Tag: dogs

Dog that served our nation is reunited with its former Air Force handler: ‘It’s been a blessing’

An Air Force staff sergeant has been reunited with his best friend for the holidays — and they’ll now be together forever.

US Air Force Staff Sergeant Mike Alcala and his former military working dog, John, had been separated for over two years. As the 10-year-old German shepherd prepares for retirement, American Humane surprised the dog and his handler with a pre-holiday reunion in San Antonio, Texas.

During the three years that Alcala was John’s handler, the two formed a strong bond.

They were separated in September 2021 when Alcala was reassigned to another base. 

“We worked together every day for the three years I was there, give or take a few days,” Alcala told Fox News Digital. 

“The bond started strong and ended stronger.”

When Alcala heard that John was retiring, he reached out to the nonprofit organization American Humane for help in transporting his best friend home for adoption.

When a military dog is retired from service, it can be difficult for the military to track down the animal’s most recent handler for adoption and navigate the complex logistics of transporting the animal home.

John served as an explosive detection dog at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii for eight years. American Humane

American Humane, based in Washington, DC, handles the process of international and national transport — including the paperwork, red tape and associated costs — to enable retired K-9 veterans to be adopted by their former handlers.

“When I found out John was up for retirement, of course, I wanted him so bad,” said Alcala in an interview with American Humane. “I heard about American Humane through a buddy of mine, so I thought I would reach out and see what they could do for me and John.”

“They were gracious to help go pick him up in Hawaii and transport him back to me, without me having to pay anything. It’s been a blessing for us.”

John served as an explosive-detection dog at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii for eight years, according to American Humane.

They were separated in September 2021 when Alcala was reassigned to another base.  American Humane

During his distinguished military career, John protected civilians, his fellow service members and high-profile VIPs, including American presidents, first ladies and foreign dignitaries.

Last week, John was honored in a special retirement ceremony in Hawaii to celebrate his years of dedicated service. 

“We owe a debt of gratitude to all American veterans, including the retired military working dogs who serve our country,” Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane, told Fox News Digital.

“Bringing John home for the holidays was the best gift we could give to these two military heroes.”

SSgt. Mike Alcala and dog John reunited after two years apart in San Antonio, Texas. American Humane

In addition to transporting John from Hawaii to San Antonio, American Humane is also covering all of the dog’s veterinary care for the rest of his life.

Like humans, K-9 veterans often retire with health complications that require expensive medical care that isn’t covered by the government, according to American Humane. 

During the emotional reunion on Dec. 20, Alcala and his wife, Brittany Alcala, introduced their 10-month-old daughter to John, the newest member of the family.

“Avery, my daughter, was super excited to meet him,” Alcala told Fox News Digital. “She was waving her arms around and everything.”

“It’s exciting to be able to watch her grow up with him in the house and see how the relationship blooms.”

Alcala added, “I’m just so happy that John is doing well and that he now gets to live out his life relaxing in retirement.”

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Family rescues 6-year-old girl after dingo attacks her and drags her underwater

A 6-year-old Australian girl was bitten in the head by a dingo that then dragged her underwater — until her heroic family members rushed in to save her from the wild dog.

The girl, only identified as being a young tourist, was savagely attacked while swimming in shallow water on Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island about 160 miles north of Brisbane, according to rescuers.

The dingo “tried to grab onto her” — then “held her underwater for a few seconds before nearby family members” raced in to help, the Bundaberg RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter crew said.

“They had to actually physically lift the child, and the dingo, out of the water and get it to let go,” EMT Martin Kelly told 9 News.

The girl was flown to a hospital with her mom. She suffered “multiple” bites to her head and hands, the rescue crew said.


The unidentified 6-year-old victim was airlifted to a nearby hospital.
Facebook/Queensland Ambulance Service

Dingoes are a protected species of wild dog only found in Australia.
Getty Images/iStockphoto

Dingoes are an ancient lineage of dog only found in Australia. There are at least 200 on Fraser Island, where they are a protected species with adults typically about 4 feet long and weighing about 40 pounds.

Local officials give visitors handouts on how to “be dingo-safe,” advising adults to always stay close to kids.

