“We were outside with my telescope, looking at Jupiter with my next door neighbor,” neighbor Chip Dover told TODAY Parents. “We were getting ready to come in when we heard a big explosion, and the house just blew up. We ran over there immediately and it was burning like crazy, and then we realized the family was still inside.”

Using furniture on the porch, they broke the front windows of the Longwood, Florida home belonging to military veterans Margo and Brent Feaser.

“One of the neighbors saw an occupant in one of the rooms and picked up a table and smashed through the window, all the windows acutally, and pulled the woman to safety,” Seminole Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Dennis Lemma told News 13.

“The employee [Margo, an auto theft investigator], when she initially came out, her primary concern was to get back inside and rescue her children. She is an absolute trouper. She is a hero within our organization, and her actions tonight demonstrated that behavior.”

Firefighters arrived moments later and pulled Brent to safety.  But his four-year-old son and two-year-old daughter were still inside, along with Maxx.  The heroic dog led firefighters through the smothering smoke to the children’s bedroom.

All of the family members, including Maxx, were taken to various hospitals for treatment of their serious to critical conditions, but all are expected to recover.

“We are grateful to the neighbors who jumped into action, and we especially thank the firefighters who selflessly entered the burning structure and risked their lives for the Feaser family,” said Sheriff Don Eslinger.

“There is a long road of recovery and rebuilding ahead, but our Sheriff’s Office family will be with Margo and her family every step of the way. We know our community is behind them too, and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of support the family has received.”

A fundraiser has been set up to help the Feaser family cover their medical costs and find a new home.  If you would like to donate, please click here.

Checks and money orders may be made out to “Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Employee Benevolent Fund” and sent to 100 Bush Boulevard, Sanford, FL 32773, attention: “Feaser Family Fund.” Anyone with questions is asked to call 407-665-6880.

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“We wanted to help our shy and fearful dogs without forcing physical interaction with them to see the positive effect that [the volunteers] could have on them,” program director Jo Klepacki told The Dodo.

Those hesitant hounds are the ones less likely to get adopted–people look them over if they’re cowering in a corner–so the kids are encouraged to read aloud to them in front of their kennels.

Oftentimes, the shy dogs relax and become curious, making their way closer to their reading buddies, who encourage the behavior with treats.

“Hearing a child reading can really calm those animals,” said Klepacki to The Dodo.

And the hyper dogs? Well, they tend to quiet down and listen to the storytellers, too!

Once the shelter pups associate humans with good things, they’re more likely to interact with potential adopters–and find their forever homes.

What’s more, children are able to improve their reading skills in front of the non-judgmental audience. They also receive invaluable life lessons about how to treat animals well,  learning that dogs have feelings, just like them.

“It’s encouraging children to develop empathy with animals…They’re seeing fearfulness in these animals, and seeing the positive effect they can have,” Klepacki told The Dodo.

The once-monthly program has been extremely popular with kids and canines alike. Though it was just launched last Christmas, Klepacki says that it’s already helped some dogs get adopted.

Eventually, the program coordinator hopes to bring Shelter Buddies to all Humane Society of Missouri locations, and to invite shelter cats in on the fun.

Imagine: if more kids were able to learn to connect and empathize with animals at a young age, it could potentially help in preventing future animal abuse.

Do you think programs like this should get picked up nationwide? Tell us!

The post These Kids Read To Shelter Dogs And The Benefits Are Amazing! appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.

But this little boy has no problem when it comes to catching z’s thanks to his adorable slumber buddy: a German shepherd named Baron. The pup helps the kiddo pick up his toys, say his prayers, and tucks him in for what will definitely be adorable dreams of their best friendship.

https://youtu.be/S64HU08QHHI

So much better than a simple stuffed animal! Nothing can top those sloppy goodnight smooches.

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This little girl knows that firsthand as she spends an afternoon frolicking with her favorite buddies: 14 super-cute shepherds. They run and jump around with her like they’re just kids enjoying recess in the nice weather.

Sorry, Taylor Swift, but this little girl definitely has given me much cuter squad goals than your clique.

The post This Little Girl Has A Blast Hanging Out With Her Besties…14 German Shepherds appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.

Instead of showing off his jump rope skills, the dog in the video below is the one holding the rope for the kids to play. These kids in Brazil are playing jump rope in the street and it’s the dog’s turn to hold the rope. Check out the video below!

