Engatzu Spaniel

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: February 26th, 2019

About Engatzu Spaniel

Height

10-11 inches

Weight

9-15 lbs

Lifespan

12-14 years

Group

Not applicable

Best Suited For

Seniors, singles, families with older children, people who live in an apartment

Temperament

Sweet, loyal, clingy, gentle, playful, cheerful, intelligent, eager to please

Comparable Breeds

Shih Tzu, English Toy Spaniel

Engatzu Spaniel Basics

It’s hard not to fall in love with an Engatzu Spaniel- these small dogs are all charm and beauty. Their silky, soft coat and teddy-bear looks appeal to many pet owners, but it’s their cheerful, sweet temperament that wins everyone over. Loving, amusing, fiercely loyal to their families- these dogs might be pint-sized, but they pack one big personality inside their petite bodies.

Engatzu Spaniel is a hybrid breed, with two purebred parents: English Toy Spaniel and Shih Tzu. Both his mom and dad are small, lively lap dogs that have been popular pets for centuries. As their mix, this rare designer dog stands to inherit many desirable qualities and is certain to grow even more popular.

Adaptable and friendly, these designer dogs will fit in families of all shapes and sizes. With proper training and socialization, Engatzu Spaniel is a lovely companion for children and a playful dog that gets along with other pets. Their laziness and compact size also make them ideal for people who live in an apartment.

Owing to his unique parentage, this designer dog is a gentle soul, extremely loyal to his family and very affectionate with his favorite people

Origin

While there have been mixed breed dogs for as long as anyone can remember, the designer dog trend of crossbreeding purebreds is a fairly recent one. It’s only the last couple of decades that hybrids have become a popular choice for pets, and their popularity is only growing with years. In a way, it all really started to expand into a worldwide phenomenon when an Australian breeder tried to create the world’s first hypoallergenic service dog and made the “original designer dog” in the process- Labradoodle. This took place in the 1980s, and ever since, countless breeders have tried their luck at creating an equally successful crossbreed. Naturally, this means that there was a sudden influx of new hybrids, leading to an overall confusion and lack of information about the origin of most designer dogs.

Engatzu Spaniel, unfortunately, is one of those dog breeds we don’t know much about. Best guess anyone can have is that the first intentional litter of English Toy Spaniel and Shih Tzu mix puppies was created somewhere in the United States, and sometime in the last 30 years. Their history is pretty short when compared to those of his purebred mom and dad, but Engatzu Spaniel’s impressive traits are proof enough of the breed’s quality.

Pedigree

Engatzu Spaniel is a designer dog breed, which means these canines are the offspring of two different purebreds: Shih Tzu and English Toy Spaniel. Like it is usually the case with popular hybrid breeds, these dogs are also first generation (F1) mixes or 50-50 percent mix of the two dogs. Multi-generational crossbreeding is rare, which means that the appearance of these dogs is quite unpredictable. On the other hand, breeders claim that F1 mixes are also the healthiest ones, so it’s definitely a bonus.

Unfortunately, the mixed breed lineage of the Engatzu Spaniel means that the American Kennel Club, as well as most major canine organizations, don’t recognize these dogs as an actual breed. As a result, these hybrids are not eligible for registration and won’t have official pedigree papers. Nevertheless, knowing your puppy’s family tree is important- meeting mom and dad will show you what to expect in terms of behavior and appearance. A reputable breeder will allow you to meet their dogs and offer a health guarantee for the puppies.

Of course, a lot of designer dogs end up in shelters: some are designer dogs by accident (as the crossing of purebreds wasn’t planned) and some had the misfortune to end up with families that didn’t understand their needs before adopting them. And even in the case you are adopting an Engatzu Spaniel rather than buying from a breeder, it doesn’t mean you won’t know what to expect with your new pet. After all, as the offspring of two such majestic dog breeds, Engatzu Spaniel has to be a great dog himself, too.

