Doggos Reaction To Being Surrendered To A Shelter Will Break The Toughest Heart

Seeing dogs cope with shelter conditions is always a heartbreak, but seeing one just being surrendered to a shelter is beyond words.

Macaroni, a one-year-old Pug mix, faced that destiny when her family brought her to a shelter in Los Angeles, California, and left her there. Her whole life turned upside down once she realized that she was saying her very last goodbye to her loved ones.

The video of Macaroni being surrendered soon went viral, breaking the hearts of thousands of people all over the country who prayed that the little girl would find refuge in a new, loving home.

Heartbreaking Goodbye

The volunteers at The HIT Living Foundation, based in Los Angeles, California, saw little Macaroni being held in her family’s arms. Being scared and shocked to the bone, she couldn’t stop shaking from the fear of the unknown.

The Foundation’s staff was already there to rescue another dog and her puppies, but once they realized what was going to happen, they immediately rushed into action.

They didn’t lose time asking if they could take Macaroni in, as this adorable Pug mix would not do good in a small shelter crate. In the process, they found out that Macaroni was surrendered to the shelter due to the owners’ daughter’s allergies.

Once the team took her over, Macaroni was still in fear of not knowing what was about to happen next. 

Her heartbreak for losing a long-time family was all over the place. The volunteers couldn’t hold off their tears as the little girl embarked on another journey – one filled with uncertainty and an unfamiliar environment.

“Going to the shelter and seeing the endless dogs is heart-breaking in itself, but witnessing the moments where a dog realizes they are being left behind is beyond,” the organization wrote under the video.

Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Given what she’d been through, Macaroni was extremely timid and reserved at the beginning. She was unsure of strangers and other dogs until she realized that the new environment was a friendly one!

Thanks to Macaroni’s amazing fosters, Angela and Natacha, Macaroni started to come out of her shell. She quickly bonded with them and their dogs and got extremely excited about having a cosy place to be once again.

“She can be timid at first but once she has a couple days to settle in to her new environment she does really well. She is good with kids, dogs and also cats,” Angela wrote on Instagram.

Within the next few weeks, Mac was a brand-new dog. She soon formed a wonderful bond with her new friends and finally started to enjoy life to the fullest.

According to her rescuers, she finds peace playing in the yard and snuggling up on the couch. Due to her gentle spirit and just the sweetest personality, Mac has no trouble making friends wherever she goes.

She’s excellent with other dogs and cats, and she adores children! Eventually, her pawdorable personality led her to a forever home with an amazing family!

In their video posted on TikTok, the HIT Living Foundation posted an update on Macaroni, saying that she has finally found a family who’s in the process of adopting her.

“She is now living with a foster family who are in the process of adopting her. We’re so glad we came across you and got to give you the life you deserve,” the organization wrote in the video.

After all the heartbreak this tiny dog had been through, it is now time for Macaroni to embark on a new journey with the family who will provide her with all the love in the world. This time – for good!

Have you ever wondered why your furry friend has a peculiar fondness for licking your feet? It’s a common behavior among dogs that often leaves us puzzled. As a seasoned dog trainer, I’ve witnessed this quirky habit in many pups, each with their unique reasons for doing so.

When your canine companion starts licking your feet, it might seem random or even a bit strange. But behind this seemingly odd behavior lies a world of canine communication and instinctual behavior. Understanding why dogs engage in this behavior can offer insights into their emotions and needs. So, next time your dog goes for your toes, remember, there’s more to it than just a slobbery kiss.

Understanding the Canine Psyche: Why Do Dogs Lick Feet?

The Instinctual Roots of Foot Licking in Dogs

Dogs licking feet can be traced back to their ancestral habits of grooming and forming social bonds within packs. In the wild, wolves and other canines lick each other’s faces and bodies to reinforce social cohesion and hierarchy. Your furry companion might lick your feet as a way of bonding with you and showing submission, akin to how wolves demonstrate respect within their pack.

The Role of Scent and Taste in Dog Behavior

A dog’s sense of smell is incredibly powerful, with 220 million scent receptors compared to a human’s 5 million. When your dog licks your feet, they are not only tasting the saltiness but also analyzing your scent. Dogs can gather a lot of information about you through your smell, helping them feel close and connected to their human family. So, the next time your dog gives your toes a good lick, it’s their way of understanding and bonding with you through scent and taste.

The Science Behind Foot Licking: A Dog’s Perspective

Dogs’ Sensory Perception and Licking Habits

Dogs’ sense of taste and smell are essential parts of how they perceive the world. When your dog licks your feet, they are using these senses to gather information about you and strengthen your bond. Their licking behavior is a way of communicating and showing affection.

