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Top 20 Gifts For Chihuahua Appreciation Day

Lori Ennis
by Lori Ennis
Published:  May 14th, 2021

These adorable little spunkmeisters yapped their way into their own appreciation day. We’ve got the top 20 gifts for Chihuahua Appreciation Day so you can honor them with all the gifts and adoration they demand deserve.

It all started on May 14, 2010. That’s when Nadia Alterio declared on her website, Famous Chihuahua, to be the International Chihuahua Appreciation Day as a way of honoring her sweet little Chi Chi, Teaka.

Teaka was the inspiration behind her website, and as things often do in the world of the Interwebs, Chi-lovers took the declaration (and website) viral. Now, even though sweet Teaka died on October 30, 2017, at 16-years-old, her legacy lives on every May 14th. It’s a day to celebrate Chihuahuas and appreciate all that the pups bring to our lives.

So here are the top 20 gifts for Chihuahua Appreciation Day we’ve found. Some you’ll want for yourself, some for your favorite Chihuahua and some for gifts. No worries, you can have them all!

1. Don’t Judge My Chihuahua Bag

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We die. How many times do you want to tell someone that your dog is so much better behaved than their human child? Well, with this bag (perfect for your little Chihuahua to poke her head out of whenever she damned well pleases) you won’t have to say a word; it’ll be obvious. It’s 100% cotton for comfort and eco-friendliness and gets the message across loud and clear.

2. Kissing Chihuahua Salt and Pepper Shaker Set

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Ebony and Ivory go together perfectly in this precious salt and pepper shaker featuring two Chi friends smooching. It’s the perfect table accessory to have for when your own Chihuahua wants to jump on the dinner table and hang out. It’s food-grade ceramic, and sure to be a dinner-conversation piece.

3. Chi Zip Around Wristlet

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You know how sometimes you just want to have your Chihuahua in one arm and heck, a Chihuahua in the other? Well, now you can. Especially if you’re out and about and you don’t want to be bothered with a huge purse full of junk. This wristlet is perfect for having the necessaries with you but around your wrist for convenience and with an adorable Chi-Chi looking at everyone with those big, soulful eyes.

4. Chi Crossbody Messenger Bag

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But, there are times where you do need to have space to carry stuff around and you want to look just as fabulous then too, right? The answer is this Chi Crossbody Messenger by Chala. Not only is it adorable, it’s super functional too and perfect for day-to-day with room for an iPad, phone and of course, portable water bowl for your diva. There’s extra padding in the washed canvas and the straps are adjustable for the perfect, fashionable fit.

5. All-You-Need Travel Bag

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And while we’re on the subject of bags, this five-piece travel bag will make taking your dog everywhere even easier. Because we know you take your Chihuahua everywhere! The bag has a large divided compartment to bring food, treats, her eye-pad and pillow and it also has collapsible food and water dishes, and a nice layout for placement. We *guess* you could even put some of your own stuff in it too. Doesn’t your diva doggy deserve his own dog case too?

6. 101 Uses For Chihuahuas Calendar

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As if you needed any…but holy gorgeous are the pooches in this pinup! And, they prove what masterful big helpers in little bodies they are! Monthly photographic eye candy of the sweetest dogs acting like security alarms, garbage disposals and of course, backseat drivers. Perfect for every Chihuahua loving home or office.

7. ChihuahuAvengers Shirt

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So you may think it’s all about The EndGame and you’d be right. But only because The ChihuahuAvengers are on the job. Show your love for your Marvel heroes and your favorite furry fighter with this hilarious shirt. It’s 100% cotton in certain colors, with a cotton polyester blend in other colors so it’s lightweight and comfortable. It is also machine washable so you can wear it over and over without losing its brightness- it’ll scare all the bad guys away, guaranteed.

The best part about this shirt? It comes in a variety of colors and styles so the whole family can join the ChihuahuAvengers team. They have styles for men, women, and youth so dad, mom, and the kids can all show their love for Marvel and their best pup. They come in black, navy, asphalt, slate, cranberry, kelly green, brown, dark heather, and purple so everyone in the family can pick one that best fits their personal style.

