CDC Issues Warnings About Rise In Insect-Borne Diseases

by Lori Ennis

May 7th, 2018 12:00 AM

cdc issues warnings about rise in insect borne diseases

Summer’s around the corner and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued warnings about mosquito-, flea- and tick-bite-borne diseases that are on the rise.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that diseases coming from mosquito, flea and tick bites are on the rise in the United States and are cautioning citizens to take guard against being bitten.

Related: The Best-Rated Tick Remedies and Preventions on Amazon

According to the Vital Signs report the CDC shared, diseases that come from mosquito, flea and/or tick bites have tripled since 2004. The report range was from 2004 to 2016 and claimed that a growing list of diseases including Zika, West Nile, Lyme and chikungunya has made people really sick in recent years.

Dr. Robert Redfield is the Director of the CDC and he says that citizens have to take steps to prevent bites, as well as be proactive in treatment strategies to battle these diseases, and the report also identifies steps that people can take to protect themselves and their families. Dr. Redfield said that the first lines of defense against the diseases come from the state and local health departments.

Researchers at the CDC l0oked at 16 prominent diseases that are carried by insects and other organisms from 2004-2016 and found that nine types of germs not previously reported had been present in the United States. Seven of those new germs came from ticks, and 60% tick bite-borne diseases accounted for over 60% of all mosquito, flea and tick-bite related illnesses.

Additionally, the CDC reported that in 2016, the most common tick-transmitted disease was Lyme, followed by ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis. Mosquitoes brought new or uncommon viruses to the U.S., including West Nile, dengue, chikungunya and Zika. Believe it or not, the plague was the most common flea-borne disease noted by the CDC.

Officials at the CDC suggest that better tools to support state and local efforts for detecting and controlling the diseases will best help prevent them. They also recommend that people use EPA approved insect repellants, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in areas rich with the insects, treat pets for flea and tick prevention and do what they can to keep mosquitoes, ticks and fleas away from their homes.

The CDC has pledged to give more funds to U.S. states and territories so they can better respond to the insects, and they are also looking to develop tests and treatments for diseases that come from the insects.

Lori Ennis

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Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever Basics Some dog breeds need to be sold to potential dog owners as they might not be familiar with the intricacies of what makes those particular pups special. Other breeds are so legendary that the name is a selling point in and of itself. Enter the Labrador Retriever. The reputation of this beloved breed speaks for itself. There’s a reason why suburbs are filled with these fine animals and why seemingly every family wants to bring one into their homes. These dogs live up to the hype. Labrador Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds out there today for a reason. Loyal, easy to get along with, and easy to train, these retrievers could be considered a neighborhood classic all around the United States and even in other parts of the world. It’s hard to find anything negative to say about these remarkable pooches and they are guaranteed to remain family favorites for generations to come. But what exactly makes Labrador Retrievers such popular and well-respected dogs? Does a strong breed always mean that a Labrador Retriever will be the right dog for you? The answers to these questions and many more can be found below. So if you’ve ever considered bringing home a Lab Retriever, you’ve come to the right place. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. By the end of this article, you’ll either be racing out to get a Lab or beginning your search for a new breed. But what exactly makes them such popular, well-respected dogs… and does a strong breed always mean that a Labrador Retriever will be the right dog for you? Origin Canadian in decent, Labrador Retrievers originated in Newfoundland, having descended from the St. John’s Water Dog around the 16th century. The smaller versions of the St. John’s Water Dog were often used to retrieve as well as pull in fishing nets, giving this breed of dog a true working class background. Many people will observe that the personality of Labrador Retrievers is a strong indication of this background. These dogs are happiest when performing a task with their humans, after all. Descending from Portuguese, English, and Irish breeds, the Labrador Retriever could be considered a classic “blue-collar” dog. It is not quite on par with some hunting dogs, but certainly one of the more favorable “working” dog breeds available out there today. More recent history through previous centuries brought the Labrador Retriever back to England where it became a popular sporting and hunting dog. These dogs may have started in Canada, but they belong to the world now. Pedigree

