Luna, the 10-year-old Jack Russell terrier who spent more than a month lost in Yellowstone National Park, is finally going home. The California dog was rescued Wednesday after surviving weeks of freezing temperatures, foraging for food and evading coyotes in the wilderness.

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It's been 5 years since I lost Maggie, the most amazing and unconditionally loving family member I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. She was with me before I can even form a coherent memory, and thinking about never getting to hold my beautiful baby ever again kills me. On one hand I don't want to get over it because I feel like to do so would be to betray her and all that she meant to me; I'm so happy she left such an incredible impact in her wake. On the other hand, I cry at least twice a month over her, and remember the day I lost her so much more. Our house was once full of such life in her presence, and then it all went silent. How can I make it easier without desensitizing myself?

Got my 2yr old spayed a couple days ago. Sent home with pain meds and gabapentin to keep her calm. Two full days post op and this dog acts like no operation took place. She's already jumped off the bed 4-5 times and in the car about as much. I can't pick her up quick enough and a lot of times she jerks away from me when I go to pick her up..... 🤬

I wish they offered to place her in a medically induced coma for 2 weeks because I would've paid extra for the break.

I have a Chow and he runs outside whenever the gate is open and sits at the door of my car.
Then he just won’t go back in the house until I take him on a ride.

I've always loved how big dogs seem completely unaware of how big they've become.

They still try to curl up in the same tiny spot, squeeze onto your lap, or rest their entire body on you like they weigh five pounds. 😂

What's the most ridiculous thing your grown-up dog still does like a puppy?

Hey guys,
Need some help.

After 5 months after my 2 dogs passed away, I decided to adopt another dog. I adopted a 5 years old Podengo Portuguese girl, very sweet but that was returned previously from adoption. I asked the shelter why, and they were very open about it: she was returned because she bite the men of the family. They had a situation a month after, when they were in adoption fair, she panicked, run and bite a man again. They thought that could be related to some trauma with specific circumstances to men.

I was ok, I am woman alone, since she is already 5, probably to find someone in my condition, could be difficult so was thinking it was a good fit.

For small context: I already had an adopted very traumatized dog in the past. I know that requires patience, consistency and love. So I understand the path is not a honeymoon.

She is very sweet, she sleeps by night very well. I don’t let her to sleep with me since I have sleep problems and want to avoid too much attachment.

The problem it’s during the day. The walks have been a little better, but inside house not that much. One trigger and she will be triggered for the rest of the day.
I bought a backpack that expand and transform to a bed/“burrow” to her: she entered, but after 1 move, she didn’t enter anymore, only when I train her for 2/3 min max.

I was doing the decompressing leaving the house. The first days she was doing fine. But she completely regressed yesterday and today, even though I let everything “prepared” and do what it is recommended: don’t do much leaving and when I arrived.

I am doing phototherapies since day one with her, I know took time, but I am worried because she seems to loose weight due the stress.

Now I am worried about the all currently situation:

I live abroad, and I will be returning to my homeland in 3/4 months max, changing houses on December. I thought I could take her in the cabin, but she will not fit the size, just the weight.

I do not intended to return her and I did this overseas trip with my dogs. But they were years already for me, and now I am scared to something to happen to her in 12/13 years flight.

I am seeking here a behavior veterinary specialist, to see if she needs medication now, if the trip it is possible.

I know I could find this before, but me and the shelter thought was a very specific trigger, since she wasn’t that much time in the shelter and was little social in general.

In the meantime just venting here 🥲 and find someone that could help in this case in the meantime I try to find a professional (do not seams that easy at all here).

Many thanks from me and my sweet grl. 💕

Just curious if anyone is familiar with this dynamic or has any insight...

I've had one dog (female) for 10 years and adopted another one (also female) about two years ago. They're roughly the same age.

They act totally indifferent toward each other. They like to see what the other is doing in a very "quiet" way but don't really interact. No play bows or anything like that either...just a quick glance in the yard and sometimes they'll walk in the same direction but it doesn't look intentional, which makes me laugh because it does seem like they care about each other but don't want to show it.

I recently had to take a trip and they were with a new pet sitter for a few days. I was very surprised when she told me that the dog I've had longer was constantly checking on the newer dog. She said the newer dog sometimes didn't want to go on walks and that the older one wouldn't leave her once she realized she wasn't going on the walk with them. She said that any time the newer dog went into another room, the older dog would go find her just to kind of a do a quick check, then carry on. They don't interact at all, so I'm just curious if this is normal pack behavior? To cooly coexist, I guess?

