Judy Obregon, founder of a dog rescue group called The Abandoned Ones, got a call about a stray Poodle-mix she had been trying to save. But once she saw the photo of the dog lying there, she knew she was too late. He was already gone, writes ilovemydogsomuch

Obregon got a call earlier about local kids tormenting the dog.

Kids were throwing food out on the street, so the dog would run out onto the street,” Obregon told The Dodo. “Then neighbors saw some children tying a water hose around his neck.”

Obregon diligently went back to the neighborhood three times, attempting to catch the dog but to no avail. Then the woman who contacted her about the dog in the first place sent her that heartbreaking photo, it broke her heart. If only she was able to catch him sooner.

“I started crying because I felt like I didn’t do enough,” Obregon said. “I felt like I wasn’t there on time to get to this dog before he ended up in this situation.”

Still, the dog didn’t deserve to lie there like that so Obregon went immediately to him. When she got there, the most incredible, unexpected thing happened.

“When I came to him, he was still in the same spot, but his head was up,” Obregon said. “I was probably the happiest person in the world.”

Obregon picked the dog up and named him Gully. She was certain if she didn’t get there when she did, he really wouldn’t have made it.

Gully was malnourished and dehydrated. He was so weak, he couldn’t walk. He was also, understandably, traumatized.

But once Gully got inside Obregon’s car, Gully finally relaxed. He understood he was being rescued.

“He started giving me kisses,” Obregon said.

After a few days at the vet, Gully made a full recovery. Obregon’s friend, Crystal, took him in as a foster while they searched for a forever home for the deserving pup.

What amazed everyone who met Gully was that he had quickly put those days on the streets behind him and began trusting humans immediately.

Then Obregon got the good news: Gully found his forever home!

He now has the perfect life and will never have to worry about going hungry or being cold. No one will ever mistreat him. The ‘dead’ dog was very much alive– and doing awesome!

Obregon is forever grateful to the woman who called her up and sent her that heartbreaking photo of Gully.

“This is why I do what I do,” Obregon said. “And I have to say that if it wasn’t for that neighbor, who I will never know, Gully wouldn’t be alive. She pretty much was the one who saved his life.”

Source: 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.