Why You Should Adopt a Dog From a Shelter

Complete your family and adopt a dog from a shelter If you’re looking to add another member to your family, you should adopt a dog from a shelter. There are thousands of dogs looking for a forever home and chances are you’ll find a loving companion that will give you and your family years of unconditional love. Many people are reluctant to adopt a dog from a shelter for various reasons. After all, there’s a stigma attached. These dogs were given up because they have “issues”. But these so-called issues were caused by a deficiency in the human owner – lack of leadership, exercise and training. In the right home, you’ll find that many of the issue disappear with the right amount of love, patience and attention. One of the many great things about a dog is that it lives in the moment. That means they forget the past and can’t wait to get to the fun the future holds for them. Sure, the previous owner might have thought that this dog was broken, so it was traded in until they could get a “perfect” dog. But when you adopt a dog from a shelter, that adult pooch you have your eye on in the shelter is ready for a fresh start. If you treat this dog right, you’ll find it has so much more potential than the previous owner saw. The best reason to adopt a dog from a shelter – you’ve just made a loyal friend for life. Before you even go to adopt a dog from a shelter, you need to decide the right kind of dog for your family. Is there a certain breed that works better for your home environment and lifestyle? Do you have kids and other animals in the household? Do you have an active or sedentary lifestyle? Can you step up to the plate and be the leader your dog needs? These are all important questions you need to answer before you adopt a dog from a shelter. Once you’ve come up with a general game plan, it’s time to start visiting rescue shelters. Don’t just focus your energies on one – be sure to get to several shelters in order to see a wide range of dogs. We know that you’re excited, but you don’t have to bring home a dog on your first day out. You’re not doing the dog or your family any favors if you choose based on a first impression, and you end up returning it. In fact, it may hinder that dog from being adopted by another family – dogs that keep getting returned have a greater chance of being put down. When you find a potential dog, approach the cage carefully and calmly so it sniff you. Don’t be alarmed if a shelter dog growls or barks at you – it may be wary of strangers, especially since so many come through the shelter every day. Take the dog out of its cage (with the assistance of the shelter staff, or course) and take it for a walk. Keep in mind that this dog probably has some pent up energy and is raring to go (hey, you would too if you were kept in a cage all day). After you pick the right pound puppy, it’s time to sort out all the paperwork and take your dog home. Check to see that all of its health records and procedures are in order so you have everything you need for your regular vet. Be sure to check out our article on what you should do to make the transition from the pound to your home a smooth one. And the best reason to adopt a dog from a shelter – you’ve just made a loyal friend for life.

Dalmatian

Dalmatian Basics Thanks to a large size, a bright white coat, black spots and a Disney movie or two, there are few breeds of dog more infamous in the world than a Dalmatian. Often associated as the kind of dogs who help firemen and police, Dalmatians are notoriously good workers and comprise an assertive, friendly breed. And as the only spotted breed of dog, they’re not exactly hard to spot. But what is it about Dalmatians that seems to capture our imaginations? Was it the movie? Or is it simply the spirit of the breed? After all, if you’re considering buying a dog for you family, you may find that nothing can light up your children’s eyes quite like mentioning a Dalmatian. What are the right circumstances for a Dalmatian? As you’re about to find out, Dalmatians are an active breed that enjoy attention and love to get in a good workout – especially if there’s company involved. If you’re considering getting a Dalmatian yourself, here are some facts that can help you better understand this unique breed of dog. As the only spotted breed of dog, they’re not exactly hard to spot. Origin Considering they’re called Dalmatians, one might think they’re from a made-up, far-away place like Dalmatia. Silly, right? Well, that’s the case – except Dalmatia is not made-up. It’s a region in the country of Croatia, and historians pinpoint the Dalmatians there back to the late 1700s. Although that is the official country of origin, the Dalmatian is actually quite an English dog, having been developed and bred primarily in England. The truth is that there’s not a lot know about the Dalmatian breed. Dalmatians were said to be from Croatia in the mid-1800s, as is officially known now, and were said to be used as guard dogs. Thanks to a sporty, active English breeding, Dalmatians are now known as dogs that get along with a variety of animals – especially the horse – and display strong hunting and sporting instincts. Pedigree