Food/Diet

One of your main responsibilities as a pet owner is to ensure your pet’s nutrition is up to standards. A healthy, well-balanced diet will promote overall wellbeing and even act to prevent certain health issues in the long run. As omnivores, dogs can eat a lot of different food, but they also need more diverse nutrients than, say, strict carnivores. Their intricate dietary needs are best met with a complete food, such as kibble.

Dry food for dogs is formulated that offers all the right stuff in the right ration- and to boot, most pooches love this crunchy goodness. Naturally, not all dry foods will be a good match for your Engatzu Spaniel. Choose kibble that’s made from high-quality ingredients, doesn’t have a lot of fillers, additives, and artificial dyes. In most cases, premium dry food for small breeds is a good match for this designer dogs, as these blends consider their size and activity level both. Additionally, their kibble should also be suitable for their age, as puppies, seniors, and adult dogs don’t have the same dietary needs.

Engatzu Spaniel is a small breed dog and won’t need much to be full. The exact amount of kibble he’ll need will depend on the manufacturer’s recommendation, but in most cases, it’s about a cup of kibble every day. Don’t overfeed them- and these dogs will try to get you to do it- as they gain weight quickly, which results in a myriad of health issues. The voracious appetite of Engatzu Spaniel is not a match for their petite frame!

Adaptable and friendly, these designer dogs will fit in families of all shapes and sizes.

Training

If you are looking into dog breeds that are suitable for beginner owners, Engatzu Spaniel definitely fits the bill. In addition to his overall low-maintenance needs, this designer dog is highly trainable and even a newbie dog parent shouldn’t have an issue with teaching them the basics. The English Toy Spaniel and Shih Tzu mix is an intelligent dog which is also very eager to please his owner- a combo that will make them the star pupil. However, it’s important to have the right approach if you want results, even if your pooch is a quick learner by nature.

Positive reinforcement training techniques have the most success with Engatzu Spaniel, as well as most dogs in general. Using treats and excited praise as motivation for learning is certain to inspire your mischievous puppy to sit still and pee outside, whereas being harsh and punishing them will only make them afraid of your- but won’t get the training message across. Be consistent and confident while using reward-based methods, and you’re sure to succeed.

In addition to basic training, all puppies will have to go through socialization in order to become friendly, sweet dogs. Without early exposure to other dogs, children, and strangers, it’s likely your Engatzu Spaniel will have small dog syndrome or be too shy and withdrawn.

Weight

Even when fully mature, the Engatzu Spaniel is a very small dog. On average, they weigh 9 to 15 pounds in adulthood.

Temperament/Behavior

Bred to be a sweet lapdog and an exemplary companion, Engatzu Spaniel has a wonderful personality that makes him a popular choice for a pet. Owing to his unique parentage, this designer dog is a gentle soul, extremely loyal to his family and very affectionate with his favorite people. In fact, these small dogs can grow so attached to their humans that they develop separation anxiety– feeling of panic whenever their family members are not around. If you work long hours or can’t take your pooch with you for many of your activities than the clingy, doting Engatzu Spaniel might not be the best choice for you.

In addition to being cuddly and eager to please, these petite hybrids are smart and playful, too. They make great companions to older, gentle kids who will know how to play without being rough to a small dog. While lively and cheerful, Engatzu Spaniel is not an energetic dog: in fact, you could say that they’re lazy couch potatoes. They love following their owners around but they’d much rather spend the day sitting in their laps. If you like small, sweet, and laid-back dogs, you’ll love the Shih Tzu and English Toy Spaniel mix.

Common Health Problems

The health of your puppy’s parents will have a big impact on the health of your puppies. While designer dogs can sometimes be even healthier than their purebred mom and dad, with irresponsible breeding practices, their health issues will be worse than those of their parents. The key is to make sure that the breeder who is selling you Engatzu Spaniel puppy is a reputable one- they should offer a health guarantee. Pet stores and puppy mills don’t care about the health of their puppies and they’ll often be sick or have a predisposition to develop serious issues later in life.