Licking as a Form of Communication

For dogs, licking is a natural form of communication. It can signify submission, trust, and a desire for closeness. When your furry friend licks your feet, they are expressing their feelings towards you and reinforcing the social bond between you both. It’s a way for them to connect with you on a deeper level.

Common Reasons for Foot Licking in Dogs

Showing Affection and Seeking Attention

Dogs may lick your feet as a way of showing affection and seeking attention. It’s their way of communicating love and closeness, wanting to be close to you and bond with you. When your dog licks your feet, it’s like a gentle hug or a kiss to express their feelings towards you.

Tasting Salty Skin: A Dog’s Delight

Dogs have a strong sense of taste, and they might lick your feet because they enjoy the salty taste of your skin. Salt can be appealing to dogs, and they might find the taste satisfying. So, when your dog licks your feet, they might simply be savoring the flavor of your skin.

Healing Licks: The Antiseptic Properties of Dog Saliva

Dog saliva contains enzymes and antibacterial properties that can help clean wounds and promote healing. When dogs lick their owner’s feet, they might be instinctively trying to heal minor injuries or skin irritations. It’s their way of providing comfort and promoting healing through the natural properties of their saliva.

Remember, your dog licking your feet is often a way for them to express affection, enjoy your taste, or even offer some healing care. Understanding these common reasons can help you appreciate the bond you share with your furry friend even more.

When Foot Licking Signals a Problem

Behavioral Issues and Anxiety-Induced Licking

If your dog constantly licks your feet, it might indicate underlying behavioral issues or anxiety. Dogs may resort to excessive licking when they feel stressed, anxious, or bored. It could be a coping mechanism or a way to seek comfort from their owners. Observing your dog’s overall behavior and environment can help address any potential triggers that lead to this behavior.

Potential Medical Causes Behind Obsessive Licking

Persistent foot licking beyond normal grooming could be a sign of medical issues. Skin allergies, infections, pain, or discomfort might prompt a dog to excessively lick their paws and your feet. Consulting a veterinarian is crucial to rule out any underlying health concerns causing the behavior. Regular check-ups and addressing any medical issues promptly can help prevent excessive foot licking in your furry companion.

How to Manage and Redirect Foot Licking in Dogs

Training Tips to Curb Unwanted Licking

To discourage your dog from excessive foot licking, you can start by training them to replace this behavior with a more desirable one. Whenever you catch your dog licking your feet, gently redirect their attention to a toy or a chew treat. Consistency is key in reinforcing this training.

Ensure you praise and reward your dog when they obey and redirect their licking. Positive reinforcement can help them associate the new behavior with a positive outcome, gradually reducing their tendency to lick your feet excessively.

Providing Alternative Outlets for Your Dog’s Licking

Offer your dog suitable alternatives for licking, such as dog-safe chew toys or puzzle feeders. These options can keep them engaged and mentally stimulated, diverting their focus away from incessant foot licking.

Additionally, consider incorporating interactive play sessions or regular exercise into your dog’s routine. Physical activity can help reduce anxiety and boredom, which are common triggers for excessive licking behavior in dogs.

By providing appropriate outlets for licking and ensuring a stimulating environment, you can effectively manage and redirect your dog’s foot licking tendencies.

Conclusion

Understanding why dogs lick feet can provide insight into their behavior and needs. From grooming to seeking attention, dogs have various reasons for this habit. Excessive licking might signal deeper issues, like anxiety or medical conditions. By implementing training techniques and offering suitable distractions, you can help manage your dog’s foot licking behavior effectively. Remember, addressing your dog’s needs and providing mental and physical stimulation are key to maintaining their overall well-being. So, next time your furry friend goes for your feet, consider what they might be trying to communicate and respond with care and understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do dogs lick their owner’s feet?

Dogs lick their owner’s feet as a form of grooming, to bond socially, and communicate trust and affection. They may also seek attention, enjoy the taste of salty skin, or instinctively provide healing.

What does excessive foot licking indicate in dogs?

Excessive foot licking in dogs may indicate underlying issues such as behavioral problems, anxiety, or medical conditions. It is essential to observe and address this behavior to ensure the dog’s well-being.

How can owners manage and redirect foot licking in dogs?

Owners can manage and redirect foot licking in dogs by implementing training tips to replace the behavior with positive alternatives, offering suitable outlets like chew toys, puzzle feeders, and engaging in interactive play or exercise to reduce anxiety and boredom triggers. These strategies aim to address the dog’s needs effectively.

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