An 89-Year-Old Woman Generously Knits Blankets for Shelter Dogs

If you’re a dog lover like me, it often hurts our hearts that we can only save so many of the good girls and boys who need homes and humans to love them. People who volunteer for shelters have the biggest hearts of all – seeing and assuaging suffering every single day and knowing the entire time that there’s only so much they can do.

When an English dog shelter, Dogs Trust, put out a call a few years ago for knitted dog coats, 89-year-old Maisie Green answered with gusto.

“Nifty with needles or handy with a crochet hook? We’re calling all crafty types to contribute home-made dog coats for our Hope Project Christmas hampers,” said the Dogs Trust Facebook page.

She’s been bringing in home-knitted blankets and coats three times a year for the past three years – around a dozen each time (around 450 total) – and has no plans to stop.

“I love knitting and I love dogs, so this combines both wonderfully! It takes me three days to knit a blanket and one day to knit a doggy coat. It keeps me busy and often, I like to knit whilst watching television. I’m delighted to be helping the four-legged residents at the center in some way,” Green said.

The dogs are happy, Maisie is happy, and the shelter is happy, too.

“Maisie regularly brings along her knitted donations and we are so grateful for her support. With the chill of the winter months really starting to creep up on us, I know our dogs are very pleased to put the items to good use – and love feeling extra cosy!” said the rehoming manager at Dogs Trust.

A win, win, win – and a bunch of too-cute pictures to boot!

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The Popular Sugar Substitute Xylitol Is Deadly Poison for Your Pets

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol and is found in many food items, including sugar-free candies, puddings and even in some peanut butters. It is also used in mouthwash and toothpaste. Recently, the FDA reported that Xylitol is dangerous for dogs to ingest.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Although xylitol is totally safe for humans, it causes a massive insulin dump from the pancreas into the bloodstream for dogs. This can cause them to have dangerously low blood sugar levels and other symptoms such as weakness, trembling and seizures.

This could happen if, for instance, your pup eats a packet of sugar-free gum.

If you think your dog has eaten a product containing xylitol, call your veterinarian or animal poison control center immediately.

Photo Credit: Needpix.com

Gum is the most common source of xylitol poisoning in dogs, followed by “skinny” ice-cream. Poisonings can also occur when dog owners give their pets treats or medicine with a bit of peanut butter, so make sure to check the label on the jar before doing this.

To be clear: Xylitol does not have the same effect for people. People with diabetes often have it in bulk amounts at home to bake and sweeten with. Many homes contain store-bought products sweetened with xylitol, so, again, if you have a dog, be sure to check labels – especially if the product is branded as sugar-free or low-sugar.

Photo Credit: FDA

You don’t really have to worry about your cat because they aren’t big on sweet stuff. But your big, floppy doggo is always surfing for your gum, flavored toothpaste or box of “skinny” cookies. Put the yummies safely away – maybe with the chocolate – and, one more time, check labels before doling out the treats or meds.

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A Blind Golden Retriever and His Guide Dog Are BFF and It Is Beautiful

Take a look at these adorable pups! This is what friendship goals look like!

Jake and Addie are inseparable not only because they’re devoted to each other, but because Jake is blind and Addie acts as his guide dog. Jake lost his sight when he was only 2-years-old and Addie has been a loyal friend and helper every step of the way. Jake and Addie’s owner Kim said, “Jake follows Addie’s sound and smell. After Jake’s surgery, Addie wore a little bell on her collar for a while until he got used to tracking her on his own.”

Jake’s owners were worried about his quality of life after he had to have his eyes removed, but they were reassured that blind dogs can go on to live happy, fulfilling lives. And, by the looks of it, Jake is doing just that.

Kim added, “Our vet also counseled us that, to a dog, sight is actually number 3 on their list of senses, as both smell and hearing are more important to them.”

Take a look at these two best friends and all the adventures they go on together!

1. BFF

2. Time to celebrate!

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Stars, stripes, and lot’s of sparkle! ? ?? ? #sparkle #america . . Most of the pics we will be sharing the next few weeks were taken the last month or two so you may notice more changes in the size of the sore on Addie’s nose. I knew there may be questions but still want to share the pics ❤ I appreciate all of the sweet comments of concern and all of the prayers for her. I also want to thank you for the cards, DM’s, and comments of support during this difficult time losing my grandma. I felt so much comfort the last couple of weeks. -Kim . . . . . . Discount codes:? . ? @busterspartyshop ➖THEGOLDENSRULE10 . ? @tailsnsails➖THEGOLDENSRULE . ?@threespoileddogs ➖ADDIE10 . ? @ripleyandrue ➖JakeAddie10 . . ? @petsplaysf ➖ THEGOLDENSRULE20