If well bred, an Engatzu Spaniel is a healthy dog with few potential concerns. Owing to his mom and dad, this designer dog can sometimes be affected by issues such as luxating patellas, Legg-Calve-Perthes, respiratory issues, and problems with eyes. Additionally, as a small dog breed, Shih Tzu and English Toy Spaniel mix will be more prone to plaque buildup, early tooth loss, and obesity- but all of these can be easily prevented with a healthy lifestyle.

Life Expectancy

With good care, the average lifespan of an Engatzu Spaniel is between 12 and 14 years.

Exercise Requirements

An ideal companion for seniors or apartment dwellers, Engatzu Spaniel has very low exercise requirements. In addition to the fact that small dogs are generally less demanding when it comes to activity, this particular breed is also not very interested in being active- they’re lazy dogs. If you want a dog that will enjoy hiking or play fetch with you for hours, look elsewhere: Engatzu Spaniel will be the happiest napping on a couch or playing inside.

Nevertheless, if you want your pet stays healthy and fit, you will have to ensure they get at least 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise. This shouldn’t be too exerting, especially if your pooch has a short snout. Short, brisk walks and a bit of quality playtime will be more than enough for Engatzu Spaniel to be happy and in its best form.

An ideal companion for seniors or apartment dwellers, Engatzu Spaniel has very low exercise requirements.

Recognized Clubs

Official canine organizations, such as the AKC, don’t recognize any of the designer dog breeds. However, there are some smaller clubs that recognize crossbreeds, including the English Toy Spaniel and Shih Tzu mix dogs. American Canine Hybrid Club, Dog Registry of America, and Designer Dogs Kennel Club recognize Engatzu Spaniel as a breed in its own right.

Coat

The long, silky coat of the Engatzu Spaniel is one of his points of pride. As a mix between a Shih Tzu and an English Toy Spaniel, both of whom have soft long hair, this hybrid is sure to flaunt lustrous locks of his own. The possible colors are many- from cream and fawn to two-colored coats in a variety of shades.

Their hair will need daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling, and to make sure it keeps its softness and sheen. But, in general, these dogs are not too demanding when it comes to their grooming needs.

Puppies

Engatzu Spaniel puppies are extremely small and very fragile. You should be very careful not to hurt them, as even the smallest mishap can lead to injury. Needless to say, these hybrids shouldn’t be on their own, playing with children, especially when they’re young and sensitive.

When they’re a few months old, Engatzu Spaniel puppies are ready for their training and socialization. The earlier, the better! This helps them become lovely dogs that they can be, full of love for everyone they meet.

