6 Heartwarming Dog Stories of 2019

2019 has been a year filled with incredible dog stories, from the heartwarming and funny to the inspiring and heroic.

We’ve compiled a list of some inspiring dog stories from 2019 that just confirm how special our four-legged friends really are.

Charlie, an 11-year-old golden retriever, received help from his own seeing-eye dog friend, Maverick

On New Year’s Day, Chelsea and Adam Stipe of North Carolina brought home a new addition to their family: a cute 4-month-old puppy named Maverick. Another family member, an 11-year-old golden retriever named Charlie, wasn’t too keen on Maverick—at least not right away.

However, the two gradually became friends. Charlie, who lost both his eyes to glaucoma, learned to rely on Maverick, his constant companion. Maverick helped Charlie keep track of his toys and stayed close to him on walks.

Charlie passed away in July, but the couple continues to share heartwarming stories about Charlie and Maverick on their Instagram account, charlieandmav.

Story Source: Daily Mail

Thomas Panek, president and CEO of Guiding Eyes for the Blind, became the first blind person to complete the New York City Half Marathon with help from his three guide dogs

On March 17th, Thomas Panek became the very first blind person to complete the 13-mile New York City Half Marathon race, thanks to the help of his beloved golden retrievers, Waffle, Westley, and Gus. The three trained guide dogs took alternating turns running with Thomas, and provided an important role navigating throughout the race.

Not only was it a wonderful achievement, but Thomas also ran the marathon to raise money for blind athletes so they can receive service dogs to both guide and run with them.

You can learn more about Thomas Panek and Guiding Eyes for the Blind here.

Story Source: ABC News

Stella, an 18-month-old dog, learned to “speak” with a custom soundboard

Christina Hunger, a speech pathologist in San Diego, created a custom soundboard with labeled, programmable buttons to communicate with her dog Stella. When the buttons are pushed, it creates an audible word, allowing Stella to “speak” short phrases of what she likes, wants, or needs. For example, Stella can tap out the words “want,” “Jake” “come”, meaning she wants Christina’s fiancée, Jake, to come home.

Currently, Stella knows about 29 different words and can use up to five words together in a phrase. Learn more about their progress on her blog, Hunger for Words.

Story Source: PEOPLE

A recent study says dogs may detect lung cancer with 97% accuracy

A recent study in March found three trained beagles were able to detect lung cancer with nearly 97% accuracy by differentiating the odor of blood serum from those who had lung cancer, and those who didn’t. As early detection procedures for lung cancer are often difficult and invasive, this is exciting news as dogs may play a helpful role in early detection screening.

Story Source: The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association

Simba, a Pit Bull, saved an older woman after a fall broke her hip

Simba, a Pit Bull in Sweden, was out for a walk with his owner when he heard a woman’s soft cries for help. He was able to attract the attention of his owner, Arjanit Mehana, when Simba began barking and running toward the woman’s house. The woman had fallen and broken her hip, and although the woman reportedly hadn’t been a fan of Pit Bulls before, she became Simba’s fan after her rescue.

Story Source: iHeartDogs

Another study shows having a dog helps you live longer

Perhaps it’s not all that surprising, but the University of Toronto recently published a study in October indicating people with dogs may live longer. In the study, researchers found dog owners had a 24% lower risk of an early death. The reason? Owners generally walk their dogs on a daily basis, getting up to 30 minutes of exercise or more a day. Other studies have also shown dogs can help reduce blood pressure, anxiety, and depression which is just another great reason to include dogs in our lives!

Story Source: AHA Journals

While these have been a few dog news stories from 2019, it’s a great reminder to appreciate the special role dogs play in our own lives.

What’s been your favorite dog story this year? Have any stories of your own dog you’d like to share? Feel free to share in the comments below.