With a name like Cinderella, it’s only fitting that this darling senior pug gets nothing short of a fairytale ending.

 

Cinderella’s date with destiny began in September 2016, when dog lover Jessica Aliff came across the blind senior with diabetes in a Facebook group for pug rescuers.

 

Aliff, who already owned three dogs, recalls the sense of urgency she felt in wanting to give Cinderella a good home. “I knew I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I didn’t at least try to get her,” she told petMD.

 

After meeting with Cinderella’s foster family, Aliff adopted her and brought her home to meet her new pug siblings, Poncho, Nikki, and Ollie.

 

Though “life is a bit more hectic” with four dogs in the house, Aliff is able to give them all a happy, healthy, and familiar lifestyle while taking care of Cinderella’s specific needs. “I have to be on a much stricter feeding schedule because of [Cinderella’s] insulin needs, but I always tried to feed them at scheduled times,” she said.  

 

In addition to insulin, which she needs twice daily, Cinderella has to have her blood glucose levels tested and eats prescription foods from her veterinarian. (“Treats are limited, but she does get small treats when she gets her insulin and one each night before bed,” Aliff said.)

 

Even though Cinderella is blind (she had her eyes removed to relieve pain), she still has the energy and personality of any other pug.

 

“Cinderella does not act any differently than she was before surgery,” Aliff said. “She still charges around the house trying to keep up with me.”

 

While Cinderella does sometimes need assistance with getting up and down stairs, Aliff said she makes her way around the house, and through life, with determination.

“She is very feisty and persistent,” Aliff said of Cinderella. “If one of our other dogs starts roughhousing, she gets right into the action. She has no idea she’s the smallest of the bunch!”

 

Cinderella has changed Aliff’s life in ways big and small over the past year, and she hopes her story inspires others to give senior dogs, especially those with special needs, a chance to thrive.

 

There may be financial obstacles along the way, and you have to surround yourself with a good support team, but taking care of a dog like Cinderella is worth it, Aliff noted. “You may have to give a little more TLC,” she said, but these grateful, wise, and caring dogs will give it all back and then some.

 

Bone-chilling temperatures have swept across large portions of the nation already this winter, leaving not only humans vulnerable to the dangerous conditions but animals as well. 

 

Tragically, a neglected dog in Hartford, Connecticut, died when his caretakers left him outside in the freezing January weather.  According to local affiliate Fox61, a 3-year-old Pit Bull mix was found dead, chained, and frozen solid when a concerned neighbor called the authorities.

 

The news station reports that, according to police, “the dog’s owner has been behind bars on drug charges for about six months and his family made arrangements for the dog to be cared for.” The dog, who was reportedly living in the basement of the residence, was taken outside after a pipe had burst. 

 

When the dog was discovered by Hartford police he showed signs of hypothermia and the veterinary report stated that the dog, who had been lying in his own fecal matter, “Was underweight for his body size with low body fat and low muscle density. His bones were easily palpable and often visible beneath the skin —his ribs and pelvic bones were prominent.”

 

Police suspect the dog could have been left outside upwards of a month. Animal cruelty charges are expected to be filed in the wake of the dog’s horrific death. 

 

Sadly, neglegent owners leaving pets outside in the brutal cold is a far-too-common issue, and one that doesn’t need to occur. 

 

Dr. Lori Bierbrier, the medical director of the ASPCA Community Medicine Department, tells petMD that pet owners should follow this simple guideline: “If it’s too cold outside for you, it’s too cold outside for your pet,” she told petMD. “Pet owners should keep their pet’s exposure to the outdoors as minimal as possible.” 

 

In addition to not leaving pets outside (or even in cars) in the cold or inclement weather, pet parents, “should ensure that all pets have access to warm, dry shelter and fresh (not frozen) water, as well as ensuring that all pets wear a collar and ID with up-to-date contact information,” Bierbrier recommended. 

 

Dogs with short hair coats could benefit from wearing coats in the wintertime, Bierbrier added.  “If pet owners do use a dog coat, the most important thing is that it fit correctly,” she said. 

 

“Animals left in extreme temperatures, especially without food and shelter, are at risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and death,” she warned. “There is no doubt that the animal suffers significantly during this process.” 

 

If you see that an animal, like the dog in Connecticut, is being abused and left out in the cold, call your local law enforcement, Bierbrier advised. “Before calling, note as many details as possible, including the date, time, exact location, and type of animal(s) involved.” 

 

Image via Shutterstock 

 

Read more: How Cold is Too Cold for Your Dog?

