Dog News

SINGAPORE: A maid who, following her employer’s instructions, abused a pet poodle by hitting it and suspending it from a balcony railing, was sentenced to nine months in jail on Tuesday (Nov 26). Myanmar national Junny Lal Awn Pui, 26, was found guilty of three counts of animal cruelty under the Animals and Cruelty Act. A National Parks Board (NParks) veterinary report said multiple acts of abuse most likely led to the death of the male brown dog, known as Boyboy. Earlier this year, a Facebook post by Derrick Tan, the president of the charity Voice for Animals, showed closed-circuit television footage of Junny Lal Awn Pui hitting the dog. In one video, she is seen holding the dog down on the ground by its neck as she hits it with her hand. As the dog struggles, she hits it twice with a long, rigid rod-like object. In another video, she uses the rod to hit the dog’s head while it is tied to a tap. The dog is also seen leashed and left to hang in its harness from the balcony railing. According to court documents, Junny Lal Awn Pui had received instructions from her employer, a 37-year-old woman named Heng, regarding the care of the dog, which was estimated to be 15 years old. The dog had belonged to Heng’s boyfriend, a 43-year-old man named Lai. Lai and his previous girlfriend, Yap, had adopted the dog when they found it along Rochor Road in January 2015.  Lai would keep the dog at his home following his breakup with Yap in 2018. But after he entered a relationship with Heng, both agreed to keep the dog at Heng’s home. Lai installed a motion-sensor recording device on the balcony where the dog slept. The full names of Heng, Lai and Yap were redacted. HIT, HUNG AND HIT AGAIN Under Heng’s instructions to Junny Lal Awn Pui, Boyboy was to be treated separately from Heng’s other two dogs. It was to be confined to the balcony and rarely permitted into the rest of the home. The segregation extended to feeding practices, with Heng instructing her maid to feed Boyboy separately on the balcony, away from her other two dogs. In one instance of abuse caught on camera on the morning of Jan 22, 2024, Junny Lal Awn Pui was seen pinning the dog to the ground and hitting it with her hand, before hitting the dog’s head forcefully with a rod-like object. She did this as she had been instructed by Heng to hit the dog if it started to eat without being told to do so. Heng made the rod by rolling up pet food packaging. About an hour later that morning, Junny Lal Awn Pui, again acting on Heng’s instructions, tied and hung Boyboy about 30cm from the ground by its harness. This was done to expose it to the sun, ostensibly to reduce the dog’s odour. The maid would then hit Boyboy’s head two more times with the rod, causing it to bark in pain. The dog remained motionless after it was hit a second time.  These three acts, all caught on camera, took place between 9.52am and 11.46am The amount of force inflicted on Boyboy would have very likely “caused pain and a head concussion” to the dog due to its size in proportion to the force of impact, prosecutors said, with one vet’s report stating that they “very likely contributed the most to its death”. BOYBOY’S DEATH At about 12pm, Boyboy was tied to a short leash under direct sunlight at the balcony. It lay motionless on its left side with its hind legs extended forward, with occasional trembling and twitching. Junny Lal Awn Pui was instructed by Heng at 1.24pm to check on Boyboy. The maid found the dog biting its tongue and bleeding from its mouth. She informed her employer, and the two checked Boyboy and found that the dog had already died. Junny Lal Awn Pui then picked up Boyboy and tossed its body to one side of the balcony. “There were also no visible signs of respiration from (Boyboy), which had died as a result of the repeated beatings received from the accused,” prosecutors said. Sometime later that day, Heng contacted Mandai Pet Sanctuary to arrange for the dog’s carcass to be collected for cremation. The carcass was transported to Mandai and placed inside a fridge after Heng informed the driver to hold off on the cremation, as she wanted to inform her boyfriend and Boyboy’s owner, Lai, first. OWNER SUSPICIOUS Heng then drove herself and Junny Lal Awn Pui to Lai’s house at around 5pm, where they waited until he returned home at 10pm. Heng celebrated Lai’s birthday and informed him about his dog’s death after the celebrations. Boyboy was cremated at Mandai the next day. On viewing the carcass, Lai noticed that the dog’s limbs were straightened and became suspicious, as it had been very active the day before it died. Lai then reviewed CCTV footage, which revealed Junny Lal Awn Pui’s abuses. This prompted him to meet with his ex-girlfriend