For 85-year-old Shirley Moore, the terrifying pandemic experience was made bearable only due to the comforting presence of her loyal mini Fox Terrier, Lily.
But a month ago, the 16-year-old pooch died of old age, leaving Shirley feeling empty and hopeless.
The grieving woman decided to adopt a new dog, but this turned out to be harder than she had expected.
Yesterday Helen and Leanne had the pleasure of gifting the love of dog kisses to a lovely lady called Shirley. We drove…
Posted by ANK9R on Saturday, September 26, 2020
As Shirley reached out to every local shelter, she realized getting a pet during the pandemic was almost impossible.
Many greedy locals had adopted shelter pets only to sell them for high prices, so the workers were wary about allowing random adoptions.
Moreover, Shirley’s age was another issue, as it made her incompatible with many dogs who required plenty of exercise and maintenance.
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In a desperate last ditch attempt, Shirley reached out to the local radio and shared her fruitless search for a furry companion in her twilight years.
The poor woman was clearly traumatized by the void left by Lily’s death, and her radio plea tugged at the hearts of the entire community.
Posted by ANK9R on Saturday, September 26, 2020
When the staff at Australian National K9 Rescue learned about Shirley’s situation, they immediately thought of Tia Maria, the 4-year-old Tenterfield Terrier.
Tia was surrendered to the shelter in a hurry because her owner’s health had declined rapidly. However, no one was interested in adopting this lonely girl as she was a laidback “homebody”.
Posted by ANK9R on Saturday, September 26, 2020
The rescue wasted no time and contacted Shirley. The moment the elderly woman met Tia, the staff knew it was meant to be!
The adoption followed instantly, and the duo seamlessly settled in each other’s company. Now that Shirley finally has a buddy of her own, she feels motivated to get out of bed every day.
She is immensely grateful to the community for spreading her story and bailing her out from one of the lowest points in her life!
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10 of the Smartest Dogs in the World:
A friend of mine has a beautiful Dalmatian. Friendly, energetic and lovable, she was a perfect family pet… but she wasn’t the smartest pooch on the planet. See, she knew how to go through the pet door out into the garden, but she had no clue how to get back inside. It never occurred to her that the flap could swing both ways. So she would sit outside and howl until my friend would open the door.
Repeated demonstrations of the dual movement of the flap had no effect; it just did not compute. The dog breeds on this list, however, probably don’t have that problem. They’re widely considered to be among the cleverest canines in the world. Take a look and see if you agree.
1. German Shepherd
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No surprise here. German Shepherds are the world’s best police dogs, military dogs, and some have even been movie stars (remember Rin Tin Tin?). Brave, loyal, smart and strong, they’re the total package.
2. Beagle
Also on the list of the best family-friendly dogs in the world, the Beagle has an incredible nose that lets them sniff out just about anything. Born detectives, they’re not the most trainable pets, but they are smart. And hey, nobody ever accused Snoopy of being dumb.
3. Golden Retriever
A popular choice for assistance dogs for their easy temperament, natural intelligence and loyalty, Golden Retrievers are natural guides and also serve as great rescue dogs. Active and fun to be around, they’re wonderful family pets.
4. Border Collie
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Border Collies are considered by many to be the geniuses of the dog world. Expert herders, laser-focused (they’re known for their intense stare), and incredibly agile to boot, they’re workaholics and excellent athletes. Just don’t expect to keep one cooped up in an apartment.
5. Poodle
Did you know poodles were originally hunting dogs? They respond very well to training and are quick to learn tricks. So don’t let the fluffy looks and styled mane fool you! These dogs are among the smart canines around. Plus, they’re among the best dogs in the world for those who suffer allergies.
6. Belgian Malinois
A terrific military dog, the Malinois is a natural herder, tracker and worker. Smart, trainable and protective, these dogs require an owner who knows what he or she is doing. In addition to the military, Malinois are often recruited as guard dogs and police dogs as well.
7. Papillon
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Named for their butterfly-shaped ears, papillons are small, cute and pretty smart. They’re considered the smartest of the toy dog breed, with intelligence levels comparable to the über-smart border collie. They’re alert and focused pets, and loyal and lovable: an ideal friend for he family.
8. Doberman
Sadly, Dobermans are known more for their ferocity than their smarts, but these are considered among the most intelligent dogs in the world, as well as one of the most effective guard dogs around. They’re outstanding students known to be affectionate and obedient.
9. Bloodhound
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Don’t let the wrinkles and dopey expression fool you! Bloodhounds have the keenest of noses, and are often used for trailing (so much so that their evidence can be used in court against you!). These are loving but strong-willed dogs, and are often used on search and rescue missions.
10. Australian Cattle Dog
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You need a smart, determined and energetic dog to control unruly cows. And that’s just what the Australian Cattle Dog, or ACD, does. They’re intelligent enough to herd these much larger creatures, and while they need their independence and wide open spaces, they’re eager workers who know how to get the job done.
Did we miss your brainy dog on this list? If so, write in and let us know about it!
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