“Watch out — dingoes can bite. A dingo is a wild animal and can be unpredictable and dangerous,” the local parks department warns visitors.


The young girl was rushed to the hosptial via helicopter after the attack.
Facebook/Queensland Ambulance Service

The girl was attacked on a beach on idyllic Fraser Island.
Getty Images/iStockphoto

It is the second attack on the island since a boy was also rescued by his dad after a dingo jumped on him in December, The Australian noted.

In 2021, a 2-year-old was seriously injured in an attack on the island’s Orchid Beach, suffering deep puncture wounds on his legs, arms, neck, shoulder and head, the paper said.

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Joy Behar Denies Making Off-Color Joke About Sara Haines’ Dead Dog on ‘The View’: “I Did Not Say That”

Joy Behar is behind some of The View‘s most shocking moments (anyone remember her cringey tight end joke?). And while she’s not shy about owning up to her mistakes, on today’s episode, she denied Sara Haines‘ accusation that she once cracked a joke at the expense of a dead dog — a new low, even for her.

It all began during a conversation about Ali Wong, a comedian who often jokes about her life as a mother. After playing a clip of Wong’s set in which she says single people have much more freedom because they don’t have to plan around their kids, the panel weighed in with their own takes.

Haines, who is a mom of three, admitted she’s jealous of anyone who has the freedom to do as they please without factoring in the schedules of their family first.

“My chihuahuas had better bladders than my kids,” Haines said, but Behar stopped her to ask, “You actually have chihuahuas and three children?!”

Haines corrected her, “No, I had chihuahuas. They passed — you were here for both of their passings!”

Behar clearly didn’t recall either doggy death, and told Haines, “I always block bad things like that.”

But it only got worse from there as Haines recalled with a laugh, “I had a balloon at my birthday and you go, ‘Oh, is that the dead one?’”

As she reached over to grab Behar’s arm in jest, Behar denied cracking the brutal one-liner.

“I did not say that!” she insisted, and as Haines tried to share more of the story, she stopped her, saying, “Oh, be quiet!”

Clearly, there were no hard feelings and the chat was all in good fun as Behar and Haines cackled away at her memory. And at least now Behar won’t forget Haines’ dogs. RIP!

The View airs weekdays at 11/10c on ABC.



Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Colorado firefighters rescue St. Bernard who fell through ice

On Feb. 11, a team of firefighters in Colorado rescued a 155-pound St. Bernard who had fallen through the ice and into freezing waters.

The dog, named Mumford, was struggling to get out of the water and onto the shoreline – leading his owners to make a 911 call, according to the Adams County Fire Rescue team in Denver.

Mumford’s owner was taking the dog for a walk when they decided pick up a rock and skip it across the ice on Jim Baker Reservoir, Captain Jason Seitz of Adams County Fire Rescue told Fox News Digital.

Mumford went after the rock onto the freezing ice leading him 50-75 feet away from the shoreline before falling through, Seitz said.

Seitz and his team were dispatched at 3:22 pm and arrived quickly on the scene at 3:27 pm.

His team arrived at the shoreline and a rescuer was on the ice by 3:31 before rescuing the dog at 3:32 pm., Seitz said.

“The ice rescue process starts at the time of dispatch from the fire station,” Seitz commented.

The firefighter who acts as the rescuer on the scene “dons the ice rescue PPE ‘Mustang Suit’” at the station before leaving. The suit keeps rescuers warm in cold water.

After arriving on the scene, Seitz and his team prepare for the rescue.


Firefighters in Colorado rescued a 155-pound St. Bernard named Mumford after it fell through the ice at a reservoir.
adamscountyfire/Twitter

“The rescuer is then tethered to a rope line that will have two firefighters on shore tending the line. The rescuer then walks or crawls, depending on the thickness of the ice, to the victim in the water,” Seitz shared.

“[As the] rescuer [makes] their way to the victim, they are communicating with the victim or animal by calling it by name,” he added. “The rescuer then enters the water to the side of the victim, proceeding the get behind the victim, assists them out of the water and onto the shore.”

