Creativity in storytelling allows us to explore heartwarming and touching tales of the unique bond between pets and babies. Most pets, even the largest and toughest dogs, have the potential to become the first best friends of infants. This story revolves around Bonnie Michalek and her pet bullmastiff Brutus, portraying the incredible sensitivity and love that dogs can exhibit towards children.
For Bonnie and her husband, Brutus was not just a pet; he was family, often referred to as their “first baby.” When Bonnie became pregnant with their actual first child, Brutus displayed an extraordinary sense of protectiveness even before she realized she was pregnant. Bonnie attested to Brutus “knowing” about her pregnancy before she did, and this reassured them that he would be comfortable with the new addition to the family.
Brutus had always displayed an affection for children, getting excited whenever he heard kids outside laughing. His connection with children became even more evident when Bonnie introduced baby Kayden to him. Brutus greeted the newborn with love, gently licking the baby’s face.
The bond between Brutus and Kayden deepened as they became close buddies. Brutus was not only willing to protect Kayden but also to share his most cherished possession, a yellow plush ball that he clung to dearly. This ball was the only toy he wouldn’t destroy in a matter of minutes. Whenever Kayden cried, Brutus would instinctively find his beloved fluff ball and offer it to comfort the baby.
This touching story of Brutus exemplifies the love and care that pets can provide to babies, highlighting the unique connection that can develop between them. Brutus’s willingness to comfort and protect Kayden illustrates the incredible bond that can form between pets and children. It’s a heartwarming tale that reminds us of the genuine love and loyalty that dogs can offer to their human family members. Share this beautiful story to celebrate the enduring bond between pets and babies.
51 DOGS RESCUED FROM THE DOG MEAT TRADE IN VIETNAM
Dr. Katherine Polak, Head of Stray Animal Care Southeast Asia for FOUR PAWS
The dog meat trade is big business in Vietnam and threatens the lives of millions of dogs every year, many of them pets. Every day, pets are violently snatched off the streets, from yards, and even while out on a walk with their owners. These unlucky dogs make a brutal journey to slaughterhouses, markets, and restaurants, where a gruesome death awaits them. But times are changing, and the brutality and illegality of pet theft is no longer being tolerated by Vietnamese authorities.
In a landmark case, police in Thanh Hoa Province received a tip off regarding a gang of dog thieves believed to have stolen thousands of dogs since the beginning of the year. On September 15, 2019 the police successfully carried out the largest ever bust of a dog theft ring in Vietnam, resulting in the seizure of 51 dogs. According to the police, the gang carried stun guns and other sharp weapons, and rode motorbikes through residential areas late at night shooting dogs roaming outside. Police arrested a total of 16 suspected gang members and questioned more than 40 suspects. The gang not only brutalized neighborhood dogs, but also caused outrage among local people, particularly pet owners.
Following the interception, Police struggled to properly care for the confiscated dogs given their limited capacity for animal care, so the Asia Canine Protection Alliance (ACPA), of which FOUR PAWS is a member, stepped in to offer assistance. There were 13 dogs in need of immediate medical care due to severe wounds sustained during capture. Dogs with painful open wounds were anaesthetised, treated, provided pain medication and antibiotics, and housed in a temporary shelter for ongoing treatment.
The Asia Canine Protection Alliance is an international alliance of four animal protection organizations committed to ending the illegal trade of dogs in Vietnam: FOUR PAWS, Animals Asia, Humane Society International, and Change for Animals Foundation. ACPA is working to build collaborative relationships with the governments throughout Southeast Asia where the dog meat trade is prevalent, and has already secured a moratorium on the trade in dogs between Thailand and Vietnam.
Following the confiscation, the police publicised the bust throughout the province using local media so that stolen dogs could be reunited with their families.
Over the course of 2 weeks, all 51 dogs were successful reunited with their owners, who were devastated by their pets’ disappearance.
This bust pets a major precedent as dog theft is rarely treated as a criminal offense in Vietnam unless the canines are valued at more than VND2 million ($86).
“These arrests will hopefully go a long way in deterring future dog theft in Thanh Hoa Province, and potentially throughout all of Vietnam. While the dog meat trade is often defended as ‘culture’ or ‘tradition’, the reality is that there are significant health and societal impacts associated with the trade and these are becoming of ever-growing concern within Vietnam and internationally.”
Earlier in the week, the Food Safety Management Board of Ho Chi Minh City urged locals to stop eating dog meat in an effort to improve Vietnam’s national image with tourists. They also warned the local community of the health risks posed by consuming the unregulated meat. This followed a similar call by the Hanoi People’s Committee last year.
In addition to membership in ACPA, FOUR PAWS also runs a ‘Cats Matter Too program‘ in Central Vietnam with local charities PAWS for Compassion and Vietnam Cat Welfare to improve veterinary training, animal welfare education, and provide free spay/neuter services.
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