Photo credit: Rachel Lambert/Shutterstock; Sally-Marie/Shutterstock

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Maintaining your dog’s nails is essential to their overall health and well-being, but it can be challenging if your dog is uncomfortable with the nail clippers and other standard tools. While you could pay to bring your dog to the veterinarian each time a trim is needed, there are other options.Our pup Lucifer is nervous anytime someone touches his paws as a result of injuries to his front legs as a young rescue pup. This means that nail trims are a source of extreme anxiety.While we continue working on counterconditioning and helping him overcome his fears, we knew we needed to find a solution for the here and now. Enter the DIY nail board – a simple, budget-friendly alternative to that dreaded nail trim. The board is an oversized nail file that you then train your dog to use at their own pace. It’s a great way to build your dog’s confidence and strengthen your bond while keeping their nails in shape.Can I Use a Regular Nail File on My Dog’s Nails?While you could use a regular human nail file on your dog’s nails, it likely isn’t going to do the job. A dog’s nails are far stronger than our fingernails. Most emery boards and standard nail files will fail to make a dent in their surface, with many falling apart from the wear. If you want a nail file that can be used on your pet, I recommend purchasing a product specifically for dogs, like the Coastal Pet Safari Dog Diamond Nail File.What is a Scratch Board for Dogs?A scratch board is like a nail file; it provides a coarse surface that will help wear your dog’s nails down. The difference is that it is larger in size. Rather than bringing the file to a dog’s nails, the dog is trained to paw at the board and file their nails down. This means they are in complete control over when their nails touch the surface, which is much more comfortable for dogs that may suffer from stress or anxiety. It also means no one will need to handle their paws during nail care.Do Scratch Boards Work for Dog Nails?Yes! If your dog is taught to use a scratch board, they are a highly effective way of filing down their nails. This works much like how their ancestor’s nails would be worn down in the wild. As a dog runs and walks on rough surfaces or digs through coarse dirt, the tiny particles of dirt and stone wear away at the nail.Domesticated dogs may spend some time outdoors running around or digging, but many don’t engage in these behaviors as much as they would in the wild. They aren’t foraging for food daily or running to avoid predators and hunt down prey. This is why domestic dogs need regular nail maintenance, but wild dogs like wolves and coyotes function fine without this additional level of care.As your dog digs at or scratches the board, their nails run along the coarse surface. This allows you to fast-track the wear and tear they would naturally experience.Where Do I Get a Dog Scratch Board?You can purchase a nail board online or at your local pet store, depending on your preferences and budget. You can also DIY your own nail board. Some of the unique commercially made scratch boards you may want to consider for your dog include: Skuun Dog Scratch Pad for Nails: This is a veterinarian-approved board with an anti-slip surface and treat pocket. Zenly Paws Dog Nail File Toy: It combines a scratch pad with a food puzzle toy to make training your dog to file their nails easier and more enjoyable. LovIntry M-Shaped Dog Scratch Pad for Nails: The unique M-shaped design makes it easier to file the nails further back on your dog’s paws if they only file their front nails on a flat board.

Drug That Could Extend Lifespan of Senior Dogs Enters Clinical Trial

A new and revolutionary drug that could possibly extend the lifespan of healthy, senior dogs, is now entering a major clinical trial. It also has a first patient - an 11-year-old Whippet named Boo. Going by the codename LOY-002, this drug is designed to provide a few more years to senior dogs of most sizes. It is the product of a startup biotech company called  Loyal and is the fruit of their hard work and arduous research. Celine Halioua, the founder and CEO of Loyal, said that the company is working hard to develop several products aimed at the longevity of dogs. One of their initial projects, the LOY-001, was a drug aimed to extend the lifespan of giant and large dog breeds. In November of 2023, this project received the support of the FDA, paving the way for the company's further successes. The underlying mechanisms of aging were the first focus of the company as it developed LOY-001. The drug works by reducing IGF-1, an insulin-like growth factor that is a key biomarker hormone that drives cell growth. It is believed that this reduced the lifespan of extra-large dogs. Similarly, the LOY-002 project aims to extend the lifespan of normal-sized dogs, by improving their metabolic health and thus delaying the onset and the impact of diseases that come with old age. “LOY-002 is a slightly different mechanism [than LOY-001] for senior lifespan extension. It’s a little bit more of a reversal mechanism. It’s not going to make a 10-year-old dog a puppy, but we’ve seen a rescuing in age-related functional decline in dogs that have been treated with this drug,” said Halioua in an interview with  dvm360.The newest study for LOY-002 is expected to last 4 years, and include one thousand enrolled dogs. “It will be one of the largest veterinary clinical studies that, as far as we know, has ever been run,” added Halioua.The first ever receiver of the drug, Boo, was enrolled into the program in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, at the Animal Hospital of Dauphin County. There, an associate veterinary and STAY study investigator, Coby Rudakewiz, became a part of the program for the first time, witnessing its incredible potential. “I’m genuinely excited to be able to share what we’ve seen as a life-changing product to dogs of all sizes,” he said.“This is what it’s all about - keeping dogs feeling their best to enjoy a long life with their owners who love them.”“The launch of this study brings us one step closer to helping senior dogs have more, healthier years with their families…The scale and complexity of STAY reflect Loyal’s commitment to creating demonstrably effective and safe products,” Halioua added. “This is a massive undertaking that wouldn’t be possible without the partnership of the many veterinarians and technicians operating the study in their clinics, and the participating dogs and owners helping advance therapies for all dogs.”For the time being, the company is working hard to receive conditional approval for its revolutionary drug. This would allow them to begin offering it through veterinarians as soon as 2025. This could mean a world of difference for many senior doggos and their families. Seeing your senior doggo enjoy a few extra years without the issues common to old age is nothing short of true happiness, and would mean that the company’s hard efforts were not in vain. Ultimately, this innovative drug gives us hope for the future and makes us wonder what other ground-breaking drugs could we see in the years ahead.

