was found along the side of a road with an arrow in her abdomen, is recovering after surgery to remove her spleen and injured parts of her intestine.

Shelby’s considerable vet bills are being covered by Mark and Jamie Buehrle. Mark Buehrle is a pitcher with the Chicago White Sox.

Shelby is a good natured little dog, even when she was in great pain. When she recovers fully, a suitable family home will be found for her.  Read more… http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/illinois/article_8b11bb9a-2fb8-5a6c-a5df-048cffded8ea.html

Greenville.  Pookie the dog is lucky to be alive after he was set on fire and found pinned down  in a dog house under a cinder block.  Pookie was taken to a nearby shelter and treated for his injuries. It was initially thought that Pookie may lose his eyesight, but seems to be recovering well.

The community has reacted well to Pookie’s plight with donations and offers to take him in.

After being tipped off through Crimestoppers, police have made an arrest and are looking for another suspect.  Read more… http://www2.wspa.com/news/2010/dec/09/11/police-charge-suspect-setting-dog-fire-ar-1189636/

Los Angeles. A two year old terrier mix was lucky to be alive after she was hit by a train. She was found limping on the tracks by a railway worker, and has lost most of her right ear, but otherwise she is in good health.

The terrier is being cared for at a local animal control centre. If her owner does not claim her, she will become available for adoption. Read more…  http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/12/small-dog-hit-by-train-in-riverside-county-lost-an-ear.html

Alton, Ill.  Shelby the Shetland Sheepdog is lucky to be alive when she was shot in the abdomen with an arrow.

Shelby was found and put into the care of animal rescuers who took her to an animal hospital where she had surgery to remove her spleen and repair her punctured intestines.

If all goes well, Shelby will be released into foster care within a few days. Donations are being sought for Shelby’s medical bills, which could amount to $2400.  Read more… http://www.fox2now.com/lifestyle/sns-ap-il–dog-arrowwound,0,1492630.story

Bakersfield, California.  Lacey, the little dog, is lucky to be alive after a horrifying case of animal cruelty where she was hit in the mouth with a golf club and bleach sprayed in her eyes.  She was found tied to a tree after several reports of animal cruelty.

Lacey was brought into an animal hospital for surgery, but it is not known whether she will regain the sight in her left eye.

Lacey, who still has a sweet disposition, despite what she has gone through, is now living with a foster family. The animal hospital has been overwhelmed by donations from an outraged community to help Lacey.

Lacey’s former owner, Robert Gonzales, was arrested and charged with animal cruelty.  Read more… http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x1534674246/Outrage-sympathy-pours-out-for-tortured-dog

America.  Rufus, a stray adopted by US soldiers in Afghanastan, was honoured after saving 50 GI soldiers from a suicide bomber in Afghanastan.

Rufus was injured, but recovered and was sent to live with his handler in Atlanta. Five hundred guests hailed Rufus at a cocktail reception and dinner at a charity event at the American Museum of Natural History.  Read story… http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/war_hero_dog_has_his_day_gkEICcLbrMdxasIjkYDGiN

Carol Honkanen once bought a house just to get the dogs that came with it.

So when one of those dogs, now 15, fell off the edge of a cliff last week, her fear for her beloved pet was overwhelming.

But a frantic call to the Monroe Fire Department resulted in a rescue that turned what could have been a terrible holiday season into a time of joy and gratitude, said Honkanen last week.

Honkanen got the dogs in an unusual purchase, she said.

Since she was a child, she would not consider having dogs, because when she was about 9, a family dog was put to sleep.

But more than 10 years ago, Honkanen was living in Texas, and her husband came home one day and said he’d found his dream house.

Honkanen was satisfied with the house they had, but agreed to at least look at it. In the back yard were three beautiful dogs. She immediately felt a strong connection to them, she said.

“I was kidding,” she said. “I said, sarcastic, ‘Okay, if the dogs come with the house we’ll buy it.’”

As it happened, the owner of the house had no where to move the dogs and was looking for a home for them.

“I said, ‘If the dogs stay, we’ll take the house,’” she said.

From that time on, the chow-akita crosses had the most devoted owners possible. When the Honkanens decided to move to the Monroe area to retire, they searched for two years to find the perfect property to accommodate their pets.

Then they spent more than $1,000 each to have the dogs freighted to Washington, rather than flown in the baggage hold of a plane. And when the dogs decided that the three-car garage attached to the house was their favorite spot, the Honkanens put a doggie door in it and now park in the drive.

One of the three dogs has since died, but daily the two remaining dogs get vitamin supplements including omega 3 and glucosamine, to help their aging joints.

Then last week, Honkanen came home at lunch to give the dogs their supplements, and the dog named Tyson was nowhere to be found.

“I know he’s old, and I know we lost a dog a few years ago, so I’ve been prepared,” said Honkanen, “But I’m desperately looking and hoping he hasn’t found a spot out in the woods to go die.”

Then a thought almost as bad occurred to her.

“We live on a bluff, and it’s scary for me to even look down,” she said.

But although she is phobic about heights, she worked up the courage to go look over the edge.