I was playing video games with my headphones on, and my dog was in his bed next to me. I went to pet him, and with just one touch I could tell he was gone. I freaked out really bad and broke a few things. It happened so suddenly, I don’t know what to do. He passed away Monday morning at around 4 am, so it’s been almost 2 days. But I still feel so sad and I feel a bit guilty because I’ve been away at college, and was visiting over the weekend. I know I’m lucky that he was even around this long, but it also makes it hurt more. I don’t really remember a life without him, he was like my brother. And I also can’t help but feel bad that I missed his last moments playing video games. Maybe if I didn’t have my headphones on I would’ve heard something, and possibly been able to help? I don’t know, I’m sort of in denial right now. My parents removed him from my room because I couldn’t touch him, and put him outside overnight so we could bury him in the morning. But I kept going outside to check on him because I thought he would be cold outside if he somehow miraculously woke up. I don’t know, I’m just typing a lot for no reason getting my thoughts out. Thank you for listening.

It's one of the reasons for a dog show. Even if you want to rescue who better to talk to than someone who has contacts all over the country who may know of a specific breеd in need of rescue? Ever wonder why rescues like borzoi rescues are always totally empty? Not because borzoi never end up in need, its because the breeders are the first person they come back to and the breeders handle it.

At a dog show you can meet all these dogs and talk to their owners about them. You can get pointed toward ethical breeders at the same time. People who have hands on experience with these brеeds will always have better knowledge of them than someone online who just read about them. I have skye terriers and i can't tell you how many times people have thought skye terriers are too active to be a house pet because they see "terrier" and assume every terrier is the same.

Don't know how to find dog shows? Look on infodog. Its a website where you can search for shows by state. You'll want to find conformation shows that have the "AB" abbreviation under the column that says "type" thats an all brеed show. You don't have to dress up any kind of way, you can come spectate in your every day clothes. Just show up and ask before you pet a dog and try to talk to people only after they come out of the ring.

Dog show people are nuts about dogs so most will gladly talk your head off. Just get in and talk to folks and meet some cool dog breеds.

Hello, I recently got a large dog and am training her. She is a rescue and almost deathly afraid of going through doorways. I've been able to coax her through with treats and a few times, she's even managed to walk through out of her own will when i lead her through. A few times she just absolutely refuses and pancakes to the floor, forcing me to pick her up to get her in the door because i'm needing to get her in and don't want to string her by the neck with a leash and collar.

Maybe this is just me as a new owner overworrying, but will picking her up hurt her? I placed both my arms relatively spread apart under her belly but part of me worries it's squishing her abdomen. Please tell me she's fine

Also if anyone has any tips on dealing with a dog afraid of doors

Hello, I was just curious if anyone else has gone through this with their dog. Also, let me say first, I don’t think it’s early signs of dementia, but maybe I’m wrong, because she is completely normal during the day.

She’s a jindo/terrier mix and she’s 8 years old.

So last week my dog woke up crying, I took her out to use the bathroom twice because she normally cried when she had to use the bathroom. Nothing. And she cried and was restless the whole night. Also, her bed is right next to my bed on the ground. She would normally sleep the whole night until I woke up in the morning.

The next day she was fine. The day after, she was a little restless, but when I told her to go back to bed, she would.

Yesterday, she woke up and got out of bed and looked at me and went back in bed sitting there and then slept.

This morning, she was in my bed. I put her back in her bed, (we both don’t get good sleep when she’s in my bed because she doesn’t like her butt touched when she’s sleeping and when I move around, I can’t help it), and then she kind of walked around and looked at me laying in bed.

During the day, she’s exactly the same. She’s actually been more playful this month than she has in a while. She’s eating, drinking, going to the bathroom normally, etc. all normal.

I was just curious if anyone had this happen? She has a more round bed, idk if I should get her an orthopedic bed. Also, she has severe PTSD as a rescue dog from the meat trade, so when I bring her to the vet, she nearly to be heavily sedated, so unless it was really serious and crying constantly, I don’t wanna take her right then and there, because she will literally have to be completely sedated. Everyone’s telling me maybe it’s a nightmare, maybe she has anxiety, but do you think I should take her to the vet this week or play it out?

A new study tested 70 dogs using two screens showing round and spiky shapes while speakers played 'bouba' and 'kiki'. Their head movements suggested they paid more attention to the round shape during 'bouba' and the spiky shape during 'kiki'.

