Heartwarming Stories of Extraordinary Pets!

Heartwarming Stories of Extraordinary Pets!

If you’ve ever wondered, Is life better with a pet? What is the most protective pet? Can a pet save your life? Do humans need pets? OR Why are dogs heroes? … this compilation of pet stories will surely answer your question, warm your heart, and give you some hope today!

Table of Contents

If you watched the Jetsons as a kid, you thought that’s what the future looked like. Growing up, we thought 2020 would bring us an insane level of technology that made life sublime. Not to bring the mood down, but the 2020s brought with it a different kind of vibe. Thanks to social media, we have instant access to tragedy after tragedy. Stories of global unrest, viruses, natural disasters, political chaos, and worries for the future can leave us unsettled. This constant exposure to negativity can have harmful effects on our brains. It’s exhausting.

As much as we might try, we can’t hide from the world and all the bad things that happen, but we can adjust our focus so that we consume more than negativity online. Humans weren’t designed to carry the world’s weight on our shoulders. Constant negativity impacts our brain, brings us down and can exacerbate feelings of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness one might already be experiencing.

If you are reading this blog, it can safely be assumed that your love for animals runs deep! We could all use some good news to lift us up, and these heroic and supportive animal stories are sure to do just that.

Heartwarming Stories of Extraordinary Pets!

Get Your ESA Today

ATTENTION

Due to the new Department of Transportation (DOT) policy, Emotional Support Animals are NO longer allowed to fly in airplane cabins for free. However, Psychiatric Service Dogs are eligible.

Dog Stays with Mom Through Birth

The family dog, Ranger, stayed on his post watching over his mom throughout the home birth process. This story is what mom dreams are made of. Dogs have a unique sense of what their humans need; this dog knew its mom required support. This Corgi took his job as household protector seriously. Their affection and intuition make this breed incredible as Emotional Support Animals.

This story gives Andy & Woody from Toy Story vibes. Can you picture him watching over his little fur brother as he grows up? Trust me; the photos from this dog-friendly birth are so moving.

MORE: Protective dog stays by mom’s side through birth.

Heartwarming Stories of Extraordinary Pets!
📷 : Kristin Ann Photography

Owner Gives Malamute Second Chance at Life, and Dog Repays Owner in Hugs

Hugo had severe health issues, and when they found out he needed costly surgery, his owners refused to give up on him. They opened a Go Fund Me and asked the internet for help. Within 30 hours, the goal was met! Side note: When strangers on the internet show up and do that for someone, it gives me hope in humanity! I’m a real sucker for second-chance stories with happy endings, and this is one for the books!

Hugo and his owner Brian share a once-in-a-lifetime bond which is so special to watch. When Hugo was a puppy, Brian taught him to hug; as he has grown, the hugs have become more like a gentle tackle. Brian says Hugo “hugs with intent.” You have to see this for yourself! I promise it will make your day better.

MORE: What a hug from an 85-pound fluff ball looks like. 

Heartwarming Stories of Extraordinary Pets!
📷 : @hugo_themalamute (IG)

Inspiring Stories of Hero Dogs

My youngest brother has always been an animal lover. He was obsessed with the television show Lassie, about an intelligent and fearless Collie dog always rescuing friends and family from danger. Even as a toddler, he would be glued to the television, watching black-and-white reruns of the famous show. Thanks to Lassie, we learned that not all heroes wear capes; some are covered in fur and have four legs.

From Lassie to Homeward Bound, family films have long featured canine heroes, but nothing beats the stories of dogs who have saved their owners in real life. Our pets’ unconditional love for us should inspire us to demonstrate the same loyalty to them. Pull your pup close and keep reading to explore some of history’s most beloved heroic dogs.

MORE: Hero dogs save the day. 

Heartwarming Stories of Extraordinary Pets!
📷 : DAILY JOURNAL

Burglar's Plot Foiled by 20-Pound Guard Cat

The term cat burglar stems from the notion that cats can be quiet and sneaky. These burglars didn’t know what they were up against. This story starts with one smart kitty saving her owner from would-be thieves. As luck would have it, the cat’s name in this story is Bandit. Isn’t that ironic?! It was meant to be!

When Bandit noticed two robbers trying to break into her home in the middle of the night, she quickly woke her owner and alerted him to the criminals. The thieves were armed, and the situation could have been horrible if it weren’t for the heroic action of this brave cat to stop the intruders.

MORE: Calico rescue cat saves owner from a violent break-in.

Tiny but Mighty Bomb Sniffing Dog Saves Lives in Ukraine War

It’s no secret that dogs have a keen sense of smell. It is estimated that their sense of smell may be 1,000 to 10,000 times greater than ours. Thanks to their super sniffing senses, detection dogs have been used for locating all sorts of things, from people and drugs to bedbugs and explosives.

During the past century, dogs have frequently been utilized for military operations. Canines trained in bomb detection have been helpful in discovery work across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East to locate land mines, unexploded bombs, and IEDs.

Patron, a three-year-old Russell Terrier, serves with the Ukrainian civil defense service to sniff out the landscape for bombs. In the initial months of the war, Patron reportedly located over 200 explosive devices, according to some accounts. Patron works to educate Ukrainian children about land mine safety, provides charity aid and serves as an enduring symbol of Ukraine’s perseverance during its ongoing strife. His work and that of other dogs have saved the lives of many people affected by global conflict.

MORE: Terrier receives service award from Ukranian President for sniffing out explosives during the war in Ukraine.

Heartwarming Stories of Extraordinary Pets!
📷 : Lubo Ivanko _ GETTY IMAGES

Golden Retriever's Bark Saves Two Sisters​

If you have kids and you’ve been on the fence about getting a dog, this is your sign to get one!

Four-year-old Cecilia and seven-year-old Abigail Bourg were playing. They wandered off into the woods near their Louisiana home with their golden retriever Artemis. Once the girls realized they were lost, they stayed in place and waited for their parents to find them.

As night fell, the Bourg parents began to worry. A team of law enforcement, ATVs, drones, K-9 officers, and over 100 volunteers assembled to search for the missing girls. However, it was not long before rescuers heard Artemis’ bark and were able to locate the girls before they spent a scary night sleeping in the woods alone.

MORE: Read the full story and watch the touching video of this family reuniting after the terrifying experience.

Heartwarming Stories of Extraordinary Pets!
📷 : Erin Lester _ GETTY IMAGES

More Ways to Improve Your Mood

Help! My eyes are watering! Nothing like a little good news break to lift your spirit and boost your mood. I’m confident you feel the same if you’ve read this far. I need to search for stories like this more often to remind me of the goodness in this world. Click here to learn how cuddling a pet actually reduces stress! Or here to see if you qualify for the constant support of an Emotional Support Animal

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ESA or PSA Certification?

The benefits of an Emotional Support Animal certification and a Psychiatric Service Dog certification are drastically different. Fortunately for you, American Service Pets’ network of active board certified doctors can help you find the right path to certification. To find out whether you need an ESA or PSD letter, take our easy, three-step Pet Owner Survey!

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