An Abandoned Dog Set To Be Euthanized Had The Most Heartbreaking Bark, Until She Met Her Savior

You should never underestimate the transformative power of love. 

When Stella was first found on the streets of Atlanta, Georgia, she was a lost cause. Due to her disturbing past, this lovely gray and white doggo girl was extremely traumatized. 

She lost all of her faith in humanity and had the most heartbreaking bark whenever someone tried to approach her. Then, with just the right person and endless attempts to help her, Stella embarked on a life-changing journey.

This is her story!

Stella’s Heartbreaking Past

A neighbour spotted Stella roaming the streets of Atlanta after she was cruelly dumped by her owner. She was used for breeding for so many years and then discarded after her owner could no longer “use her.”

Animal control picked up this skittish girl, who eventually was set to be euthanized. With many scars on her soul, Stella couldn’t properly socialize nor go into a new home.

Then, the good people of LifeLine Animal Project, from Atlanta, Georgia, stepped up! 

They picked up Stella and gave her a chance for a new life. Despite her heartbreaking past, the volunteers didn’t give up on her. With the help of their partners, Fly With Me Animal Rescue, they managed to secure Stella a shelter until she was finally ready to go into a loving home.

Then, the hooman-shaped miracle arrived!

Krista Keough saw the picture of this pawdorable girl on the rescue’s Instagram just the morning after she had the most unusual dream.

“She came into my life because I had a dream one night that I was running on the beach with my sister and her dog, and I looked down to see a grey and white dog;” Kirsta told GeoBeats Animals.

She immediately knew that she had to meet Stella, as it was destiny that brought these two together! 

On their very first meeting, Stella and Krista immediately fell in love with each other. She knelt in front of her, and, for some reason, Stella put her head into Krista’s arms, as if she was trying to say: “You’re my hooman now!”

The two went home, starting a new life together. 

Healing Journey

For the first couple of weeks, Krista decided to put the meeting of Stella and her other dog, Apollo, on hold. She made sure to make Stella as comfortable as possible, as this rescue girl was still quite traumatized.

She had the most heartbreaking bark whenever she would go outside or see “a potential danger” approaching her. She acted like a guard dog around Stella when she really was trying to escape the horrible past that haunted her all the time.

Then, with some love and so many attempts to accommodate her, Stella’s behavior started to change!

She warmed up to Apollo to the point where they became best friends. The two got used to each other’s company and soon became inseparable. 

Underneath her broken soul, there was a pawsitive, enthusiastic girl eager to play and do endless zoomies in the yard. Still, her occasional outbursts would go on display, and Stella would have a really hard time adjusting to new circumstances.

“I felt like maybe I had taken on too much. And I thought about her backstory from the time that she was in her former family home to the streets to the shelter on a bus all the way to me, and I thought, if she can overcome that, then I can certainly make some changes in my life to accommodate her and give her the things that she needs,” says Krista.

Stella’s healing journey inspired her mom to write a book called “Dear Diary, it’s Me, Stella” about the moments of despair and Stella’s heartbreaking journey through life. 

With the book, Krista tried to raise awareness about rescue dogs and their unbreakable spirit, even after the horrible events they go through.

Today, Stella lives the best life with her family, and even though she still might cope with the past at moments, her mom’s endless love is what makes her thrive. She never, ever feels alone or abandoned anymore, and her momma’s lap is now the safest place for her.

And, isn’t that what every dog in this world should have?

If you’ve ever noticed your furry friend licking their lips, you might be wondering what’s behind this common behavior. Dogs have a unique way of communicating, and lip licking is just one of the many ways they express themselves. It’s a subtle yet significant gesture that can convey a range of emotions and signals. From excitement to anxiety, understanding why dogs lick their lips can offer valuable insights into their thoughts and feelings.

As a seasoned dog trainer, I’ve witnessed firsthand the various reasons why dogs lick their lips. It’s not always as straightforward as it seems, and decoding this behavior can provide a window into your pup’s world. So, the next time you catch your canine companion licking their lips, take a moment to observe their surroundings and body language. It could be their way of telling you something important.

Understanding Canine Behavior: Lip Licking in Dogs

The Basics of Lip Licking

When dogs lick their lips, it’s often more than just a simple action. Lip licking in dogs can be a form of communication, signaling various emotions like excitement or anxiety. Understanding the basics of why dogs lick their lips can give you valuable insights into your furry friend’s thoughts and feelings. It’s a subtle yet significant gesture that can speak volumes about what’s going on in their world.