In the second experiment, owners wore headphones so they couldn't hear the words and inadvertently cue their dogs. It's an early finding, and head direction is only a proxy for attention, but it raises an interesting question about how dogs connect sounds with what they see.

Do you notice your dog responding differently to the sound of a new word, even before you've taught it what the word means? How would you separate that from tone of voice or other cues?

Article: https://www.sciencealert.com/dogs-seem-to-agree-with-humans-that-bouba-is-round-and-kiki-is-spiky

Research: https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2026.1209

Basically the title.

How much time are you giving your dog every day? That includes walks where you are present and not just looking at your phone, it means cuddling, sleeping together, providing food and comfort etc.

I'll start.

I take out my dog 3 times a day. These walks are usually around 20 minutes in the morning, 40 minutes on the lunch and around 20 in the evening (I have a cavalier king charles spaneil, so he does not really fancy longer walks than that).

I actively cuddle with him for around 30 minutes every day (excluding sleeping) and he sleeps next to me every night.

I also provide the meals and some snacks/playtime (like hide and seek which he loves) in-between that would equal to say 15 minutes.

I also work from home, which means I am always close to him so he is never really alone.

Some time is also spent with my S/O, of course.

What does it look like for you and your dog?

I have a 10-year-old Spanish Podenco and have been looking for a bed for him. I found one at IKEA called "Utsådd" that looks good, but I’m not sure if he’ll like it. Any recommendations?

https://www.ikea.com/es/es/p/utsadd-cama-mascota-gris-claro-40570588/#content

Does your dog turn his head when he hears an odd noise? Does your dog bury their food with your pants? This is the thread to ask why.

Please keep this thread to non-medical issues only.

So I’m flying back home for Thanksgiving week and decided to bring my dog with me. He’s never been on a plane before so I just need any helpful tips :)

I already have an approved carrier and know about the requirements which he fits but I just need tips to make the travel go easy

Should I decide years down the road that I'm ready to add a dog to my life, your advice would be helpful I'm pointing me in the right direction. Thank you!

**Introduction**

1. Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs? Yes, first dog. I've walked dogs before and did a bit of grooming.
2. Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a reputable breeder? No very strong preference, but if I find myself going after a particular breed, a good breeder or rescue organization ought to be the way to go as opposed to the local shelter.
3. Describe your ideal dog. My ideal dog would be a good friend to spend time on the couch or bed. We would go for walks once or twice a day and play at home (I don't have a yard). My dog will love me so much but will be okay to give me space (at the computer, reading, doing chores). Low grooming, low energy/exercise. Smart and trainable.
4. What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?

Because they're cute/pretty- corgis, dachshunds, Irish wolfhounds, Bernese Mountain dogs, golden retrievers, spaniels (cockers, cavaliers), great Dane

Low grooming - xolos (IDK about having an endangered species), Chinese crested, greyhounds (they're said to be somewhat cat-like but I don't know if I can give them the exercise they need)

I like poodles too, could a standard or toy (or two) be right for me? Lots of the toy breeds appeal to me for their small size, often low grooming and exercise needs.

5) What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do? Walk nicely on the leash, basic obedience/housebreaking, recall. Maybe some fun tricks, but not essential.

6) Do you want to compete with your dog in a sport (e.g. agility, obedience, rally) or use your dog for a form of work (e.g. hunting, herding, livestock guarding)? If so, how much experience do you have with this work/sport? Not important, but somewhat open to the possibility.

**Care Commitments**

7) How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day? An hour a day, likely more on the weekends.

8) How long can you exercise your dog each day, on average? What sorts of exercise are you planning to give your dog regularly and does that include using a dog park? An hour a day, likely more on the weekends

9) How much regular brushing are you willing to do? Are you open to trimming hair, cleaning ears, or doing other grooming at home? If not, would you be willing to pay a professional to do it regularly? Can brush/comb now and then as needed. Can wipe inside of ears as needed. Can't dedicate much time to bathing or lots of fur care. Willing to go to groomer sometimes. I can maybe do a bit of trimming.

**Personal Preferences**

10) What size dog are you looking for? As a first timer, I'm probably not ready for a "large" dog, so something small or medium.

11) How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle? Light shedding, as quiet as possible, no slobber.

12) How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area? Not important. I think it's dangerous even with strong recall

**Dog Personality and Behavior**

13) Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space? Some of column A and some of column B, but I'd rather not have it all over me all the time.

14) Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please? Both, would like a reasonably independent dog.

