The Real Reason This Dog Started Barking At Her Owner’s Pregnant Belly
We've all heard stories about family pets having a sixth sense. Whether that pet is a cat, dog, bird, or even a pig, animals can pick up on things that people just can't. Dogs can tell when the energy in a room is off, or when people are in distress.
Alhanna Butler's dog, Keola started acting strange when Alhana was four months pregnant with her first child. Alhanna and her fiance, Ricky, were so excited to be pregnant, but then the unthinkable happened.
They've Always Wanted To Be Parents
Alhanna and Ricky met when they were relatively young. They had an instant connection and they knew shortly after meeting each other that they wanted to get married and start a family. After they tied the knot, they decided to start trying for a baby right away.
It took some time, but right when it was looking like Alhanna would never get pregnant, she saw that plus sign on a store-bought pregnancy test. It looked like all of their dreams were about to come true.
Keola Was Excited To Be A Big Sister
Even though this was Alhanna's first pregnancy, Alhanna and Ricky were sort of already parents. They were pet parents to beautiful American Akita names Keola. Keola was always a friendly dog, but during Alhanna's pregnancy, Keola became even more cuddly.
Keola was always by Alhanna's side. She liked to rest her head on Alhanna's growing belly. It was almost as though Keola knew that she was about to become a big sister, and she was taking that role very seriously.
The Pregnancy Seemed To Be Progressing Normally
Alhanna was loving her pregnancy experience. Many moms-to-be have to suffer through morning sickness, but Alhanna was lucky and she never experienced any nausea early in her pregnancy. She and Ricky were just very excited to meet their little bundle of joy.
As time went on, Keola started to act weird around Alhanna. She kept poking and prodding at Alhanna's belly. Ricky and Alhanna decided that Keola's strange behavior was just a phase. They had no idea that she was trying to tell them something important.
Keola's Strange Behavior Startled Alhanna
Everything was going smoothly until Alhanna was four months pregnant. At that point, Keola started acting strange. The usually gentle pup started pawing at Alhanna's belly and whimpering by her feet. Alhanna tried to figure out what was wrong with Keola, but the dog wouldn't stop whimpering.
At one point, Keola even tried to burry her nose in Alhanna's pregnant belly. At first, the happy couple just brushed off Keola's behavior. They were both just very confused.
The First Sign Of Trouble
When Alhanna was 16 weeks pregnant, she started feeling a sharp pain in her lower back. pretty soon, the pain became so severe that she couldn't even walk or talk. She and Ricky decided that it was time for them to go to the hospital.
They were extremely worried that something could be wrong with the baby or with Alhanna. Their dreams of becoming parents flashed before their eyes. They tried to stay positive, but that was proving to be quite difficult.
A Scary Hospital Visit
Alhanna was in so much pain that she was doubled over and clutching her stomach. Once they got to the hospital, doctors were able to see her right away. Ricky and Alhana were expecting the worst, but after a quick examination, the doctors informed them that Alhanna and the baby were fine.
The hospital staff said that the pregnancy was just taking a toll on Alhanna's body and that she should just get as much rest as possible.
Home At Last (And Very Tired)
Alhanna and Ricky got in their car and drove home. They were so happy that nothing serious happened to their baby. Even though Alhanna was still in pain, her mind could rest easy knowing that her baby was healthy.
All she wanted to do was get home and rest with Keola. When Alhanna got home, she lay down in bed and tried to trust in what the doctors told her. She tried to sleep through the pain in her lower back.
Alhanna Took To Social Media
The next morning, Alhanna wrote a post on Facebook to inform her family and friends about what had been going on. She wrote that she and her baby were fine, but that Keola had been acting strangely for weeks.
Alhanna received a lot of supportive comments on that post, but many of her friends and relatives told her to trust Keola's instincts. They urged Alhanna to go back to the doctor just in case Keola was onto something.
What Was Keola Trying To Say?
Alhanna didn't know what to do next. She was extremely tired and she just wanted to get some rest. She also didn't want to bother her doctor if he was sure that nothing was wrong. She didn't want him to think that she was doubting his expertise.
After her pain continued for several more days, Alhanna knew that she had to do something. She thought that Keola may be trying to tell her something after all.
Mom Always Knows Best
At this point, several of Alhanna's closest friends and family members were urging her to go back to the doctor. Alhanna was still feeling unwell, but she wasn't sure if she felt ill enough to necessitate going back to the hospital. That was until one person changed her mind: her mother.
