Bubba the Dog and the Amazing Things Dog Owners Will Do For Their Loves

We all love our dogs. They are no doubt a part of the family. But let's admit dog owners, we've all done something a little extreme for fur-babies (yep, I'm talking to you). From spending way more than you should on pet toys to throwing birthday parties for your dog, pet psychics (yes, that's a thing) to pet portraits (admittedly, I have had my dog's picture taken with Santa), as dog owners, our love has no limits.

August 26th is National Dog Day and is recognized worldwide. It's a day to acknowledge our pups, celebrate our love for them as well as encourage pet adoption. Did you know, during the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly one in three (30%) of Americans adopted a pet? 

Some more fun facts about dogs:

• Roughly 63.4 million households own a dog (versus 42.7 million who own a cat- we love you too, cats, but you have your National day in October).
• America's most popular breed: The Labrador Retriever!
• 45% of U.S. dogs sleep in their owner's bed (yep, guilty of that too).
• A dog's nose is unique (like a person's fingerprint).
• 70% of people sign their dog's name on their holiday card.

For 30 consecutive years, the Labrador Retriever has been on America's list of Top 10 Breeds. For National Dog Day, there's one special Montana black Labrador Retriever, Bubba, who has inspired many with his miraculous story. This Bozeman family's miracle dog' tale' captured hearts around the country (credit: ABC Fox Montana) as a real come-back story and begs the question, how far would you go for your dog?

Bubba's owner, Joe Flynn, shares how his healthy, athletic (and even goofy) Labrador experienced a unique stroke-like accident at five years old. "In a moment, things changed," Joe remembers. "Playing fetch, and as the ball went across the lawn, Bubba collapsed. I've never seen or heard anything you know like that before. Like, what just happened here?".

Joe rushed his beloved dog to the vet. Days later, the family learned that Bubba had suffered from a canine fibrocartilaginous embolism or canine FCE. Only a few years old, and Bubba couldn't even move his ears or tail, much less walk or play, fully paralyzed. The odds of recovery were devastating: zero percent, one percent at best.

Guided by the advice of professional veterinarians, regular physical therapy for Bubba, including hydrotherapy, balancing quality of life, and mounting vet bills, was complicated. Bubba and his family worked hard for months rehabbing Bubba. Slowly but surely, Bubba started to walk again!"That gave us all such hope. We knew we couldn't give up. This was my best friend, my hunting dog, and Bubba is part of our family", says Flynn.

The Miracle of Bubba has been shared nationwide and given hope to other dogs and families who have experienced Canine FCE, especially in large breed dogs where recovery is not as common.

How far would you go for your pet? What is your emotional or financial limit with your dog? Share your inspirational stories with us! And celebrate National Dog Day by spoiling your pup!