Way is a stray dog from Buenos Aires, Argentina, who has a heart of gold. The street dog had just given birth to a litter of puppies and was doing everything in her power to care for them when she came across someone else needing some help.

Way had always managed to survive on the streets but now had plenty of other mouths to feed, so she scoured the area for any food she could find. It was winter in Argentina, so she had to hurry.

That’s when Way came across a newborn human baby in an alley clearly abandoned by its mother. The dog’s maternal instincts kicked in, and she knew the baby needed warmth. So Way ran back to her puppies and carried them one by one to place around the newborn. She then wrapped her body around the group the best she could.

The next morning, a resident named Alejandria Griffin heard the cries of the newborn. And when she went outside to investigate, she was absolutely stunned at what she saw. A stray dog had taken in an abandoned baby as one of her own. She immediately called the police for help.

The baby, now named Santino, was rushed to the emergency room for immediate medical attention. Alejandria told the story of the stray, and the doctors truly believe if it weren’t for the dog’s heroic actions, the baby would’ve passed away. Way was hailed as a hero.

Santino was in surprisingly good shape for what he’d been through, and most of that was thanks to the amazing care Way had provided.

Police were eventually able to track down the baby’s mother, a 33-year-old Buenos Aires woman who already had eight other children. She was arrested and charged with abandoning her newborn baby.

Way was taken in by a local shelter where she and her babies would be cared for until they could find forever homes. What an amazing story all around!

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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.