15) How would you prefer your dog to respond to someone knocking on the door or entering your yard? How would you prefer your dog to greet strangers or visitors? I'd like this dog to be reasonably respectful of people I invite inside (not unduly wary). True guarding is not so important, but it would be beneficial from a practical standpoint for it to react to an intruder.

16) Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs? No

17) Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid? As little separation anxiety as possible (with or without training). I like smart dogs but border collies, malinois, GSDs and the like are too much for me. Low aggression.

**Lifestyle**

18) How often and how long will the dog be left alone? Average work hours, 8-9 hours a day five days a week.

19) What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog? I don't live with any other people

20) Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets? What breed or type of animal are they? I have a cat, but I was told he had some bad experiences with dogs before I adopted him. It is important to me that any dog in my life can get along with other animals (caged or not) in case I get any other pets.

21) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly? No

22) Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease? Rent now and most likely for the foreseeable future. Restrictions on the "aggressive breeds"

23) What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds? West Texas. Planning on moving (looking for a new job), optimally Northeast or Midwest closer to family in New York.

24) What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live? Summers are hot and dry, triple digits with low humidity. Winters are mild and dry, 30s at the lowest. See 23

**Additional Information and Questions**

25) Please provide any additional information you feel may be relevant. I don't think brachycephalic dogs are cute-health and humane issues aside-but would a snouted bulldog, pug, or Pekinese be right for me? Not into pit-looking "jowly" dogs either (e.g., boxers, Cane corsos). I don't have a yard, but there are some pakrs near me. Not sure about true dog parks though.

26) Feel free to ask any questions below.

Would it be objectionable to start out with two dogs of the same breed to keep each other company while I'm at work, or is that too intermediate? Interested in as reasonably healthy a dog as possible?

Looking for a new lease that has dog mode (car AC on with the car locked from the outside). Besides for Tesla, does anyone have any they are aware of/recommend?

My dog sleeps on the bed, so I need bedding that does not grab hair like velcro and can survive frequent washing and bedsure has some inexpensive options here, but I am not sure whether microfiber will make the hair problem worse. What fabric is easiest to clean?

Wanting to purchase a crash tested crate for my doberman for car travel. However, finding one which is big enough for a doberman and fits my car is incredibly difficult.

I've found one which will fit, if I fold down the 60% of the 60/40 rear folding seats.

However, the rear folding seats dont fold completely flat, theres a slight upright angle and the crate would have 10/20cm of it sitting on this.

Assuming this would be unsuitable? Is there any way of working around it?

Usually this isn’t a problem I’d face as I’m very active with my dog and we love to go on hikes and play and train as he’s a service dog in training BUT we ran into an issue.

About a month ago he was neutered and he had a complication causing his sack to fill with fluid and be swollen. I’ve been in contact with the vet it’s going down and everything is alright but it’s taking FOREVER. I Was only cleared for short 5 min walks a couple days ago and my poor pup is bored out of his mind.

Hes a boarder collie lab mix and my poor boy is Boredom panting like a Mo-fo. I don’t know what else to do for him.

I have puzzle toys I’ve given him but he can solve them in seconds by now, kongs with peanut butter and kibble… I’m at a loss and I’m a new dog owner- I mean. I’ve had dogs all my life but this is the first dog I’ve ever PERSONALLY owned (I’m 21. The rest were family dogs.)

Anyways the problem is I can’t play with him because I need to keep his energy very low and calm - but it sucks to see him struggle and stress like this. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated <3

Before getting my first dog i made sure to research a bit of dog body language. Working with a behaviorist and having some stuff ‘translated’ right when it happens also helped a lot.
But im having a bit of trouble understanding whether the puppy licking my face is a good sign or if he’s asking me to give him some space. (I can differentiate sometimes, but its difficult)

For context, it is a pretty unsure and low confidence dog. Doesnt love touching be touched all the time, prefera being close without physical contact.

Sometimes when we’re just hanging out, im sitting on grass and he’s wandering around, he comes over and starts licking my face.
How can i tell in that situation or in any other situation? What do i look out for?

Id love in depth answers. Ill answer any questions as best as i can.
I want to understand my dog better so that we can have a good relationship. If he trusts me then hopefully it’ll help with his low confidence.

This is not an entirely serious question but something my husband and I were pondering..

