Just 120 miles outside Memphis, Tennessee, a man had been living in the depths of Natchez Trace State Park for the past 16 years, wriets ilovemydogsomuch

When this unique man had decided to retreat into the woods all these years back, he had never expected to become the leader of a furry pack!

Over the years, many hurt, neglected, abused or lonely dogs flocked to this wild man and found sanctuary in his healing presence. The man looked out for them, fed them and kept them clean and healthy.

But sadly, things took a turn for the worse when the man’s health began failing. While the man had befriended many park authorities who tended to his needs from time to time, he was still unable to do justice to the 31 dogs under his care for the past few months.

That’s when the local community members stepped in and requested the man to accept proper living support for himself. But the man refused any help and shivered at the thought of parting ways from his dogs.

After a number of tries, the man accepted community support only on the condition that his 31 dogs be rescued and given homes. The locals contacted “Animal Rescue Corps” about the situation and the group readily agreed to help!

The man was quite emotional on the day he handed over his beloved furry family to the rescuers. As he grabbed each of the dogs one by one and gave them to the rescuers with a heavy heart, the dogs realized this was a bittersweet farewell.

All the 31 dogs were transferred under veterinary care for vaccinations and necessary treatments. Many of the dogs had injuries and required dental work, but they still missed the nurturing wild human who sheltered them all these years.

As for the “mountain man”, he is now receiving medical care arranged by some of the community members. He is heartbroken over his dogs, but also relieved to know that they are in good hands.

The locals have been appreciating this man for caring for the wandering dogs to the best of his ability for such a long time. He kept his integrity toward the dogs and chose to do right by them till the very end, and that’s really something!

Click the video below to watch this heart-touching story of the wild man and the 31 dogs he rescued.

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.