Roaming Roman Becomes a TikTok Fave

Mary Simpson
by Mary Simpson
Published:  June 13th, 2024

From starving stray to living his best life, this rescue hound's story has gone viral.

Photo Credit: Lina Robertson / Shutterstock.com

TikTokkers are crushing over a feel-good video posted by a former Air Force canine handler named Mark Farmer.


You see, the already multi-pet owner noticed a seriously underweight stray wandering up to his rural home in South Carolina. Instantly spotted by his Doberman Luna, the pooch was clearly in dire straits and Farmer decided that if Luna seemed happy to welcome the starving pooch, what the heck, he’d try to help out. But by documenting the encounter along with the hound's subsequent journey to wellness, and then posting to TikTok, he’s also helped over 7 million viewers learn what it takes to support a lost or abandoned animal in need.


Filming the hungry animal devouring a bowl of food, Farmer talks of how he provided the dog with small portions of chicken and rice – an ideal way to nourish a starving dog who might otherwise be inclined to gorge and purge. And for those of us who share a living space with dogs, we all know the bland-rice diet as a surefire way to keep a dicky tummy from, well, showing up on our carpets and floors.


Farmer also talks about letting the dog do things “ on his terms” in order to help him feel safe in his new environment. “I didn’t try to touch him or approach him in any way. It took like five or six hours, but he eventually came up on the porch and walked in the house. It was done after that.” And let’s face it, Farmer has turned out to be like most of us when it comes to taking in a stray. He confirms "I knew right away that if he let me, I would help him. And he let me."

So, he kept him. Hey, I would have too!


A visit to the local vet followed by a regimen of meds to control heartworm and regain his health and Farmer is happy to report that Roman (named for his roamin’ nature) is steadily gaining weight, continually wagging his tail, and enjoying his new life, thank you very much.


And while Farmer has been posting his rural life and eclectic mix of animals on TikTok for several years, this most recent encounter with Roman has spiked views and followers. Everyone wants a happy ending, so he has been providing live updates throughout the week including the results of Roman’s regular weigh-ins and videos of the healthier pooch now chillin’ with his new pack.


Are you thinking of taking in a stray? If you have other pets, make sure to get it vet-checked before mixing with your healthy crew. Many diseases including ticks, worms, FIV, and distemper can be picked up in nature and easily transferred to your own dog or cat.

WOW
Mary Simpson
Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Should You Bathe Your Cat?

We’ve all seen those old-school cartoons in which cats absolutely hate water or taking baths. Is there truth to that myth? Should you even question bathing your feline friend? Well, believe it or not, bathing a cat is a topic of much debate amongst owners. Some believe that it is paramount for maintaining their cat’s hygiene, while others think it is stressful and unnecessary. But what is the final word? There are several factors to consider, so let’s delve into it.Cats – and all felines in general – are well known for their cleanliness. They spend a significant amount of time grooming themselves and will use their tongues to remove dirt, parasites, and all that loose fur. This is their natural behavior and cemented their reputation as clean and orderly animals. Besides this, the behavior ensures that their coat remains clean and it reduces the need for frequent baths. And, in fact, regular grooming is sufficient to maintain a clean and healthy coat – for most cats. And while many cats never really need a bath, there are situations where it might be necessary. For example, if your cat has gotten into something greasy, sticky, or even toxic, a bath might be the only possible way to remove that dirt. Similarly, if your kitty has a skin condition, your vet could recommend medicated baths as part of the treatment.What is more, certain long-haired felines, such as Persian cats, could also benefit from an occasional bath. This will prevent matting and keep their fur in good condition. It should also be noted that cats with certain health issues, such as arthritis and obesity, might have problems grooming themselves. In such cases, you need to help them stay clean with a bath. If you decide that your cat needs a bath, it is important to do it safely and calmly. Cats are not usually fond of water and are often willful. So the experience could be a bit stressful for them. In order to minimize that stress, you should choose a quiet time when your cat is calm and relaxed. Use lukewarm water and a shampoo designed specifically for cats. Remember that human products can be too harsh for a cat’s sensitive skin. 

10 Downing's New PM Better Like Cats!

13-year resident Larry the Cat isn't going anywhere. And that's perfectly fine with new PM.

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