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MORE RESCUES TO REPORT THIS WEEK:
Brave Man Saving a Drowning 400-lb Black Bear Is Possibly one of the Greatest Rescue Stories Ever! Bears have an incredible sense of smell, and when they’re hungry bears will go to some pretty crazy extremes to get their paws on a snack. Bears are also very intelligent, so once they learn that humans provide a seemingly endless supply of snacks, by way of garbage or half-eaten candy bars that get left behind, they will search out residential areas to find something tasty to eat.

In this particular story, a 400-pound black bear set out to follow his nose and wandered all the way from his home in Osceola National Forest to a residential area in Alligator Point, Florida. When he was discovered shuffling through one of the residents garbage, wildlife authorities set out to capture and return the bear back to his forest home…this is when things started to go horribly wrong.
This Man did the Unthinkable to Rescue a 400-lb Black Bear! (PHOTOS)
Once the bear was located authorities attempted to sedate the bear–as a 400-pound, claw-weilding black bear is not exactly the most cooperative animal–this would be the safest way they could transport him back to his home. But the bear had other plans…
This Man did the Unthinkable to Rescue a 400-lb Black Bear! (PHOTOS) 
After being hit with a tranquilizer dart, the bear took off towards the ocean and hopped into the water.
This Man did the Unthinkable to Rescue a 400-lb Black Bear! (PHOTOS)
As he was swimming out into the Gulf, the tranquilizers began to kick in and he became drowsy and started to drown.
This Man did the Unthinkable to Rescue a 400-lb Black Bear! (PHOTOS)
Luckily, Adam Warwick, a biologist with the Wildlife Commission was nearby…
This Man did the Unthinkable to Rescue a 400-lb Black Bear! (PHOTOS)
Without even flinching at the size and strength of the bear, Warwick grabbed a hold of the floundering animal.
This Man did the Unthinkable to Rescue a 400-lb Black Bear! (PHOTOS)
The bear was beginning to lose feeling in his legs and struggled to crawl onto Warwick to stay afloat.
This Man did the Unthinkable to Rescue a 400-lb Black Bear! (PHOTOS)
Knowing he would need to act quickly and stay as calm as possible, Warwick began to drag the bear to shore.
This Man did the Unthinkable to Rescue a 400-lb Black Bear! (PHOTOS)
 The bear was having trouble keeping his head above the water, losing more and more mobility. 
This Man did the Unthinkable to Rescue a 400-lb Black Bear! (PHOTOS)
But the brave biologist just kept swimming, despite the growing weight of the 400-pound bear. 
This Man did the Unthinkable to Rescue a 400-lb Black Bear! (PHOTOS)
Warwick managed to tow the bear the entire 25 yards to land. 
This Man did the Unthinkable to Rescue a 400-lb Black Bear! (PHOTOS)
Finally on shore, the groggy bear and exhausted Warwick were hoisted onto land.
This Man did the Unthinkable to Rescue a 400-lb Black Bear! (PHOTOS)
The bear weighed too much for the crew to handle, so they used a tractor bucket to move the sedated bear.
This Man did the Unthinkable to Rescue a 400-lb Black Bear! (PHOTOS)
Warwick made sure the sleepy bear made it safely onto the transport vehicle. Surely, if the bear hadn’t been so groggy he would have given Warwick a big bear hug
This Man did the Unthinkable to Rescue a 400-lb Black Bear! (PHOTOS)
Back at Osceola National Forest, the bear is looking MUCH happier…it’s going to be a long time before this guy goes rummaging through human garbage again! 
This Man did the Unthinkable to Rescue a 400-lb Black Bear! (PHOTOS)
All image source: Becky Bickerstaff and Adam Warwick of The Nature Conservancy

‘Broken’ Dog Just Wanted To Die–Until He Took An Eye-Opening Trip To The Beach. Lou was adopted from the shelter. He was very timid and scared, especially of other dogs. The shelter said he had come from an abusive owner, and his broken spirit was very apparent.

