One humid morning, Joyci was on her way to work when she spotted a very sick dog, who was skin and bones and scavenging through the wet garbage with only a few strands of hair covering his back. This isn’t an unusual sight in Iquitos or in most places in South America, where strays roam around in large numbers. But Joyci felt an immediate obligation to help the poor dog, but before she could do anything, the dog was gone, writes reshareworthy

“She returned the next day hoping to find the canine in need, but no luck. She was about to give up when – from a distance – she noticed another dog in dire need of care,” writes Ursula Vari on YouTube. “Covered in mange and bacterial infections, malnourished and on the verge of death the dog stood in traffic, as if wanting to deliberately end his own life.”

“He felt like he didn’t matter to all those who walked by him day after day turning a blind eye,” says Ursula. “But he did matter to Joyci.”

“The dog’s eyes penetrated deep into his soul, one could see years of indifference and suffering at the hand of the very human that domesticated him. Right there, on a steamy early afternoon Joyci promised the dog that she will never let him be in that state…ever again.”

Joyci’s friend, Bianca, offered to take Ojitos off the street and give him shelter. She directs Amazon Cares, a non-profit animal rescue in Peru. During Ojitos’ recovery she faced scrutiny from her neighbors. Taking care of Ojitos was the easy part, Ursula writes. “The hard part was bearing the eyes of all the people who stared at the women in utter disgust, every day for three months. No one could understand why the women would touch a ‘dog like that’. Even the tenant next door moved out because he couldn’t stomach the sight of a ‘sick’ alien of dog.”

But Ojitos’ rescuers were unshakeable. They saw what a beautiful being he was under his hardened skin.

“After months of daily treatment Ojitos finally emerged from his shelter as a playful, stunning, eager dog.”

“His enthusiasm for life is inspiring many around him.”

Share what these wonderful women did to give Ojitos a second chance with your family and friends!

Source: reshareworthy.com

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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.