Dog’s Crooked Smile Hid a Rare Condition but Not Her Beautiful Spirit
KitKat survived a rare facial tumor and found a loving home thanks to rescuers, veterinarians, foster families, and volunteer pilots.
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Russel Moneva
Title: Content Creator/STRA Ambassador
Joined iHeartDogs: April 2024
Russel Moneva has spent more than 15 years sharing his life with dogs and nearly a decade loving cats, beginning with rescued pets his family took in and deeply cared for. He volunteers with HomeLife Media’s Free Spay and Neuter program and helps with weekly street-feeding efforts for stray dogs and cats in his community. Russel enjoys writing viral, heartwarming, funny, and rescue-focused stories that celebrate the special bond people share with animals. At home, he and his family care for four Labrador Retrievers, Luna, Skye, Kuzma, and Bruno, who make every afternoon walk feel like an adventure while fiercely protecting the people they love most. Russel believes the love pets give never truly leaves us, and that even after loss, the memories and joy they bring stay in our hearts forever.Articles by Russel Moneva
Hero Dog Is on the Road to Recovery After Bear Encounter
Rescue Beagle survives bear attack and begins an inspiring recovery as community support helps cover lifesaving veterinary care.
Read More Dog Rescue StoriesSenior Dog Has Spent 144 Days in the Shelter Wondering When It Will Be Her Turn
Senior dog Nikki has waited 144 days for a home, but her gentle heart, loving nature, and loyal spirit remain as strong as ever.
Read More Heartwarming Dog StoriesSkyler Is Proof That Foster Care Can Change a Dog’s Whole World
Skyler's foster stay revealed her playful heart, proving how love and a home can help shelter dogs truly shine.
Read More Heartwarming Dog StoriesRescue Steps In for Six Dogs After Their Owner Is Gone
After their owner died, six dogs and newborn puppies found safety through a rescue that refused to leave them behind.
Read More Heartwarming Dog StoriesHistoric First as Rare Amur Leopard Cub Is Born at Cleveland Zoo
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo celebrates its first Amur leopard cub, offering fresh hope for one of the world's rarest big cats.
Read More Heartwarming Dog StoriesParalyzed Dog Lost After Fireworks Reunites With Mom Thanks to Drone Volunteer
A drone volunteer found a missing paralyzed dog hiding in a ravine after fireworks sent him fleeing, bringing him home to his mom.
Read More Dog Rescue StoriesDog’s Long Recovery Leads to Warning About Neighborhood Lake
Australian Shepherd survives rare swamp cancer after months of treatment. Learn the warning signs of pythiosis in dogs.
Read More Dog NewsMastiff Left the Sanctuary Healthy and Happy She Returned in Critical Condition
Velveteen survived neglect twice. Now rescued again, the Neapolitan Mastiff is fighting to recover after emergency surgeries.
Read More Dog Rescue StoriesDog Rescued After Vest Was Left on So Long It Grew Into His Skin
Florida dog Teddy survived months of neglect after a vest became embedded in his skin. He is now safe and recovering.
Read More Dog Rescue StoriesCattle Dog Has One Mission in Life…To Become the Most Famous Stumpy Tail on the Internet
Sydney, the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, delights fans with joyful booty wiggles, playful antics, and nonstop personality.
Read More Heartwarming Dog StoriesCheck Out the Pit Bull Serving Serious ’80s Glam Rock Vibes
Rare long-haired Pit Bull King Theo amazes viewers with his flowing coat and confident personality in a viral TikTok video.
Read More Cute Dog StoriesDogs Usually Bark at the Mailman, but These Dogs Can’t Wait to See Him
Brazil's animal friendly Postman wins dogs' trust through kindness, proving compassion can turn daily deliveries into friendships.
Read More Heartwarming Dog StoriesCheck Out the Funniest Comedy Wildlife Award Photos of the Last Decade
Relive the funniest Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards finalists and celebrate a decade of unforgettable animal photography and conservation.
Read More Funny Dog StoriesAfter 23 Dogs Were Dumped on a Florida Road, Deputies Discovered 51 More at a Home
After finding dozens of dogs dumped, Florida deputies rescued 74 dogs and uncovered a large animal cruelty case that led to 3 arrests.