So in the summer they decided to take Lou to the Hamptons.
So in the summer they decided to take Lou to the Hamptons.
Lou was afraid of other dogs…. until he met Buddha.
Lou was afraid of other dogs.... until he met Buddha.
Can we be friends? :)
Can we be friends? :)
A friendship is forming.
A friendship is forming.
They started doing everything together, even sunbathing! Lou had never lain out on a lounge chair before.
They started doing everything together, even sunbathing! Lou had never lain out on a lounge chair before.
I think he’s starting to overcome that broken spirit. :)
I think he's starting to overcome that broken spirit. :)
Lou’s first time at the beach.
Lou's first time at the beach.
He’s so happy to feel that sand between his paws.
He's so happy to feel that sand between his paws.
Soaking in the sun, cleansing the spirit.
Soaking in the sun, cleansing the spirit.
Lou and the sea. This is exactly what he needed.
Lou and the sea. This is exactly what he needed.
They had never seen Lou act so free and open. A weekend at the beach did the trick!
They had never seen Lou act so free and open. A weekend at the beach did the trick!
Here’s Lou after the long drive home. He went straight to his bed and passed out! :)
Here's Lou after the long drive home. He went straight to his bed and passed out! :)
What a wonderful story! After such a sad life, Lou kicks off his new life with a nice weekend at the beach to get rid of all those bad memories. 

Dog Gets 35 Pounds Of Fur Cut Off After Being Locked In A Barn For Who Knows How Long. Some people noticed that the terminally ill neighbor’s dog was being neglected and asked a couple of groomers to help out. There was so much dirt and feces blocking the door of the barn stall where Lazarus was kept, it had to be shoveled out of the way before they could do anything.

Trapped in filth and his overgrown coat, Lazarus was in desperate need of help.
Trapped in filth and his overgrown coat, Lazarus was in desperate need of help.
C. AND JESSICA KINCHELO
After finally being freed from the stall, the groomers started chopping off the excess fur–all 35 pounds of it.
After finally being freed from the stall, the groomers started chopping off the excess fur--all 35 pounds of it.
C. AND JESSICA KINCHELOE
Lazarus was very hesitant at first but seemed to calm down as he realized it was making him feel better.
Lazarus was very hesitant at first but seemed to calm down as he realized it was making him feel better.
C. AND JESSICA KINCHELOE
Without all of that weight holding him down, everything seemed new. Even walking…
Being petted and feeling the love of a human’s touch was new to him, too. But he warmed up to the groomers with the help of some treats.
Being petted and feeling the love of a human's touch was new to him, too. But he warmed up to the groomers with the help of some treats.
C. AND JESSICA KINCHELOE
Lazarus was taken in by Big Fluffy Dog Rescue where he will be fostered until they feel he’s ready for a forever home. For now, he’s trying to get accustomed to his new life…
Lazarus was taken in by Big Fluffy Dog Rescue where he will be fostered until they feel he's ready for a forever home. For now, he's trying to get accustomed to his new life...
C. AND JESSICA KINCHELOE
He was even hesitant when approaching a grilled steak but quickly realized it was a yummy treat. 
Lazarus is the sweetest dog, he just needs time to learn the ins and outs of being treated like a normal dog. Big Fluffy Dog Rescue is pleased with the progress so far and can’t wait for the day he gets his permanent home.
Baby fox seen in Cudahy with trap on leg has been caught, taken to Humane Society. His little paw was crushed, bones fractured and tissue damaged -- but one day after a little red fox was found with a rat trap clamped to its paw, he's now on the road to recovery.Fox with rat trap on foot
Fox with rat trap on foot
FOX6 News first told you about the fox on Thursday, September 1st. Neighbors in Cudahy spotted him and the trap on his right paw.

