Doctors said that she only had a couple of weeks to live, so this pilot flew her to her adoptive family 400 miles away so that her final days would be filled with love.
Ashlyn was an elderly dog in a North Carolina shelter, and she wasn’t doing well. She’d lost a lot of weight and had sarcomas, which were malignant tumors beneath her skin. But it wasn’t too late for her to strike gold.
When the New England Humane Society (NEHS) identified a suitable home for Ashlyn to spend the last few weeks of her life, all she needed was a means to get there. So the founder of Flying Fur Animal Rescue (FFAR), Paul Steklenski, decided to fly her up on his plane.
Steklenski became sad as he piloted the plane with Ashlyn in the seat next him, thinking about how this may be her final flight anywhere.
Even though Steklenski is used to transporting needy puppies to rescues so they may find loving homes — he normally transports between 15 to 30 dogs each month — the elderly dogs particularly tug at his heartstrings. “Those are the ones where you really focus on what they’re going through,” Steklenski explained to The Dodo.
Ashlyn was nervous at the bit of the two-hour travel. “She seemed a touch distant at first,” Steklenski remarked. “Then she’d kind of open up a bit and get closer.”
He surely made her feel better by feeding her dog treats. “She then gave me one paw, then the other,” he explained.
“She then rested her head on my lap,” Steklenski explained. “That means a lot to me. That is all that is important. That is the prize in and of itself.”
Steklenski decided to take up flying as a hobby in 2013, at the same time he adopted a dog. These items were unconnected at the time, but they were irrevocably intertwined soon after.
“We went to pet stores, then to shelters, and began to discover the difference,” Steklenski told The Dodo last year. When he discovered how many needy animals are in shelters, he decided to put his new hobby to good use.
Ashlyn would not be where she is now if it weren’t for him. While everyone assumed they were transporting her to the hospital, her recovery has led rescuers to believe she may have more time than they imagined.
“Her condition crushed me when I brought her up from the airport,” Tracy Lander, who has three dogs of her own and has been fostering dogs for the NEHS for two years, told The Dodo. “She had lost 39 pounds and her optimum weight is between 65 and 70 pounds. She came to me wearing a sweater, and when I removed it, I could see every rib.”
Lander began feeding Ashlyn three times a day to help her gain weight. She also gave her vitamins to assist her deal with her numerous health issues, which ranged from skin problems (induced by chemical burns) to cancers.
Ashlyn gradually began to change. “She’s getting out more,” Lander observed. “She’s a fantastic eater… and she adores me.”
Ashlyn has even begun to cuddling with Angel, another of Lander’s dogs. Xander, Lander’s boxer mix, has also expressed an interest in connecting with Ashlyn. “He’ll simply walk up to Ashlyn and start licking her,” Lander said. “He believes that he can heal everyone with his mouth.”
Ashlyn moved in with the Landers in January, and no one knew how long she’d be there. Now that it’s April, they don’t think of her as the fospice dog, but rather as someone who reminds them to live in the now and cherish every day — which is always a wonderful lesson.
“She understands she is adored,” Lander added. “No matter what happens, she knows she is loved.”
No one expected Ashlyn to make such significant leaps the day she boarded Steklenski’s plane. She went from being a tired shelter dog to becoming a member of a loving family, which is precisely why Steklenski does what he does.
“I never envisioned discovering something so wonderful, so rewarding that it would eclipse practically everything else in my life,” Steklenski remarked.
CHRONIC CONSTIPATION – A SILENT THREAT TO YOUR DIGESTIVE HEALTH
Constipation may seem like a minor inconvenience, but when left untreated for extended periods, it can lead to severe health consequences. Below is a real-life case that highlights just how dangerous chronic constipation can be and why you should never ignore it.
Shocking X-ray Image of a Patient with Long-Term Constipation
The X-ray image below belongs to a young woman who suffered from chronic constipation for years. One day, her condition worsened, and she went for over two weeks without a bowel movement. Concerned, she finally sought medical help, only to receive alarming results.