After Mumford was rescued, the team did not report any signs of injury.

Mumford getting dried after the rescue.
adamscountyfire/Twitter
The dog chased a rock the owner threw over the ice and fell through about 50-75 feet away from the shoreline.
adamscountyfire/Twitter


Advertisement

The Adams County Fire Rescue team in Denver was able to get to the scene and rescue Mumford within minutes of arriving.
adamscountyfire/Twitter
The dog did not have any signs of injury.
adamscountyfire/Twitter


Advertisement

“We dried Mumford off and the owner walked Mumford home without any signs of trauma from the incident,” Seitz recalled.

The Adams County Fire Rescue team praised Mumford’s owners for their response to the incident, according to social media posts announcing the rescue.

What to do if a person or animal falls through ice

Seitz shared with Fox News Digital the best way to respond if an individual or pet has fallen through ice on a body of water.

“If you witness a victim or animal that falls through the ice, find a landmark around or behind the victim of where they were last seen. Then, call 911 for help. Do not attempt to rescue yourself,” he advised.

He added, “This could cause the rescue to involve two or more victims that are needed to be rescued. The safest plan is to remain on shore and in verbal contact, if possible, with the victim or animal.”

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Pennsylvania family’s dog shot by hunter who mistook it for a coyote

A Pennsylvania family is grieving the loss of their beloved dog after a hunter mistook the pooch for a coyote and fatally shot him.

Chris Heller was walking his two dogs in the woods near his house on Jan. 7 when his 8-year-old malamute mix Hunter was shot by a deer hunter, his wife Jennifer Heller said in an online post.

Chris Heller rushed to get the pup to an emergency vet but he didn’t make the trip. Hunter died on the way, she said.

“Hunter was an incredibly sweet and intelligent dog — gentle with the Hellers’ young grandchildren, immediate best buddies with the other animals in the home, and a loving companion who would do anything for a good piece of cheese,” Jennifer Heller wrote.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission, however, said the hunter won’t face any charges or disciplinary measures because he made a mistake, thinking the beloved family pet was a coyote, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Hunter was described as a great dog to Hellers’ young grandchildren and other pets in the home.
jennifer.heller3/FaceBook

The Hellers want the commission to suspend the hunter’s hunting license and to make him retake a safety course — or at the very least an apology from him for killing their dog, Jennifer Heller said.

“One of the most important rules of hunting is to know what you’re shooting, and when this man shot despite that he snuffed out the life of a wonderful pet who had a lot more life and love to share,” she wrote.

Jennifer Heller said her husband was walking Hunter, who the family had adopted from a New Jersey shelter, and their German shepherd, Freya, on a cleared path through the woods and alerted the group of deer hunters of their presence.

The owners of the dog want the commission to suspend the hunter’s hunting license.
jennifer.heller3/FaceBook
Hunter was wearing a collar and harness when he was shot dead.
jennifer.heller3/FaceBook

Both dogs were wearing collars and harnesses and Hunter is nearly three times the size of a coyote, she added.

She said the hunter who killed the family pouch never apologized and refuses to come forward out of fear of social media backlash.

The family now plans to take legal action and has met with an attorney. They have launched a GoFundMe to cover legal fees.

A GoFundMe page for Hunter was made in an attempt to cover legal fees.
Jennifer Heller/Gofundme

“Hunter will be so greatly missed and was loved by our entire family. RIP our beautiful friend,” Jennifer Heller wrote.

The malamute’s shooting death is not the first time a hunter has killed a domesticated dog, mistaking it for a wild animal.

In November, a Montana woman was charged with animal cruelty after she shot and skinned a Siberian husky puppy, thinking it was a wolf. The woman sparked outrage after she posted photos of the skinned animal on social media.

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Smiling influencer filmed kicking dog apologizes for sharing ‘cruel act’

This influencer’s in the doghouse with her followers.

Kajal Kiran, whose Instagram following exceeds 121,000 users, has issued an apology to fans and animal lovers everywhere after being forced to admit she’d kicked a dog — and filmed it.

India Today reported on Wednesday that the since-deleted reel depicted Kiran with a smile, laughing as she abused the animal. The footage has reportedly been reposted on social media, sparking recent backlash.