Yap on Jan 25, who then lodged a report with NParks. Boyboy’s possessions, including its bowl, soap, brush, towel and toy bone, the rod, as well as the CCTV camera, were disposed of by Heng on Jan 24, two days after the acts of abuse. “The vet report indicates that (Boyboy) experienced “severe pain and suffering” and that “it is very likely that the blows to the head would have caused the dog to suffer painful head trauma and subsequent incapacitation”, prosecutors argued. “In the absence of any other likely contributing factors, the repeated traumatic beatings would have very likely caused the death of (Boyboy), the prosecutors added, citing the vet report. Junny Lal Awn Pui had been employed by Heng since Dec 16 last year. CNA has asked NParks if any action will be taken against her employer. Read More

Longtime fans of Kaley Cuoco and her social media presence probably remember her dog Shirley, who stopped appearing on her Instagram feed a few years ago. On November 24, Cuoco finally explained that she’d had to rehome her beloved dog, who recently died of cancer, because she was getting into fights with other family pets. “Most of you know I had [Shirley] for many, many, many years, and all of a sudden, you kind of stopped seeing her,” Cuoco said in a video, posted to IG. “And I started to get a lot of questions as to where she was, because it’s very unlike me to just stop posting about a dog that I’ve had since she was 6 weeks old.” Cuoco explained that Shirley was a very special dog to her, but when “the love of my life” Tom Pelphrey—Cuoco’s fiancé with whom she shares baby daughter Matilda—came into her life a couple years ago, he moved across the country with his own beloved German shepherd named Blue. “Unfortunately, Blue and Shirley started getting into some mega fights,” Cuoco said. “And Shirley was determined to kill him,” she added with a laugh. “Shirley had gotten into other dog fights before and it really scared me,” Cuoco continued, even though Shirley always loved people, kids, and families. “I mean, I cherished that dog.” The Flight Attendant actor said she was very worried that Shirley was going to hurt another animal or possibly even a person who got in the middle, and so made the difficult decision that Shirley couldn’t continue living with the family, even though she loved her so much. The internet tends to have a strong reaction whenever anyone rehomes a dog (Rachel Leviss and the Graham affair comes to mind), but Kaley Cuoco said in her video that she felt it was important to be honest about what happened, because she’s sure that other families have had to make this difficult decision also. Read More

An animal shelter has shattered hearts by sharing a clip of a senior dog moments after she was surrendered by her family. In May, the Midwest Animal ResQ posted a video on Instagram of Daisy, an 8-year-old Great Dane who had been “unceremoniously dropped off” at the shelter because her family was “too busy” to care for her. The video shows Daisy standing and staring out the window, whining and panting as a shelter member tries to comfort her. In the post’s caption, the shelter, under the handle @marqkc, wrote, “It’s been 30 minutes, and she just shakes, cries, and looks out the window for her people to return.” Erin Morse, the founder and director of Midwest Animal ResQ, told Newsweek: “Sadly we have seen a huge increase in people giving up very senior pets. Just this week we had a 15-year-old dog [and] a pair of 17-year-old cats.” Screenshots of an Instagram reel showing Daisy the Great Dane, who was left at a shelter after eight years with her family. Her owners were warned that it was unlikely she would be adopted and… Instagram @marqkc “Shelter life is difficult on any animal, but it is a particularly difficult transition for seniors,” she continued. “Unfortunately, the stress of being in a shelter proves fatal to some of these animals, as they simply cannot cope.” In the post, a staff member wrote that they had warned Daisy’s family that, because of her age, she was unlikely to be adopted. They also told her owners, “There is a real chance she may die here.” Still, the family unloaded her kennel and drove away. “Everything she’s ever known, gone in an instant,” the shelter wrote. “My heart is broken, but not nearly as much as hers.” Great Danes have a life expectancy of between 7 and 10 years, according to the American Kennel Club. Potential owners should be prepared to care for a dog of such height, weight and strength. Danes can grow up to 32 inches high and weigh up to 175 pounds. Screenshots of an Instagram reel showing Daisy. The senior dog was heartbroken and confused at being left behind. Instagram @marqkc The rescue ended the post: “Our pets