Alhanna's mother was sure that Keola's behavior meant something. She knew that dogs often know things that people don't. The next day, Alhanna decided to go into work.
Keola Stood Infront Of The Door
Even though Alhanna was in pain, she decided that she could just work through it. She had places to go and people to see. Keola had other plans though. Just when Alhanna had gotten ready and was about to leave for work, Keola jumped up and blocked the front door. She wasn't going to let Alhanna leave.
Alhanna was confused, and then she collapsed on the floor. Ricky heard a loud noise, he rushed to the front hallway and saw Alhanna on the floor.
The Search For Answers
Ricky drove Alhanna to the emergency room, where doctors checked her pulse, blood pressure, and temperature. After all of her initial stats came back normal, the doctors ran a series of other tests.
Ricky, Alhanna, and Alhanna's mother waited patiently for the results. Alhanna was starting to think that Keola had been right all of this time. Something could be seriously wrong. She couldn't believe that she was about to go to work that morning.
It Wasn't Good News
After some time in the waiting room, Alhanna's doctor returned with some bad news. Alhanna was suffering from a double kidney infection. Her condition was so bad that if she had waited any longer to treat the infection, she and her baby could have died.
Alhanna was so relieved to have a diagnosis even though she was still very worried about her unborn child. She was glad to know that the pain wasn't all in her head.
Treatment For A Double Kidney Infection
Alhanna's doctors knew that they had to act fast. The longer they waited, the worse the outcome could be for Alhanna's baby. Doctors put Alhanna on a strict regimen of antibiotics, and they made sure to stop any further damage from happening to her kidneys.
Alhanna was receiving excellent care, but the idea that she could possibly lose her child was too much to bear. She couldn't fathom the idea of losing the little life inside her.
Those Doctors Knew What They Were Doing
Alhanna took her antibiotics religiously, and after a few scary and stressful weeks, things were looking good. Alhanna was no longer in pain and her baby seemed to be okay. Thankfully, Alhanna had gone to the hospital early enough that no harm was done to her baby.
Now, Alhanna could get back to her life and start preparing for the new arrival. Alhanna gave Keola a big hug and thanked her for looking out for her baby.
Finally, They Met Their Baby Boy
In November 2015, Alhanna and Ricky welcomed a healthy baby boy. They decided to name their son Lincoln.
The couple instantly fell in love with their little baby. They couldn't believe that after everything they went through, they were finally new parents. Lincoln was here, and he was healthy, and that was all that mattered. They were so excited to introduce Lincoln to his big sister, Keola, the dog that pretty much saved his life.
Lincoln Comes Home From The Hospital
Alhanna and Ricky spent a few days in the hospital with their new baby before they were given the all-clear to go home. They were so excited to get out of the hospital and begin their new life as a family of three (four including Keola).
While thinking back on her pregnancy, Alhanna realized how determined Keola was to alert her about her health condition. Alhanna felt even closer to Keola, and she wasn't sure how she could ever repay her.
Keola Was Obsessed With Lincoln
Finally, it was time for Lincoln and Keola to meet. Alhanna and Ricky returned home with their newest addition in tow. Keola was so excited to meet the little baby. She started sniffing him very gently as soon as they were introduced.
Keola was very interested in her little brother and she wouldn't leave his side. It was as if she knew that this was the little baby that she had felt in Alhanna's womb.
Keola And Lincoln Became Best Friends
Lincoln was growing bigger every day. As Lincoln grew up, he and Keola formed and even stronger bond. Alhanna and Ricky weren't surprised that these two were so close. Keola had saved Lincoln's life after all.
When Lincoln napped, Keola napped right beside him. When Lincoln was playing with toys in his room, Keola was right by his side. Lincoln loved Keola too. He liked petting her soft fur and he laughed whenever Keola barked.
A Gentle Pup
Keola isn't exactly a small dog. Some of Alhanna's friends and family members were worried about such a large dog being so close to such a tiny baby. After seeing the way these two interact, though it was clear to everyone that Keola wasn't a threat to Lincoln at all. Keola is a very gentle dog, and she made sure to be extra gentle whenever she was around Lincoln.
Somehow, Keola knew that she had to treat Lincoln with extra care.
A Unique Bond
It seemed like Alhanna and Ricky blinked their eyes and Lincoln was already one year old. This little boy was growing up right in front of their eyes. Lincoln never knew life without Keola. For the whole first year of his life, that dog was with him wherever he went.