8. Lina & Lily Infinity Scarf

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A must-have for every Chi-Chi fan–it’s soft and cozy and keeps your sweetest near and dear to you all day long. It’s 70″ total and can easily loop twice, and it even comes in a matching children’s size so you and your favorite little humans can show your love for your furriest family members.

9. Best Chihuahua Mom Mug

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Who’s the best Chihuahua Mom ever? Who? Is it you? Is it? Of COURSE it is, and that’s why you need this mug. It’s dishwasher and microwave-safe, and the heart-shaped handle on the large 11-oz cup just adds to the feelings you have for your pup. Just be sure she’s careful when you’re drinking from it and she’s in your lap (because you know that’s how she rolls)–don’t want to burn our babies!

10. Chihuahua Dad Mug

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And we can’t leave out Chi-Chi Daddies when it comes to mug love, so be sure to scoop this one up for the Chi-Dad you know and love. It lets every Chihuahua dad know that they’re loved, and if ever separated, their Chihuahuas would go ‘nuts’ without them! Dishwasher and microwave safe, and it’s guaranteed to never fade.

11. Chihuahua License Plate Frame

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This is the perfect way to show everyone out and about your love for your Chi-Chi. The design is a print with UV resistant ink and not embossed, so your love will last longer. It’s already set with four holes to be mounted on the front of your car, and also makes a great piece of art in a rec room or garage.

12. Sorry I Can’t, I Have Plans Shirt

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We’ve all wanted to say it at one time or another, haven’t we? “Sorry, I Can’t! I Have Plans with My Chihuahua”. What better way to get your point across than to wear a shirt that makes your answer known before the question is even asked?

This hilarious and adorable t-shirt is made from 100% cotton and available in sizes ranging from small to 4X-Large. It is a unisex style shirt and, according to the company, will fit true to size.

Show off your love for chihuahuas this Chihuahua Appreciation Day (or any day, really) by wearing a shirt that announces exactly who is the top priority in your life!

13. Sip Coffee And Pet My Chihuahua Shirt

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If a hoodie is not your jam, no worries. You can also feed shelter dogs with every purchase of this awesome tee that tells the world what your plans actually are–to sip coffee and pet your Chihuahua. As if there is anything else in life worth doing. It’s 100% combed pre-shrunk cotton and it also comes in several colors you can rotate and sport regularly.

14. ChihuahuaOpoly Game

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Every Chihuahua lover has to have this classic ‘Opoly-style game with a Chi-twist! It’s for two-six players and you can play an hour-version or the one that takes days and days (that’s the fun one!) as you wander to and fro from the Kennel to the Dog Park. Watch out for fleas and be sure to stop at fire hydrants for every pee break you can in this fun, family-friendly game.

15. Chihuahua Stemless Wine Glasses

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Do you even love your dog if you don’t drink wine from stemless glasses that have his breed’s etching on them? We say, “No. You don’t.” So you’re in luck that we’ve found these dishwasher-safe sets of high-quality crystal glasses etched with our favorite silhouette ever. They make great morning juice glasses as well, so grab yourself a few pair to have for day and night use.

16. Chihuahua Popsocket

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This gorgeous water-color popsocket encircles the Chihuahua in a beautiful ring of flowers. With its collapsible grip, you’ll be able to hold your phone more securely, as well as make texting, calling and taking selfies with your pup a ton easier. It has super adhesive that will let you move and reposition it on your device and case if you need to, and it’s the perfect and fun gift for every Chi-Chi fan.

17. Chi-Chi Chihuahua

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This little pup is the cutest thing you’ll see, and you don’t even have to love Chihuahuas to think so! It playfully barks and yaps and you can’t help but giggle at how adorably feisty it looks when it does so. I put this in front of my Labs and in true little-dog style, they back away because they’re not gonna mess with a Chihuahua, even a fun robotic one. Just try not to smile as it wags its head, wags its tail and pounces in fun at you.

18. Chihuahua Charm Bracelet

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These gorgeous bangle charm bracelets are handmade and have a Chihuahua, a paw print and a dog bone charm to adorn your wrist. The bracelet is adjustable and silver-plated and the charms are made from a zinc alloy metal that is lead and nickel-free for sensitive skin. It already comes in a cute little gift box ready to present. Buy one for yourself and one for your favorite Chihuahua fan.

