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On October 8th, Jami Lassell got a call from her sister-in-law with some heartbreaking news, writes thedodo

While cleaning out a house in Carbon County, Pennsylvania, they’d come across a dog locked in the attic and didn’t know what to do.

“I said, ‘I’ll be there in 10 minutes and will come and pick her up.’ And they’re like, ‘We’re just warning you, she’s completely skin and bones. I don’t know the last time she was fed anything,’” Lassell told The Dodo.

It was impossible to tell just how long the young pit bull named Remi had been trapped in the attic. She’d chewed through the walls and door in an attempt to free herself — and the room was littered with feces and fleas.

When Lassell finally met the abandoned dog, she was shocked by the warm greeting she received. “She is the most loving dog I’ve ever met,” Lassell said. “As soon as she saw me, her tail started going — she just wanted love.”

Lassell planned on fostering Remi until she was healthy enough to adopt out, but from the moment Remi set foot in Lassell’s house, the plan changed.

“She came home with me, and I was like, ‘I can’t give her up,’” Lassell said.

After several flea baths and a few good meals, Lassell brought Remi to the vet, where she learned that one of the dog’s legs was broken and may need surgery. But despite the pain Remi had endured, the resilient dog is full of love for every living creature she meets.

“She’s just a lovebug,” Lassell said. “Any time she sees someone, her tail goes and her ears perk up.”

Remi also has endless patience when it comes to Lassell’s four young children. “She’s even better with kids than she is with other animals,” Lassell said. “We have four kids in the house, and she’ll let them pull on her, pet her. Whatever a kid does, she’ll just let them do it.”

And after just a few weeks in her new home, Remi’s formed an unbreakable bond with her 9-month-old pittie brother. “They get along great,” Lassell said. “They’re best friends and they do everything together. We go on walks all the time, they sleep together at night and sleep in bed with me.”

Thanks to Lassell, Remi has completely transformed into the happy, healthy pup she was always meant to be. And Lassell couldn’t be more grateful for the unexpected addition to her family.

“Things are very hectic, but the house just seems like it’s complete now,” Lassell said. “We have two cats and two dogs, and she just completed it all. She’s my little babe.”

Sourece: thedodo.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.