Now that’s one patient, and very helpful playmate! I wonder if the dog ever got the chance to be the one jumping! I bet he’ll be very good at it!

The post When This Dog Grabbed The Rope, The Kids Had No Idea This Would Happen appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.

This pup, however? Not so much. The 80-pound bulldog won’t budge even when his adorable toddler bestie is trying so hard to make it happen. The 11-month-old might have a future career as a trainer, but not for this big guy.

The post Baby Adorably Attempts To Take A Bulldog On A Walk — But He’s Just Not Having It appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.

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Despite what some might think, these fierce fighters can also be gentle giants when they bond with their human friends, like with this sweet pair of besties. Pup Eteo pushes little Aden around the Newburyport, MA, boardwalk to see all the sights from the comfort of his toy car.

The post This Loyal Pup Pushing His Human In A Toy Car Will Put A Huge Smile On Your Face appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.

Miraculously, Hope survived. And now she’s doing remarkable things with her second chance in life. Hope does therapy work, works with at-risk children and she even visits patients at the hospitals in her hometown in Arizona. Hope also works with Lucius, a boy with autism. Before Lucius met Hope, he was struggling to talk. But after a few sessions of spending time with Hope, Lucius is now able to speak complete phrases. Watch the video below for the full story!

The post Disabled After A Hit And Run, This Dog Now Gives Struggling Kids A Second Chance appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.

As part of his therapy, Caleb was introduced to Colonel, a specially trained Golden Retriever. Prior to this, he’d been unresponsive and lacking in energy. Seeing the dog, who was about the size of Caleb himself, perked Caleb right up. There was a noticeable change in his motivation and awareness, and he began to steadily improve.
When Colonel was brought in, Caleb’s attention and alertness were immediately sparked, and his progress improved dramatically.

With the help of a therapist, Caleb works on his motor skills, throwing a ball for Colonel.

Even though he’s young, occupational therapist Lisa Barnes says that kids like Caleb who have suffered these devastating injuries often get depressed and lack motivation to try and regain mobility. Colonel helps with that problem, as Caleb finds plenty of motivation to try and play with the patient, friendly dog. His grandmother agrees. “I noticed that every time he would see Colonel, he was more alert,” she says “There was a little step in his awareness and [Caleb]…would do a little bit more than what he’d already been doing.”
Watch Caleb’s incredible story below.

After a month of intense therapy and with the help of Colonel, Caleb had become much more aware and alert, and his motor skills were vastly improved. He’s also grateful for Colonel’s companionship. “I guess he likes me a lot!” he says with a smile.

Caleb still has a way to go, but his father says that animal therapy continues to be an amazing form of healing for people, especially children.

The post This Little Boy Was In Bad Shape, But A Special Friend Helped Him Get Better appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.

It’s that whole gentle giant idea of something that is big enough to do some damage, but you know it would never hurt a fly because it’s just too sweet. So when you see a really big dog that is caring for a cute, innocent little kid, the reaction tends to be a little something like this:

It also amazes me the bond that can be formed between your children and your dogs. It’s so incredible how loving and protective their relationship can be. It’s something to cherish.

So take a look at these 19 adorable photos of big dogs with their little kids.

Aw! Sleeping buddies! Too cute!

It looks like the Husky is kissing the kid’s head.

He looks up at the owner like, “Can I keep her?” Honestly. So. Precious.

Omg! Her head is like one-fifth the size of his! He likes new baby.

Just chilling on my comfy dog chair.

Welcome to the family kiss. So sweet.

Aww! That baby looks so happy to be cuddling.

It looks like they’re sharing a really good secret.

The little prince and his mighty steed.

The bestest of friends.

Cuteness overload! The dog looks like his tail is in mid-wag, which is super adorable.

She is so tiny I can barely contain my awws!

Wait…I thought Dobermans were supposed to be scary, aggressive dogs. This one looks like he wants to be a cuddle buddy.

That dog looks like a giant teddy bear.

Just curling up together for a little snooze.

He’s hugging her back! Too. Darn. Cute.

A gentle nuzzle for his favorite little person.

Big hugs for her best friend.

A supportive paw.

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This sweet pair does everything together…

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