Rescuer Spotted A Mysterious Furball In The Area Nearby And Decided To Investigate

Sometimes, timely decisions not only yield the best results, but they save lives! 

If it wasn’t for a brave woman that day, Petey, the stray, would probably not have made it on his own.

This tiny little pup was hiding under a tree in Garden Grove, California when a random passenger spotted him, but he was too scared to let anyone approach him. 

Trying not to make him any more anxious than he was, the passenger posted the photo of Petey on social media, which was enough for a giant-hearted woman to rush into what turned out to be a life-saving action! 

“I Knew He Wouldn’t Make It Through The Night”

It was Suzette Hall, a long-time rescuer of Logan’s Legacy, from Irvine, California, who saw Petey’s photo and decided to jump into action.

She was so worried about this tiny pup, as he was definitely not capable of defending himself, and she was already told by one of the locals that the area Petey was hiding in was full of coyotes.

“Poor baby thought he was safe there but with the coyotes he wasn’t. I knew he wouldn’t make it through the night,” Suzette wrote on her Facebook.

Anxious And Timid, Petey Needed Time To Calm Down

Once Hall got to the spot, she noticed that Petey was sitting in the very same spot for quite some time. It was as if he was looking for his family while trying to protect himself at the same time.

The rescue mission didn’t quite go as planned, as Petey was just too anxious and scared to be approached by anyone. Hall then tried a different approach! 

She set two humane traps, filled with dog food, on both sides of the field Petey was hiding in and distanced herself far enough to let him find his way to it.

It took him some time, but eventually, Petey went into it – and he was finally safe!

“He was starving, circling my trap. He would stretch his tiny legs as far as he could stretch them, too scared to go to the back of my trap. He stretched his tiny legs again… And then he got brave. He got the courage,” wrote Suzette.

Transforming Into The Sweetest Lovebug

It took him some time to relax, but eventually, Petey calmed down and let Hall pet him. As soon as he felt the gentle touch of a hooman, he transformed into the sweetest lovebug! 

As it was already late in the evening, Hall decided to sleep in the car with Petey and take him to the vet first thing in the morning.

She even sent the photo of him to Garden Grove Lost Dogs, Cats & Pets to try and find his family, but no one came forward.

Petey was sent to foster care where he made an unbelievable transformation into the sweetest little pup ever! While waiting for a furever home, he loved and enjoyed every moment with his foster family and his new doggo siblings.

It turns out that all it took for Petey to be happy was one timely decision and a little bit of love!

If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a slobbery dog kiss, you know that feeling of both love and confusion that comes with it. Dogs have a unique way of showing affection, and one of the most common ways they do so is by licking you. It’s a behavior that can range from endearing to slightly annoying, but have you ever wondered why they do it? Understanding the reasons behind this canine behavior can offer insight into your furry friend’s world.

From a simple greeting to a sign of submission, a dog’s lick can convey a myriad of messages. As a seasoned dog trainer, I’ve seen firsthand how this seemingly simple action can speak volumes about a dog’s emotions and intentions. So, the next time your four-legged companion showers you with licks, remember that there’s more to it than just a wet nose and a wagging tail.

Understanding the Canine Lick

The Science Behind Dog Licking

When your furry friend showers you with slobbery kisses, there’s more to it than just wet affection. Dog licking is a natural behavior rooted in their ancestry. It stems from a pup’s instinct to lick their mother’s face for food and attention as newborns. This innate behavior persists as they grow into adults, becoming a form of bonding and communication with their human family.

Licking as a Form of Communication

Dogs have a unique language of their own, and licking is a vital element of their communication toolkit. Each lick can convey different messages based on the context and the recipient. It’s not just about showing love; dogs lick to express submission, seek attention, or even signal stress. Understanding the nuances of your dog’s licks can give you valuable insights into their emotional state and strengthen the bond between you.

Different Reasons Dogs Lick Humans

Affection and Bonding

Dogs lick you as a sign of affection and to strengthen the bond they share with you. When your furry friend showers you with licks, it’s their way of showing love and forming a connection with you. This behavior stems from their inherent nature to express their fondness and closeness towards their human companions.

Seeking Attention or Food

Your dog might lick you when they’re seeking your attention or food. By licking you, they communicate their needs, whether it’s a desire for a tasty treat or simply wanting your focus on them. This action serves as a way for them to interact with you and convey their wants effectively.

Exploring Tastes and Smells

Dogs experience the world through their senses, and licking is one way they explore tastes and smells. When your canine companion licks you, they could be trying to understand your scent or taste something intriguing on your skin. It’s a means for them to gather information about their environment and the people around them.

As a Healing or Comforting Gesture

Licking can also be a healing or comforting gesture from your dog. In some cases, dogs lick their owners to provide comfort or alleviate stress, both for themselves and their humans. This action can have a soothing effect on both parties and is a way for them to display care and support during challenging or distressing moments.

When Licking Might Be a Concern

Indicative of Underlying Health Issues

If your dog suddenly increases licking in a specific area or exhibits obsessive licking behavior, it could signal an underlying health problem. Constant licking at a certain spot might indicate pain, irritation, or an injury that needs veterinary attention. Keep an eye on any changes in your dog’s licking habits to ensure their well-being.

Excessive Licking and Behavioral Concerns

Excessive licking beyond normal grooming can be a sign of anxiety, boredom, or compulsive behavior in dogs. If your furry friend is incessantly licking surfaces, objects, or themselves to the point of causing harm, it’s essential to address this behavior promptly. Consult with a professional trainer or veterinarian to determine the root cause and implement appropriate strategies to help your dog overcome this issue.

How to Manage and Respond to Your Dog’s Licking

Positive Reinforcement for Appropriate Licking

To encourage your dog’s licking behavior in a positive manner, offer praise and affection when they lick you gently or at appropriate times. This positive reinforcement helps them understand when their licking is welcomed and reinforces good behavior.

Training Alternatives to Discourage Excessive Licking

If your dog’s licking becomes excessive or bothersome, consider alternative training methods to discourage this behavior. Redirect your dog’s attention by giving them a toy or engaging them in a different activity when they start licking excessively. Consistent redirection and positive reinforcement can help curb unwanted licking habits.

Conclusion

Now that you understand why dogs lick you, it’s clear that their licking is more than just a random habit. It’s their way of showing love, seeking attention, and communicating with you. Remember, excessive licking could signal underlying issues, so it’s essential to pay attention to your furry friend’s behavior. By using positive reinforcement and redirection techniques, you can guide your dog towards appropriate licking behaviors. Strengthening your bond with your dog through understanding and responding to their licking habits will only deepen your relationship. So, next time your pup showers you with slobbery kisses, appreciate the gesture and cherish the unique way they express their feelings towards you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do dogs lick their owners?

Dogs lick their owners as a sign of affection, to seek attention, and to communicate their needs.

Is excessive licking by dogs a concern?

Yes, excessive licking by dogs can be a concern as it may indicate underlying health issues like pain or anxiety.

How can I manage my dog’s licking behavior?

You can manage your dog’s licking behavior by using positive reinforcement, praise, and affection to encourage appropriate licking. Redirecting and alternative training methods can help discourage excessive licking.

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