When a man, named Calvin, was driving home from work, he got this overwhelming feeling to get off a specific exit. He never took that route before but then quickly realized why he was supposed to be there. Off to the side, by the shoulder of the highway, was an injured dog all on his own. Calvin pulled over and as soon as he was about to get out of his car, the authorities showed up, writes ilovemydogsomuch

Calvin knew this wasn’t a good sign. He wanted to help the dog himself but once Animal Control got involved, there were protocols to be followed. The poor dog was petrified as the men in uniform approached him. He even tried to get away despite his injuries.

The poor dog was then taken in and put on a seven-day hold. Animal Control had to wait to see if anyone came forward to claim the dog. Calvin was visibly upset. He knew the dog didn’t belong in a cold kennel. Especially with his substantial injuries and his overwhelming fear. He just stared at the wall, hoping to disappear.

Calvin reached out to a friend, named Kendahl, who had rescue experience and she explained to Calvin that taking this dog in would be challenging. The dog was gravely injured and treating him would be very expensive.

At this point, the dog would have likely been euthanized but Calvin wouldn’t hear of it! He needed his leg amputated and Calvin decided to raise the funds for his surgery himself! Kendahl was thrilled to help as well. They decided to name the dog Ike.

Once Ike was out of surgery, both Calvin and Kendahl were concerned. A dog like Ike needed extra TLC. His fear was debilitating all on its own. Kendahl decided that Ike was best with her, as her foster. She had the time to be at his bedside. And that’s what Ike needed most.

Kendahl didn’t just spend time with Ike, she worked to specifically show him that she’d never hurt him. It took effort, for sure, but Ike began to come around. Kendahl was finally ready to introduce her cat, Uno, to Ike. She expected some sniffs and maybe some tail wags. What she didn’t expect was a bond to form that would be life-changing!

Amazingly, Ike continued to improve both physically and emotionally. Kendahl realizes that he will soon have to leave her and go to a forever home. It breaks her heart a bit but she explains that if she doesn’t foster animals and help them transition into their new lives, she won’t have room to keep doing it. While she wants to keep Ike, she knows what her calling is and that is to do what so many others can’t. To see Ike’s story and his amazing transformation, check out the video below!

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.