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