When Lincoln started learning how to walk, he held onto Keola's leash when the family went to the park. Keola never pulled too hard or knocked Lincoln over.
Fun In The Great Outdoors
Alhanna, Ricky, Lincoln, and Keola love going on walks together. Alhanna and Ricky push Lincoln in his stroller, and Keola trots along beside them. Alhanna says that Keola always knows when it's time for their daily walk.
As soon as Alhanna and Ricky put Lincoln's shoes on him, Keola starts getting super excited. She jumps around the house and prances by the door. She knows that shoes mean that it's almost time to go outside.
Nap Time Is Adorable Now
After a long walk in the great outdoors, it's time for a relaxing nap. Keola never lets Lincoln take naps by himself. She's always right beside him as he's falling asleep. The two of then napping together is pretty much the cutest thing on the planet.
Ricky and Alhanna knew that their baby and their dog would share a special bond, but they never anticipated that Keola and Lincoln would be this close. Lincoln practically uses Keola as a pillow.
Keola Was Recognized As A Real Hero
Alhanna knew that Keola truly did save her life and Lincoln's life. Keola was a real-life hero, and it was only a matter of time before she got some real recognition for her actions. After Keola's story went viral on social media, she was nominated for an Animal Hero Award by the RSPCA.
Keola got to attend the award ceremony with Alhanna and Ricky where she received a medal, a sash, and a whole bunch of dog treats.
These Two Are The Perfect Pair
Lincoln's first friend was a dog named Keola. Keola helped bring him into this world safely, and it looks like she's going to keep on protecting him for as long as she can. We're pretty sure that their bond is only going to strengthen as time goes on.
It's hard to imagine how things could have gone if Keola hadn't been so persistent with Alhanna during her health scare. Now, both Alhanna and Lincoln are doing great, and Keola can rest easy.
Lincoln Is A Little Bit Older Now
Lincoln is now a toddler, and a lot of time has gone by since Alhanna first felt that sharp pain in her lower back. Sometimes, Alhanna finds herself reflecting on what could have been if Keola hadn't been so intuitive.
Alhanna and Ricky are so grateful for Keola's presence in their lives and for the bond she's formed with their son. Now Alhanna and Ricky get to watch their first pet and their first child grow up together.
Sometimes A Dog Just Knows
Alhanna, Ricky, Lincoln, and Keola's story is all about the power of animal intuition. Maybe we should all be paying attention to what our pets have to say. “I have absolutely no doubt that both me and my son Lincoln would not be here today if it was no for Keola,” Alhanna said in an interview with the Daily Mirror.
"The bond between Keola and Lincoln is indescribable," Alhanna added. "She's an amazing dog and neither of us would be here without her."
What Can Animals Really Teach Us?
Some skeptics think that Keola's strange behavior was just a coincidence— that she was bothered about something else, or she was just being fidgety. Those people aren't pet owners, though. Anybody who owns a dog knows that dogs have a unique way of communicating with us.
Dogs really can tell when people are sick. Dogs have as much as 50 times the amount of scent receptors as humans, making their sense of smell nearly 100,000 times stronger than ours.
Dogs Put Their Noses To Good Use
When a person gets sick, their whole body chemistry changes. That means that they actually smell different. Dogs have sensitive noses, so they're able to pick up on those subtle changes in body chemistry.
Some dogs can actually be trained to smell lung cancer on someone's breath or find the location of cancerous tumors. When Alhanna was suffering from a double kidney infection, Keola could smell that she was sick. That's why she was pawing at her belly.
Dogs Know When Their Owners Are Pregnant
While dogs can detect cancers and illnesses, they can also detect pregnancy with their sharp noses. When a woman gets pregnant, the hormones in her body change. Dogs can pick up on these changing hormones through their powerful sense of smell.
Scientists point out that even though dogs can detect a change in hormones, they don't know to associate that change in hormones with pregnancy. A dog may just act differently around a pregnant person because of the different smells.
Shana Came To Her Owners' Rescue
This is Shana, a wolf-German Shepherd mix. She was abandoned when she was just two weeks old, but luckily for her, she was rescued by some very caring humans. Little did they know, seven short years later it would be Shana doing the rescuing.
