Subscribe to Reader's Digest at 51% OFF and you could win a $40,000 cash prize!

7 Amazing Hero Pets

Inspiring stories on four legs: These animals prove that some furry friends can make all the difference.

By Gary Sledge

1. The Lifesaving Dog

Three-year-old Alida Knobloch and her 60-pound golden doodle, Mr. Gibbs, are almost inseparable. They are connected by a special bond of love and, because of Alida's rare lung disease, by a two-foot tube that delivers oxygen from tanks on the dog's back to Alida's nose. Read more...

Photograph by Tamara Reynolds

1 of 8 Next

Published in : Pets » Fun Facts

Magazine

Special Features

Recent Features

9 Controversial and Strange Pet Products

Think doggy beer and dog poop catchers are bad? Wait 'til you get a load of these weird and controversial pet products.

Published in : Pets » Fun Facts

0 comments
5 Surprisingly Employable Animals

When most people think of working animals they picture Seeing Eye dogs or farm animals. But there’s a whole world of animals with jobs that are a little more… unorthodox.

Published in : Pets » Fun Facts

0 comments
7 Strange Animal Facts

Take a trip on the wild side, and learn seven strange and unbelievable facts about some of nature’s most amazing animals.

Published in : Pets » Fun Facts

0 comments
10 More Things You Didn't Know About Dogs

Ever wondered how long the average dog lives for, or how well they can hear? Here are 10 essential facts about man's best friend, guaranteed to ensure you're top dog when it comes to canine trivia.

Published in : Pets » Fun Facts

0 comments
7 Reasons Why Cats Love To Clean Themselves

Ever wondered why cats need to stay so clean? Discover seven surprising reasons your cat loves to lick, and find out why there is more to your cat’s habit than simple grooming.

Published in : Pets » Fun Facts

0 comments
Hero Pets: The Truly Golden Retriever

Loyal even in the midst of crisis, Yogi the dog played a vital role in rescuing his owner after a devastating accident.

Published in : Pets » Fun Facts

0 comments
Hero Pets: The Guide Horse

Help came from an unlikely place for one talented singer with failing eyesight.

Published in : Pets » Fun Facts

0 comments
Hero Pets: The Lifesaving Kitty

The Jung family adopted a new family pet one winter—and soon discovered it had a lifesaving meow.

Published in : Pets » Fun Facts

0 comments
Hero Pets: The Big Hearted Lion

Jupiter the lion may weigh in at 550 pounds, but his demeanor with handler Ana Julia Torres proves that even the king of the jungle can be a gentle giant.

Published in : Pets » Fun Facts

0 comments
Hero Pets: The Calming Piggy

Discover the heartwarming story of Buttercup, the pig who made a difference for special-needs children.

Published in : Pets » Fun Facts

0 comments
Hero Pets: The Mournful Elephant Herd

Connections between man and beast can run deep, as one family learned after saving elephants in South Africa.

Published in : Pets » Fun Facts

0 comments
Hero Pets: The Lifesaving Dog

For young Alida Knobloch, loyal pooch Mr. Gibbs is a true lifesaver.

Published in : Pets » Fun Facts

0 comments
10 Things You Need To Know Before Getting a Dog

Dogs are great fun, but can also be costly and time consuming. Be sure to check out this list of things you need to know before you get a dog.

Published in : Pets » Fun Facts

0 comments
5 Ways To Read Your Dog's Tail

Ever wondered what’s on your dog’s mind? Read his tail movements and you’ll discover what your pup is really thinking.

Published in : Pets » Fun Facts

0 comments
Top 10 Strangest Looking Dog Breeds

Explore the weird and wacky side of the canine world with this hilarious photo gallery of strange looking dog breeds. The best part about it? All these dogs are still adorable!

Published in : Pets » Fun Facts

0 comments