Unusual Changes

Having a dog as a pet is nearly every child’s dream, and the Howard kids were indeed no exception to it! So, when Hayden introduced Jackson to her family, they readily welcomed and showered him with lots of hugs and kisses. In no time, the doggy was seen jovially accompanying Hayden’s children in their games and fascinating everyone with his friendly disposition.

Perhaps, such good times weren’t meant to last long in the Howards’ residence as, after some time, the owner noticed peculiar changes in Jackson. Did he have any deformities that Hayden was unaware of?

To Create a Warm Bond

Some people might perceive pets as a threat, thinking they invite diseases and pose a risk to the kids’ health. Yet, the same isn’t true for Indiana-born Hayden, who wanted her children to grow up with their first pet. This would help them learn to take on responsibilities and become better caretakers of someone else, especially animals.

Jackson was so tiny in size that he was pampered and treated just like an infant. Hayden wanted to count on the youngsters for Jackson’s security and well-being when she wasn’t around. Only time would tell if her decision was correct!

Amiable Giants

As days passed, the puppy was gaining more and more weight, and it was apparent that Jackson, being an English Mastiff, was to become a colossal hound on reaching adulthood. He also had a great appetite as he always licked away every bit of food on his plate.

Besides growing up in size, the pup also developed an endearing personality that helped him win everyone’s heart. Hayden’s neighbors, too, admired the mutt when he pranced around their lawns, fervently wagging his tail. So, none in their wildest dreams could ever bear a grudge against an innocent pet like Jackson, but what if someone stood an exception?

Early Indications

Weekends were Jackson’s favorite time when the entire household wraps up all their chores by the day to enjoy a lovely evening together. So naturally, the doggy, too, didn’t want to be left out. He cutely curled up beside Hayden on the sofa, yearning to be cuddled and petted.

Just as the dog-mom adoringly caressed him, she felt strange bumps while touching his tummy. Even on taking a closer peek at his abdomen, Hayden failed to figure out what it was. Who knows, maybe these early indications were going to come out as a severe threat in the future for Jackson?!

The Strange Scars

English Mastiffs are great to cuddle, so it wasn’t just Hayden who loved fondling the pup but also her kids. It was a crucial part of their regular bonding ritual! Plus, Jackson’s hide was so silky that one could hardly resist caressing him.

So, naturally, Hayden was shocked to notice his fluffs growing dry and dull beside the lumps on his torso region. To her utter disbelief, Jackson was gradually turning spotted! Of course, the fur-mom bathed him well regularly and took great care of his diet. So then, what could these scars possibly be?

Inching Away On Purpose

Although Jackson’s behavior seemed normal mostly, he started pulling away from his mom each time her fingers brushed against the spots on his body. The puppy’s discomfort was apparent when Hayden touched to examine his bumps. Still, he never failed to respond to her affectionately.

Assuming that Jackson was not in his best mood, Hayden chose not to fret over his reactions. Moreover, she knew that dogs are susceptible to specific body parts when caressing, so perhaps that’s the only reason he inched away from her. Yet, little did the Howard family know that a terrible surprise was in store for them!

 The Bugs Or The Weather?

Hayden couldn’t shake off her anxieties about her pup’s mysterious spots. She kept surmising the possible causes and wondered if it was due to the changing weather. Summertime can become a little uncomfortable for large furry dogs like Mastiffs. So perhaps the overheating of his abdomen makes him reactive to touches.

Also, this spirited pooch spends the entire afternoon playing with the Howard juniors. Who knows, maybe Jackson’s fur got caught in some spiky plant and caused a pollen infection on his skin? Or what if it’s a bug bite from lying on the lawn for long? Hayden had to figure out this mystery soon!

As days passed since Hayden first discovered the dark spots on Jackson, she started supposing that whatever was bothering him had finally disappeared because the mutt was back to being his playful self, prancing around the house with the kids.

None would deny that Jackson was living his best days with the Howards. Whether he was bitten by bugs or had an infection some days ago seemed unimportant now – for the canine was full of life without any signs of pain or discomfort. Hayden only hoped that everything would remain fine for her dear pet, but eventually, it didn’t

 Was Jackson Suffering Silently?

The Howards’ pet loved sprawling in their front yard besides playing with Hayden’s children all afternoon. So, it was not unnatural for him to be exposed to several insects and creepy crawlies. Ants or fleas could easily sneak into his furs and bite the poor canine to their hearts’ content!

Moreover, the changing weather invites creatures like bees and wasps, who could easily sting Jackson. Although the adorable dog seemed usually joyous, Hayden couldn’t relieve her tension regarding the bumps and dark patches. Speculating that her darling pooch was bitten or stung by poisonous insects, she just hoped he wasn’t silently suffering.