What to Know About Cat Reproduction

With a better understanding of feline reproduction, you can take steps to prevent unwanted litters, and you’ll know what to expect if you have an intact female or male.What does it mean when a queen (intact female cat) is in heat? How long does a pregnancy last? And why does it seem that cats are so good at reproducing? Below are the basics to help you get started.  There Are Multiple Stages in the Cat Heat CycleA cat’s estrous cycle, also known as her heat cycle, consists of multiple phases. Also, females are seasonally polyestrous, so they can go into heat more than once throughout the breeding season.The stages of a cat’s heat cycle are:Proestrus – During this phase, which will last about a day or two, you probably won’t notice any obvious changes in your cat.Estrus – During this phase, which lasts about a week on average, a female cat will behave in a way that lets males know that she wants to mate.Interestrus – If a cat doesn’t mate, she’ll go into this phase, which can also last about a week on average, until she goes into proestrus again. If a queen mates, ovulates, and becomes pregnant, she will enter diestrus.If a queen isn’t in a heat cycle at all, she’s in anestrus, which can last months.Cats Can Get Pregnant When They’re a Few Months OldCats become sexually mature around 6 months of age, on average, but it can happen even sooner than that. For example, a female can go into heat when she’s a mere four months old.This means that even kittens can mate and get pregnant. If you have intact male and female kittens, this is definitely something to be aware of. Talk to your veterinarian about the best time to spay or neuter your feline companions to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Cat Pregnancy Is Roughly Two Months LongA cat’s pregnancy can be shorter at 60 days or longer at 71 days. On average, a cat will give birth in about nine weeks, or 63 to 65 days. In other words, the pregnancy will be roughly two months long.On average, a cat will have four kittens, but she might have just one or she might have six or more. A queen’s age may affect the size of her litter—for example, a cat who’s pregnant for the first time is more likely to have a smaller litter, as is an older queen.After giving birth, a cat might go into heat again sooner than you think. It might even happen while her kittens are still nursing. So, if you’re caring for a mother and her litter, it’s important to prevent another pregnancy by keeping her safe indoors and away from intact males. Cats Are Induced OvulatorsWhat’s interesting about cats is that they’re induced ovulators. Put simply, when cats mate, the female ovulates, releasing eggs from her ovaries. And since the eggs are released with mating, it times out in a way that boosts the odds of pregnancy.A queen typically needs to mate multiple times before eggs are released, and she could mate with more than one male while she’s in heat.  A Litter of Kittens Can Have Different FathersAs mentioned above, a queen will mate more than once while she’s in heat. Well, another interesting fact about cats is that they can mate with more than one male while they’re in heat, so they could end up with kittens that have different fathers.In other words, a single litter of kittens could have two or more fathers. This is known as superfecundation.There Are Several Signs of Pregnancy in CatsHow can you tell if a cat is pregnant? Even though there are going to be several signs as the fetuses develop, you might not notice anything right away.You might first notice the queen’s nipples becoming more obvious. This is followed by weight gain that will eventually cause her belly to be big and round. Changes in behavior are also often seen in pregnant cats. Her appetite will increase, she may become more needy and affectionate, and she’ll look for a nest where she can give birth safely and comfortably.If you are caring for a pregnant cat, consider getting a product like the Sport Pet Pop Open Pet Kennel, which features two entryways, has a waterproof bottom, and comes with a removable, machine washable pad. She might view this as the perfect nesting box, and you’ll feel good knowing she’ll be secure in there with her kittens.