give us their unconditional love, the least we can do is return the favor when they are in the twilight of their life. I’m so so sorry sweet girl. The world failed you.” However, Morse said Daisy’s story had a happy ending after all: She has been adopted and is now living out her twilight years in what is hopefully her true forever home. Morse told Newsweek that all pet owners should “have a long-term plan for any animal that is part of their family, even as they get to be seniors and not as ‘fun’ as they once were.” “There are resources across the country to help people keep pets in their homes, whether that be with providing low-cost veterinary care or supplies,” she said, adding that owners should “consider pet care as part of their estate planning.” Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our “Pet of the Week” lineup. Read More

A dog who has waited patiently for over a year in a shelter for her forever home has become a social media hit as animal lovers try everything to get her adopted. Melia, described as a nervous black dog, had spent 413 days at Hempstead Animal Shelter in New York as of Tuesday October 29. Shelter worker Lu, who has volunteered at Hempstead for five years, has shone a spotlight on Melia, saying the organization is the dog’s “only hope.” “She will not get out without our help,” Lu said. Lu’s Instagram page regularly features dogs who struggle to be adopted without a special push, and after helping shelter dog Bullseye get adopted, Lu has changed the account’s Instagram name to @adopt_melia_and_friends and is now posting daily clips and photos of Melia. “I feature pups that are struggling getting placed or just invisible and need to be seen,” Lu told Newsweek. One post on Melia has been seen by thousands of people, racking up over 21,000 likes in just two days since being shared on October 27. It shows Melia lying in a kennel, looking lonesome and staring out through the bars, alongside the words: “No one picks the nervous black dog. Now she is wasting away at 410 days here.” Melia has been looking for a home for 413 days. Her owners initially came back for her, but she ended back in the shelter not long after. Instagram @adopt_melia_and_friends The pup originally arrived at the shelter in 2022, after being found “hungry and alone in an apartment after her owners left her behind,” Lu said. Not long after being admitted, a family member reclaimed her—but she was back at the shelter months later. A foster placement proved short-lived “due to an incident in the home,” and the shelter is hoping for a “patient home” for Melia, “where she can learn there are good people who want to do right by her.” Shelter director Ashley Behrens told Newsweek: “Melia is a sweet but nervous dog who was taken from evictions both times she came in. The first time her owner came for her and the second time they did not. “Since she is a nervous dog, she does have a bite history because of her fear, but given the space she needs to grow accustomed to an individual, once she feels comfortable with you she is great!” Melia is still nervous in the kennels, but is hitting what shelter workers describe as “mini milestones,” and once outside is “eager to run, play and engage.” Melia needs a patient home, preferably with someone who has experience around nervous dogs. Shelter workers are confident she will “shine” with the right person. Instagram @adopt_melia_and_friends Lu told Newsweek: “She has a sad story of being abandoned by her family and then shuffled around, and we would like to finally find a home that will be her forever. Someone with experience with nervous dogs would be very beneficial to her thriving. She needs an adult-only home. Low-key dogs are a maybe if the meet and greets go well.” Behrens added: “Her perfect home would be a quiet one with not much traffic and someone who would be patient with her and help build her confidence. Given the right owner, Melia will shine.” Instagram users responded with kind words to Melia’s story, with one commenter writing: “Sweet Melia. Nervous dogs are usually the most loving pets, once they feel comfortable and safe.” “Black dogs are amazing,” another agreed, while one optimistic commenter predicted: “I’m telling ya, this dog will be somebody’s world.” And as one put it: “410 days. It hurts me so bad knowing that she’s been in there that long.” An estimated 6.3 million animals enter shelters each year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Around 4.1 million are adopted each year, including 2 million dogs. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup. Read More