English Setter

English Setter Basics When you own a dog of a specific and pure breed, admit it: part of you wants to be the kind of owner who gets approached. “What kind of breed is that?” your fellow dog admirers might ask you, eager to hear what you’ve got to say. Arousing this kind of attention appeals to our vanity, sure, but it also underlies a very deep appreciation for the variety and pure breeding that occurs within the world of dogs. After all, you wouldn’t feel very special about your dog’s specific breed unless there was something inherently interesting about it. That’s a perfect introduction into the world of the English Setter – you’re reading right, not the Irish Setter – a unique breed that is instantly recognizable. Well, instantly recognizable as long as you know what English Setters look like. This breed, of course, belongs to the setter group and is similarly bred for both athleticism and a workmanlike attitude. You don’t have to go very far for a friend if you’ve got an English Setter. But if you want to have an answer to that question “What kind of breed is that?” you’ve got to know a thing or two about English Setters. Don’t worry… you’re about to learn. Generally easy-going, the English Setter is prone to obedience and loyalty. Origin One glance at the name of this breed will tell you that this dog was originally bred for hunting, like many similar dogs and dogs in its pedigree. The English Setter’s position in the world of hunting, at least as it started out, was to flush out game and make it ready to shoot. Quite simply, the English Setter needs to not only have a good nose, but a good ability to understand a specific task and perform it with obedience and loyalty. That obedience and loyalty has marked the history of the English Setter through some four or five hundred years of breeding. Experts place the English Setters roots this far back as it’s quite apparent that the English Setter has been helping hunters all over the world for at least a few centuries. During the 19th century, the Setter saw a lot of further development and breeding, especially as a man named R. Percival Llewellin bred English Setters to enhance its beauty and its overall look. Consequently, the English Setter today has a very distinctive appearance and can be considered one of the best-looking dogs that belong to the setter group. Pedigree

Airedale Terrier

Airedale Terrier Basics Of all the terriers, there may be none that so embody what we imagine this type of dog to be than the Airedale Terrier. An authentic English terrier finds its home in a specific place – Airedale, of all places – but is just as happy to make its home with and your family. Like many terriers, you will find that this dog is capable of a lot of love, a lot of companionship, and can even make an excellent playmate. Its overall attractive coat is hard to resist for the younger members of your family and you’ll find there’s nothing quite like petting a terrier. There’s a reason, after all, they call Airedale Terriers the so-called king of terriers. But is the Airedale Terrier for you? Depending on the type of “dog person” you are, your answer will vary. Each dog breed has its own strengths and weaknesses, and these strengths and weaknesses mean specific breeds can be more suitable to certain types of dog owners. As we learn about the Airedale Terrier, we’ll also learn about the terrier group as a whole and hopefully you’ll just find a little something out about the types of dogs you’d prefer to bring home. Let’s find out more about the Airedale Terrier. Like many terriers, you will find that this dog is capable of a lot of love, a lot of companionship, and can even make an excellent playmate. Origin Like many terriers, the Airedale Terrier hails from the British Isles – England, specifically. Many people hypothesize that the Airedale Terrier comes from the Aire valley in England, which obviously lends itself to the dog’s name – although names can be deceiving, particularly if the wrong one catches on. Since the Airedale Terrier’s history, like many other breeds, is focused on the 19th and 20th centuries, when it started gaining recognition, we can safely say that this breed did probably arise out of that region in England. How were they bred? They were bred as jacks-of-all-trade, able to provide both companionship, a keen hunter’s instinct, and have developed a sporty, active demeanor. The first Airedale Terriers – or at least their ancestors – were not very similar to the Airedales that we see today. This makes this specific breed a relatively recent development in the world of terriers. Pedigree

Quaker Parakeet

Quaker Parakeet General Info The Quaker Parakeet, or Monk parrot, as they are also known, is a cute and affectionate little parrot from South America. Amongst the most popular pet birds, these parakeets are quite the charmers. You too will quickly fall in love with their kind personality and goofy mimics. They have a lot of well-tempered traits that make them a perfect choice for a beginner’s pet parrot. They are very popular worldwide and easy to acquire from breeders and pet shops. There are so many perfect, desirable traits that make Quaker Parakeets a highly popular pet bird.