Are Dogs Smarter than Cats?

The rivalry between cats and dogs is an age-old thing. Many pet owners are divided in their affections, as some adore kitties, but others are strictly doggo lovers. And this rivalry poses an intriguing question – could there be a difference between cats and dogs? While both are cuddly and loveable, they are inevitably different. So, could it be possible that  dogs are smarter than cats, or vice versa? This is a popular question in the scientific world, and many tried answering it. Let’s see what they came up with.Are Dogs Smarter than Cats? For ages, the debate on the rivalry between cats and dogs has been ongoing. Ultimately, however, it all depends on how you define “smart”. Dogs are often loved for their obedience, their ability to be trained and follow commands, their unwavering loyalty, and their excellent guardian traits. Cats, on the other hand, are known for their independence, their adaptability and problem-solving skills, their free and restless spirit, and their cuddly nature. So, as we can see, while generally different in personalities, both of these animals possess certain cognitive skills – but is one smarter than the other?Recent studies have revealed that both dogs and cats possess unique cognitive abilities suited to their respective lifestyles and evolutionary histories. Meaning, they are completely different animals. Dogs, for example, originated from domesticated canines, far, far back in history. They were bred over thousands of years to work alongside humans, protect flocks, help with hunting, and guard homes. This, in turn, has likely influenced their ability to understand and communicate with us, and to be so devoted as pets. But cats are different. In stark contrast to doggos, cats have retained more of their wild instincts, allowing them to thrive in a variety of environments and situations.All of this means that you can’t really compare the intelligence of a cat and that of a dog. It’s like comparing apples and oranges – it just doesn’t go. Each animal excels in different areas and possesses different strengths. It's more accurate to appreciate the unique qualities of each species rather than trying to determine which one is "smarter."But even so, scientists tried to reach a decisive conclusion. They studied both cats and dogs and ultimately reached an answer - at least, scientifically speaking. Their research shows that dogs are smarter than cats! Some of you might find this answer surprising but don’t raise a revolt just yet. Cats are super intelligent even so. It’s just that they are likely not as smart as some dogs are. The secret is in “smartness” itself. Dogs are intelligent in their own way. They are generally more reliant on humans for problem-solving tasks, but they are adept at learning from observation and experience. They can also be trained to perform a wide range of tasks, from simple tricks to complex behaviors, such as guiding the visually impaired or detecting explosives. Cats, however, are natural hunters and possess excellent problem-solving skills. They are known for their agility, stealth, and ability to strategize when stalking their prey. In a domestic setting, cats demonstrate problem-solving abilities when navigating obstacles, finding hiding spots, and even manipulating objects to access food or toys. So, both of them have different positive traits and different types of intelligence. But it could be that dogs, with their ability to learn and obey commands, are just a tad bit smarter.

Yoga mat, water bottle,... lint roller?

Furry friends bring a new twist to traditional yoga.

