Winter is a tough time for our little four-legged friends. No matter how much (and well) you feed them, a dog without a proper shelter on a cold, winter day is always in danger of hypothermia.
Sadly, for Moose and Greta, that shelter was nowhere near.
This bonded pair of pups roaming the streets of Memphis, Tennessee, has never left parted ways, even in what can only be described as the worst of times. During those freezing temperatures and a snowstorm, they curled up next to each other, hoping for the best.
A Heartbreaking Sight
Suzy Hollenbach, of All 4s Rescue League, from Memphis, Tennessee, was well-aware of Moose and Greta’s situation, and she immediately rushed to help.
“I would see them sleeping on junk scraps or in the field behind the corner store. We called them in several times to at least get them safe but nothing happened. Fast forward to the storm and I come by and there they are curled along the back of the store just enduring the snow,” she wrote on rescue’s Facebook.
She notified Memphis Animal Services about the dogs’ terrible condition and the fact that they were actually freezing. But, when MAS reported that they had no room available for these two, she took the matter into her own hands.
Throughout her organization, Suzy was able to find these two stray beauties a foster on the same day. The volunteer, Rebecca, gladly accepted them into her home, but what she witnessed within the next 24 hours truly broke her heart.
When they finally settled in and got comfortable after freezing in the cold for so long, both Moose and Greta immediately fell asleep – and they slept through the whole day!
They were so exhausted and weak from such difficult street conditions, and a long, well-deserved nap was all it took.
Then came a real shocker! The pawsitive one, though!
The Pawfect Outcome
At first, it seemed that Moose and Greta’s road to a foster home (or a permanent one) would be a long one – but Shannon Carpenter proved everyone wrong!
This giant-hearted foster agreed to take these two affectionate pups into her own home, offering them a temporary haven until they finally find someone to love them forever. Or, so she thought!
Within just a few weeks of being around their foster mom, Greta and Moose transformed into wonderful companions. They adopted basic obedience manners, learned how to live inside a house, and, most of all – they learned to never leave their momma’s side
“They never leave my side unless I have to go somewhere they can’t go. No leash. They know where home is, very well. Such good babies,” Shannon said on Facebook.
Despite their history, both pups behaved like they had always had a family. With their loving nature and just the sweetest personalities, they were such a delight!
Not so long after she agreed to take them in, Shannon realized that she simply couldn’t let go of Moose and Greta. So, she decided to adopt them – for good!
Right now, the fantastic trio lives on a farm, enjoying endless adventures and fun activities together.
“I’m so proud to have these guys! They have taken to the farm. Horses, riding in my van, my work truck, the carriage (with trainee), and u can literally take them ANYWHERE… I’m so blessed to have the smartest ride or die dogs in Memphis, in just a few months,” Shannon shared in a Facebook post.
What initially started as a temporary foster is now called a forever home. And, for Moose, Greta, and Shannon, that’s just the pawfect combination!
Ever wondered why your furry companion can’t resist giving your feet a good lick? It’s a common behavior that many dog owners experience. Your pup’s licking might seem cute and affectionate, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. Dogs have a unique way of communicating, and licking is one of their primary methods to convey various messages to you.
When your dog licks your feet, it could be their way of showing submission, seeking attention, or even tasting the salt on your skin. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior can deepen your bond with your four-legged friend. So, the next time your dog goes to town on your toes, remember, there’s more to it than just a simple lick – it’s their way of speaking to you without words.
Understanding Dog Behavior: Why Do Dogs Lick Your Feet
Dogs licking your feet is a common behavior that can mean different things based on the context:
- Showing Affection:
When your dog licks your feet, it could be a sign of affection. Dogs have a natural instinct to groom and bond with their pack members. Licking can release endorphins in dogs, making them feel happy and secure by showing love to you. - Seeking Attention:
Dogs often lick their owners to seek attention. If your dog feels ignored or wants to play, they might lick your feet to get your focus. It’s their way of communicating their needs and desires to you. - Exploring Their Environment:
Dogs experience the world through their senses, including taste. Licking your feet could be your dog’s way of exploring their surroundings and learning about different scents and tastes. It’s a form of interaction and gathering information for them. - Medical Reasons:
In some cases, excessive licking could indicate an underlying medical issue, such as allergies, skin irritation, or anxiety. If your dog’s licking behavior seems compulsive or unusual, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian for a thorough examination.
Understanding why dogs lick your feet can help you interpret your furry friend’s behavior and strengthen your bond with them. Pay attention to the context and signals your dog is sending through this form of communication.
The Significance of Licking in Canine Communication
When your dog licks your feet, it’s their way of talking to you. Dogs use licking as a form of communication. Here’s why:
- Affection: Licking provides dogs a way to show their love and affection towards you. It’s a sign of their bond with you.
