When this senior dog’s owner decided she wasn’t worth his time, he left her in a church parking lot in the rain, writes ilovemydogsomuch

She was so confused! She was blind and sick. She couldn’t see what was going on or understand why she was left there in the first place. She laid there on the concrete through a horrific storm until someone finally pulled into the parking lot and found her there.

WARNING: Graphic Content!

The Good Samaritan called local rescuers in Houston, Texas who drove over immediately. The rescuers already knew that the poor dog, the rescuers named Lucy, was in terrible shape. Her eyes were weepy from infection and every bone in her body showed. An old dog deserves to live their remaining years feeling loved but instead, Lucy felt like a burden.

Lucy was brought to a vet clinic where she was deemed a hospice case. Because her health was going to continue to decline, medical intervention should only be necessary to keep her comfortable. The vet also said she had diabetes. The rescuers cried wishing they could have taken Lucy in sooner. But at least now she would live out her days feeling comfortable and well-cared for.

The rescue group reached out to a woman who they thought would be perfect for Lucy. She’s experienced in hospice care and would give her a wonderful foster home. The woman visited Lucy at the vet and said she would officially adopt her so Lucy can spend her remaining time on earth with her new family.

Lucy began having seizures. The vet made sure she was as comfortable as could be considering her decline. She couldn’t walk on her own but her new human friends and mom made sure she spent time lying in the grass, enjoying sunny days.

The brave dog lived a few more weeks in a home filled with love. She likely smiled more in those few weeks than she did her entire life. Lucy eventually crossed the rainbow bridge and while her new family cried and missed her dearly, they felt comforted by the fact that she left this world feeling wanted and cherished. She died with dignity despite what her owner chose for her instead. Every animal is worth saving! See Lucy and her brave story 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.