19. Chihuahua Linen Throw Pillowcase

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Decorate your home with this delightful linen throw pillowcase showcasing your Chi-Chi love. It fits an 18″ x 18″ pillow and is made with environmentally friendly cotton and linen materials. Perfect for your little Prince or Princess to rest their diva heads.

20. Chihuahua Pawprints On Our Hearts Figurine

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The only issue we ever have with our Chihuahuas is that they don’t live long enough. That’s why this beautiful figurine by famous artist Blake Jensen will help keep our Chis with us forever. It’s part of the Hamilton Collection, which supports the ASPCA’s mission to save the lives of animals, and the precious dog is cradled in peace, as we always remember our babies when they’ve crossed the Rainbow Bridge. The perfect thing to share with anyone who has loved and lost a Chihuahua.

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Lori Ennis
Lori Ennis

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Training your pet is a very important task as it will shape them into a friendly, obedient dog that’s a pleasure to be around. While it does require a lot of patience and effort, training your dog on time makes your life as an owner much easier and prevents a myriad of behavior issues and other problems down the road. Of course, it goes without saying that you should start training early, while your doggo is still a puppy. That is the time when they gladly soak up all the information and eagerly learn. But when exactly is the best time to start puppy training? You can’t do it while they are still teeny-tiny, nor should you wait too long. What is the ideal middle ground? Let’s find out.When is the Best Time to Start Puppy Training?Puppies are like sponges, soaking up information from their environment and their owner, so early training can set a solid foundation for good behavior and establish obedience throughout their lives. Ideally, you can start basic training such as housebreaking, socialization, and simple commands like "sit" and "stay" when your puppy is around 8 weeks old. This is the general “golden rule” that many owners stick by. When they reach that 2-month mark, it’s considered the ideal time for them to quickly grasp the commands you teach them. If you think that this could be “too early” to start training, you are wrong. There are numerous benefits to early training, and all of them are critical for your dog’s well-being and normal behavior. Here are just a few of them:SocializationEarly socialization is so important for puppies. It allows them to learn how to properly interact with other dogs and humans and prevents aggression and behavioral problems later in life. During this period you should expose your pet to new environments, sounds, and sights.BondingTraining sessions are a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your puppy. Spending time together, teaching them new things, and rewarding good behavior builds trust and a positive relationship.Preventing Behavioral IssuesIf you spot behavior issues while your dog is still a puppy, it is easier to prevent them from becoming nasty habits. As you teach your pet proper behavior and as you set up boundaries, you will prevent many nasty issues from forming, such as excess chewing, barking, or disobedience. If you already notice chewing issues that stem from teething, make sure to redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy and use  puppy no-chew deterrent sprays to help you shift their focus.

Technology Tracking Dogs Really Are a Thing

We’ve all heard of dogs that can sniff out drugs and explosives or locate missing persons from a simple whiff of their clothing… but what’s all this about technology trackers? Can I seriously teach my pooch to hunt down the TV remote that went missing over the weekend? Actually, it’s not that kind of technology. You see, this highly specialized dog is trained to detect a compound called triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) and with a dog’s approximately 400 million olfactory receptors (humans have closer to 50 million) these super sleuths can smell that stuff through pocket material, duffle bags, a shoe insole, and even drywall. Now, if you’re wondering what TPPO is, it’s the compound used to cover circuit boards in storage devices ranging from hard drives to USB sticks, memory cards and even those tiny SIM cards that store data on our cellphones. Essentially, it’s the all-important coating that prevents these gadgets from overheating and because of that, it’s a compound that will never not be present on electronic devices.But as to why this specific training is growing in K9 units worldwide you need to consider the increase in cyber-terrorism. From drug and human trafficking to child pornography and weapons offences, the need to locate a criminal’s “tools of the trade” such as computers, burner phones, and hard drives is essential to securing a successful conviction. And while internet use and location trackers have made it easy to trail an individual, many perpetrators now work on darknets – an overlay that uses the internet but requires special software for the person to access illicit data.Of course, even a darknet involves a computer system and that’s where the TPPO-sniffing pooch steps up to the plate. Find the perp and let this specially trained K9 agent track down the concealed storage system. I mean, when you’re dealing with something as easily hidden as a SIM card, having a secret furry weapon that detects the scent, then sits, barks and wags his tail saves a heck of a lot of time.Truth is, technology-tracking dogs are becoming more and more common in the execution of this type of warrant because police often get just one shot at finding the much-needed evidence. No surprise that the best dogs for this type of work tend to be the usual suspects – Labrador retrievers because of their heightened sensory skills, innate hunting traits and their gentle disposition – important if there are younger family members present during a search. Other faves include the stately Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd dogs for their tenacity and handler loyalty. I’m not convinced my Schnoodles would rank but as with most family pooches, they’re ace at hunting down an errant chip between the sofa cushions… and that’s good enough for me.

