Imagine watching as your neighbor mistreats their dog, day in and day out wishing there was something that you could do to help.

For years that was the anxiety-ridden life of one couple who watched helplessly as the poor Golden Retriever next door was left outside for hours, neglected and muzzled with duct tape. That is until they just couldn’t take it one more day and performed a rescue., writes ilovemydogsomuch.

The senior Golden Retriever, later named Alfie, would spend hours on end alone and scared in his concrete backyard. Because of a lack of human companionship and abuse, he was visibly depressed. Being the owners to a Golden Retriever of their own, it broke this couple’s hearts to see this poor dog suffer like this. The dog didn’t seem to trust anyone. At his age, he would never have made it in a shelter. This couldn’t be the rest of this poor pup’s life. It just couldn’t.

After multiple attempts to get the police on their side to no avail, they took matters into their own hands. They hopped the fence, unchained the dog and brought him home with them. With a lot of patience, love, and affection, Alfie began to realize he was in a safe and loving home. Soon, he blossomed into the carefree happy dog he was meant to be.

New toys, adventures, and vacations helped Alfie love and trust his new family. Eventually turning his former life as an abused and neglected pet into a distant memory.

I am so grateful for people like this. They opened their hearts to love a new pet even when it seemed like an impossible task. And while it’s just one dog of many who are in need of a rescue like this one, every rescue adds up and makes a difference.

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Originally appeared on ilovemydogsomuch.tv

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10 Common Dog Health Problems

Some health problems are specific to certain breeds, such as breathing complications for flat-faced dogs. But several other canine health issues can affect any dog. Here are 10 typical health conditions you need to watch out for in your four-legged best friend:

Top 10 Common Dog Health Problems

Skin Problems

One of the most obvious signs that your dog has a skin condition is itching. Other symptoms that may suggest that your dog has a skin problem include rashes, redness, dry skin, lumps, bumps, skin sores, dandruff, and hair loss.

Ear Diseases

Approximately 20 percent of dogs suffer from ear disease. It’s particularly common in breeds with floppy ears like cocker spaniels and basset hounds. It’s common to see wax buildup or discharge in their ear canal. But others may experience pain, itchiness, redness, swelling, and crusting in the ears.

Urinary Tract Infections

Simply known as UTI, this condition can make it uncomfortable for your beloved companion to pass urine. Signs of urinary tract infection include drinking water more than usual and passing urine more often than usual. Your dog may also only pass a small amount or lose bladder control. Additionally, you may see blood in their urine or notice a strong smell to it.

Vomiting

There are countless reasons why your pet may throw up. You don’t need to visit the vet each time your dog vomits. But it’s also not something you can just ignore. Don’t try to guess. If the vomiting persists or occurs with other symptoms like diarrhea or lethargy, you need to rush to the vet. It could be a sign of severe health problems, such as poisoning or gastrointestinal blockage.

Diarrhea

This symptom may occur on its own or be accompanied by vomiting. Its potential causes are similar to vomiting. One or two episodes of diarrhea may not be a pet emergency. But recurring diarrhea can result in dehydration.

Parasites

At some point in their lives, your pet may have to deal with discomfort due to internal or external parasites. Symptoms of parasites generally vary, depending on a few factors. These include the kind of parasite that has plagued your pet, where it lives, and how severe its infestation is.

Dental Issues

Like us, your dog can develop canine dental diseases due to high levels of plaque buildup. Several signs indicate that your pet may have dental disease. These include difficulty eating, bleeding of the gums or teeth, loose teeth, and bad breath.

Obesity

Nearly 30 percent of the general dog population is considered obese. Several factors contribute to a pet’s risk. These include age, genetic predisposition, lack of exercise, and overfeeding, among others.

Arthritis

This joint problem can restrict your dog’s mobility. Bring Fido to the vet if you see your dog slow down or limp before and after walks. Other signs include licking or chewing on tender areas and behavioral changes.

Poisoning

Symptoms of dog poisoning vary widely, depending on the kind of toxin a pet has been exposed to. The signs can range from vomiting to drooling, breathing difficulties, seizures, or worse, coma. Some of the most common poisonous substances are human foods like chocolates, grapes, raisins, onions, and caffeine. Other known culprits are human medications, household cleaning products, pesticides, and some plants.