Stay-at-home mum Sarah Moore was scrolling through social media when she came across a post about a tiny chihuahua called Bella. Without hesitation, the 55-year-old swooped in to rescue the pup from her less-than-stellar living conditions as the pooch was living in a van and “had only ever eaten Chinese food”. When Sarah took the dog to the vet it was revealed she had lost most of her teeth due to this diet and her nails were overgrown too. Luckily, Bella easily integrated into the Moore home alongside Sarah’s two Labradors and three other chihuahuas. However, the Suffolk mum understood Bella wasn’t the only precious pet facing worsening conditions after the pandemic saw a surge in people getting pets only for the cost of living crisis to devastate their pet budgets. Plans to return to the office have also seen more and more pets turning into strays as their owners no longer have the time or money to look after them. This tore at the mum-of-three, who said: “Here in Suffolk, dogs are being found in different places every day, just left and tied to fences. These poor dogs need more people to help them. I felt I had to do something.” Sarah wanted to help the countless other pups in similar situations as Bella was (Image: Sarah Moore) While she couldn’t take in every Bella she spotted on social media, she did start supporting local animal charities. Yet she didn’t have as much disposable income to share with the cause due to the cost of living crisis as her dog food and vet bills also skyrocketed. However, she soon discovered a different way she could help without costing herself a penny as her local animal charity, Suffolk Animal Rescue, is a cause on easyfundraising. In return for using the platform to do her online shopping, the companies she buys from donates a percentage of her purchase to the charities of her choice without adding any extra expense to her bill. Sarah said: “I’ll do my supermarket shopping at Sainsbury’s via easyfundraising, and a donation will go to SAR just from my food shop. When that starts adding up it’s incredible. It doesn’t take up any time and doesn’t cost any money. You just sign up and then visit their site or open their app before you shop, that’s it.” So far, Sarah has raised £240 for SAR without spending an extra penny for it and this figure will likely rise as she plans to do her Christmas shopping through the website. More than 190,000 causes are listed on easyfundraising with over £57million in funding being generated for them through the platform. Story Saved You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Read More

The devastating story of a dog that was abandoned before Hurricane Milton in Florida has moved social media users—but now she’s found a foster home and will see what real, unconditional love truly is. Winnie, thought to be a retriever and Newfoundland mix, was found outside a home in Tampa two days after Milton made landfall on October 9. She was spotted by Dominique Amerosa, director of Rags to Riches Animal Rescue, who saw her lying outside alone, looking extremely malnourished. Amerosa told Newsweek that Winnie’s former owner evacuated and rather than finding proper care for the dog, she was “put outside right before the hurricane.” instead. It’s unclear how she managed to survive the Category 3 storm, which killed at least 24 people and left over 3 million residents without power. With a bit of encouragement and support, Amerosa managed to get Winnie into her car and took her straight to the vet. She was given medication to treat a problem with her eyes, as well as a dewormer, and had blood work and X-rays taken. A biopsy of the growth on her snout is being done. Winnie was rescued two days after Hurricane Milton hit Tampa, Florida. She is now in a temporary foster home before moving to a long-term one. @ragstorichesanimalrescu / TikTok “She was malnourished, starved and stiff from laying in the same spot,” Amerosa said. “We have no idea how she managed to survive because Milton was terrible here. “Her owner suffered from dementia, and the family was well aware that she had a dog, and yet they still chose to put the dog outside when evacuating her instead of providing care for the animal,” she said. When she was first rescued, Winnie was taken in as a temporary foster pet for a couple of weeks while Rags to Riches Animal Rescue searched for a longer-term placement. It has finally managed to secure a permanent foster home for her, and she will be moving there in the coming days. Winnie was said to be very quiet initially in the foster home, but after a few days she started learning how to “act like a dog” again. Now, her true personality is beginning to shine through, which Amerosa said is “so heartwarming to see.” It will no doubt take the poor pup a while to recover from what she’s been through, and she needs to gain a lot of weight. But Amerosa