“Magnus: The Embodiment of Unconditional Loyalty and Comfort
Meet Magnus, a faithful canine companion who demonstrated unwavering loyalty when his owner, Brian Benson, faced a deep coma. For three consecutive days, Magnus refused to leave Benson’s side, leaving both doctors and onlookers deeply moved by this extraordinary display of devotion.
The loyalty of dogs is a well-known treasure, and we often turn to them for their steadfast dedication and unwavering affection. Magnus, however, takes this loyalty to a whole new level.
Brian Benson’s journey began with respiratory distress, leading to a three-night hospital stay as doctors diligently worked to diagnose his condition. Hospital stays can be incredibly trying, especially when awaiting potentially distressing news. But throughout this challenging period, Magnus remained an unwavering presence, bringing solace to Benson and providing support to his young daughters. Even though family visitation hours were limited, Magnus was granted permission to remain by Benson’s side throughout.
Magnus, a trained service dog, is a six-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever with a unique ability to care for his human companion. Together, Benson and Magnus form a dedicated team, often visiting terminally ill patients and grieving families to offer comfort and solace.
In this instance, Magnus took on the role of a comforting presence for Brian Benson. Initially adopted as a beloved family pet, his innate capacity to care for those around him prompted Benson and his family to have Magnus trained as a therapy dog.
Benson has expressed overwhelming gratitude for Magnus’ unwavering companionship during his hospital stay. It was during this challenging time that Benson received the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy, indicating a diminished functioning of his heart.
Benson shared his heartwarming story on social media, accompanied by touching videos that showcase Magnus sleeping beside him and providing comfort to his daughters during these trying circumstances.
The bond between Magnus and Benson serves as a powerful testament to the incredible loyalty and boundless love that dogs wholeheartedly offer. They remind us that in our darkest moments, our furry friends can be a beacon of light and unwavering support.
Veterinarians warn of rising cases of mystery dog illness
Veterinarians are sounding the alarm as they see a growing number of coughing dogs.
Wendy Brown’s three golden retrievers — Bridge, Dooley and Lulu — are among the dogs who started showing symptoms earlier this November.
“Dooley started doing kind of this huffing and also seemed to feel quite lethargic,” Brown recalled to “Good Morning America.” “Not too long after, Bridge began to exhibit the symptoms. But his were louder, more boisterous. I thought it was his stomach because he made like a retching sound.”
Initially, Brown thought her pets had a typical kennel cough but when their symptoms didn’t subside, she knew it was something more serious.
“The vet started him on a 10-day cycle of doxycycline. Today was day 10 and he is not a lot better,” Brown said.
Brown, an Idaho resident, said she’s still not sure what could have caused her dogs’ illness in the first place.
While research is underway, veterinarians say the mystery illness is highly contagious and can be fatal. Reported symptoms so far have also been typical of a kennel cough and they include coughing, sneezing, nasal and/or eye discharge and lethargy.
“Instead of that dry cough where the dog felt good, it was now this wet cough where the dog felt sick,” Amanda Cavanagh, the section head of the urgent care service at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, told “GMA.”
Experts like Cavanagh said any dogs showing signs of consistent coughing should be brought to a vet to be examined.
“We can ultrasound the lungs to see if there is a problem that is related to pneumonia or the contagious pneumonia that seems to be going around,” Cavanagh said.
Cavanagh also recommends keeping any coughing dogs away from other dogs and for two weeks after the cough goes away.
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