Gourami

Gourami General description Gourami are a relatively hardy species of freshwater aquarium fish and are thus suitable for most intermediate aquarists. There are approximately 90 species of gourami recognized a majority of which are raised in aquariums. Most have a square shaped, thin, compressed body and are characterized by two long thread-like pelvic fins. Gourami are generally a peaceful type of fish but can turn territorial when not given adequate space. When raised in aquariums less than 30 gallons in size, they can sometimes start harassing their tank mates in an attempt to mark out their territory. It is always advisable to keep one male gourami with a few females due to the tendency of males to turn aggressive towards each other despite the size of the aquarium. Gourami are a relatively hardy species of freshwater aquarium fish and are thus suitable for most intermediate aquarists. Origins Gouramis are native to parts of South and South East Asia. Color Various species of gouramis range in color from blue, green, yellow, gold, pink, white and red and also come multicolored varieties. Maintenance and care

Chernobyl Puppies Are On Their Way To The United States

Ukranian officials have captured several puppies descended from the 1986 Chernobyl melt-down, and a dozen are on their way to the United States for monitoring and adoption. In 1986, a nuclear plant in Chernobyl, Russia, melted down and the residents in the surrounding area had to evacuate immediately. Tragically, because of the radiation exposure any pets outside experienced, they had to be left behind. In the subsequent years, those pets left behind to their own devices have lived, died and multiplied and now there are hundreds of pets who live in both the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone and the surrounding grounds. Ukranian authorities have captured hundreds of the dogs, including many puppies, and 12 of those puppies are headed to the United States for adoption. Lucas Hixson is the co-founder of Clean Futures Fund, a United States-based non-profit that helps take care of Chernobyl clean-up workers, families in the area and the dogs. He said that the goal is to bring 200 dogs rescued and adopted in the next year and a half, and he’d then go from there with the hundreds still left. Related: Visitors to Chernobyl Site Advised Not to Pet the Dogs [Video] The 200 dogs are in a 45-day quarantine in the Ukraine city of Slavutych, and when given a clean bill of health, will head to New York and hopefully find homes. The puppies’ ancestors have tragic stories. They were not allowed to follow their owners to safety in 1986, because of the level of exposure and contamination, and hundreds of pets were sadly left behind in the evacuation. Authorities were ordered to put the ones who were left behind down, but many survived not only those orders, but radiation exposure effects and homelessness. Clean Futures estimates there are about 250 dogs living on the grounds of the old power plant and hundreds more roam around Chernobyl, security checkpoints, the woods and abandoned communities. Clean-up workers on the sites try to feed and tend to sick animals. Which is where The Clean Futures Fund stepped in to help. They created a three-year plan that started with spaying and neutering as many animals in the Exclusion zone as they could. Last August, the worked with 325 dogs, vaccinating for rabies, testing for radiation, treating with antibiotics and microchipping the dogs. They recorded the health data for each dog and this June, will work with researchers from the University of South Carolina to look at radiation poisoning effects and genetic disruptions from the exposure. Related: Brave Woman Works Desperately to Rescue Bali Dogs Left Behind on Volcano Jeff Beri is the founder of No Dog Left Behind and says that the dogs appear to be like any other adorable puppy, but potential owners need to know that these puppies have potential health risks. He said that the levels of radiation poisoning may differ and the effects combined with difficulty adapting to home life are things to consider. As the puppies wait for clean bills of health, Hixson has said that they’ll come to the U.S. by July, and hopefully find the perfect people to give them the chance in life they deserve.