Latest Studies Find That Aging in Dogs Can Mirror Aging in Humans

In the United States alone, pet owners spend around $1,500 a year on  veterinary care. To be precise, people tend to spend more on dogs than on any other pets – up to 41% of Americans spend $2,000 per year caring about their cherished canine friends. Of course, this is all in the hopes that their pet reaches their senior age with minimal issues and that they get to spend as many years enjoying their company. While providing veterinary care is an important factor that contributes to a pet’s longevity, it’s not always easy to determine when a certain procedure or treatment will help prolong your pet’s life and not their suffering. By comparing the concept they labeled “frailty” in humans and in dogs, a team of researchers hopes that they can help owners make better decisions about their pet’s care.Scientists behind the “ Dog Aging Project” are studying how they could improve your dog’s quality of life for many years to come. The team from the University of Washington is conducting extensive research, based on dogs of all ages, in their attempts to determine how their quality of life is impacted as they age. Dr. Anya Gambino, one of the chief veterinarians working on the project, says: “There's a quantity of life. It's amazing to have a long life, but you always want to have quality of life." The team’s UW Biologist and the Co-Director of the Project, Daniel Promislow, quickly drew a parallel with humans. "Dogs get the same kinds of diseases that humans get. They also show the same kinds of frailty that we see in humans," he said.The so-called “frailty” of dogs, which is the object of the study, is already studied in humans. Dr. Promislow firmly believes that through this study, researchers can gain a much better understanding of life expectancies in dogs and potential disease risks as well. "We hope we'll be able to figure out the relationship between frailty and the disease," Promislow says. But what exactly is this “frailty”? Researchers describe it as "a complex syndrome associated with aging. Because it considers physical, mental and emotional changes associated with aging, it is a better indicator of the body’s condition and overall health than age alone.""If we can do that, we can help vets treat dogs earlier before those diseases are apparent and can also help dogs enjoy their later years to the best degree possible," said Promislow.The study is on a very grand scale and already enrolls over 46,000 dogs across the United States. What is best, researchers believe that humans can also benefit from this extensive study. "The other thing about aging in dogs is that aging in dogs looks a lot like aging in people," said Promislow. "What we learn about aging in dogs is going to help us learn about aging in people, as well."Hopefully, this would mean that many more dogs would get a chance to enjoy their golden years, right by their owner's side. "They provide us with so much unconditional love, joy, and humor," said Dr. Gambino. "We can do something for them that gives them the best chance for living a very happy life with us."