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3. Fun in the sun

4. With Dad

5. Car ride!

6. Matching bandanas

7. Memorial Day

8. Double trouble

9. Pampered

10. Picnic time

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We are ready to place our bets and sip our mint juleps! Happy Derby Day! ?????#kentuckyderby #derby #derbyday #kyderby #kentuckyderby2019 . . Discount codes:? . ? @busterspartyshop ➖THEGOLDENSRULE10 . ? @knoxdogwear ➖ THEGOLDENSRULE20 . ? @tailsnsails➖THEGOLDENSRULE . ?@threespoileddogs ➖ADDIE10 . ? @ripleyandrue ➖JakeAddie10 . ?@cuddleclones ➖THEGOLDENSRULE . ? @treatadog ➖THEGOLDENSRULE . ? @petsplaysf ➖ THEGOLDENSRULE20 . . . . . #GoldenRetriever #bowtie #Dogs #Puppies #DogsOfInstagram #PuppySketch #CutePuppy #runfortheroses #weratedogs #dogsinbowties #TodayFanPhoto #BestWoof #barkpost #peoplepets #ILoveGolden_Retrievers #TheDodo #Buzzfeed #derbyfashion #Petstagram #viralphoto #doggo #dogstagram #mydogiscutest #animalsinfluence

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11. Superheroes

12. Easter egg hunt

13. Taking in the sights

14. Time for a snooze

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Sunday’s… sleep until you are hungry. Then eat until you are sleepy. ??#repeat #sundayfunday #sleepysunday #rainyday . . Discount codes:? . ? @busterspartyshop ➖THEGOLDENSRULE10 . ? @knoxdogwear ➖ THEGOLDENSRULE20 . ? @tailsnsails➖THEGOLDENSRULE . ?@threespoileddogs ➖ADDIE10 . ? @ripleyandrue ➖JakeAddie10 . ?@cuddleclones ➖THEGOLDENSRULE . ? @treatadog ➖THEGOLDENSRULE . ? @petsplaysf ➖ THEGOLDENSRULE20 . . . . . #GoldenRetriever #RetrieversOfInstagram #GoldenPuppy #GoldenRetrieverPuppy #Dogs #Puppies #PuppyCuddles #Puppy #DogsOfInstagram #PuppySketch #Dog_Features #CutePuppy #Retriever #PuppiesOfInstagram #Golden #AKC #Pupstagram #ILoveMyDog #sundayscaries #ILoveGolden_Retrievers #TheDodo #Buzzfeed #sleepypuppy

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15. Time to party for Mardi Gras

Be sure to follow Jake and Addie on Instagram! These two are the best!

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10 Panoramic Animal Fails That Are so Terrible You’ll Love Them

What if the subject of those great panoramic photos you take, like, say, a dog, is a little more active than a sunset?

I guess you may end up with a picture worth a thousand legs.

These awesome panoramic shots of our furry friends will have you wondering if a new species is among us.

10. The quietest dog you’ll ever meet

Photo Credit: Bored Panda

9. Centipede puppy

Photo Credit: Bored Panda

8. Cartoon dog comes to life

Photo Credit: Bored Panda

7. Bird Dog?

Photo Credit: Bored Panda

6. Sandworm…cat

Photo Credit: Bored Panda

5. Disappearing kitty

Photo Credit: Bored Panda

4. Crocodog

Photo Credit: Bored Panda

3. Snuffleupa-pup

Photo Credit: Bored Panda

2. Loooong neck Giraffe

Photo Credit: Bored Panda

1. Hydra Hound

Photo Credit: Bored Panda

Careful with those Panoramic settings or you might discover a new species.

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Adorable Photos of Dogs at Bath Time! Oh Yeah!

Some dogs looooove bath time, others really don’t. And a few are in between

And these 15 photos show the range of emotions they experience.

Do any of these pictures remind you of your pooch at bath time?

1. Not a fan

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I got a BATH yesterday. I do not enJoy baths, but I’m very polite and stand patiently in the tub until it’s over. . . PD: The photos show me (a black poodle) in various states of bathtime. The first is of me after I get out of the run with a grey towel drawled over my head and shoulders. My face is still wet and I look very concerned. The second and third photos are of me in the white tub during my bath, where I am wet and my curly hair is all messed up. My fabric collar was taken off and I wear a silver training collar. The fourth photo is of me in the tub, but right before the water starts up. I am still soft and fuzzy, with my tail fluffy and dry. You can see the shower hose attachment coming down from the shower head. The final photo is of me after I’ve been all dried up, sitting in front of wooden kitchen cabinets on a light yellow hardwood floor. I am smiling and fuzzy once again! . . . . . . . . . . . #standardpoodle #blackpoodlesofinstagram #poodlesofinstagram #blackdogsofinstagram #standardpoodlesofinstagram #standardpoodlepuppy #poodlepuppy #blackpoodlepuppy #blackstandardpoodle #bathtime #dogsinbaths #puppybathtime #tubpuppy #wetdog

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2. Bewildered

3. Doghawk

4. Resigned to what comes next

5. Bundled up

6. Cute!

7. Can I join you?

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I was trying to have a relaxing bath…

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8. Indifferent maybe?