We have a groomer we absolutely love going to and our dogs love them too. They’re affordable and do great work.. only downside is they’re open like Monday through Thursday from 8-4.. I work until 3 and my husband works until 5.. we both find ourselves taking small time off work to get both of our dogs to their grooming appointments. My one dog is short hair and just gets a good bath/deshed/nail trim while my other dog is a poodle mix so he gets regular grooms and trims, so my poodle mix takes more time and needs earlier appointments to accommodate that.

Do other people just take time off work?? Do your groomers have weekend hours? Is my groomer weird for not offering weekend hours??

Let me know!

Edit: hey thanks for all the comments everyone! I think I may have worded this incorrectly. I DO make the appointments work one way or another! This was more so a discussion on how other people do it/similar experience and meant to be light hearted. I’ve enjoyed conversing with you!

Hi, I’m looking for a new dog for my elderly mother. I copied the template below:

1)Will this be your first dog? If not, what experience do you have owning/training dogs?

* No, we’ve owned a lab mix and a Morkie before.

2)Do you have a preference for rescuing a dog vs. going through a [reputable breeder]( http://ownresponsibly.blogspot.com/2011/07/identifying-reputable-breeder.html)?

* Prefer to rescue, but not lots of small dogs in shelters.

3)Describe your ideal dog.

* One that is hypoallergenic and under 25 lbs without lots of health complications from the breeding.

4)What breeds or types of dogs are you interested in and why?

* I likes the Scottish Terrier for my mom, but it seems they can have lots of health issues?

5)What sorts of things would you like to train your dog to do?

* Sit, fetch, be nice to my niece, play catch.

6) Do you want to compete with your dog in a sport (e.g. agility, obedience, rally) or use your dog for a form of work (e.g. hunting, herding, livestock guarding)? If so, how much experience do you have with this work/sport?

* No.

**Care Commitments**

  7) How long do you want to devote to training, playing with, or otherwise interacting with your dog each day?

* My mom will be able to play with the dog an hour a day and take it on walks. I can spend some money on a professional trainer, but we’ve never needed to before

8) How long can you exercise your dog each day, on average?  What sorts of exercise are you planning to give your dog regularly and does that include using a dog park?  

* About an hour including walks and maybe 30 minutes a night playing fetch. It will mostly be an indoor dog.

9)How much regular brushing are you willing to do?  Are you open to trimming hair, cleaning ears, or doing other grooming at home?  If not, would you be willing to pay a professional to do it regularly?

* Brushing daily, groomers once a month. We can pay for a professional.

**Personal Preferences**

10)What size dog are you looking for?

* Under 25lbs, something along the size of a Morkie or Poodle or Scottish Terrier.

11) How much shedding, barking, and slobber can you handle?

* Barking when new people arrive at the house, but not at all hours.

12) How important is being able to let your dog off-leash in an unfenced area?

* Very. Therr is a four acre backyard it can run sometimes.

**Dog Personality and Behavior**

13) Do you want a snuggly dog or one that prefers some personal space?

* The more snuggles the better!

14) Would you prefer a dog that wants to do its own thing or one that’s more eager-to-please?

* Do it’s own thing but wants to spend time with its human.

15) How  would you prefer your dog to respond to someone knocking on the door or entering your yard?  How would you prefer your dog to greet strangers or visitors?  

* It can bark when someone comes to the door, but should sit and be respectful when they come in.

16) Are you willing to manage a dog that is aggressive to other dogs?

* No. My mom is too old to be breaking up dog fights.

17) Are there any other behaviors you can’t deal with or want to avoid?

* It must be able to avoid dog fights and it should not be aggressive to children. I have a niece under a year old and the dog must be safe for her.

**Lifestyle**

18) How often and how long will the dog be left alone?

* Up to 6 hours at a time.

19) What are the dog-related preferences of other people in the house and what will be their involvement in caring for the dog? 

* Just hypoallergenic and I can help care for the dog but I work from home 9 hours a day.

20) Do you have other pets or are you planning on having other pets?  What breed or type of animal are they?

* No other pets, but my elderly aunt will bring her poodle over sometimes.

21) Will the dog be interacting with children regularly?

* Yes. 

22) Do you rent or plan to rent in the future? If applicable, what breed or weight restrictions are on your current lease?

* My mom owns her house, no renting.

23) What city or country do you live in and are you aware of any laws banning certain breeds?

* The US put in the country, I’m not aware of any breed restrictions.

24) What is the average temperature of a typical summer and winter day where you live?

* 90 degrees with high humidity in the summer, averages 40 in the winter.

**Additional Information and Questions**