Guinness World Records Reviews Bobi’s 'World's Oldest Dog' Title

A Portuguese dog named Bobi made news last year when Guinness World Records crowned him as the world’s oldest dog. Bobi was 31 years and 165 days old when he died at his home last October.However, Guinness World Records has now suspended Bobi’s title after complaints made by veterinarians and professionals questioning the legitimacy of his age.Bobi, who was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, was also declared the world’s oldest dog ever, breaking a nearly century-old record held by an Australian cattle dog, named Bluey, who died in 1939 at the age of 29 years and 5 months. The average life expectancy of a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo is 12 to 14 years.A spokesperson for the Guinness World Records explained that the review into Bobi’s record is ongoing and it includes looking over the evidence again, looking for new evidence, and talking to experts and all those linked to the original application. “While our review is ongoing we have decided to temporarily pause both the record titles for oldest dog living and (oldest dog) ever just until all of our findings are in place and have been communicated,” said the spokesperson, according to CBS News.Several skeptics pointed out that Bobi’s feet appear to be of different color in photos of him as a puppy and in recent pictures of him in his old age. A Lisbon vet, Miguel Figuereido said last year that Bobi doesn’t really look like a very old dog with mobility problems and an old dog muscle mass. Additionally, an investigation by Wired discovered that Bobi had been formally registered on Portugal’s pet database in July 2022. Leonel Costa, the dog’s owner, registered Bobi as being born in 1992, but there hasn’t been any proof, other than the owner’s word. According to Portuguese law, dogs born before 2008 didn’t have to be registered until October 2020. The Portuguese database for dogs, cats, and other pets also told Wired that they weren’t contacted by Guinness World Records to verify the information. Many other veterinarians and canine experts have questioned Bobi’s true age in correspondence to the Guinness World Records. A veterinarian and council member of the Royal Colledge of Veterinary Surgeons, Danny Chambers, told the Guardian, “Not a single one of my veterinary colleagues believe Bobi was actually 31 years old.”Guinness World Records insists that the suspension is temporary while the review is ongoing.Bobi spent his whole life living with the Costa family in the village of Conqueiros, in Portugal. The pooch, who was allegedly born on May 11, 1992, escaped death in his first days of life. Bobi, along with three other puppies, was born in a woodshed belonging to the Costa family. But, because they already owned many animals, the parents decided to get rid of the newborn puppies.One puppy - Bobi - was unintentionally left behind and discovered days later. Bobi’s owner, Leonel Costa, who was eight, and his sister persuaded their parents to keep the pup, and so he remained living with the family.Leonel Costa defended Bobi’s title saying that “an elite within the veterinary world…tried to give people an idea that Bobi’s life story was not true.”Costa believes this happened because he attributed Bobi’s longevity to a varied diet of human foods, rather than pet food. He said this goes against the recommendations of many veterinarians. “Everything would be different if we had said he (Bobi) ate pet food for three decades,” said Costa, adding that they’d provided everything Guinness World Records requested to validate Bobi’s age. Bobi has never been chained up or put on a leash and used to roam the woods around the village until he got too old to move much. He spent his golden years lounging in the yard with the family cats. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Dogs Trained to Detect Ancient Remains Expedite Search for Graves

Canada’s recent discovery of hundreds of tiny unmarked graves attributed to the residential school system has created not only cross-country outrage but also a determination to locate and repatriate the remains of all children who left home to attend these schools but never returned.Within a few weeks, the number of unmarked graves throughout Canada had quickly grown to over 10,000 and the ability to locate and identify additional sites (that would date back decades), had become almost impossible. Particularly since many of the schools had since been razed and pinpointing potential burial areas leaned heavily toward guesswork.The search had to be done respectfully – meaning without the use of large, excavation equipment – however, the need to cover a vast range of land in a timely manner was a challenge.That’s when the search teams decided to bring in the dogs.Part of the Ottawa Valley Search and Rescue Dog Association, German Shepherds, Recce and Taz are proficient in detecting older, archeological remains with drill work that has included using older cemeteries as their training ground. In fact, Historic Human Remains Detection Dogs have been used throughout North America and Europe to identify human remains in archaeological sites that date back hundreds of years… and longer. These dogs can pick up on the much lower scent levels that come from teeth and bones found in ancient graves… and some are even explicitly trained to detect cremated remains where no bones or teeth remain.This switch from bulldozers to the canine duo is a change welcomed by the area’s former residential school students who feel that because dogs have always been part of the Indigenous culture, they offer a natural, more appropriate approach to finding the missing children.According to Archaeology Professor Adrian Burke, dogs make a great option because they are non-invasive. Although it’s not an exact science – they can’t pinpoint an individual grave - they can hone in on a location and this saves time and the need for random digging. Once dogs flag a site, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is used to confirm what lies beneath.By adding Recce and Taz to the search teams, it’s estimated the time needed to cover a couple of acres can be reduced from a few weeks to just a couple of days.While the process is still slow and time-consuming, Indigenous residents confirm it’s about the children’s families understanding what happened to their little ones, being able to bring them home for appropriate burial, and ultimately experiencing a sense of closure and justice.