 

As temperatures plummet across the country, a puppy in Massachusetts serves as a harrowing reminder of the extra care and protection that must be given to pets during this frigid winter. 

 

On the cold evening of Dec. 30, when temperatures dipped as low as 3 degrees Fahrenheit in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, the Dartmouth Police Department responded to a call regarding a puppy who had been left in a car in a mall parking lot. 

 

According to a report released on the department’s Facebook page, Dartmouth Police discovered that a young dog had been left in a parked vehicle for at least an hour. Responding officer Justin Amaral noted that the puppy was “shivering and rolled up in a ball” on the seat.

 

The puppy, who was seized by animal control and transported to a local veterinary hospital for evaluation, had “no adverse effects” to the incident and “was given a clear health status,” Dartmouth Animal Control Officer Sandra Gosselin said. 

 

The dog’s owner has been charged with cruelty to animals. However, according to Massachusetts law, “With removal of a dog from a vehicle, the owner may retrieve the dog from the Animal Control department/shelter after paying any and all expenses incurred,” Gosselin noted. “The puppy was retrieved by its owner and [the owner] will be summoned into court at the request of the Dartmouth Police Department with regards to a cruelty complaint filed by them.” 

 

Dr. Lori Bierbrier, medical director of the ASPCA’s Community Medicine Department, told petMD that extremely cold weather is very dangerous to pets. As she puts it, “If it’s too cold for you, then it is probably too cold for your pets.”

 

No animal should be left outside in extreme weather, Bierbrier urged, as “dogs and cats can develop low body temperature (hypothermia), which can lead to death.”

 

Unattended vehicles are no better for pets, Bierbrier said. “Cars can act like refrigerators and hold in cold, adding to the already stressful effects of low temperatures.” 

 

 

Image via Shutterstock 

 

 

Read more: How Cold is Too Cold for Your Dog?

 

 

The Iditarod, an annual long-distance sled dog competition in Alaska that boasts itself as the “Last Great Race on Earth,” is currently under investigation for a doping scandal. 

 

It has been revealed that four dogs belonging to champion musher Dallas Seavey tested positive for high levels of the painkiller Tramadol last spring. According to the Chicago Tribune, “It was the first time since the race instituted drug testing in 1994 that a test came back positive.” 

 

Since news of the scandal broke, the Iditarod Trail Committee (ITC) said in a statement that it intends to rewrite its current canine drug test rule to “adopt a bright line strict liability standard.” 

 

Dr. Giacomo Gianotti of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine explained that Tramadol (which can be used in both humans and dogs), is an analgesic, an opioid-like substance that relieves pain. The drug, however, does not have an addictive quality for dogs. So while it may work as a mild pain reliever, it does not have the “rewarding dopamine.” The drug is significantly less potent than a typical “doping” drug like morphine, he added.

 

Seavey has vehemently denied any wrongdoing in regard to the allegations beyond the ITC’s investigation, even taking to YouTube to claim his innocence. He suggested that perhaps another racer slipped the dogs the drugs in order to sabotage them. 

 

With no concrete reason as to why Seavey would administer the painkiller to his dogs intentionally, the committee did not discipline the musher, nor did it strip him of his titles or cash winnings. The decision did not sit well with some animal rights activists. 

 

“If a member of the Iditarod’s ‘royalty’ dopes dogs, how many other mushers are turning to opioids in order to force dogs to push through the pain?” asked PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman in a statement. “And what about an investigation into where this controlled substance came from, whether a veterinarian or not?

 

“Dogs are not sleds,” she continued. “They are sensitive beings who do not deserve to be run to their deaths. Mushers are pushing dogs to the brink and beyond for a cash prize, and this doping scandal is further proof that this race needs to end.” 

 

Image via Shutterstock 

 

Read more: Racing Greyhounds Test Positive For Cocaine, Trainer’s License Revoked

The stories of heroism and rescue coming out of Northern California in the wake of the devastating wildfires are nothing short of incredible. Whether it’s firefighters working around the clock to everyday people doing their part to chip in, there are countless profiles of courage. 

 

Otis is one of those heroes, and he is not only a survivor of the deadly blazes (which, to date, have claimed dozens of lives and thousands of acres of land), but he saved the lives of others. Otis also happens to be a dog. 

 

He lived with his family on their property in Sonoma County when, in early October, a deadly blaze ripped through their land.

 

“We had minutes to load up the animals and run from the advancing firestorm,” Otis’ owner Roland Hendel said in a post on YouCaring.com. “Despite the sounds of exploding propane tanks, twisting metal, and the hot swirling winds, Odin refused to leave our family of eight bottle-fed rescue goats.” 

