The Reason Behind This Dog Leaving Her Kennel Every Night Will Leave You Speechless

There are so many things we can learn from our furry buddies regarding relationships, love, and doing good to others. Although our pooches can’t talk, they can teach us valuable lessons.

Maggie, an Aussie-crossbred doggo, did an amazing thing for puppies that were barking and whimpering from their kennel – she literally snuck out of her place to find those poor babies and comfort them the best way she could.

To be honest, I’m not sure many hoomans would do anything similar to what Maggie did, which is why she’s an incredible pooch with a big heart and lots of courage.

Mother Instincts Kick In

Maggie is an adult female doggo who was left in Barkers Pet Motel and Grooming for a couple of nights until her owners returned.

She is a great doggie who has never caused any major trouble, not even when other doggos are around. Therefore, it was even more surprising to find her out of her kennel.

However, it didn’t take long for the staff to understand what was going on, especially when they saw Maggie on the surveillance camera lying in front of a particular kennel.

Inside, two nine-week-old pups were weaned from their mother not long ago, and they spent most of their time crying. 

Considering that Maggie had a litter just a little bit before she was adopted (also weaned from her), it was completely understandable that she had the urge to find the little ones and comfort them.

As Sandi Aldred, the owner of the boarding kennel, described to the CBC, she finished work earlier and went for dinner at a local restaurant when she took her phone out to check the situation in the kennel.

And, there was quite a sight to see: Maggie was sitting way far away from her kennel, in front of the pen with puppies.

This mother doggo tried to get as near as possible to the pups so she could try to kiss (lick) and play with them.

“Sneaky” Maggie Found A Way To The Puppies

Aldred was interested in the way Maggie got out, so she rewound the footage from that night up to the point when she was finding her way out of her kennel. 

This smart and sneaky doggo got through the opening for a built-in water dish and immediately went up to the kennel where the puppies were placed, as Aldred told CBC:

“We watched her on the cameras, and she went straight around and found their room. She paid them a lot of attention, and you could see her little tail wagging. And, she’d do the little bow down to them and poke them through the chainlink gate of their room.”

Aldred realized that there was nothing they could do but let her into the puppies’ kennel so she could comfort them.

“She just decided that was where she was going to stay until we came to get her:”

A Match Made In Heaven…

Aldred went straight back after dinner to check up on Maggie. What she didn’t expect but came upon was Maggie standing right at the door, just waiting for someone to let her into the pups.

As Aldred told the CBC, Maggie was so excited, and she led her straight to the puppies’ kennel door, knowing that Aldred would eventually let her in.

As soon as Maggie entered the kennel, it was more than obvious that these three pooches were meant to be.

“The puppies needed her and she needed them. It was pretty perfect.”

The happy trio stayed together throughout the night, and were still cuddling in the morning. But, unfortunately, their fairytale soon came to an end.

… But It Can’t Last Forever

The night with the pups was actually Maggie’s last night in the boarding center, as her owners came to pick her up the next day.

They were delighted to hear about the sweet bond between the pooches, but they couldn’t hold her there anymore, as they wanted to spend some quality time with their new pet, too.

Still, Aldred couldn’t let Maggie’s parents go before showing them how great she was with the little pooches.

Maggie’s owners weren’t so surprised by her mother’s instincts. They told Aldred that after her litter was taken from her, she started caring for another litter in the shelter before they adopted her.

Therefore, they’re already well aware of the fact that they indeed own one special pooch.

When it comes to the puppies, there’s nothing to worry about. Maggie left them in the good hands of the boarding staff, who also fell in love with the pups, and they hope that those two cuties will find forever homes soon enough as well.

If you’ve ever caught your furry friend licking the air seemingly out of nowhere, you’re not alone. This peculiar behavior often leaves dog owners puzzled and curious about what’s going on in their canine companion’s mind. Dogs have a unique way of communicating, and air licking is just one of the many interesting behaviors they exhibit. It’s like a little window into their world, offering a glimpse into their quirky and sometimes mysterious ways.

When your dog starts air licking, it can be both amusing and baffling. From sudden bursts of air-licking to repetitive motions, each dog may have its own reasons for this quirky habit. As a dog owner, decoding these behaviors can be a fun yet intriguing puzzle that deepens the bond between you and your furry friend. So, next time you catch your dog in the act, take a moment to observe and appreciate the fascinating world of canine communication.

Understanding Canine Behavior: Licking Air

The Basics of Dog Licking

Dogs lick as a way to communicate and explore their environment. It’s a natural behavior that starts from birth, helping them bond with their mother and siblings. Licking can show affection, submission, or simply be a way for your furry friend to gather information about the world around them.

