The small veterinary clinic felt suffocating with sorrow as Leo, a once-strong Eastern European shepherd, lay frail on a cold steel table. His thick coat, once full of life, was now patchy and dull, ravaged by illness. Each breath was labored, a battle against an unseen enemy. Next to him, Artem—the man who had raised Leo since he was a pup—gently stroked his ears, tears welling in his eyes.

“You were my light, Leo,” Artem whispered, voice breaking. “You stood by me when I fell. You comforted me when I cried. Forgive me… for not being able to save you.” In response, Leo opened his clouded eyes, faintly recognizing his beloved master. With great effort, he lifted his head and pressed his muzzle into Artem’s palm—a final act of love and farewell.

The veterinarian prepared the injection to ease Leo’s pain, but hesitated, listening closely as she checked his heartbeat. It wasn’t organ failure, but a severe infection…

If you ever get stung, DON’T IGNORE the bite—it can be quite serious. Here’s what they are and what you should do

Kissing bugs, or triatomines, are nocturnal insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They tend to hide during the day and become active at night, biting people while they sleep. Their saliva contains a numbing agent, making the bites painless and often unnoticed.

These bugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide humans exhale, which is why they tend to bite around the mouth and eyes, leaving clusters of bites on the face.

While they typically live in wooded areas and the nests of rodents or birds, kissing bugs can enter homes through small openings like cracks or torn screens.

Kissing bugs are particularly concerning in South and Central America and Mexico, where they are associated with Chagas disease. According Read more below