 

Certain that Odin and the goats had not survived the harrowing ordeal, the Hendel family was stunned when they returned days later to the now-vanished property to find the animals alive, and with some new friends by their side. 

 

“We found a burned, battered, and weakened Odin, surrounded by his eight goats, and several small deer who had come to him for protection and safety,” Hendel wrote. “Odin was weak, and limping, his once thick and beautiful coat singed orange, his whiskers melted.” 

 

Hendel described his awe of Otis’ bravery in the midst of what was a terrifying, near-death ordeal.

 

Since then, Hendel has told well-wishers on the site site that Odin and the goats are enjoying a well-deserved rest. “Odin seems completely recovered from his sore paws, and the goats have settled down,” Hendel wrote. Odin even received his first soothing bath since the fire, but, as his dog dad will tell you, he prefers spending his time near his herd of goats. 

 

Odin, who is expected to make a full recovery is, as Hendel so perfectly put it, “a message of courage and hope in these trying times.” 

 

Read more: Wildfire Safety and Preparedness for Your Pet

 

Image via YouCaring.com

 

Halloween is a time for clever costumes, sugary treats, and spooky fun. But these fall festivities can also present risks for pets. We spoke with our veterinary experts about Halloween-related pet mishaps they’ve encountered over the years. Don’t let one of these scary situations happen to you and your beloved companion.

Halloween Scares at the Vet Clinic

 

While out trick-or-treating at night, some families use glow sticks to keep themselves visible and safe. But if you leave these items laying around the house, your curious dog or cat might be tempted to chew on them. Dr. Jennifer Coates, a veterinary advisor for petMD, once received a call about a dog who got into a bag of glow sticks.

 

“The dog was drooling like crazy and obviously unhappy, on top of looking like an iridescent space alien,” Coates remembers. While the liquid inside of the glow stick tastes awful and can sometimes even make pets vomit, Coates assured her client that it is not actually toxic. “She offered her dog a handful of treats to help get rid of the taste, and he was soon back to normal.”

 

A glowing pet may be a scary sight to behold, but other Halloween mishaps can be life-threatening. One of the most common emergencies veterinarians see during Halloween involves dogs eating candy—especially chocolate. Chocolate can be toxic to both dogs and cats. Symptoms of chocolate toxicity may include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures.

 

“Several dogs get into the Halloween candy if it is left in their reach,” says Dr. Katie Grzyb, medical director at One Love Animal Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. “Chocolate can be toxic at certain amounts. Luckily, in many cases, if ingestion is caught early enough, the patient can be brought to their veterinarian and emesis (vomiting) can be induced. Some dogs may require hospitalization with fluids, charcoal, and monitoring for arrhythmias and/or neurologic signs.” 

 

Halloween candies that contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener, can also be poisonous to pets. Pet parents should also be cautious of candy wrappers, which can cause gastrointestinal upset or intestinal blockages, if ingested.

 

Dr. Steven Friedenberg, an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, recalls one instance where a smaller mixed-breed dog ate an entire bag of candy that was filled with all sorts of treats, ranging from chocolate bars to gummy worms. “We induced vomiting and were able to get many of the candy wrappers out of the dog’s stomach, but much of the chocolate had been absorbed already,” says Friedenberg, who specializes in emergency and critical care.

 

The dog needed to be hospitalized and put on medications to control elevated heart rate and blood pressure, he says, as well as receive sedatives for agitation associated with chocolate ingestion. “Fortunately, the dog did well, but it was an expensive stay for the owners.”

 

Dr. Christine Rutter, clinical assistant professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University, shares a similar tale of a dog who ate a medley of Halloween candy—but with a ghostly twist. “We induced vomiting and got the dog started on fluids and medications for overnight care, and I went to give the owner an update,” recalls Rutter, who specializes in emergency and critical care. “At the end of the interview, the owner stopped me and asked if there are any ghosts in the hospital. Puzzled, but playing along, I replied that I am unaware of ghosts in the hospital, and that I am in the hospital at all hours, so would have a good chance of seeing them if they existed.”

 

The owner was completely serious. She told Rutter that her big, friendly Pitbull was terrified of ghosts and cemeteries, and that she chose this 24-hour specialty hospital specifically because it didn’t have any Halloween decorations up. She believed that her canine companion got into the candy because he was overly stressed by the season. Rutter kept a straight face, and assured the owner she would do everything in her power to protect the dog.

 

“I dutifully passed on the message to the doctor who took over his care for the next shift,” Rutter says. “The dog ended up doing well and not having any unexpected encounters while in our care. Writing, ‘Keep away from Halloween decorations, cemeteries, and ghosts’ on a treatment sheet for a monster-sized, adorable, white meatball of a dog has been one of the highlights of my job.”