“How can you be so insensitive towards these voiceless souls,” tweeted Vidit Sharma, founder of Save a Stray, an India-based animal welfare organization.

Kiran uploaded a video on Wednesday to express her remorse for sharing the “cruel act,” which occurred in the “heat of the moment,” she said.

“I regret my actions and didn’t realize the gravity at that point of time. I vow to not harm any animals,” she concluded.

Wednesday’s apology video on Instagram has since had its comments section shut off.

Her apology message reportedly received over 25,000 comments, which have since been made hidden, including some who threatened to flag her account with Instagram.

On Wednesday, she shared two more posts that appear to depict her feeding stray dogs.

According to Insider, the account also features additional videos of Kiran feeding dogs in an attempt to rehabilitate her image.

Another animal advocate responded to Save A Stray’s Sharma with images of a Mumbai high court complaint over Kiran’s alleged abuse. “Everyone are requested to kindly tag @MumbaiPolice to escalate the same,” they added.

India Express reported that their government protects dogs under the Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals Act.



Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Deaf Dalmatian gets her own ‘service’ dog

Dogs are certainly human’s best friend — but also to fellow canines.

At three years old, Poppet, a deaf Dalmatian, was described by her owners as quiet and shy — until her spotted sister Poppy came along.

The couple from Edinburgh, Scotland, Kaylee, 33 and David Hughes, 37, discovered Poppet was deaf at six-week-old, and were able to train her using sign language and hand signals — which she quickly picked up.

However, the couple admitted they were worried her quality of life would suffer — noting she was very timid and apprehensive about what was going on around her.

All that changed when the Hughes’ brought home Poppy.

“We never planned to get Poppy as a service dog for Poppet, but it certainly seems like Poppet uses her sister for her ears,” Kaylee said, per Metro News.

The dogs have been inseparable since they met.
MERCURY PRESS
The Hughes’ trained Poppet using sign language and hand signals.
MERCURY PRESS

The couple say they don’t know if Poppet knows she’s deaf, but they can see she understands that Poppy has a sense that she doesn’t have, and will rely on her for certain things.

The two Dalmatians have been inseparable since they day they met, with Poppy taking her role of Poppet’s ears very seriously.

“Poppet uses Poppy for everything,” she said. “If Poppy barks, she will bark, if Poppy runs off on a walk, she will follow, she’ll always look to Poppy to see what’s she is doing and copy her.”

The owners say both dogs have benefitted from each other.
MERCURY PRESS
Poppy acts as Poppet’s ears.
MERCURY PRESS

The dedicated dog owners say Poppy will go and find Poppet when it’s bed time — and nudge her to sleep — and has given her confidence to explore her surroundings.

“She even loves going and running in the river now, which is something that used to scare her quite a bit,” Kaylee gushed.

It’s a two way street for the helpful pooches, with Poppet helping the excitable Poppy “mellow” out.

“Poppet was a dream to train, but Poppy is the free spirit of the pair and doesn’t really like being told what to do,” Kaylee admitted.

“But now when we give Poppy a command, Poppet will usually mimic what she does,” she added.

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

32nd annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade in photos

This bodega cat had a real identity crisis in the East Village Saturday.

Mimi, a white Bichon, arrived at the 32nd annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade as a “bodega cat,” part of an elaborate costume that featured the cute pup dressed as a feline perched on a store shelf full of potato chips next to an ATM.

Owners Kat Liu and Kevin Condardo completed Mimi’s look with the most stylish accessory in town: a stack of copies of The Post.

Mimi joined the Big Apple’s most creative canines, including one dressed as Jesus Christ and others as a lanternfly and pizza rat, pitter-pattered their way around the Alphabet City park with their proud owners, showcasing their festive threads and accessories.

Boston terrier JoJo reigned pup-reme, dressed as the King of England.

“I don’t really agree with the new king of the UK, so I thought I’d just go ahead and name my own king of the UK so there he is,” his owner Pooja Sunder, 32, said laughing. 

Fourteen-year-old ZZ, a Maltipoo, was dressed to the hilt as reality star Kim Kardashian.

