Pakita was found wandering the streets when she was eventually brought to Argentina’s El Arca Animal Partido de Mar Chiquita. Volunteers instantly fell in love with her. Especially one volunteer named Silvia Ferreyra. But sadly, in spite of her warm demeanor, she was passed over by adopters time and time again for a younger dog.

Her reality looked bleak. She sat in her kennel day after day. Pakita became depressed, withdrawn, and in many ways, broken. She lost a lot of weight, unwilling to eat much. The volunteers at El Arca were very concerned.

For two long years, the volunteers did everything they could to find Pakita a home but nothing worked out. They finally decided to use social media to their advantage– to Pakita’s advantage– and post a photo of her and her bio on Facebook. But the whole ordeal was no easy task. Pakita would shake and cower in the corner, unwilling to pose for a picture. FINALLY, they were able to get a decent shot. In fact, it even appeared like Pakita was smiling!

Then a miracle happened!

“Immediately, we get a message from a woman saying that the dog was her son’s and that he had been looking for her!” Ferreyra told The Dodo.

Ariel Naveira never thought he’d see his dog again. After all this time, Ariel had to accept that Pakita was never coming home. But then his mother called him after seeing the Facebook post. He couldn’t believe it was her. But he went to the shelter the next day just in case.

The volunteers brought Pakita out to see Ariel, and he knew right away it was her but Pakita wasn’t so sure. You can see in the video, she looks hesitant, uneasy but as she sniffs around and around, she realizes…

HER DAD IS STANDING RIGHT THERE!

Pakita falls to the floor with excitement, tail wagging, waiting for proper belly rubs from her favorite person in the world. It may have been two years but she knew that smell, that face, that touch. All that waiting and he finally came for her! It’s a dream come true!

Pakita and Ariel’s reunion is sure to pull at your heartstrings. Enjoy the video below and don’t forget to hug your fur-baby extra tight tonight!

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.