is hopeful that she will get adopted in the future, as she’d make such a wonderful pet. “She’s very docile and laid-back, but she loves playing and chewing a bone, carrying toys around and even snuggling up on a bed that someone kindly sent her. She will be up for adoption soon. She seems to really love other dogs, so I would suggest a home with another pet because she’d need to have a friend.” How Did Social Media React? Footage showing the moment Winnie was rescued was shared on Rags to Riches’ TikTok account (@ragstorichesanimalrescu). The video later shows how much happier she looks in her foster home, as she is seen lying on a bed receiving some fuss. The caption layered over the clip reads: “Winnie got dealt a bad hand, but now she’s only ever [going to] know love.” The post went viral with more than 31,100 views and 3,700 likes on TikTok in just days. Many users praised the work that Amerosa’s rescue organization does, and she hopes it will encourage others to help an animal in need. “I always recommend to people that if you see something, say something because it could save a life,” she told Newsweek. Among the commenters on the viral TikTok post, many were devastated by Winnie’s story and thanked Amerosa for saving her life. One wrote: “And she’s just waiting by the front door for them to come home. That breaks my heart. How can you do that to an animal.” Another said: “Poor puppy, she just looks so defeated. So glad she’s safe now.” “My heart is broken for this sweet baby. Thank you for saving this love,” a user added. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup. Read More

Bringing a newborn into the family might ruffle some fur among your pets. It’s a big change for them because they’re used to undivided attention. One dog recently showed how he truly felt about the adjustment. Richard the bull terrier is known to sleep in whatever small space is available—under the stairs, in a cardboard box, etc.—the owner told Newsweek via TikTok. But where she found him one day napping was a first. In the November 5 TikTok video posted on the account @richard_and_russell, the owner walks into the hallway unprepared for Richard’s new sleeping spot. The family recently welcomed a newborn, and that, of course, means endless new supplies. Richard saw an empty stroller outfitted with a padded bed and thought it “looked like a good option.” He climbed into the stroller and claimed it as his. Unbothered that he was caught, he stared back at his owner as if it were his stroller the whole time. In his mind, “he is the baby,” and no newborn will ever take that title away from him. The text on the video reads: “I think Richard is struggling to adjust to the new baby…” An owner found her dog in the new baby’s stroller. She thinks the dog might be struggling to cope with the newborn. @richard_and_russell/TikTok Richard’s reaction to being around baby items isn’t uncommon. A change in family dynamics can be hard on pets, which is why the preparation and introduction period is crucial. An article on the website Chewy recommends that owners prepare their pets before the baby comes home by pretending to carry the baby, taking your dog on a walk with a stroller, exposing it to baby sounds and setting up the nursery. When it comes time to bring home the baby, slow and supervised meetings are key. Keep it short and sweet to start. Reward the pet with good behavior. It’s also important to keep its routine and still provide it with exercise and enrichment. Viewers were cracking up over where the owner found Richard. As of Thursday, the TikTok video had amassed over 241,100 views, 22,600 likes and 419 comments. “It’s the ‘Can I help you?’ look for me,” commented one user. Some wrote about what Richard was likely thinking, such as “If I fits I sits!” and “I’m the baby of this house don’t be mistaken.” Others demanded the owner treat Richard like the baby he is: “Richard should be wrapped up warm at this time of year, babies can’t regulate temperature the way we do.” Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup. Read More