Study Finds Pets Didn't Make People Happier During the Pandemic

Would you say that your pet help you feel better during the pandemic? Countless pet parents, myself included, would say they experienced less stress and anxiety during lockdown thanks to their four-legged companions. However, a new study led by researchers from Michigan State University suggests otherwise. Researchers couldn’t find a reliable association between pet ownership and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, even though owners claimed pets improved their lives. The pandemic was extremely stressful for everyone. The research team from Michigan State University theorized that the pandemic created ideal conditions to determine how much happiness and comfort pets actually provide to their families. The study, published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, evaluated 767 people on three separate occasions in May 2020. The researchers used a mixed-method approach, looking at several indicators of well-being. They also asked owners in an open-ended question to think about the role of pets. Unsurprisingly, pet owners reported their pets made them happy. Owners claimed pets help them feel more positive emotions and provide companionship and affection, but also expressed worry about their pet’s well-being and reported their pets interfered with working remotely. But when researchers compared the happiness of pet owners to levels seen in non-pet owners they made a surprising discovery. Shockingly, the data showed no difference in the well-being of pet owners and non-pet owners over time. The research team explained that it did not matter what type of pet people owned, how many pets they had, or how close owners were with their pets. The personalities of the owners weren’t a factor either. “People say pets make them happy, but when we actually measure happiness that doesn’t appear to be the case,” said William Chopik, an associate professor in MSU’s Department of Psychology and co-author of the study, in a university release. “People see friends as lonely or wanting companionship, and they recommend getting a pet. But it’s unlikely to be as transformative as people think,” added Chopik. The research team also explored several other potential reasons as to why there was no difference in the happiness levels of pet owners and non-pet owners. The most likely reason might be that non-pet owners have found ways to fill their lives with activities and interests that make them as happy as owning a pet would. “Staking all of your hope on a pet making you feel better is probably unfair and maybe costly, given other things you could do in your life that could improve your happiness,”  said Chopik. Another study, involving 4,237 people, beginning at the start of the pandemic and ending in December 2021, had similar findings. Although owners grew closer to their pets, especially dogs, during the pandemic, that didn’t stave off stress.In fact, the lowest stress levels were seen in non-pet owners. When you think about it, these results kind of make sense - pet owners had an additional mouth to feed during the lockdown and had limited opportunities to take their dogs out for a walk or play session. The results of these studies are surprising, to say the least. I was positive that I was happier than my poochless friends during the lockdown, but guess that wasn’t the case. After thinking about this a bit more, I realized that maybe we shouldn’t expect so much from our four-legged companions. Yes, there are many benefits to owning a pet, and pets can make us happy, but ultimately happiness depends on ourselves. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

After 11 Long Years, a Cat That Was Presumed Dead Returns Home

Sometimes, miracles can truly happen when you least expect it! And if a pet story can be considered a real life miracle, it’s the one about Toby, a family cat that - it would seem - lived a life of great adventure. In 2012, Toby, the now 14-year-old cat of the Allan family from Warwickshire, suddenly disappeared after the family moved to a new house. It was a heartbreaking event for the entire family, but their pet was nowhere to be found. After many attempts to locate their cat, they simply had to come to terms with the fact that old Toby was lost, and presumably dead. But this week, after 11 long years, Toby was returned to the Allan family by a local woman. The lady checked the cat’s microchip and was quick to get in touch with Coventry Cats Protection."I never thought in a million years I’d see him again," said owner Justine Allan. "Toby was collected and will no longer have to scavenge for food and sleep in a cold bin store," added the Coventry charity co-ordinator Wendy Harris.Toby suddenly went missing in a chilly December in 2012, after the Allan family moved from Galley Common in Nuneaton, to their new residence at Long Shoot."[My son Charlie] was about 12 when Toby went missing, and he was heartbroken when we realized he probably wasn’t coming back," said Mrs Allan for  Yahoo "The Long Shoot is a notoriously busy road, we just assumed the worst had happened and thought he had been run over.”But almost a decade later, just 5 miles away a local Bedworth lady got in touch with Cats Protection, believing that a stray cat she was feeding was pregnant. A volunteer with the charity went out to investigate, a microchip scanner in tow. "It turned out, not only did it have a chip, but that he was a neutered male named Toby, rather than female as originally believed," said Ms. Harris.Blazingly fast, the charity managed to trace the details of the Allan family on their database, and got in touch to share the splendid news – their missing feline friend was re-discovered!Initially in complete shock, after 11 years, the Allan family rejoiced and celebrated and quickly went out to pick up their long-lost pet. During those 11 years, the family welcomed another pet into their home, a King Charles Cavalier named Bernie. But even so, Toby fits right back into the family dynamic. As if he wasn’t missing for more than a decade!

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