WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
Animal welfare officers in Malta received a tip about a distressed dog and immediately rushed to the remote location to help.
They arrived to hear whimpering sounds coming from a wooden board that was weighed down using a tree trunk.
Source: ONE News Malta/YouTube
The officers removed the board to witness the horrifying sight of a dog’s face buried in the ground.
As they worked to rescue the dog (later named Star), they found that she was tied immobile and had been shot multiple times on her head at point blank range.
The doctors painstakingly removed over 40 pellets of a shotgun from Star’s forehead. Although still critical, Star seems to be on the road to recovery and wags her tail at her caretakers.
Meanwhile, the police and Malta Animal Welfare Department are desperately searching for Star’s merciless ex-owner/abuser. Put the word out and help catch this dog’s abuser.
Source: ONE News Malta/YouTube
Update: Star’s story caused a powerful stir among humanitarians around the world. After continuous campaigning and protest march, a man named Alfred Vella was finally tracked as the vile owner. He claimed that he tried to kill Star because she got old. He got away with 3 months in jail and a fine of €10,000.
Source: ONE News Malta/YouTube
Animal activists are hardly pleased with this sentence. They are currently lobbying for stricter animal cruelty laws in Malta.
In a tragic development, Star passed away after bravely fighting her injuries. She was in the loving arms of her adoptive family and caregivers in her last moments.
She has become a symbol of light and hope for the fight against animal cruelty. Rest in peace, dear Star. Do you think her abuser’s punishment was enough?
Click the video below to watch how Star’s heartbreaking story caused a wave of uprising in the tight-knit Maltese community.
WARNING: The contents of this video may be disturbing to some viewers.
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Lucky Elderly Man Is Greeted Every Day By A “Friend” Who Crawls Out Of The Ice:
We’ve all seen some unique and unlikely friendships over the years, but this one here may take the cake!
One day, a starving otter appeared at an elderly man’s door wanting some food. Ever since, Seppo Laamanen, 65, and Iivari the otter have been inseparable best friends.
Source: StoryTrender/YouTube
It all started when Seppo fed worms and fish to the small and malnourished otter who was clearly looking for food.
After that, the friendly animal repaid the kindness by visiting the man at his home in Punkaharju in easter Finland. This was the start of something special.
Source: StoryTrender/YouTube
There’s no way Seppo could’ve ever imagined it’d all lead to this. This adorably unique friendship is one for the ages, and it’s something you have to see to believe.
There’s nothing like the bond between two friends regardless of the species! 🙂
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10 Of The “Most Loyal” Dog Breeds On The Planet
Giving love and support to humans is something that some dogs do better than others.
While many dogs love everyone they meet and are willing to take treats or belly rubs from anyone, the pups we found are just the opposite.
These 10 dogs are some of the most loyal breeds on the planet. They are rock steady in their loyalty to their owner no matter what.
1) Akita
When the American Kennel Club (AKC) lists loyalty to describe the temperament of the Akita, you know they mean business. The beautiful double-coated working dog of Japanese ancestry is considered hardwired in protecting those she loves. They should be socialized with other dogs and people from the time they are puppies. Their silly, fun, but dignified personalities round out the loyal Akita.
Source: NicoMonaco/Flickr
2) Boxer
This working dog is smart, full of energy, and oh so loyal to their family. They get along great with kids and have an innate instinct to protect their pack. He’s a watchdog with a heart of gold who oozes dedication to his owner.
Source: Pierre Pocs Photography/Flickr
3) Skye Terrier
Known as the “small dog with the big ears,” this adorable breed hails from the Scottish Isle of Skye, hence the name. Whether you live in the city or the country, this small dog with a big personality is steadfast in snuggling, playtime, and remaining loyal to his owners.
Source: WaketheSun/Flickr
4) Beagle
This merry hound is friendly, curious and incredibly loyal. While he doesn’t mind the occasional couch potato time, this spunky pooch is energetic and merry. A fun fact about this hound: the breed standard is for 13 inches and under and another in the 13-15 inch category. No matter how you size him, these adorable dogs just want to cling to you.
Source: Simon Hameau/Flickr
5) Shar-Pei
This wrinkly non-sporting breed is standoffish to strangers but very loyal to his owner. His ancient Chinese roots are part of the charm of the Shar-Pei. Regal, strong, and smart, if you want a BFF for life, this loose-skinned pooch may be the right choice for you.
Source: Alessandro Persano/Flickr