A couple from Connecticut was trying to have a chill date night at home when their boxer dog realized there was cheese involved and would not leave them to it without getting her share (“share” meaning all of it.) In a viral TikTok video posted on Tuesday under the username @princess.poppyyy, Poppy the boxer can be seen sitting in the living room, right next to a charcuterie board, staring at her owners. “POV [Point of view]: Mom and dad are trying to have a date night but there’s cheese,” text laid over the clip said. A caption added: “A princess expects her cheese tax paid promptly and in full.” More From Newsweek Vault: Walmart+ Members Get New Perk Aimed at Pet Owners Despite being given multiple pieces, Poppy still wasn’t happy. She started whining and barking, hoping that her owners would cave in and give her more. If you’re a dog owner you’ve probably had to pay cheese tax too. But is this delicious treat actually safe for our pups? More From Newsweek Vault: Lemonade Pet Insurance Review British animal charity Blue Cross says that while cheese is not toxic to canines, not all dogs can have it. Dogs who are lactose intolerant, overweight, suffer from upset tummies, or have kidney problems are better off staying away from any kind of cheese or dairy. If your dog has none of the above problems, then some cheese in moderation is not likely to hurt. However, not all cheeses are safe for them. More From Newsweek Vault: The Top Rewards Credit Cards for Pet Owners According to an article on the website Dogster that was medically reviewed by veterinarian Dr. Lorna Whittemore, cheeses that dogs cannot eat, even in minimal quantities, include blue cheese—which can cause seizures—Brie, cream cheese, feta, goat cheese, provolone, and any cheeses with herbs, onion, garlic, and spices. On the other hand, cheeses that are considered safe for our pups’ consumption, though only in small quantities, include cheddar, cottage cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan and Swiss. A stock image shows a boxer dog standing on a carpet. A couple was having a date night at home, but their dog smelled their cheese board so they had to pay “cheese tax.” Getty Images If your dog loves cheese, you can also use it as a high-value reward for training, giving a small square only when they are exceptionally good. The video of Poppy quickly went viral on TikTok, and has so far received more than 936,800 views and 139,600 likes on the platform. One user, Harry’s Headlines, commented: “Very relaxing and romantic. No distraction at all.” Melanie said: “You need to pay the cheese tax first. In fact she needs her own poppycuterie board!” Meg added: “Poppy’s feelings are so valid. I, too, will cry if not given cheese.” Newsweek reached out to @princess.poppyyy for comment. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup. Read More

In a heart-wrenching post on Reddit‘s r/NoStupidQuestions, a user has shared how a tragic accident has left them struggling to move forward. While trying to help a friend who had just had a newborn, the Redditor took in the friend’s dog so it could enjoy a spacious garden. However, despite their vigilance, the French bulldog named Archie slipped into the user’s swimming pool and drowned. “So long story short, my best friend just had her second baby… I offered to help watch their dog because they live in an apartment and I have a big garden,” the user wrote in the post. While preparing to go out, they momentarily lost sight of the dog and discovered too late that Archie had fallen into the pool. “He was still warm and soft. I tried to do CPR for over 20 minutes… I was hysterical,” the Redditor said. “They don’t blame me, but obviously I should have been more careful and it was my responsibility.” As well as damage to the friends’ relationship, the poster said they were also worried about their seven-year-old son who witness the incident. “How can we get over this?” they asked, searching for guidance on managing the trauma, restoring the friendship, and forgiving themselves. A file photo of a pool behind a locked gate. After a dog’s tragic death on her watch, a woman asked the internet how she will forgive herself. avtk/Getty Images The post has thousands of upvotes and hundreds of responses on Reddit where people were quick to share their reactions. “Apologize as much as you can. Invest in a pool fence…this will show your friends you’ve taken this seriously,” suggested user MarzyMalyss. While Redditor Ninj-nerd1998 echoed the idea and said: “One thing you should definitely do is install a fence around your pool if you haven’t got one already. They exist to prevent things like that.” Psychologist and relationship expert Veronica West shared her thoughts on the tragic scenario. “This is one of those unexpected pop quiz scenarios that life throws at you when the questions are in a foreign language,” she told Newsweek. “You intervened out of love and good intentions, but destiny turned your life upside down.” West noted that feelings of guilt are a common response to accidental loss, emphasizing that guilt often serves as “your brain’s way of ensuring you care.” She suggested that the Redditor write down positive memories they shared with Archie as a way to counterbalance self-blame and, if the guilt remains overwhelming, to consider speaking with a therapist who can help “evict that pesky voice in your head that