Reading Your Dog’s Body Language

Your dog’s body language can be a treasure trove of information, especially when they lick their lips. Paying attention to their surroundings and how they carry themselves can help you decipher the message behind the lip licking. Whether they’re feeling stressed, eager, or uneasy, their body cues can offer clues to their emotional state. By observing their gestures alongside lip licking, you can have a clearer understanding of what your canine companion is trying to express.

Health-Related Reasons for Lip Licking in Dogs

Dental Issues and Oral Discomfort

When your dog licks their lips excessively, it could be a sign of dental problems or oral discomfort. Just like humans, dogs can experience issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, or mouth sores that lead to discomfort. If you notice frequent lip licking accompanied by bad breath or reluctance to eat hard food, it might be time for a visit to the vet. Taking care of your dog’s dental health is essential for their overall well-being.

Nausea and Digestive Troubles

Another reason why your dog may be licking their lips is nausea or digestive problems. Dogs sometimes lick their lips to alleviate feelings of nausea or an upset stomach. If your dog is lip licking along with other symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or changes in appetite, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian. Monitoring your dog’s eating habits and ensuring they have a balanced diet can help prevent digestive issues that contribute to lip licking behavior.

Behavioral Causes of Lip Licking

Anxiety and Stress-Induced Licking

Dogs may lick their lips as a response to feeling anxious or stressed. Just like humans might fidget or bite their nails when nervous, dogs may lick their lips in similar situations. Keep an eye on your dog’s surroundings and any triggers that could be causing them stress to help address this behavior.

Appeasement Gestures in Dogs

Lip licking can also be a way for dogs to communicate their friendly intentions or to show submission. In a social context, dogs may lick their lips to convey peacefulness and to avoid conflict with other dogs or humans. Understanding this behavior can help improve interactions with your furry friend and other dogs they encounter.

Remember, observing your dog’s body language and environment is crucial in deciphering the reasons behind their lip licking. By being attentive to their behavior and any potential stress factors, you can help create a more comfortable and secure environment for your beloved pet.

Environmental Triggers and Responses

Exposure to Tasty Scents

Dogs often lick their lips when they catch a whiff of something delicious in the air. Just like when you smell a freshly baked pie and your mouth waters, dogs may lick their lips in anticipation of tasting something yummy. If your furry friend suddenly starts lip licking when you’re cooking, it could be their way of showing that they’re interested in what you’re making. Keep an eye out for this behavior when they encounter enticing scents like grilled meat or their favorite treats.

Interaction With Humans and Other Dogs

When your dog is around you or other dogs, they might lick their lips as a sign of communication. It can indicate various things depending on the context. For instance, if your dog licks their lips when you’re petting them, it could be a gesture of affection or contentment. Similarly, during dog-to-dog interactions, lip licking can be a way for them to convey friendliness or submissiveness. Pay attention to the situation to understand what your furry companion is trying to express through this behavior.

When to Consult a Veterinarian

Recognizing Abnormal Lip Licking

If you see your dog excessively licking its lips, it could point to underlying issues that need veterinary attention. While occasional lip licking is normal, persistent or intense licking may signal discomfort or health problems. Keep an eye out for changes in your dog’s lip licking behavior, especially if it becomes more frequent than usual.

Other Symptoms to Monitor

Alongside excessive lip licking, watch for other signs that could indicate health concerns. Symptoms such as bad breath, refusal to eat, drooling, or changes in appetite could accompany abnormal lip licking. These additional indicators, when observed with excessive lip licking, might suggest dental problems, gastrointestinal issues, or other health issues that warrant a veterinarian’s evaluation.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – the reasons why dogs lick their lips. Whether it’s to show excitement, deal with anxiety, or communicate with you and other pups, lip licking is more than just a simple gesture. By paying attention to your furry friend’s lip licking habits, you can gain valuable insights into their emotional and physical well-being. Remember, a balanced diet, proper dental care, and a stress-free environment play crucial roles in keeping your dog happy and healthy. So, next time you catch your canine companion licking their lips, take a moment to understand what they might be trying to tell you. Your bond with your dog will only grow stronger as you become more attuned to their subtle ways of expressing themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do dogs lick their lips?

A: Dogs lick their lips to communicate emotions like excitement, anxiety, or stress. It can also signal readiness for food or serve as an appeasement gesture in social contexts.

Q: Can lip licking in dogs indicate health issues?

A: Yes, lip licking in dogs can be a sign of dental problems, nausea, or digestive issues. Pet owners should watch for symptoms like bad breath, refusal to eat, or excessive licking that might point to underlying health concerns.

Q: How should pet owners interpret lip licking in dogs?

A: Pet owners should observe the context and body language accompanying lip licking to understand a dog’s emotional state or social intentions. Monitoring changes in licking patterns and seeking veterinary advice for persistent issues is crucial.

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