- Attention-Seeking: Dogs lick your feet to get your attention. They want you to notice them and interact with them.
- Submissive Behavior: Licking can also indicate that your dog sees you as the leader of the pack. It’s a submissive gesture in canine language.
- Exploring Their World: Dogs explore the world around them through their sense of taste. Licking your feet helps them understand their environment better.
- Medical Issues: Sometimes, excessive licking could signal underlying medical problems like allergies or anxiety. Keep an eye on your dog’s licking habits for any unusual patterns.
Understanding why dogs lick your feet can strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. It’s their unique way of expressing themselves and communicating with you.
Investigating Potential Reasons for Feet-Licking Behavior
Understanding the Communication Aspect
When dogs lick your feet, it’s often their way of communicating with you. This action can be a sign of affection, as licking is a natural behavior for dogs to show their love and bond with their human family members.
Seeking Attention and Interaction
Dogs may also lick your feet to seek attention. By licking your feet, they are trying to engage you in play or simply looking for some affection and acknowledgment. It’s their way of saying, “Hey, pay attention to me!”
Displaying Submissive Behavior
In some cases, feet licking can be a display of submissive behavior. Dogs perceive their owners as leaders of the pack, and licking your feet can be a way for them to show respect and submission to your authority.
Investigating the Environment
Dogs experience the world through their senses, including taste. Licking your feet could be a way for them to explore their environment and gather information about you, your activities, or even detect any unfamiliar scents on your feet.
Addressing Potential Health Issues
While feet licking is usually harmless, it’s essential to consider that persistent or excessive licking could indicate an underlying health issue. Allergies, skin irritation, anxiety, or even boredom can lead to increased licking behavior in dogs.
Strengthening the Bond
Understanding why dogs lick your feet helps in strengthening the bond between you and your furry friend. By recognizing their motives, you can respond appropriately, provide the necessary attention, and ensure a healthy and happy relationship with your canine companion.
The bond between you and your dog is unique, and decoding their behavior, such as feet licking, enhances the connection and communication between you both.
Tips for Managing and Redirecting Feet-Licking Behavior
1. Provide Engaging Toys
Encourage your furry friend to indulge in playtime with interactive toys. Keeping your dog mentally stimulated can divert their attention from licking your feet.
2. Maintain Regular Exercise
Regular walks and play sessions can help alleviate boredom and excess energy, reducing the likelihood of your dog resorting to feet licking out of habit.
3. Create a Safe Space
Designate a cozy and comfortable area for your dog to retreat to when they feel anxious or overwhelmed, providing them with a safe haven to relax and unwind.
4. Positive Reinforcement
Reward good behavior with treats and praise. Reinforcing positive actions can help steer your dog away from repetitive licking behaviors.
5. Address Potential Medical Concerns
If excessive licking persists, consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues such as allergies or skin irritations that could be causing discomfort to your dog.
6. Practice Consistent Training
Consistent training sessions can help establish boundaries and reinforce appropriate behaviors, guiding your dog towards more desirable activities than licking your feet.
7. Use Bitter Tasting Sprays
Apply bitter-tasting sprays on your feet to deter licking. Dogs often dislike the taste, which can discourage them from licking your feet.
8. Seek Professional Help
In case of persistent feet licking despite your efforts, consider seeking guidance from professional trainers or behaviorists to address the behavior effectively.
Conclusion
Understanding why dogs lick your feet is key to strengthening your bond with your furry friend. Whether it’s a way of showing love, seeking attention, or indicating an underlying health issue, their behavior speaks volumes. By implementing strategies like providing engaging toys, ensuring regular exercise, and addressing any medical concerns, you can help redirect this behavior positively. Consistent training, using bitter-tasting sprays, and seeking professional guidance when necessary are also effective ways to manage feet-licking habits. Remember, by responding thoughtfully to your dog’s actions, you’re not only shaping their behavior but also nurturing a healthier and happier relationship between you and your canine companion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do dogs lick their owner’s feet?
Dogs may lick their owner’s feet as a form of communication, affection, attention-seeking, or due to underlying medical issues. Understanding these motivations can help strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners.
How can I manage my dog’s feet-licking behavior?
You can manage your dog’s feet-licking behavior by providing engaging toys, ensuring regular exercise, creating a safe space, using positive reinforcement, addressing medical concerns, implementing consistent training, applying bitter-tasting sprays, and seeking professional help if needed. These strategies aim to redirect the behavior and foster a healthier relationship between dogs and their human companions.
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Hey there, I’m Janet Brooks, a dog-loving student from California. I’m all about helping pups in need, especially those without homes. Me and my awesome friends work together to give shelter and love to stray dogs. Oh, and I also write blogs about dogs to share helpful info.