 Long-lasting Marks

Despite everything being normal about Jackson’s health, there was only one dilemma in Hayden’s mind – why weren’t the spots fading yet? Furthermore, he seemed to grow more of them with each passing day! The pet-mom took the utmost care in bathing him regularly to maintain his spotless coat, so the marks should have disappeared if they weren’t too serious.

Whenever she examined Jackson’s scars, her suspicions always heightened. Was her dear pet suffering from a contagious disease? Although she decided to consult a vet, Hayden tried putting her nerves to rest by believing that those patches were nothing but simple flea bites. If only the pet-mom could be right!

When Bleeding Starts

Jackson never seemed to care for his spotty coat, as he gladly jumped around the house in his usual high spirits. Needless to say, the Howards’ pooch was among the cleanest pets in town, from all the routine washing Hayden does to him. So in no way could he still have bugs or fleas hiding in his furry skin!

Yet, it was incredibly alarming for the concerned fur-mom when she saw that Jackson’s scars started to bleed. Although it didn’t appear like a severe wound, red patches on his soft cream coat were clearly visible from across the room.

Off To A Vet 

Hayden no longer could keep her cool, now that she knew her loving dog was not at all fine. It was high time to take him for a thorough check-up at the vet’s. The sooner the physician figures out Jackson’s illness, the earlier he can start his necessary treatment.

The Howards yearned to get their fluffy pet back. So, Hayden decided not to waste a minute and rushed her pooch to a local veterinary clinic on Monday morning. Finally, she would have an answer to the mysterious spots on Jackson’s body!

Consulting The Expert

Although there were many animal physicians in Hayden’s locality, she preferred to consult Dr. Steve Sunbury. With a remarkable reputation, this highly expert doctor was a favorite choice of many pet owners. So, Hayden was confident that she could blindly trust Dr. Sunbury with Jackson’s treatment.

Unsurprisingly, the vet’s initial diagnosis was no different from that of Hayden’s. The very fact that the doggy loved spending time outdoors urged him to believe that it was only a case of insect infestation, which has an easy fix. Unfortunately, no! On closer assessment, the doctor was terrified to discover something more horrible.

In-depth Checkup

A physician’s initial suppositions are based on a quick physical inspection. Yet, that’s only firsthand, before he conducts necessary tests to ascertain the real problems. Dr. Steve Sunbury, too, followed a similar protocol in Jackson’s case, only he wanted to do something else before taking the mutt to the lab for medical tests.

To conduct a proper diagnosis, the doctor asked Hayden’s permission to remove some of Jackson’s fur, especially those around the lumps on his body. Even though the dog-mom was stunned at Dr. Sunbury’s odd request, she chose to agree, hoping he’ll shortly discover the reason behind the pooch’s lumps and bleeding spots.

 Truth Unleashed 

Dr. Sunbury was not unfamiliar with shaving off fur from the animal skin. Yet, this was the first time that he had to do it in multiple areas. So, to be extra cautious, the vet used a pair of clippers and carefully worked his way through Jackson’s coat, removing the fluffs around each spot.

Only when the fur was removed, the doctor was horrified at the sight of the dog’s body. He was no longer staring at insect bites but holes on Jackson’s bare skin! Imagine how heartbreaking it was for Hayden to learn that her dear pet had so long been subjected to animal abuse.

 Too Great A Shock

It was saddening and terrifying at the same time for everyone in the lab to see the numerous punctures all over Jackson’s body. The poor mutt has silently suffered the pain so long, trying his best to keep the Howard’s happy around him. Who could ever be so cruel to a dog as amiable as Jackson?

Hayden was aware of her children’s fondness for their favorite pal; in no way would they ever inflict pain to him. So the offender has to be some stranger. She only hoped to find him soon, before he repeats the same with some other animals!

Dr. Sunbury had to make sure that the holes on Jackson’s body weren’t infected, so he wasted no time and began conducting several medical tests. Even though, as a vet, he is used to treating different strange diseases on animals, the doctor still felt sorry for the poor pup who never expressed the intense pain he was enduring.

On hastening the results, the vet could start on the much-needed treatment and prescribe medicines for the canine. Who knew that a visit to the vet would turn out to be a life-changing day for both Jackson and his fur-mom?!

 The Dangerous Revealing 

Throughout his entire career as an animal physician, Dr. Sunbury has never been more distressed while conveying the reports to the pet owners. Yet, Jackson’s case was exceptionally sensitive as he had never dealt with the same before. So with some apprehensions, the doctor informed Hayden about the tragic fate of her pooch.

The test results say that the lumps were not caused due to insect bites but for being shot by BB guns. The holes were actually made from pellets! What could even be more distressing for Hayden? She sat speechless, trying to fathom the news Dr. Sunbury just delivered to her.