Friday, the trap is off and the fox is being treated by the Wisconsin Humane Society. The wildlife director says there is a lot of damage but everyone is pulling for him.

Inside the Wisconsin Humane Society, the little red fox is rambunctious inside his cage.

His energy is a happy sight for those who saw him hours and days earlier.

"It was horrid. I wanted to do something so bad but there wasn't anything we could do," said Barb Lierman, rescued the fox.

Lierman helped rescue the little guy, after she saw him with his paw clamped in the trap, she set up a safe trap and caught the fox Friday morning.
Fox cared for at Wisconsin Humane Society
"We were just so happy, we hugged, we were relieved. It was ecstatic," said Lierman.

They took the fox to the Wisconsin Humane Society where Wildlife Director Scott Diehl has been looking over him.

"It's still a guarded prognosis of whether he'll be able to use that paw effectively," said Diehl.fox

Diehl says several of the fox's bones were broken and soft tissue was damaged on his right paw -- part of his toe was also cut off.
Fox cared for at Wisconsin Humane Society
The fox is now being treated with antibiotics and pain medication.

Fox with rat trap on foot
"You can see the extensive soft tissue swelling," said Diehl.fox

Diehl says he is hopeful the months-old fox can recover but it could be weeks before they know for sure.

"We always try to have the best outcome for the animal, a live outcome," said Diehl.

fox
An outcome many will be watching -- and thankful neighbors stepped in to help.

"We just did what we thought was right," said Lierman.


It is critical that the fox is able to use his paw to pounce on prey in the wild. The Wisconsin Humane Society will be keeping a close eye on the baby fox to determine what will happen to him next.
fox
You Won’t Believe the Transformation of This Rescued Baby Orangutan! When I first heard about the story of Gito the tiny baby orangutan who was left all alone in a cardboard box I was absolutely outraged! I mean, I’ve never personally met an orangutan, but from what I do know, they’re super smart and really nice and I just don’t know why anyone would want to take them out of the forest, away from their mom AND put them in a box and just LEAVE THEM in the middle of nowhere. Just why.

But sadly, this is what happened to little Gito. He spent days and days in a box without any food or care. Can you even imagine?!

The good news is, the amazing hoomans from International Animal Rescue swooped in and saved the day! The first few days were super rough because he was so sick … but after lots of love and care, something incredible happened.

Just look at him NOW!
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Ah! Isn’t it so incredible what can happen when people put their powers to good! Now Gito is swingin’ away and well on his way to going to monkey school, in no time at all he’ll be back in the wild with new orangutan friends!

Owner Laughs When Approached About Her Dog Who’d Been Chained Up For 10-15 Years. After living a life of cruelty, Rusty Diamond finally gets the life he’s always deserved. All it took was one caring person to free him from 10-15 years on a chain. Click to watch this story unfold.
Woman Saves Mama Dog From Euthanasia And Comes Up With Another Life-Saving Idea. Deborah Wilson of Circle L. Ranch Animal Rescue & Sanctuary tells the story of a mama dog rescued from euthanasia who was brought in with her two healthy puppies. While they were thrilled about saving this wonderful dog from being put down, they received word of another terrible situation.

A man with nine pit puppies was threatening to drown them if they weren’t taken away. Deborah HAD to go get them…
A man with nine pit puppies was threatening to drown them if they weren't taken away. Deborah HAD to go get them...
The Circle L. Ranch was able to rescue five of the nine puppies as the others were saved by another organization.
The Circle L. Ranch was able to rescue five of the nine puppies as the others were saved by another organization.
Seeing the Shepherd mother that they saved nursing her pups, Deborah got an idea…
Seeing the Shepherd mother that they saved nursing her pups, Deborah got an idea...
She introduced the five puppies one by one, seeing if mama would take to them. She allowed one to eat and seemed completely fine with it, so the others were brought in.
She introduced the five puppies one by one, seeing if mama would take to them. She allowed one to eat and seemed completely fine with it, so the others were brought in.
Now with a total of seven puppies to care for, she’s a real mom and a surrogate. It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it! :)
Now with a total of seven puppies to care for, she's a real mom and a surrogate. It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it! :)
Deborah is thankful that the abuse was reported immediately so that they could save these precious puppies.