The pup was “channeling Kim Kardashian wearing Balenciaga in the tape dress at Paris Fashion Week 2022,” said her owner, Ilene Zeins.

The Lays chip bag which she attached a handle to “was inspired by the pocketbook that Balenciaga just came out with,” the 60-year-old explained.

Prizes were given out in categories such as “Best NYC Costume, “Best Costume on Wheels” and “Best Celebrity Themed Costume.”

Former NFL referee Dan Schachner, who referees the Puppy Bowl, hosted the festivities. 



Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Heartbroken NYC dog owner calls out Mayor Eric Adams, NYPD to find pup’s killer

The heartbroken Park Slope woman whose dog was killed by a madman in Prospect Park has a desperate plea for Mayor Eric Adams to catch the creep.

“You claim that the buck stops at you when it comes to the NYPD,” Jessica Chrustic said Saturday. “I am shocked and disheartened that, months after I was assaulted and my dog was killed in Prospect Park, there continues to be no real resolution or justice in this matter. Indeed, it’s fair to say that I have been victimized twice; once by my assailant, and again by the NYPD’s negligence.”

Chrustic said she was traumatized again Friday when she went out by herself to try to find the assailant after someone alerted her to a sighting in the park.

‘I’m kept awake at night by the thought that my assailant will continue to put others more vulnerable than myself at risk — a senior citizen walking in the park, another pet, a child. Does someone need to get killed before the NYPD is able to do their job?” she asked, addressing the mayor.

Chrustic went looking for the assailant herself Friday.
Handout

Chrustic said it took the NYPD 40 minutes to arrive Friday after she told them the vagrant had been spotted. The man sprayed her with a bottle of urine on Aug. 3 and hit her and her dog, Moose, with a stick. The golden retriever mix died days later.

“When I left the house, two people had already called 911. I was thinking I would get to the park and they would be there any second,” she said. She didn’t think she’d end up trailing the man through the park.

The Brooklyn burial spot for Chrustic’s golden retriever mix, Moose.

When Chrustic located the vagrant, he came at her with what she thought was mace and then a stick. She ran for her life.

“I don’t even know what else to say anymore. I don’t know what else to do,” she said. “I have done basically everything I can to make [NYPD’s] job as easy as possible. I can’t do their job for them.”

The attack roiled Park Slope, which saw a Guardian Angels-style patrol group forming and just as quickly disbanding. Other sightings of the vagrant also did not result in an arrest.

The NYPD said it canvassed the area Friday, but did not find the suspect and that the investigation was ongoing.

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Mysterious Michigan dog illness identified as canine parvovirus: officials

The mysterious illness that has sickened and killed dozens of dogs across Michigan has been identified by state officials as canine parvovirus.

The announcement from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development comes after one animal shelter in Ostego County reported at least 30 animals falling victim to the illness, despite testing negative for it.

Canine parvovirus spreads through fecal matter and includes symptoms such tiredness, loss of appetite and diarrhea. 

“Canine parvovirus is a severe and highly contagious disease in dogs, but the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and veterinary professionals have extensive experience with this virus,” State Veterinarian Nora Wineland said in a statement. 

“We have a highly effective vaccine available to help protect dogs from the virus. Dogs that are not fully vaccinated against this virus are the most at risk,” she continued. “Dog owners across Michigan must work closely with their veterinarians to ensure their dogs are appropriately vaccinated and given timely boosters to keep their pets safe and healthy.”

Officials say parvovirus is behind the deaths of dozens of dogs in Michigan.
Getty Images/iStockphoto

Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory director Kim Dodd described the situation as “complex because although the dogs displayed clinical signs suggestive of parvovirus, they consistently test negative by point-of-care tests performed in clinics and shelters. 

“While those tests are valuable in the clinical setting, they are not as sensitive as the diagnostic tests we can perform here in the laboratory,” she added. “We continue to further characterize the virus in hopes of better understanding why those animals were testing negative on screening tests.” 

But Michigan officials also stressed that “Canine parvovirus is NOT contagious to people or other species of domestic animals.” 

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Exit mobile version