Rescue Cat Returns Favor, Saves Family From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

A quiet rescued family cat found his voice at the most important time, warning his family that their house was filling with deadly carbon monoxide. A family in Ohio adopted a black-and-white cat about seven years ago, and the family joke for the Kesckes family was that he never made noise. In fact, ‘Boo’ would squeak, if anything, but that was rare. The family says it was sort of like a joke how quiet he was. Turns out he was just saving his voice for the most important things–like saving his family from death by deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Related: Pittie Saves Family From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Boo’s family was snug as bugs in rugs last week when all of a sudden, he began meowing so loudly, the whole family was woken up. David Kesckes said that he and his wife woke up slowly, and as they did, they saw Boo fall and pass out in front of them. He says that came out of her room, and then again in front of their eyes, their daughter Ariana passed out too. Though a family cat, Boo is mostly Ariana’s buddy. Boo sort of woke up, in and out of consciousness and stumbling, but with the continued loud meowing that was very explicitly warning of them of something not right. The family says that he just kept passing out but never stopping to try and wake them and they were flabbergasted because they’d never heard him meow like that. This guy saved our family today Posted by Ariana Kecskes on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 The family believes it was is if he’d been saving his voice for this one, most heroic thing. The family’s other cat helped also, going in and reviving David so he could revive everyone, get them out of the house and call 911. He told 911 they were all dizzy, had fainted and needed help. Related: Family Pittie Protects Children From Venomous Snake Attack When first responders arrived, they found an almost-lethal level of carbon monoxide in their house and the family was rushed to the hospital. Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless and tasteless, so it is often called a silent killer. The family’s boiler was malfunctioning and released the deadly gas. It’s been said that squeaky wheels get the oil, but in this case, the cat that finally meowed saved the day! Well done, kitties!

Humane Society Releases ‘Horrible Hundred’ Puppy Mill List

The Humane Society of the United States has released it’s list of 100 worst puppy mills and found that Missouri has the most puppy mills in the country. The Humane Society of the United States has released its “Horrible Hundred” list, which is an annual compilation of the worst puppy mills in the country. Topping the list of states with the most number of puppy mills in the United States was Missouri, with 23 known puppy mills, followed by Ohio with 13 and Iowa with ten. Related: Maryland Legislature Prohibits Pet Stores Selling ‘Puppy Mill’ Pets The Humane Society says that since President Trump took office, it’s been more difficult to compile the list, as in February of 2017, the United States Department of Agriculture took all information about animal-welfare inspection reports of their website. Previously, those reports had been public record for at least five years. Though the reports were then put back on the USDA site, the names of the facilities and the street addresses and owners’ names were blacked out in the name of privacy and it’s harder to find out who is running puppy mills and where they are. The Humane Society still pressed on to ensure the safety of all animals they can. Though the USDA has said they’ll give the information out under the Freedom of Information Act, advocates say that that is a slow process, and even when the data is given, it is often still riddled with redacted information. The USDA says that they are looking to ensure the breeders are not harrassed excessively and that their privacy outweighs the right to the information for the animals. Related: Humane Society Fights Back Against USDA Records Removal As a result, The Humane Society is now suing the USDA for the access to all nonredacted inspection reports, saying that without that information, consumers cannot rely on the current versions to ensure safety for animals or to ensure the federal government is doing its job to police and regulate them. While the top three states have been on the Horrible Hundred List for a while, 14 other states join them and complete the list. Those states are: Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusettes, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The Humane Society did their best to include specific names and probably names, so watch out when looking for your next furry family member.

DIY Dog Wipes

Easy to make and budget friendly, these DIY dog wipes will keep your pooch clean and odor-free! If any four-legged beastie knows how to get incredibly dirty under a minute, it’s dogs. Pooches are revered for many things, but their cleanliness is definitely not on that list. Whether your trying to keep your pupper from smelling ripe in between baths or just want handy grooming wipes with you on walks or vacation, this project is for you. You’ll find everything you need for DIY dog wipes in your local dollar store- heck, chances are you already have all of the components at home. What You’ll Need

