Sweet Ozzy struggles with Demodectic Mange, which is one of three types of mange. Demodectic mange occurs when there is an overpopulation of demodectic mites, which are parasitic mites naturally found on all dogs.

Demodectic mange is common with puppies and dogs with underdeveloped or suppressed immune systems. It causes symptoms such as inflammation, itchiness, secondary yeast + bacterial infections, lethargy, and a lack of desire to play with a brother. Importantly, demodectic mange in adult dogs is often a systemic imbalance, which requires both topical and internal treatment.

Ozzy is being treated holistically, which includes a high nutritional-value diet, internal supplementation, a specific bathing regimen, and treatment of secondary infections (yeast, bacteria). As you can imagine, the cost of treatment is one of many associated challenges.

You can learn more about mange here:

American Kennel Club

Happy Dog Naturals

VCA Animal Hospitals

Dogs Naturally Magazine

Who the howl are Ozzy and Jimi?

They are not what you suspect - Miniature Saint Bernards. In reality, Ozzy and Jimi are two Chinese mutts birthed from a rescued pregnant street dog in Shenzhen, China.

Because of the nature of the rescue, the rescuers decided it was best to find homes for the puppies as quickly as possible. At only four weeks old, the smallest of the litter, Ozzy found his forever human companion (Jessica).

Several months forward, Ozzy's littermate was going up for adoption for a second time; his current owner no longer wanted him. Xiǎo guāi (小乖), or Little Good Boy, was given his English name, Jimi, and came home to be loved by his forever family.

Today, Ozzy and Jimi are five years old. They've lived in three countries: China, Thailand, and the U.S.A. They enjoy walks of any duration and snacks of many kinds. While seemingly identical to an untrained eye, they are actually quite opposite:

While Ozzy prefers bathing in the sun, Jimi prefers exploring outdoors.

While Jimi hides his bones, Ozzy devours them.

Ozzy will jump in your lap as Jimi will play with your feet.

And, Jimi must sleep undisturbed, but Ozzy must sleep as close as possible.

Whether they are mini saint bernards, corgi mutts, or a mix of many, we can only be certain of their undeniable cuteness.