“Sure enough, Tyson, he must have walked on the grassy part and fallen, he was part way down, and he got stuck,” he said. “He was trying to get up and I was afraid he would fall the rest of the way down in the road.”

She called the Monroe Fire Department, and at first they were reluctant to assist as animals are sometimes hurt during rescues.

But then Fire Chief Jamie Silva called back and said he had a couple firefighters in the area and that they would try to make it over in half an hour.

Only a few minutes later, they were on the scene.

“They were right there, they went down and they didn’t have a worry or fear in the world, and two of them picked Tyson up and brought him all the way up and brought him all the way in the living room,” said Honkanen.

“He was wet it was difficult for him to walk, and he was exhausted, but he was in okay shape,” said a fire fighter who arrived to help out.

Since the rescue, Tyson has been pampered within an inch of his life, said Honkanen, who said she was profoundly grateful to the fire department.  

She doesn’t expect to need their services again, she added, as Tyson seems very glad to be back indoors.

“I think he’s learned his lesson,” she said.

Taken from … http://www.monroemonitor.com/main.asp?SubSectionID=76&ArticleID=1301&SectionID=13

On a spring day in 2005 a Chinese Shar-pei was dumped in a roadside ditch in a rural area outside Wichita, Kansas. He managed to drag his near lifeless body to a nearby house where he collapsed in the yard. A man approached with caution as the dog appeared dangerous at first glance. When the dog did nothing more than lick the man’s hand with the last bit of strength he had, it was obvious this poor soul was in need of rescue.

After further evaluation, it was found that the dog was an unaltered male horse-coat Shar-pei, or possible shar-pei/pitbull mix, approximately 6 years old. He showed telltale signs of being used as training bait for fighting Pitbulls, which is far too common. Some of his teeth were broken or missing, the flesh of his mouth was torn and his body was covered in deep, bloody gashes. He was underweight and severely dehydrated.

This poor creature was named Spike and immediately accepted by the other family dogs, who readily shared their food and shelter with him. With proper care and lots of love, Spike gained 15 lbs of muscle and the spark of life came back into his eyes. The more trust he gained, the happier he became.

When Spike was strong enough to go to the vet, it was discovered that he was infected with heartworms. His new adoptive family decided to invest in Spike’s future and paid for heartworm treatment. After a long recovery period, Spike was healthy enough to be neutered and undergo eye surgery for his entropion condition, a very common and painful ailment for Shar-pei.

Spike was a very special dog, a true old soul. Despite the suffering he had been through, Spike never showed aggression toward another living being. He was calm and patient and loved to entertain. He had a fondness for chasing toads and turtles and running circles in the wheat field.

Although Spike only lived a couple of years after his rescue, he was lucky enough to spend those years carefree and happy. He finally found his forever home and will remain eternally in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him. Rest in peace, good friend. 

Taken from … http://www.examiner.com/pets-in-wichita/chinese-shar-pei-rescue-spike-s-story

Wyoming. Two pastors who like to rock climb found themselves involved in a rescue, after Lucy, a Walker Hound, disappeared over a ledge while on a hunting expedition with her owner.

The most experienced climber of the two, Tim Trippel, made the descent, while the other, Guy Helms, held onto the ropes as Lucy was brought up. 

Newzhoundz can report that Lucy and her rescuers are doing fine.  Read more … http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-wy-dogrescue-pastors,0,7124165.story

California.  Fuji, a seven year old Jack Russell Terrier, is lucky to be alive after she became wedged in a sea wall after escaping her leash while on a walk.

Rescuers worked for five hours to free Fuji, eventually having to tranqualise her and oil her head to pull her free.

Fuji was taken to the veterinary hospital as a precaution, but is otherwise in good shape.  Read more… http://www.latimes.com/features/odd-news/ktla-dog-rescue-la-jolla,0,6158518.story

Castro Valley.  Diamond the Pit Bull is lucky to be alive, as is her family, after a fire tore through the family’s apartment, destroying nearly everything.

The family were initially alerted to the danger by Diamond’s frantic barking. Her owner reports that Diamond is a quiet and sweet-natured dog, who almost never barks.

Diamond and her owner were reunited after both recovering in their respective hospitals.

Newzhoundz reports that while Diamond’s vet bills are high, and they have lost everything, they are grateful that all have survived and are together ‘as a whole family again’ – which of course includes Diamond. Read story … http://www.mercurynews.com/top-stories/ci_16752703?nclick_check=1

Sacramento.  A thirteen year old Labrador was rescued by firefighters after falling down a thirty foot hole and becoming stuck. A firefighter was lowered down the hole by rope to pull the dog out.

Newzhoundz can report that the dog is in good condition after the rescue… read story… http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2010/11/26/state/n212220S15.DTL&tsp=1

Washington.  Firefighters had to rescue Kodiak after he fell through unstable ice  when he chased a duck while out walking with his owner.

Firefighters got to try out some new ice rescue equipment as they wrangled Kodiak back to shore.

Newzhoundz reports that Kodiak is safe and well, and we presume that the duck also survived the ordeal.  Read story … http://www.seattlepi.com/local/6420ap_wa_dog_rescue_lake.html