Megan Markhle’s Regal Beagle Spotted Riding to the Royal Wedding Wit

Talk about rags to riches: from the Kentucky woods to the English royal residence, this pup is living large. For the last few days, the royal wedding was definitely the trending topic. From Meghan Markle’s dress to the most adorable bridal party ever, we’ve had the opportunity to follow this year’s most influential wedding and enjoy all of the many amazing little details. However, one pawesome little thing seemed to have escaped the notice of the millions of watchful eyes: the bride’s rescue beagle has been spotted riding next to Queen Elizabeth to Windsor ahead of the royal wedding. A friend kindly alerted me to a very sweet moment we missed yesterday – the Queen travelling with Meghan's beagle guy spotted by the talented Lainey Gossip https://madaboutmeghan.blogspot.con/2018/05/live-blog-day-before-wedding.html pic.twitter.com/zpQbtg8YeQ — Mad About Meghan (@MadAboutMeghan) May 18, 2018 While it’s no secret that the Queen loves dogs (she has a royal pack of her own) and having a canine share a ride with her is not an unusual event, it’s something entirely new for Markle’s beagle Guy. Guy is one of the two rescues the Duchess of Sussex adopted- his furry sibling had to remain in custody of close friends as his age prevented him from making a trip over the pond. Although it’s sad that his furry friend, Bogart, wasn’t able to make the trip to the United Kingdom, at least Markle made sure that he’s spending his golden years surrounded by people he knows and loves.

Veteran’s PTSD Service Dog Banned at VA Hospital

A military veteran and his PTSD service dog are going up against the government, after being given a federal citation for bringing the dog with him to a VA hospital. Brandon Rimmer is a former K-9 handler in the United States Air Force who served two combat tours in explosive detection. The Ohio man brought his four-month-old lab Old GLory with him to the Cincinnati VA hospital, and was given a hard time from VA Police who told him that the dog was not allowed to come with him. Related: Bipartisan PAWS Act To Help Veterans With PTSD Rimmer claimed that he is covered under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) for his PTSD, but the police disagreed and gave him a violation that will require him to appear in court in July. David Bartos is the Cincinnati VA police chief and said that he believes Old Glory is just a pet puppy, not a service animal. According to Bartos, a service animal is trained to do tasks for the disabled, but having PTSD doesn’t qualify because offering emotional support is not a task. The ADA disagrees, however, as guidelines say that a service animal calming people with PTSD does qualify. And while it seems that two federal government organizations might have differing opinions of what rules would apply, doesn’t it just make sense to err on the side of the man who sacrificed his life in the name of his country? The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that over 50% of Vietnam, Gulf War/Iraq (Desert Storm) and Afghanistan veterans suffer from PTSD, and it’s well-known that service animals can offer so much for those suffering from the trauma of war and combat. Related: New Report Shows Army’s Failure In Taking Care Of Heroic Canines So what in the world is being proven by preventing a war hero from having his service dog with him, in a place that is supposed to be taking care of our heroes? That’s what Rimmer plans to look at, when he goes to court on July 18. He said he’s going to go against the government so no veteran with PTSD ever has to have this happen to them. It’s a sad state of affairs when the very place our Veterans go to for help and recovery can’t be compassionate with them.

Celebrate “National Get a Pal for Your Pet Day” On November 19 [Vi

It’s the perfect day to consider adopting a pal for your pet PetGuide.com is dedicating the month of November to multiple pet ownership and we were thrilled to hear that “National Get a Pal for Your Pet Day” is on Tuesday, November 19. A Pets Add Life (PAL) initiative, National Get a Pal for Your Pet Day was created to celebrate multiple pet ownership and consider welcoming additional pets into the home. According to American Pet Products Association’s (APPA) 2013/2014 National Pet Owners Survey, multiple pet ownership is at an all-time high with 44 percent of pet-owning households in the U.S. owning more than one pet (up from 42 percent of households in 2010). “This designated day is a great opportunity to help spread the message that, like humans, pets also need pals and companionship when owners are away from home,” said Bob Vetere, APPA President & CEO. “Pets Add Life is all about promoting responsible pet ownership and we truly encourage current owners to consider welcoming additional pets of all types into the home.” If you’ve never heard of PAL before, it’s an amazing non-profit campaign founded by the APPA that helps spread the joys and benefits of responsible pet ownership and encourages increased animal adoption. We think it’s a wonderful idea and encourage you to think about bringing home an additional furry, feathered or finned pal home. And because we’re huge fans of PAL’s creative and hilarious videos, we thought we add the latest for you, entitled “Mouse Rover,” to enjoy. Watch it below!

