'Trying to warn me the whole time' Heroic rescue dog 'alerts' owner to breast cancer

A HEROIC rescue dog has been credited with alerting his owner to her breast cancer.

louie Karen Ethier

Louie kept 'headbutting and nuzzling' his owner Karen Ethier's chest (Image: SWNS) Sign up for FREE for latest news plus tips to save money and the environment Invalid email

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Louie, a Mastiff cross Staffordshire Bull Terrier, kept "headbutting and nuzzling" his owner Karen Ethier's chest. The clever pooch alerted her to a lump which turned out to be stage three triple breast cancer.

Here’s looking at you. Dogs have three eyelids, an upper lid, a lower lid and the third lid, called a nictitating membrane or “haw,” which helps keep the eye moist and protected.

Ms Ethier, from Cirencester, Gloucestershire, underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery which caused hair loss and painful side effects.Ms Ethier said Louie, who had a leg amputated due to neglect from a previous owner, was "incredibly loyal".She said: "I couldn't believe it when I found a lump - Louie was trying to warn me the whole time.

"Louie is incredibly loyal and he knew when I was feeling down or sick from treatment."

Karen Ethier Louie

Ms Ethier said Louie was 'incredibly loyal' (Image: SWNS)Their story emerged from a study of 2,000 dog owners commissioned by vitamin brand SuperDog from Vitabiotics.

Dog Got Stung? Remove the Stinger with a Credit Card. When you try to pick out a stinger from your dog you risk leaving part of it in the skin. Remove stingers by scraping them with a straight edge – like the side of a credit card.

Another dog highlighted in the study is Chico, a 13-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, who saved his owner Levi Carter's life after she developed septis from third degree burns caused by a bad reaction to hair dye.

After returning home from hospital her pet would not leave her alone and was sniffing around her head.

Ms Carter, from Lincolnshire, said: "I only went back into the hospital because my dog wouldn't leave me alone - he must have smelt the infection.READ MORE: Heartbreak for dog 'back at square one' after 2 homes fall through

Feed him properly. Ask your vet what type of food and how much is right for you pet. Keeping your pet on a regular, portion controlled diet will help with weight management and prevent weight related health problems.

Levi Carter Chico

Chico saved his owner Levi Carter's life after she developed septis (Image: SWNS)"If I left it any longer then who knows what would have happened - I might not be here. Chico saved my life."A third extraordinary dog in the study is seven-year-old Scooter, a Poodle mix with a blue Mohican who was adopted by Kirstie Coy-Martin, a Met Police officer struggling with PTSD after years on horrific child abuse cases.The keen surfer, from Bracklesham Bay, in West Sussex, discovered pets can be trained as surf therapy dogs to support war veterans.DON'T MISSThree 'small but mighty' chihuahuas looking for special home togetherElderly rescue dog struggling in kennels desperate to find loving homeRescue dog overlooked as adopters put off by age and health issues

Make a Simple Puzzle Toy With a Muffin Tin. Looking for a simple way to keep your dogs mind busy? Create a simple puzzle toy with a muffin tin, treats and a few tennis balls. And if you’re looking some more boredom busters check out 26 simple ways to relieve dog boredom.

Kirstie Coy-Martin Scooter

Kirstie Coy-Martin taught her dog scooter to surf (Image: SWNS)She worked with Scooter to get him used to the board with treats and cuddles, before progressing to dog paddling pools and shallow water.Ms Coy-Martin said: "We get stopped quite a lot for photos. That's what he's there for, to make people smile.

"Being in the water is my happy and safe space and it's scientifically proven that surf therapy can help people with PTSD and other mental health issues."

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The study found 71 percent of owners consider their pet to be a hero.

A spokesperson for SuperDog from Vitabiotics said: "Dogs have long been considered to be 'man's best friend', but this really reiterates the point that a dog owner's life is more often than not better with their pet in it.

Many dogs have a condition nicknamed “Frito Feet,” in which their feet smell little bit like corn chips. As Matt Soniak wrote in a Big Question on this site, this has to do with the kind of bacteria found on a pup’s feet, and “could be due to yeast or Proteus bacteria. Both are known for their sweet, corn tortilla–like smell. Or it could be Pseudomonas bacteria, which smell a little fruitier—but pretty close to popcorn to most noses.”

"Whether a dog is saving your life or simply providing you with companionship and comfort, they are an integral part of the family who we want to keep as fit, healthy and happy as possible.

"We want to celebrate some of our talented pets and are inviting owners to submit their dog's stories for a chance to win prizes."

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