 

 

On Sept. 27, nine dogs and one cat made the long journey from Lebanon, Tennessee, all the way to Philadelphia. 

 

These animals were all displaced by Hurricane Irma, and with the help of the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) and the Pennsylvania SPCA, they were transported to safe havens up north. 

 

Driven by ARF volunteer Jim Medd, the displaced pets arrived by van in carriers at the Philadelphia location of the PA SPCA. Some of the pets will be transported to other shelters in the region.

 

All of the dogs will be quarantined for two weeks to ensure their health and the health of the other animals at the facility, and then they will be available for adoption. (The lone kitty, a 2-year-old domestic shorthair named Mikado, is ready for adoption at the Philly shelter.) 

 

CEO Julie Klem says the PA SPCA is “proud to help these animals in need.” She hopes that local animal lovers looking to adopt a new pet will consider them, or other adoptable pets at the shelter, so they can continue to make room for other displaced pets who are being moved out of harm’s way. 

 

Read more: Natural Disaster Planning for Pets

 

The harrowing images coming out of Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico in the wake of the devastating hurricanes that hit the region are a stark reminder of just what Mother Nature can do.

 

They’ve also been a wake-up call for pet parents to be prepared for the worst case scenario, including what can happen to cats, dogs, and other animals when flooding occurs. 

 

Whether it’s just a few inches in a basement or waters that can fill up an entire home, pet safety is critical before, during, and after flooding. 

 

Animals face many of the same risks human do during such a natural disaster, explained Lacie Davis, ASPCA disaster response manager. “Pets can be at risk of drowning due to high water levels or being hit by a piece of debris if left outside during high winds,” she told petMD. “Many pets are often at risk of becoming separated from their owners during disasters.” 

 

If you and your pet(s) do stay together and you get trapped in flood waters, Davis said, “You should immediately contact your local emergency management agency and move to higher ground where you can escape high waters until you and your pet can be rescued.” 

 

Of course, even if you and your pet make it out of the flooded area, there can be long-term issues due to the water. 

 

“Oftentimes, floodwaters are very contaminated by chemicals, sewage, gasoline, and other substances that can harm animals externally or by being ingested,” explained Dr. Nicole Eller, the field shelter veterinarian for the ASPCA. “These toxic substances can cause injuries ranging from chemical burns to the skin to bacterial intestinal diseases.

 

“Exposure to a wet environment for long periods of time (hours to days) can cause damage to and inflammation of the skin, allowing for bacterial and fungal pathogens to invade and cause severe dermatitis,” Eller continued. “This is particularly seen on the feet and between the toes (pododermatitis). There is also an additional risk of potential exposure to venomous snakes and other creatures also seeking refuge from the floodwaters.” 

 

To be as prepared as possible for any major weather event, Davis urged pet parents to make sure that their pet’s microchip information and ID tags are up-to-date in case of separation. (This often occurs, she said, because animals can become stressed or skittish and have a tendency to run off.) 

 

Davis also suggested making a portable emergency kit, which includes your pet’s food, medications, and medical records. When evacuating, make sure you have a leash and crate to safely transport your pet.

 

If you can’t take care of your pet as a storm approaches, choose a designated caregiver outside of the evacuation zone, Davis advised. Whatever you do, do not leave your pets behind to fend for themselves. Even if they are inside your home, they can still run the risk of drowning, as well as running out of food and clean water that are necessary to stay alive.

 

For any pet that has been exposed to floodwaters for any period of time, Eller said, “All animals should have a thorough veterinary examination to make sure there are no lasting effects.” 

 

Image via Shutterstock 

 

Read more: Animal Abuse During Hurricane Irma, As Pets Are Left Behind in the Storm

 

Hurricane Irma was a devastating, Categoery 5 storm that left a path of death and destruction in the Caribbean and the United States.

 

While thousands of prepared pet parents did the right thing and ensured their beloved animals either came with them or had a safe haven to stay in, others in Florida did the unthinkable. 

 

According to local Palm Beach news affiliate WPTV, more than 50 animals were left tethered to trees, poles, or parked cars to fend for themselves as the deadly storm was making its way inland. 

 

“Even a tiny bit of sand can hurt an animal when it’s traveling through 100-plus mph winds,” stated Diane Suave, director of Animal Care for Palm Beach County.

 

Suave, who urged anyone in the area to bring in any abandoned cats or dogs, called the acts “unconscionable.” 