Newsworthy Reporter Saves Drowning Dog While Covering a Story

A little dog got a big rescue by some heroic people in San Antonio, Texas, after being nearly swept away by floodwaters. The citizens of San Antonio, Texas have been deluged recently with flooding waters from heavy thunderstorms, and many have been rescued from dangerous water levels. One very special rescue was of a little dog who nearly drowned as it was being dragged through the current. Spectrum News reporter Sarah Duran saw the little dog and together with other members of the surrounding media and one San Antonio police officer, a plan to save the pup evolved. Related: Florida Politician Wrestles Alligator to Save Dog’s Life Duran said that she was just shooting footage of the water, as a woman had just been rescued and the media was reporting on the story. Suddenly, she saw a little thing bob in the water and at first, Duran thought it was a water bottle. When she saw the frightened eyes of the little pup, she realized it was a dog and quickly called to other media also sticking around working on their stories. Alexandro Luna is with the San Antonio Express-News, and was also onsite. He and the other left-over media members saw the dog struggle and got the attention of San Antonio Park Police Officer David Ramirez, who was finishing up some business in his cruiser. Officer Ramirez brought some rope to try and get lasso the dog, but was unsuccessful. The poor pup had made his way to a drainage area where people stood watching anxiously, and Duran said Officer Ramirez told Luna that he was thin enough to get down to where the puppy was and pull him up. Related: An Extremely Good Boy Saves Drowning Stranger in South Carolina And that’s exactly what happened. Attached to the rope that Officer Ramirez was holding with the other members of the media, Luna carefully got down to where the dog was, scooped him up and pulled him to safety. Luna said that he was heartbroken to see the poor little thing so scared in the water, and he was happy to see how everyone came together so quickly to rescue him. Officer Ramirez said the dog would be taken to Animal Care Services to try and find an owner, if there is one, and a home if he needs one. In a world of ‘fake news,’ all over the place, sure is nice to see the good guys can come together and win in the real world!

Zuchon

Zuchon BasicsI know what you’re thinking. You see the beautiful little ball of fluff in front of you and desperately want to snuggle it. You should absolutely snuggle that little buddy. But you should also know something else: no, that’s not a teddy bear – it’s a Zuchon!A non-shedding designer dog breed, the Zuchon is a mix of Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise. This breed is also known by the names of Shichon and Teddy Bear Zuchon (no surprise there, it’s such an easy mistake to make). Yet, no matter what you choose to call it, this dog will melt your heart and make a wonderful addition to your family. Zuchon’s fit into every home and fill them with joy. That’s a fact. You can look it up.Much like its popular parents, the Zuchon is a highly-trainable, sweet, and friendly dog. All of these traits make them an ideal companion, regardless of your living conditions. Whether you live in a small apartment in the city or on a big country farm, chances are this adorable hybrid will blend right in. He brings joy everywhere he goes in one adorable little furry package.Also, because Zuchons get along with everyone, there isn’t a lifestyle that this dog won’t fit into. They rarely bark, are hypoallergenic, love kids and other animals, and they can fit into an active or laid back lifestyle. They make fantastic family pets, but also excel as companions for seniors and singles. Boasting a happy disposition and a passion for playtime, the Zuchon will be a loving companion for many years to come. If you’re still unsure if the Shih Tzu-Bichon Frise mix is the right choice for your family or want to learn more about your newly adopted pet, then read on! We’re about to reveal everything that you could possibly want to know about the Zuchon.A designer dog breed, the Zuchon is a mix of Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise.OriginThe Zuchon does not have far-reaching historic origins like some older doggos do. This is a relatively new breed of dog that originated in the United States sometime in the last 20 to 30 years. A mix of Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise, the Zuchon is rapidly gaining popularity in households across North America. Although this breed of dog is relatively new, its popularity and fame is growing quickly. If you’ve ever looked at a Zuchon for 11 consecutive seconds, you should understand why they have become so beloved. But don’t let their newcomer status fool you: the breed is already as popular and beloved as some of the more established breeds that have been around for quite a while!Pedigree