9. Where’s that duck?

10. Full house

11. Bath buddies

12. Swimmin’

13. Likes it!

14. Good boy!

15. Looks pretty happy

Okay, the trauma is over now…

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Here’s How You Can Adopt a Dog Who Failed Government Training for Being ‘Too Nice”

Service dogs need to be loyal, sharp, and able to resist oodles of humans dying to pet them.

Dogs being dogs, there are a lot of dogs who just can’t quite meet that last qualification. They’re too nice! Or they might be too timid or not motivated enough.

Luckily, the dogs who drop out of government training are put up for adoption.

When all you want is a cute companion, being “too nice” is hardly disqualifying! On the contrary, it’s a major selling point.

You can adopt one of these dogs through organizations such as Freedom Service Dogs of America, Mission K9, or Service Dogs Inc. Even the TSA has a program to adopt out those pups that don’t make it through their training program (though about 83 percent of their dogs do graduate, per an Instagram post).

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Puppies! Puppies! PUPPIES!!! We are super-excited to celebrate #NationalPuppyDay in honor of our hard-working, four-legged friends. That includes Cole, one of our TSA Explosives Detection Canines. His big eyes, sensitive nose, and wagging tail are on duty at Orlando International Airport. … In spite of their cuteness, not all canines can make the cut to become a TSA working dog. Did you know that approximately 83 percent of canines graduate from the training program? That’s about 350 canines each year. Check out our website to learn more about our canines and the important role they play in keeping travelers safe! … #DogsofInstagram #WorkingDogs #Dogstagram #Travel #TSAcanines #AirportLife #Orlando #Florida

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These organizations work to match doggie training dropouts with families who will love ’em even if the only “job” they do is sniffing out crumbs on the kitchen floor.

Some of the dogs’ reasons for dropping out are just the dang cutest.

Like Rogue, for example. He dropped out of training with Freedom Service Dogs of America because he couldn’t stop eating rocks. Hey, what are you gonna do?

In addition to adopting a dropout dog, you can also adopt a dog who was a successful working dog but is now ready to retire.

All dogs are good dogs, whether they qualify for a job or not!

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A Man Live-Tweeted His Apartment Getting Taken over by His Neighbor’s Pets

Imagine this: you hear a knock on your door, and then you open it up to find an adorable trio of animals just staring up at you.

Twitter user JuanPa didn’t have to imagine, because it literally happened to him.

Yep, that’s right.

Cats’ll do that.

This is just nuts.

Uh-oh…

Those are some clever dogs.

What do you even do in a situation like that?

Seriously, these dogs are VERY smart.

Maybe he’ll have better luck with the cat?

Nope.

Finally, the animals are subdued…

… Or not.

The plot thickens.

Sweet relief!

Thank the stars.

I get by with a little help from my friends.

Hurray!

If only it were that easy.

What a mess.

This is too much, y’all.

Thankfully, all things must end eventually.

What a ride!

Wow! I’m tired just reading about the day he had.

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10 Great Dog Breeds That Might Be Perfect for Your Family

When looking for a family dog, you need to consider what breed would best fit your family’s needs and lifestyle.

These dogs are not only great breeds, but they’re also QUIET. Which is extremely important to some people.

Below are 10 breeds that could definitely fit the bill!

10. Greyhound

Both greyhounds and Italian greyhounds were bred to pursue prey quickly – and also silently. They’re even quiet indoors, says dog behaviorist Megan Stanley.

“Surprisingly, they do well for apartment dwellers as they are fairly inactive indoors. They are gentle and independent dogs who have a sweet temperament.”

9. Basenji

They’re known as the “barkless dog” because the unusual shape of their larynx makes it pretty much impossible for them to bark.

That said, they do yodel, says Stanley, and will require a firm training hand to earn good behavior indoors.

8. Shiba Inu

This Japanese breed is independent and smart, meaning they aren’t “needy” and thus, don’t bark for attention, says behaviorist Donna Culbert.

“Bred originally for hunting, these dogs are quick and intelligent but reserved with strangers. However, they are fiercely loyal once they don bond with a human.”

7. Great Dane

The Dane has a deep, booming bark to match its giant stature – but you won’t hear it very often, says Stanley.

“They tend to have a calm nature, which means they don’t bark often. Great Danes are bred to be people-pleasers, so they are great family dogs that are easy to train.”