When Shana's 81-year-old owners, Norman and Eve Fertig got stuck under a fallen tree during a horrible snowstorm, Shana dug a tunnel and pulled her owners to safety. Then she used her own body heat to keep them warm until help arrived. "It was the most heroic thing I've ever seen," Norman told Fox News.
Maya Is The Most Loyal Dog In The World
In 2008, Maya the pit bull was awarded the Honorable Dog of the Year Award. She was given this honor because she saved her female owner from a vicious male attacker.
Angela Marcelino, Maya's owner, came home late one night when a male attacker snuck up behind her and tried to force himself onto her. Angela thought all hope was lost until she saw her beloved dog behind the man. She told Maya to attack, and Maya bit the man, which caused him to flee.
This Dog Was A Hero When She Was Just Five Months Old
This is Honey, an English Cocker Spaniel pup. Honey was also awarded Dog of the Year for saving her owner, Michael Bosch. Michael was involved in a horrible car accident. His SUV flipped upside down and he and Honey were trapped inside. Michael managed to free Honey from the car, hoping that she would find help.
Honey was only five months old at the time, but she ran for over half a mile until she attracted the attention of a helpful stranger. She brought the man back to Michael, and when the man saw what happened, he promptly called emergency services.
Napoleon Rescued A Litter Of Helpless Kittens
This English Bulldog's name is Napoleon. He saved a whole litter of newborn kittens from drowning in Lake Michigan. Napoleon isn't a very good swimmer, but when he saw a burlap sack floating in the water, he risked everything to retrieve it.
His owner was shocked as she saw him dragging that big sack back across the street. When she looked inside the sack, she saw six tiny kittens. She was able to help nurse the kittens back to health and find them loving homes.
This Dog Saved His Whole Family From A Deadly Fire
This little Shih Tzu mix is Junior. He had been living peacefully with his family for 14 years when a huge fire engulfed his owners' home. It was the middle of the night and the humans were unaware of the danger that was lurking in their own home. Junior sprung into action and barked loudly to wake everyone up.
"Junior’s a quiet dog and he started making a lot of noise," Junior's owner said. Thankfully, everybody was able to escape the house in time.
Miley Saved Her Owners From Carbon Monoxide Gas
Miley is a little Yorkshire terrier puppy from Arkansas. She helped save her family from carbon monoxide gas poisoning. Carbon monoxide is undetectable to humans, but dogs have super sharp noses. Miley knew that something was wrong in the house, so she kept waking her owner up in the middle of the night.
Eventually, the family woke up and realized that they all had pretty severe headaches. They went to the doctor and learned that Miley had actually saved them from a pretty dire fate.
Angel Saved A Boy From A Cougar Attack
This yellow lab is named Angel. She lives in Canada and she saved a very lucky eleven year old boy named Austin from a vicious cougar attack. Austin was playing in his backyard when a cougar jumped on him from out of nowhere. Angel fiercely protected the boy and she was able to fend off the cougar long enough for Austin to escape to safety.
Angel got injured during the fight, but ultimately, she won, and after some stitches at the vet clinic, she was back to her usual, healthy self.
The Dog Who Was Better Than Prozac
Budhi Blair suffered from PTSD after returning from military service in the Middle East. His condition caused him to act violently, which ultimately led to his arrest. While he was in jail, he met Layla, a pit bull who had survived a gnarly car accident.
"That dog saved me," he said. “Layla saved my life. That dog was better than Prozac for me,” he explains. Budhi trained Layla in a prison program that pairs inmates with dogs who have been neglected or abused.
A Helping Paw For A Boy With Autism
This is Xena. When she first arrived at the animal shelter, she only weighed four pounds and she was extremely malnourished. Volunteers at the animal shelter nursed the little puppy back to health, and pretty soon, she grew into a lively, loving dog.
Just a few short months later, she became the constant companion, best friend, and therapist for Jonny Hickey, an 8-year-old boy with autism. Jonny's mother said, “He is the happiest child that I’ve ever seen him be in eight years.”
Nyla Never Left Her Owner's Side
One day, Sheila, Nyla's owner, found herself surrounded by smoke and flames in her own home. Nyla barked to alert Sheila of the danger and led Sheila through the smoke to her front door. She never left Sheila's side and she made sure to bark whenever Sheila lost track of her in the smoke.
Eventually, they both were able to exit the house unharmed. Sheila said, "Nyla could have left anytime. Instead, she chose to stay and risk her own life and face death to save me."