Top 10 Dumbest Dog Breeds

Some pooches aren’t the sharpest knives in the drawer. There’s no shame with being or owning any of the canines on this dumbest dog breeds list. Is it politically correct to call any critter “dumb”? Let’s call this list of dogs the “not-so-bright” pack! I mean let’s face it, not all pooches (or people) can land within the top IQ percentile and there’s nothing wrong with that… in fact according to author and psychologist Stanley Coren in his book The Intelligence of Dogs, we can’t just broad-brush a breed, we need to be looking at three types of intelligence when ranking our clever canines: The first is instinctive which means he can perform tasks that are part of his natural make-up such as hunting or herding. E.g. the family cat can expect to be corralled.The second is called adaptive and that means he learns to independently problem solve based on past experience with the issue. E.g. the cat scratches so he stops corralling the cat.The third is known as working and obedience intelligence and it means he’s able to learn when being taught by humans. E.g. he’s taught to (and actually does) leave the cat alone before he is scratched. Of course, it should come as no surprise that cognitive studies exist and similar to those conducted on young children, they help determine which dogs are clever little guys and which are well, not so much… So which breeds land at the very, very bottom of the super-smart list? Basset Hound

Saint Berdoodle

Saint Berdoodle Basics Some big dogs a giant and intimidating creatures destined for protection. Others are lovable lugs who act more like a big, furry, lovable, and huggable roommate. The Berdoole falls into the second category. This is a dog destined to be bring nothing by smiles and cuddles into your life, despite their massive frame. Smart, social, and affectionate, the Saint Berdoodle is a gentle giant that will charm you in an instant. These friendly dogs have quickly gained popularity, mostly owing to their fluffy teddy bear looks and wonderful personality. They are intelligent, people-oriented, and make good therapy or service dogs, but it’s mostly the role of companionship that they were bred from. These are designer dogs bred for their affection and companionship. To say they deliver on those qualities would be an understatement. Saint Berdoodles inspire joy everywhere they go. As a mixed breed dog that comes from crossbreeding a Standard Poodle with a Saint Bernard, this hybrid will inherit traits from both of his parents. Needless to say, this unusual combination of breeds is attractive to many, mostly because of the potential for the combo of low-shedding coat and intelligence from the Poodle parent, as well as the calmness and sweetness of Saint Bernard. The breed might be too rare and recent to make definite conclusions, but it does seem that the breeders managed to create a new hybrid that inherits some fantastic traits from both mom and dad. The hybrid offers a winning canine combination for any owner. While loving and good natured, the Saint Berdoodle comes in a large size, which means he may not be a good fit for families with extremely young children (it’s far easier to train children to play gently with small and fragile dogs than the other way around). That said, he does do well with other dogs and family pets and his social nature means he loves to be the center of attention. He will not appreciate any other animals stealing away the attention of his owner. Because of this intense need for human interaction, he would do best in a household where he is not left on his own for extended periods of time because he has a destructive side that may surface. Does this designer breed sound like the right dog for you? Read on to find out more about the quirks and needs of the Saint Berdoodle before you adopt one of these big teddy bears. They are wonderful pets to be sure, but whether or not they will fit into your home is another question entirely. So keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away to find out if the Saint Berdoodle will be coming home with you sometime soon. The Saint Berdoodle does well with other dogs and family pets and his social nature means he loves to be the center of attention. Origin Just like most designer dogs, the origin of the Saint Berdoodle remains unclear. No one knows with certainty when people started intentionally breeding Poodle and Saint Bernard mixes. The key word in that sentence being intentionally. There have probably been accidental crosses of the two breeds throughout history, but they weren’t recognized as a designer dog breed until recently. It’s highly likely that this hybrid was first developed during the 1980s, when designer dog craze first started. Breeders started crossing Poodles with various different breeds to get a new ‘doodle’ mix that would combine the best of both worlds. The Saint Berdoodle was one of the many designer dogs to result from this trend. This hybrid originated in the U.S and while it is a relatively need breed, the Saint Berdoodle’s lineage dates back to 1885 when the St. Bernard was first inducted into the American Kennel Club. Described as patient, friendly and outgoing, this wonderful family dog also shares some genes with the Standard Poodle, which joined the AKC in 1887 but has been around since the 17th century where he was used as a working dog in the military. Just like every other designer dog, the AKC sadly does not recognize the Saint Berdoodle. Pedigree

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