“Thanks to the kindness of rescue folks and social media, these innocent puppies were not drowned. They will be fed, cared for, spayed and neutered and eventually adopted out at the ranch.”


What an amazing mama dog to take in the others as her own. Thanks to her, there’s a happy ending for all

Woman Writes Emotional Letter to the Previous Owner of Her Rescued Great Dane. When most people adopt a dog, they’re in it for the long haul. They recognize that by bringing this new life into their own, they are responsible for the care and well-being of this animal. While it can be challenging and time-consuming to house train a new pet and teach them how to walk on a leash, most people are happy to do it because at the end of the day, they love nothing in this world more than their dog.

Or so this is the way that we hope most people feel about their pets, however, many times this is not the case.

There are over 70 million homeless cats and dogs currently living in the U.S. While some of these animals were born to feral packs, many were simply abandoned by their guardians and left to fend for themselves. Only around six to eight million stray cats and dogs find their way into the shelter system and a small fraction of those that do end up in forever homes. Although the majority of these animals will never get their happy ending, those that do are completely changed for the better. Luckily, this was the case for Echo the Great Dane.

Echo’s guardian first saw her future best friend online in a Facebook post. The poor white puppy was extremely thin and deaf, she had been abandoned by her previous caretaker because she was “too much to deal with.”

Echo was purchased from a backyard breeder when she was far too young to be separated from her mother. After this trauma, Echo was subjected to abuse, neglect and unimaginable horrors in the care of the woman who purchased her. But all of this ended when she was rescued by Louisiana Great Dane Rescue and then adopted into her new forever home.

One year later, Echo’s new guardian wrote an open letter to the woman who cared for this pup before she did. Here is what she had to say:

To the girl that “had to get rid of” the nameless and “useless, not able to deal with” puppy with a belly full of rocks a year ago: Thank you for giving her to rescue instead of putting her down like you had threatened in your Facebook post. I just want you to know that she’s safe, although I doubt that you care. Because you didn’t care that she was hungry or thirsty. Didn’t care that she was filthy. Didn’t care that she was deaf. You did care that she was a free puppy and took her home from the BYB who is just as guilty as you are.

Did you comfort her when she cried the first night she was away from her mother and siblings? Did you hold and pet her when she got scared in her new “home”? I like to think that you did do at least that for her. I don’t know if it was you or her “breeder” who decided to spay her at 6/7 weeks old. But I want you to know that she doesn’t seem to have suffered any damage from that surgery at a way too early age.

She is only alive because of the Louisiana Great Dane Rescue that always keeps an eye out for dogs that are discarded like her. And we are happy that they chose us to adopt Echo. See, that’s what we named her. We figured even though she is deaf she deserves a name, just like any other pet or person… Do you know that she knows a bunch of ASL signs that we use to communicate with her? I doubt you even still think of her anymore. She gets three meals a day and it took me a long time to get her to trust me that there will ALWAYS be another meal and that she doesn’t have to eat rocks and other things she found outside. And that she doesn’t have to try and drink as much water until she got sick because there would always be more water later.

Yes, she is very spoiled and may not always “listen” to me when I tell her to do something but she sure couldn’t be any more loved. She is my heart dog and every person and dog that meets her loves her immediately. I am working with her on therapy dog training to get her registered as a Therapy Dog so I can take her to all kinds of places where she can bring love and joy to people in need of just that. I just wanted you to know that she’s safe and loved, even though you will probably never get to read these words.
We are so glad that Echo finally gets to enjoy the life that she’s always deserved. A big thank you to the kind woman who adopted this sweet pup! All image source: Photokraut.wordpress.com

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