She Left Her Healthy Dog For A Quick Errand, Came Home To His Stiff Body
As loving dog owners, we all understand that ensuring the safety of our furry companions is a top priority.
Their health, happiness, and well-being rest entirely in our hands, as they cannot protect themselves from dangers that we might overlook. Much like baby-proofing our homes for toddlers, we must be equally vigilant in identifying hidden hazards that could threaten our dogs’ lives. While we rely on common sense to protect them, sometimes, even that isn’t enough to prevent tragedy.
One such heartbreaking case involves a dog named Wasabi, who tragically fell victim to a danger many pet owners might not even consider. Wasabi’s story, shared by his grandma, Patricia Polacco, on Facebook, serves as a powerful reminder of the unexpected risks lurking in our homes. Patricia recounted the devastating loss, explaining how her daughter Traci had only left home for a brief errand when disaster struck:
“My daughter Traci lost her dearest dog, Wasabi, to this… it was a pork rind bag. She had gone to pick up something at a friend’s house and was gone for less than 10 minutes when her roommate called. He found Wasabi near the front door with the bag still over his head. HAD SHE KNOWN… it never crossed her mind that something like this could happen. None of us knew!!! Please spread the word. Chip bags, Ziploc bags with leftover food, treat bags, yogurt containers—especially YoPlait—cut them all up! Don’t leave them where dogs or cats can get to them. Our hearts are still broken. Thank you.”
Wasabi’s story is not an isolated incident. Sadly, many dogs have faced the same grim fate. According to WUSA 9, another dog named Menja also suffocated after getting his head stuck in a snack bag. His owner, Shira Reese, recounted her own devastating experience:
“I went downstairs and found him unresponsive with a Goldfish bag around his neck,” Shira told WUSA 9. “By that time, he was already stiff.”
Another heartbroken dog mom, Bonnie Harlan, shared a similar story of tragedy. Her beloved pet suffocated after knocking over lamps and furniture in a desperate attempt to free himself. “It was a horrendous way to go,” she recalled.
Debbie Smith, another dog owner who endured this unimaginable loss, spoke about the moment she found her dog: “[He] was already starting to swell. It was unbearable. He was my life for 10 years. I wept like a baby for days and weeks.”
In all these tragic cases, the dogs were simply following their natural instincts—seeking food. Unfortunately, their hunger led them straight into a deadly situation. No matter how well-trained or how big or small your dog may be, they are all at risk. Snack bags and food containers are not often thought of as life-threatening, but these everyday items can turn into dangerous traps.
=The best advice is simple but crucial: Keep all snack bags, food containers, and anything that could potentially trap your dog’s head stored safely behind a locked door. A safer option is to transfer snacks and treats into sealable containers, which not only keep your pets safe but also keep your snacks fresher for longer.
As dog owners, we must be as diligent with our pets as we are with our children. Our dogs depend on us to protect them from hidden dangers, and their lives may depend on our vigilance. Please share this message with fellow dog parents, as this silent but deadly hazard should never be ignored.
Watch the video below to learn more about how to keep your pets safe from this hidden danger.