The Root Cause:
- When the digestive system is unable to expel waste properly, stool begins to accumulate in the colon, causing severe discomfort and pain.
- Over time, the colon stretches beyond its normal capacity to hold the excessive buildup of fecal matter.
- In the X-ray, you can see how the colon has expanded dramatically, reaching up towards the chest area, near the heart.
- The normal folds and wrinkles of the colon, which are essential for its function, have almost disappeared due to extreme bloating and distension.
This condition, often overlooked, can lead to life-threatening complications if not addressed in time.
The Dangerous Consequences of Chronic Constipation
Severe Colon Distension
- When the colon is forced to expand beyond its natural limit, it gradually loses its ability to contract and push stool forward.
- This results in worsening constipation, making it even harder for the body to have a natural bowel movement.
Video : Constipation: The Silent Danger Hiding in Your Gut and How to Avoid It
Toxin Build-Up in the Body
- When waste remains in the colon for too long, harmful toxins and bacteria can be reabsorbed into the bloodstream.
- This can cause chronic fatigue, acne breakouts, bad breath, bloating, and weakened immunity.
Hemorrhoids & Anal Fissures
- Excessive straining while attempting to pass hard stools can lead to hemorrhoids (swollen veins in the rectum), which cause pain and bleeding.
- Severe cases may result in anal fissures, tiny tears in the anus that make bowel movements extremely painful.
Intestinal Blockage (Bowel Obstruction)
- One of the most life-threatening complications of untreated constipation is bowel obstruction.
- When waste completely blocks the intestines, it can cut off blood supply to the gut, causing tissue death (necrosis) and serious infections.
- In extreme cases, patients may require emergency surgery to remove the damaged part of the intestine.
Increased Risk of Colon Cancer
- Studies have suggested that chronic constipation may be linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
- The prolonged presence of waste in the colon increases exposure to carcinogenic (cancer-causing) substances, leading to inflammation and abnormal cell growth.
How to Prevent and Treat Constipation Naturally
The good news is that constipation is preventable with a few simple lifestyle adjustments. Here’s how you can keep your digestive system running smoothly:
Increase Fiber Intake
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
- Foods like chia seeds, flaxseeds, apples, pears, and prunes are excellent natural laxatives.
Stay Hydrated
- Drink at least 2-3 liters (8-12 cups) of water per day to soften stools and promote bowel movements.
- Warm lemon water in the morning can help stimulate digestion and relieve constipation.
Exercise Regularly
- Movement helps stimulate the intestines and encourages regular bowel activity.
- Try walking, yoga, or stretching exercises for 15-30 minutes daily.
Develop a Consistent Bathroom Routine
- Train your body to go at a regular time each day, preferably after meals.
- Avoid holding in bowel movements, as this can make constipation worse over time.
Limit Processed & Low-Fiber Foods
- Cut back on fried foods, fast food, dairy, red meat, and refined carbohydrates (white bread, pastries, sugary snacks).
- These foods slow digestion and contribute to hard stools.
Try Natural Remedies
- Drinking warm herbal teas (such as ginger tea, peppermint tea, or fennel tea) can soothe digestion.
- Aloe vera juice and magnesium supplements are also helpful for easing constipation.
Video : Man’s Extreme Constipation Nearly Kills Him
🚨 Important Reminder:
If you haven’t had a bowel movement in 2-3 days, start paying close attention to your diet and lifestyle. If constipation persists for over a week, or you experience severe pain, bloating, vomiting, or blood in your stool, seek medical attention immediately.
Final Thoughts
Constipation isn’t just an uncomfortable nuisance—it can turn into a serious health problem if left untreated. Taking proactive steps to support your digestive system can prevent long-term complications and keep your gut healthy.
Your health starts with small daily habits—so don’t ignore what your body is telling you!
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