Read More Dog NewsK-9 Officer Charged Following Deaths of Two Police Dogs Left in Hot Cruiser
Salem County officer faces charges after police dogs Rip and Boomer died from heat stroke inside a parked K-9 vehicle.
Read More Dog NewsDog Lost After Fireworks Scare Makes It Home Thanks to Tiny Microchip
A registered microchip helped reunite a frightened dog with her owner after fireworks caused her to run away over the holiday weekend.
Read More Heartwarming Dog StoriesEveryone Thought This Scarred Dog Was Growling Until They Learned the Truth
Scarred rescue dog Kenai survived horrific injuries and still greets life with love, hope, and an inspiring playful spirit.
Read More Heartwarming Dog StoriesShelter Owner Refuses to Leave Dogs and Cats Behind as Floodwaters Rise
Shelter owner rescues dozens of dogs and cats after devastating floods overwhelm an animal shelter in China's Guangxi Region.
Read More Dog NewsK-9 Officer Solves Stuffed Animal Murder After Becoming the Prime Suspect Himself
Deputy Moby is cleared after a hilarious sheriff's office investigation into Lamby's shredding in Toledo, Ohio, that amused thousands.
Read More Funny Dog StoriesFirefighters Saw a Dog Fighting to Stay Afloat and Didn’t Hesitate
Texas firefighters rescued a distressed dog from Corpus Christi Bay after a concerned citizen spotted it struggling in open water.
Read More Dog Rescue StoriesHighly Trained Police K-9 Defeated by a Traffic Cone
Viral K9 Adonis is more than a funny moment. Meet the hardworking police dog protecting San Carlos with skill and loyalty.
Read More Heartwarming Dog StoriesMissing Dog Is Finally Found After a Week in an Unexpected Place
A missing dog survived more than a week inside 40-foot sinkhole before Suwannee County Fire Rescue reunited it with its family .
Read More Dog Rescue StoriesThese Festive Pups Celebrated America’s 250th in the Cutest Way
Patriotic dogs stole hearts in red, white, and blue outfits as they joined families celebrating America's 250th birthday.
Read More Cute Dog StoriesSecurity Camera Captures the Moment Family Dog Chases Off Bear Charging Young Boy
Brave Husky Bella protects a 6-year-old boy by chasing off a charging black bear in Torrington, Connecticut.
Read More Heartwarming Dog StoriesStreet Dog Makes Remarkable Recovery After Being Given Just 24 Hours
Stray dog Max beat cancer after one rescuer refused to give up, proving compassion and hope can save a life and find a brighter tomorrow.
Read More Heartwarming Dog StoriesSaint Bernard Tries to Beat the Heat and Accidentally Floods the Yard
St. Bernard Gigi accidentally flattens her family's pool, turning the backyard into one hilarious summer splash. leaving everyone smiling.
Read More Funny Dog StoriesRecent Graduate’s Bond With Her Beloved Dog Touches Hearts Around the World
New graduate Oriana Ustariz was found embracing her beloved dog after Venezuela's devastating earthquakes claimed thousands of lives.
Read More Dog NewsPatriotic Dog Who ‘Drives’ a Tiny Car Stops People in Their Tracks
Mini Australian Shepherd Buck spreads smiles by "driving" tiny vehicles at parades, parks, and senior centers across New England.
Read More Heartwarming Dog StoriesThe Tiny Puppy They Almost Didn’t Keep Grew Into a 185-Pound Best Friend
A soaked English Mastiff puppy found under a car hood finds a loving family and a forever home after one rainy morning changes everything.
Read More Heartwarming Dog StoriesHundreds of Wiener Dogs Take Over One Town for the Cutest Race You’ll Ever See
Mississippi's Starkville Derby unites hundreds of dachshunds, raises charity funds, and brings joyful community spirit every year.
Read More Heartwarming Dog StoriesShe Was Barely 3 Months Old and Already Needed a Fresh Start
Neglected puppy Sophie overcame abuse with love and care, becoming a happy, energetic dog ready for a forever home.
Read More Dog Rescue StoriesOne Look into This Left Behind Pit Bull’s Eyes Changed an Officer’s Life Forever
Officer rescues abandoned Pit Bull in the rain and gains a loyal best friend, proving love and second chances change lives.