says, ‘This is all on me.’” When it comes to helping the child who witnessed the tragic incident, West said that communication is key. She recommended creating a small memorial activity, such as planting flowers or sharing favorite memories of Archie. “Kids can be surprisingly wise when given the chance,” she said. “Acknowledge their feelings, and maybe even share that it’s okay to be sad and a little confused—grown-ups feel that way, too.” The heartbreaking story struck a chord with people on Reddit, but West advised the Reddit user ensured they cut themselves some slack. “Give yourself the same compassion you’d give anyone else—and remember, chocolate helps,” she said. Newsweek could not verify the details of this case. Read More

A dog has been left fighting for his life after suffering two bites while protecting his owner and canine siblings from a rattlesnake. Maverick, an English bulldog, was attacked on two occasions by the western diamondback rattlesnake while playing in his garden in southern Arizona. His sibling, Finley, was bitten once on the cheek by the reptile, but has since been recovering well despite the fatal risk of such an encounter. Maverick is showing slower signs of improvement, and the shocking ordeal has left his owner feeling “heartbroken.” “They were bitten and we were able to get them to put emergency vet within 30 minutes,” their owner, who asked to keep their identity private, told Newsweek. “The snake had come through our fence opening and our dogs did not really freak out until I freaked out.” Finley, a grey-shaded Merle Frenchie, was hit once and responded to treatment quickly, with his owner saying that he showed significant improvement by the end of day one. Maverick, who sustained two bites to his face, has had a more challenging recovery and did not respond as quickly to the treatment provided. “They spent one and a half days in the hospital and then were able to come home to continue to get well,” their owner said. “They are on the mend, and now we are just working on keeping the bite sites from getting infected as the venom left funnel-shaped holes in their faces.” The incident, which has since gone viral on TikTok, showcases the aftermath of the ordeal and the dogs’ ongoing recovery. The video, which was shared to the platform under the username @maverick_peach_finley, captures Maverick and Finley wearing plastic braces around their necks and bandages over their bites. These braces are attributed to their recovery process, administered by the veterinary team. The overlaid text on the video provides a chilling account of the early morning incident. “Both Maverick and Finley were bitten by a rattlesnake that made it onto our backyard. We rushed them to the emergency vet and immediately started them on antivenom and blood transfusions,” their owner wrote. Maverick and Finley receive antivenom treatment at a veterinary center in Arizona after being bitten by a rattlesnake. Their owner says that they are “on the mend,” but that one canine is healing faster than… @maverick_peach_finley The dogs were quick to respond to the threat, despite having received rattlesnake avoidance training, a product of living in a state that is home to a variety of venomous snakes. Their owner said that Maverick was acting in defense of his owner and dog siblings, Finley and Peach, with the latter escaping the situation unscathed. “Maverick has rattlesnake avoidance training and will always stay away from them, but was in this case acting in protection and trying to keep us safe,” the owner said. Dr. Terry Fossum, a board-certified veterinary surgeon, spoke with Newsweek about the dangers of rattlesnake bites in dogs. “These bites can be fatal,” she said. “Time is crucial and it is important to get your dog to a veterinarian for antivenom treatment as quickly as possible. “Your dog has a high survival rate if the antivenom is administered in a timely manner. Don’t attempt at-home care. If your dog has been bitten or you suspect a rattlesnake bite, go to the closest veterinary clinic.” Several factors can influence the survival rate of a dog bitten by a rattlesnake, as Fossum explained. These include the time to treatment, size of the dog, location of the bite, and the amount of venom injected. With prompt treatment, survival rates are generally high, ranging between 80 to 90 percent. The rapid response of the owner, who managed to get Maverick and Finley to the emergency vet within 30 minutes, played a crucial role in their ongoing recovery. “We’re heartbroken and hope tomorrow will bring us some better news,” their owner told viewers online. “We love [Maverick] for his loyalty and protectiveness.” Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup. Read More