Blog posts Categorized under ‘Amazing Pet News’

If you’re like any other red-blooded, dog-loving American, you get kisses from your pooch— now, experts are saying that endearing slobber just might have the answer to cancer treatment.

According to Fox News, researchers have discovered the DNA on Rover’s tongue could aid in treating cancer in both animals and humans.

Dr. Mark Neff, the director of the new Tgen-VARI Program for Canine Health and Performance told the news provider that by studying dog DNA, they believe they can learn more about treatment.

“Rare diseases in humans also show up in dogs,” Neff told Fox News. “By studying the DNA of canines, we expect to more quickly discover the genomic causes of diseases and more quickly find ways to better treat dogs and people.”

According to 10News.com, the study will focus on sarcomas, or cancer that originates in bones, cartilage and fat.

Dr. Jeffery Trent,President and Research Director for TGen and VARI, told 10News.com that researchers are working strategically to learn more about the dog genome.

“The Human Genome Project provided a new playbook for biomedical research and patient care,” Trent told the news source. “As we begin to catalog the dog genome, we have the opportunity to really understand a number of the problems that afflict the dog, but also a number of possible health solutions for people.”

Fred Krause and his family haven’t yet decided on a name for their new dog, but considering it was hit by a train, “Lucky” might be a good option.

Krause, a freight train worker in Clinton, Utah told ABC 4 he was horrified when he saw the small Shih Tzu on the tracks.

“Most of the time there is nothing you can do about it,” Krause, who was operating the train, told the Associated Press.

Krause told the news provider that the train was going too fast to stop and feared the worst when he heard the locomotive run over the eight-pound dog.

But because of its small stature the pup was left dazed but ultimately unharmed.

“My heart went out to the little guy,” Krause told AP. “The last thing I expected was to find him alive. He looked like he had his bell rung pretty good.”

After a veterinary check-up and a clean bill of dog health, Krause took the Shih Tzu home.

According to AP, Krause and his family have yet to name the pup, but are considering “Bullet” – “because he has dodged a few.”

When Oscar Segovia and his family were asleep on an early Sunday morning, they were annoyed when Scooter, their 1-year-old Shih Tzu, wouldn’t stop barking, the Miami Herald reported.

Segovia said that although Scooter often barked, he always quieted down after awhile. When the Segovia’s finally arose, they found a car in their driveway had caught fire and quickly spread to the attic of their home.

Because Scooter woke them up during the fire, the family was able to escape safely while firefighters put out the flames. Although no one was harmed in the fire, the Segovias, now homeless, are looking to identify the specific cause of the fire.

“This car has been parked in the same place since 9:30 last night,” Segovia told ABC Action News. “…I don’t know how to explain it.”

Humans who overcome significant trauma often become inspirational platforms for others.

A Beagle named Champ is learning that animals too can be motivational.

Upon seeing the puppy who was doused with acid by his owner, veterinarians and animal workers worked to restore the pup to normal dog health.

The puppy, who was found nearly dead with over 85 percent of his body burned, has since become a source of comfort for wounded Iraq veterans, says the website ChamptheMiracleDog.org.

Champ has appeared on a talk show and received more than 11,000 letters a day from fans who were inspired by his story, according to NorthJersey.com.

Champ’s new owner, Mike Martin, has been taking the dog to various forums to talk about how a person’s external appearance has no bearing on their good nature, just like Champ.

“This dog was wounded and he has scars left over from it, and yet, he’s still showing unconditional love,” Martin said.

While many pet owners provide pet care to ensure their animals are happy and safe, many do not realize that their furry friends have their back as well.

Jake Vernon is wheelchair-bound due to an accident that happened a decade ago. While he lay in bed on St. Patrick’s Day, he noticed his Pit Bull, Gracie, would not stop barking, according to PeoplePets.com.

He had previously taken medication to help with a broken leg he had suffered during a mishap, and Vernon was still pretty groggy when Gracie tried to wake him. Upon opening his eyes, Vernon discovered that his room was on fire and Gracie had been trying alert him.

As he scrambled into his wheelchair and tried to make it out the backdoor, Gracie stayed with him the entire time, trying to protect him from the fire. Upon getting out of the house safely, Vernon noticed everyone’s adoration for his beloved Gracie.

"I was seeing a big firefighter, 6-foot-6, and he got down on his hands and knees and hugged that dog with everything he had and he kept saying, ‘This this is the best animal in the world,’ " he told PeoplePets.com.