Happy New Year! As we head into 2024, many people are looking back over 2023 and revisiting some of their key moments. Our canine pals also had a few highlights this year. A local Hendersonville, NC veterinarian lists some of the top dog stories of 2023 in this article.
Home At Last
Chiquita, a 12-year-old pup also known as Chiqui, was recently adopted after spending 650 days at a North Carolina animal rescue. Chiquita was terrified of the shelter environment, and had been splitting her time between the adoption center and foster care before getting her forever home. The Watauga Humane Society’s celebratory posts about the pup’s long-awaited adoption caused many readers to reach for tissues.
The pooch is described as a love bug with a sweet personality. It’s probably safe to say that 2024 is going to be a very good year for the 12-year-old pup, who loves going on walks and taking naps.
Conversations With Fido
Have you heard about paw pad buttons? These pet translation devices speak programmed words when dogs step on them. This may sound a bit farfetched, but many of our canine pals have proven quite adept at learning how to communicate with their humans. (It probably won’t come as a shock to find that most pups use their paws to specifically ask for treats, walks, belly rubs, and playtime.) In fact, the phenomenon is currently being studied by the University of California San Diego.
If your canine buddy is quick to pick things up, you might want to try these. Just don’t expect deep conversation: most pups use their paw translation devices to request treats, walks, and belly rubs.
A Happy Tail
Stories of dogs reuniting with their owners never fail to touch our hearts. San Antonio, Texas had a particularly special case last year when U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Mike Alcala adopted his former furry partner, John, a German Shepherd and former explosive detection dog. The pair first met in 2018. They bonded quickly, and after just two weeks became certified as a team. For the next three years, they worked together to protect high-profile clients, such as the U.S. vice president and First Lady. Now, Alcala has officially taken John into his home. The beloved pup is enjoying a well-deserved retirement with his favorite human. Good boy!
A Mysterious Respiratory Disease Spreads Among Dogs
You may have heard about an outbreak of a mysterious respiratory disease affecting our canine pals. More than 16 states have reported cases, and Canada has also reported outbreaks.
Several dogs have already died from the mystery disease, some succumbing within just 24 hours. While there is a lot to learn, we do know that places with a lot of dogs, such as kennels and dog parks, pose the highest risk for spreading the disease.
Although there is no need to panic, we do recommend taking extra precautions, especially if your furry best buddy has a weakened immune system or has pre-existing health issues. Keep an eye out for signs such as coughing, fever, loss of appetite, and difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these signs, contact your Hendersonville, NC veterinarian immediately.
Cutest Porch Pirate Story Ever
Home delivery services are more popular than ever. One-click shopping proved extremely helpful during the pandemic, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Unfortunately, porch piracy has also increased. However, there is at least a little bit of silver lining here, in that one particular episode of attempted package theft produced some really funny footage.
A Prime delivery driver found his day going to the dogs when a German Shepherd repeatedly attempted to take off with a delivery package. You can watch the hilarious footage on @juicecupboxx’s TikTok account.
The Italian Bracco Bounds Into The Spotlight
The saying that what is old becomes new again definitely holds true for the Bracco Italiano, who is also often referred to as the Italian Pointing Dog. Thought to be the oldest European Pointer, this breed is a mix of the now-extinct Asiatic Mastiff and the Segugio Italiano. Its roots date back to the 4th or 5th century B.C. (Hence the ‘old’.) Fido gained popularity during medieval times and was especially beloved by noble families during the Renaissance period. However, irresponsible breeding practices caused health issues for the breed, which nearly went extinct. Fortunately, diligent breeders stepped in at the turn of the 20th century to rescue the ancient dogs. Through careful selection and a combination of two distinct variations of the breed, a new Bracco emerged.
The AKC welcomed the Bracco into its ranks in 2022. Fido joined the dog show circuit last year. Tim McGraw’s co-owned dog, Lepshi, won Best In Breed in the new Bracco category at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
One Pup Finds Safe Haven
After fending for herself for years, one fortunate dog has finally been rescued and taken to safety. A 12-year-old Patterdale terrier named Rose was found near the small village of Crawley Down in West Sussex, England. The nonprofit organization Lost Dog Recovery UK was alerted about the stray canine and quickly came to the rescue, with food and a camera in hand. It took several days, but they were able to successfully capture Rose. Despite surviving in the wilderness for such a long time, the pup was well-fed, likely thanks to local villagers. (The pooch actually turned out to be a bit finicky, as she only fell for the trap baited with warm roast chicken and paté.)
Here is where the situation took an unexpected twist. The rescuers found a microchip on the sweet dog. Further investigation revealed that she had gone missing in 2017, shortly after being adopted. Rose’s previous owners were unable to take her back, but were overjoyed to hear that she was safe and sound. We are also grateful that Rose is now safe and sound.
Everything Is Better With Dogs … Even The Weather Report
Generally, the weather report isn’t the most exciting thing on the news … unless there are severe storms or extreme conditions. However, in 2023, there was a pleasant deviation from this norm when an adorable dog named Bella made a surprise appearance on the morning weather report. New England meteorologist Josh Judge was predicting sunny weather and clear skies when he was interrupted by the arrival of the fluffy black and white canine. It was later revealed that Bella belonged to one of the weekend anchors and was brought on set for a segment with veterinarians. (As an aside, we believe all weather forecasts should include dogs.)
All Dogs Deserve Homes
The Adams County Pennsylvania SPCA was thrilled to announce last year that all of its shelter pups had finally found loving homes. For the first time in nearly half a century, the shelter had only empty cages. (Well, almost empty – a kitty strolled in just before the official announcement.)
The shelter announced the good news on social media, also noting that they had adopted out 598 animals and reunited 125 lost pets with their worried owners. We’re hoping for more of these stories in 2024.
Happy New Year from Kanuga Animal Clinic, your Hendersonville, NC animal hospital. Please contact us for all of your dog’s veterinary care needs in 2024 and beyond!
