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The worst news ever has just been released: dogs hate hugs. It stresses them out because they aren't able to run away if they need to. 

Psychologist and noted dog behaviorist, Stanley Coren, analyzed 250 pictures of dogs showing "signs of stress" and found that 81.6% of them seemed really uncomfortable according to his article in Psychology Today. As depressing as the news is, it kind of makes sense when you look at the pictures:



via Psychology Today

Quasimodo has Short Spine Syndrome, a very rare condition among dogs. It's exactly what it sounds like, he was born with a spine that's shorter than a normal dog because he is missing some vertebra. 



His condition doesn't cause him pain but he does need special medical attention for other health conditions. He's been getting lots of love from foster homes since being rescued. Now that he's in the care of Second Hand Hounds he's managed to bring some much needed attention to the organization that rescues dogs (and cats) in dire need and places them in foster homes.

 

This picture shows a growing puppy from eight weeks to eight months old. 

Gabe the Golden Retriever was introduced to Justin Lansford by the Warrior Canine Connection after an injury that resulted in the loss of his leg while stationed in Afghanistan. 



Since then, the two have been inseparable. As Justin's new wife Carol told The Dodo, "They are pretty much joined at the hip."



When it was time to decide who would stand by Justin's side as Best Man in their wedding ceremony Gabe was the clear winner. 

These dogs put on buns and squiggles of mustard to look the part as they competed in a wiener race to kick off Oktoberfest in Cincinnati.



You can watch a video of the race below:


via WLWT

This season is prime time for Dachshund races.  To kick off their Oktoberfest, the city of Melbourne in Australia held the Running of the Wieners. Their costumes were more varied, but equally adorable.


via The Age