6. Saint Bernard

Sure, they drool, but they’re quiet! Saint Bernards are also serious and protective of their human families, says behaviorist Jim Lessenberry.

“In general, they are on the quiet side, barking to alert the group to an intruder, or possibly to demand attention from a family member.”

5. Newfoundland

These dogs are highly trainable and great swimmers, plus they’re great with children – they’re even sometimes known as the “nanny dog.”

4. Coton de Tulear

This small, white dog looks like a cotton ball, and was bred to be a royal lapdog. They have big personalities, but don’t tend to bark a whole lot unless they feel left out or lonely.

3. Irish Setter

Stanley says that though these distinctive dogs are high energy, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re loud.

“These are active and intelligent dogs who are known for being outgoing and cheerful. They require proper physical and mental exercise as they are an energetic and rambunctious breed. As long as they get enough exercise, nuisance barking is minimal.”

2. Mastiff

Boxers, bull mastiffs, English mastiffs, Neapolitan mastiffs, Rottweilers, and Tibetan mastiffs are all huge, strong, and serious by nature and, according to Lessenberry, not prone to barking.

“Mastiffs tend to be on the quiet side, so barking is cause for attention on the owner’s part. Mastiffs are not for everyone and generally not a breed for first-time dog owners.”

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These dogs are hard to resist, and they love people as much as we love them – which means that even though they’re not huge nuisance barkers, they can be prone to separation anxiety and barking for attention if they’re not getting enough.

Happy Doggie Adopting!

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Instagram Users Mixed ‘Game of Thrones’ with Adorable Dogs to Make ‘Game of Bones’

You better believe it: Game of Thrones fans are dressing their dogs up as characters from the show, and do you even have to ask if the results are adorable?

Because the results are ADORABLE!

“Joey Tribbiani, second of his name…”

“When you play the Game of Bones, you win or you die.”

 

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When you play the Game of Bones, you win or you die. #winterishere

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“BEND THE KNEE …and give me belly rubs…”

 

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BEND THE KNEE …and give me belly rubs and treats as i watch the season 8 premiere of game of thrones tonight! ?⚔❄???

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“happy nameday to our queen ?

“King Finn of House Burrito demanded Easter eggs….??

“The role of Dognerys is highly coveted!”

“I know nothing…”

“Everyone, meet #PugSnow and #DanerysCorgaryen!!”

 

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Mom’s been waiting a longgggg time for GOT S8 (she’s been holding onto these pics since dog bowl 2018 @dogbowlfun!) to come out and now it’s finally here! ????,? Everyone, meet #PugSnow and #DanerysCorgaryen!! ????? . . . . . #gameofbones #pugsofwesteros #danerystargaryen @emilia_clarke #jonsnowanddaenerys @kitharingtonig #jonsnowcosplay #winterishere #gotseason8 #gameofthrones #gameofthronesmemes #gameofthronesfamily #gameofthronesfan #dogcostume #dogbowl2018 #frankenmuth #costumecontest #pugobsessed #corgisofinstagram #dogloversfeed #ootd #dogsofthemitten #michigancorgiclub #grumble_inc #webadbutnotbadbad #dogoftheday #puglifemagazine @thetomcoteshow #cosplayfun #corgigram #gotpawty2019 @unitedpawsgroup

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“Tell Cersei. I want her to know it was me.”

“I pledged my oath to the Night’s Watch last night.”

“Lord Arnold Relaxborn of the House Pizza…”

“I’m so ready for Game of Thrones, but are you ready for Game of Bones too? ?

 

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I’m so ready for Game of Thrones, but are you ready for Game of Bones too? ? #GameofThones or #GameofBones

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Perfection!

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This Is Why Your Dog Eats Grass

Dogs like to eat a lot of weird stuff. Technically, this is called “pica,” which is eating things that aren’t food, and most dogs engage in this behavior.

Although grass isn’t a particular favorite of my pup, many dogs do like to chomp on it from time to time.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Your dog may be attracted to grass for a few reasons, and it’s not inherently dangerous unless you treat your lawn with chemicals.

One reason they might munch on your lawn is that they have an upset tummy. Grass is a purgative, which means it makes them throw up. If their stomach is feeling upset, they might want to get whatever’s bothering them out of their system ASAP, and grass is one way to do that.

Some also suspect dogs eat grass because they’re technically omnivores. They might want to occasionally add some plant material to their diet, and that’s one way to do it.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Surprisingly little research has been done on why dogs eat grass. It could be dietary, or it could be due to boredom or stress, depending on the situation.

But… should you worry?

For the most part, if your dog’s eating grass, she’s probably fine. If you notice that your pup is eating a lot more grass than usual, though, you may want to take her to the vet just to be on the safe side.

If you notice other signs your dog isn’t feeling well, then you definitely should visit your vet.

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