What Are the Requirements for Flying with a Dog?

While traveling with your pet can be challenging, it doesn’t have to be. Even though some  airlines can be a bit finicky about their rules and regulations, you can fly with your pet in tow safely and comfortably, as long as you know their requirements and follow them to the letter.Having your choice of airlines to travel with your dog as your companion, broadens your options when it comes to travel destinations and can eliminate a lot of usual travel-related stress factors in the process. In fact, flying your pet together with you can be simple, straightforward, and hassle-free! As long as you stick to the rules, that is. So, without further ado, what are the requirements for flying with a dog? Are there any universal practices you should know or does it really depend from company to company? Here’s everything you should know before packing your bags.What Are the Requirements for Flying with a Dog?Of course, it goes without saying that you can’t just appear with your pet at the check-in gate and fly away! There are many important rules involved, mainly in order to keep your pet safe, to comply with specific airline regulations, the rules of other countries, and the comfort of other passengers as well. It is also important to remember that different airlines might have different rules. It is crucial that you contact your desired airline beforehand, checking about any special regulations that they require. Still, there are some universal criteria that any pet will have to meet in order to fly on a plane.One of the foremost requirements that will allow your pet to fly on a plane is a health certificate. This is a special document that can be issued by your veterinarian after a thorough physical examination. It guarantees that your doggo is healthy, has no diseases, and has all the required vaccinations that are up to date. And, of course, this certificate needs to be recent. They are valid for only about 30 days, so make sure to do it in time. Some airlines also require that your pet be microchipped. This is advisable for all pet owners regardless of travel or not. The  microchip allows for quick and simple identification in case your pet gets lost and also serves as a sort of doggo credential. Just make sure that all the information stored on the chip is up-to-date!

Husky Detects a Dangerous Gas Leak and Saves the Entire Neighborhood

Kobe, a four-year-old husky became an internet hero after saving his home and the entire neighborhood from a catastrophic gas leak. According to his owner, Chanell Bell, the canine started digging a large hole in the front yard of their Philadelphia home. At first, Bell didn’t think much of Kobe’s strange behavior. However, as the hole grew bigger, she became concerned that Kobe was trying to tell her something.“I trust his judgment because that isn’t his typical behavior and he is usually right,” said Bell, according to PEOPLE. “He has great senses and he never digs holes unless he is helping me dig; I knew something was up.”Earlier in the month, Bell had a gas leak in the house, and out of caution, she decided to check the hole Kobe dug with a gas detection device. “I had a reader already in the house to make sure there were no leaks coming from my old heater,” explained Bell. “When I saw the hole, I realized it was odd behavior for my dog. My intuition told me to check it.”Immediately the device detected gas. A potentially catastrophic amount of gas was coming from the hole Kobe dug in the yard!Bell alerted authorities right away and they informed her that the entire neighborhood should be grateful that Kobe detected the leak when he did. “We were told it could’ve caused serious health effects like respiratory issues, brain damage, and even death. They told me that something as simple as a light switch turning on could’ve caused an explosion, too.”As soon as they arrived at the address, the gas foreman and crew turned off the gas and started to work on the pipes. During the repairs, the crew discovered three other gas leaks in the neighborhood, all caused by old pipes. The crew worked for three days to repair the leaks and install new pipes. Workers told Bell that something as simple as turning on a light switch could have caused the gas to ignite and blow up the entire house. While they worked, the crew praised Kobe.“They were so impressed with Kobe and mentioned what a good dog he was,” said Bell, adding that people should always listen to their pets and their senses. The gas company said that it adds Marcaptan to the natural gas it administers to homes to produce a smell similar to rotten eggs to allow for easier leak detection. “Just like this customer, any time anyone smells a foreign odor or egg-like smell, they should immediately call,” said the utility company, in a statement. “It feels amazing to know Kobe saved our block, I am very thankful to have him,” added Bell. “I hope this spreads awareness to others about the dangers and severity of gas leaks and to pay attention to your fur babies!”  Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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