When Licking Air is Considered Normal

Air licking can be a perfectly normal behavior in dogs. It might happen when they are excited, trying to clear their palate after eating, or even signaling that they want attention. It’s essential to observe your dog’s body language and overall behavior to determine if air licking is a cause for concern.

Possible Health-Related Causes

Gastrointestinal Issues

If your dog is frequently licking the air, it could indicate potential gastrointestinal problems. Issues like acid reflux, gastritis, or other stomach ailments might lead to this behavior. Dogs may try to lick the air to alleviate discomfort caused by these conditions. If you notice excessive air licking along with other symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, it’s advisable to consult a vet for a thorough examination.

Neurological Disorders

Air licking can also be a sign of neurological disorders in dogs. Conditions such as seizures, compulsive disorders, or cognitive dysfunction may trigger this unusual behavior. When accompanied by other abnormal actions like pacing or unresponsiveness, air licking could be a red flag for neurological issues. Consulting a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment is crucial in such cases to ensure your dog’s well-being.

Respiratory Problems

Respiratory issues could be another reason behind your dog’s air licking habit. Allergies, nasal irritation, or even dental problems can manifest through excessive air licking. Dogs might lick the air as a way to soothe their throat or alleviate any discomfort in the respiratory tract. If your pet displays other signs like sneezing, coughing, or nasal discharge alongside air licking, it’s essential to have them evaluated by a vet to address any underlying respiratory concerns.

Behavioral and Environmental Factors

Anxiety and Stress Triggers

Dogs might lick the air due to anxiety or stress triggers. Similar to humans biting their nails when nervous, dogs may display odd behaviors like air licking when feeling anxious. Loud noises, changes in routine, or being in unfamiliar environments can all contribute to their stress levels. Keep an eye out for these signs to understand and address your dog’s anxiety.

Sensory Reactions and Boredom

Sometimes, dogs lick the air out of sensory reactions or sheer boredom. Your dog’s environment plays a significant role in their behaviors. Strong smells, unusual sounds, or simply having nothing to do can lead to peculiar actions like air licking. Provide mental stimulation and engage your dog in activities to prevent boredom and reduce such behaviors.

Assessing the Situation

When to Consult a Veterinarian

If your dog’s air licking is excessive and persists over time, or if it’s accompanied by symptoms like vomiting or difficulty breathing, it’s crucial to consult a veterinarian. These could be signs of underlying health issues that need professional evaluation and treatment.

Monitoring Patterns and Frequency

Keep a close eye on your dog’s air licking patterns and frequency. Note when it occurs, how often, and if there are any triggers like specific situations or environments. Monitoring these details can help you better understand what might be causing this behavior and how to address it effectively.

Addressing Air Licking in Dogs

Behavioral Interventions

If your dog is air licking, start by observing the triggers. Redirect their focus by engaging them in a game or offering a toy when you notice this behavior. Consistent training and positive reinforcement can help modify and redirect the licking behavior. Remember, patience and consistency are key when implementing behavioral interventions.

Environmental Enrichment Strategies

Enhancing your dog’s environment can reduce air licking. Provide interactive toys, puzzles, and regular exercise to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active. Create a safe and comfortable space for your dog to relax, ensuring they have access to fresh water and comfortable resting areas. Additionally, maintaining a routine and ensuring your dog receives adequate attention and exercise can help decrease air licking behavior.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Your furry friend’s air-licking antics could stem from various reasons like communication, curiosity, or even health issues. Remember, keeping an eye on any unusual symptoms and consulting your vet is key. By understanding your dog’s triggers and implementing behavioral interventions, you can help manage this behavior effectively. From redirecting focus to providing mental stimulation, there are plenty of ways to tackle excessive air licking. Just remember, patience, consistency, and creating a comfortable environment are crucial in addressing and modifying this behavior. Keep up the good work in caring for your beloved pet!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do dogs lick the air?

Dogs may lick the air as a form of communication, exploration, or bonding. It could also indicate affection, submission, or curiosity.

Are there health-related reasons for dogs licking the air?

Yes, dogs licking the air could be a sign of gastrointestinal issues or neurological disorders. Consulting a vet is recommended, especially if accompanied by symptoms like vomiting.

How can excessive air licking in dogs be addressed?

Monitoring licking patterns and triggers is essential. Managing anxiety, stress, and boredom through behavioral interventions like redirecting focus and training, along with providing environmental enrichment, can help reduce this behavior.

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