 

She wasn’t alone in her anger: State Attorney Dave Aronberg called the situation a “prime example of animal cruelty” and assured he would track down and prosecute anyone who left their animals outside during the storm. 

 

In the wake of the news, Aronberg has since tweeted, “We take animal cruelty very seriously here in PBC.” By speaking out, Aronberg has won the praise of many, including PETA, who applauded him for his efforts post-Irma. 

 

“By pledging to find and prosecute anyone who left an animal behind to suffer and die during Hurricane Irma, [Aronberg] has sent the message that animal abandonment is illegal and will not be tolerated,” said PETA Senior Vice President of Cruelty Investigations Daphna Nachminovitch, in a statement released to petMD. 

 

Nachminovitch added that their teams have seen firsthand the horrors that can happen when pets are left behind in major storms. “Anyone who evacuates is required by law to take their animals with them or make adequate arrangements to keep them safe, and those who abandon their animals to die in terror should face cruelty charges,” she asserted.

 

Image via Shutterstock 

 

Read more: Natural Disaster Planning for Pets

 

The relentless one-two punch of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma forced millions of Americans and their pets to evacuate. 

 

Though Harvey has passed and Irma is tapering off, the recovery is just beginning. As conditions allow, families are returning to their homes, many with their cats and dogs by their side. 

 

Hurricane prepardeness is of utmost importance for people and their pets, but post-hurricane safety is another thing entirely, and it’s too often overlooked. 

 

In the wake of these major storms, the American Veterinary Medical Association has released a safety checklist for pet parents who are returning to potentially dangerous or stressful environments. 

 

When returning home with pets following a disaster, the AVMA recommends the following:

• Survey the area inside and outside your home to identify sharp objects, dangerous materials, dangerous wildlife, contaminated water, downed power lines, or other hazards.
• Do not allow pets to roam free outdoors until the area is safe for them to do so. They could encounter dangerous wildlife and debris if allowed outside unsupervised and unrestrained. In addition, familiar scents and landmarks may have changed, and this can confuse your pets.
• Allow uninterrupted rest and sleep to allow your pets to recover from the trauma and stress of the evacuation and disaster.
• The disruption of routine activities can be the biggest cause of stress for your pets, so try to re-establish a normal schedule as quickly as you can.
• Comfort each other. The simple act of petting and snuggling can reduce anxiety for both people and pets.
• If you notice any signs of stress, discomfort, or illness in your pets, contact your veterinarian to schedule a checkup.

 

Helping Your Pet Adjust After a Disaster

 

The ASPCA is also urging pet parents from hurricane-hit regions to consider the impact these major events have had on their furry companions. 

 

“After a storm, some animals may be traumatized by their experiences,” said Pam Reid, vice president of the ASPCA’s Anti-Cruelty Behavior Team, in an interview with petMD. “Being separated from their family and/or their home can be scary enough, but if the pet was lost during the storm or housed at an emergency shelter, the trauma can be more extensive. Not surprisingly, animals that have undergone harrowing experiences can look like they are experiencing something similar to post-traumatic stress disorder.” 

 

Reid recommended keeping pets on a “consistent, predictable schedule” similar to the one they had before the storm, if possible. She also suggested providing a “quiet, dark, comfortable place so the pet has the option of hiding if he/she chooses. If the pet appreciates attention and physical affection when upset, by all means, keep the pet with you and console him/her.” 

 

Unfortunately, not all pets were able to leave with their owners. For cats and dogs who were put in emergency shelters, Reid said there may be some initial soiling accidents in the household upon return. 

 

“A cat may not have had access to the size of litter box or the type of litter he/she was accustomed to and now needs a reminder to use the box,” she explained. “While at a shelter, a dog may have had to learn to eliminate on unfamiliar substrates such as concrete or shavings, or became adapted to an unusual schedule.”

 

That said, Reid assured that with some remedial training and time, “most pets will resume their former house-trained habits.” 

 

The storms may have been particularly traumatic for dogs with noise sensitivities. If your dog is showing signs of distress from certain sounds, “try to pair the sounds with something the dog enjoys, such as special tasty treats or a favorite game of fetch,” Reid suggested. “If your dog is so frightened that he/she is not interested in treats or toys, you may need to consult with a certified applied animal behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist for a more intensive treatment program.” 

 

Hopefully, your pet will be back to normal within a week or two after returning from a storm. But if you see signs that your cat or dog is still in distress, you should talk to your veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist. “A course of behavior medication may help your pet cope and adjust to being home again,” Reid said.

 

Image via Shutterstock 

 

Read more: Hurricane Harvey: Animal Rescue Efforts Underway in Texas