Read More Heartwarming Dog StoriesMissing Dog Is Finally Found Thanks to a Group of Kids Who Wouldn’t Give Up
Missing dog Sugar was rescued after a rollover crash in Vermilion, Ohio, thanks to quick-thinking children and first responders.
Read More Heartwarming Dog StoriesTwo Severely Neglected Dogs Were Saved by the Kindness of Complete Strangers
Two severely neglected dogs found hope through rescue groups, foster families, and compassion that changed their lives forever.
Read More Dog Rescue StoriesWarning: This Tiny Rescue Dog May Completely Take Over Your Couch… and Your Heart
Meet Harvey, a tiny rescue Terrier with a huge personality, endless fetch energy, and a heart ready for his forever home.
Read More Dog Rescue StoriesTerrified Shelter Dog Waited 763 Days for the One Person Who Wouldn’t Give Up
Nyx, the traumatized Doberman, spent 763 days waiting until one woman's patience led to trust and a forever home.
Read More Dog Rescue StoriesGerman Shepherds Followed Their Noses and Saved Two Tiny Kittens
Two German Shepherds uncovered abandoned kittens in a locked shed, leading to a life-saving rescue and a hopeful new beginning.
Read More Dog Rescue StoriesNeil the Seal Crashes Through Fences, Blocks Roads, and Wins Everyone Over
Giant seal Neil returns to Tasmania, delighting locals while spotlighting vulnerable elephant seals and ocean conservation.
Read More Dog NewsPEOPLE Announces Return of World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest
PEOPLE's 2026 World's Cutest Rescue Dog Contest celebrates inspiring rescue stories! Enter your dog by July 24 for a chance to shine.
Read More Heartwarming Dog StoriesFrench Bulldog Left at Shelter Waits With the Saddest Look in His Eyes
Neglected French Bulldog Luke gets a second chance as rescuers treat his injuries and begin his hopeful recovery journey.
Read More Dog Rescue StoriesFlorida Dog Vanishes, Then Turns Up 1,000 Miles Away in New York
Missing Shih Tzu Apollo reunites with his Florida family after months away, thanks to a microchip scan in New York, ending a long search.
Read More Heartwarming Dog StoriesAbandoned Puppy Who Looked Like an Old Man Finally Gets to Be Young
Abandoned and starving, Carmello finds safety, healing, and joy as patient rescuers help him become the happy dog he was meant to be.
Read More Dog Rescue StoriesRing Camera Captures Dog’s Incredible Escape Moments Before Ceiling Collapses
Texas dog escapes injury after leaving the room moments before the ceiling collapsed, all caught on Ring camera in a remarkable close call.
Read More Amazing Dog StoriesCommunity Rallies Around Mistreated Puppy as Investigators Search for Answers
Brave puppy Yara survives horrific abuse and begins a hopeful recovery thanks to dedicated rescuers determined to heal her wounds.
Read More Dog Rescue StoriesRescuers Free Two Severely Neglected Dog Brothers and Transform Their Lives Forever
Rescued brothers Dom and Tom overcome neglect, heal together, and discover the joyful life every dog deserves.
Read More Dog Rescue StoriesMLB Marlins Found the Viral ‘Sad Dog’…Now He’s Getting His Own Hot Dog
Rescue dog Jonah went viral after patiently watching another pup enjoy a hot dog. Now the Marlins are giving him his dream day on July 12.
Read More Heartwarming Dog StoriesBuild the Perfect Barkuterie Board for Your Dog
Learn how to create a safe barkuterie board for dogs with healthy foods, easy tips, and fun serving ideas inspired by Elsa.
Read More Heartwarming Dog StoriesPet Lovers’ Choice Awards Reveals State Winners as Wildcard Voting Begins
Meet the inspiring Best In State pet winners as America celebrates amazing animals while supporting shelters and rescues nationwide.
Read More Heartwarming Dog StoriesLee Asher Marries the Love of His Life Surrounded by Rescue Dogs
Lee Asher and Sara Moore celebrated their wedding surrounded by rescue dogs, making their special day a heartfelt tribute to love.
Read More Heartwarming Dog StoriesDog Tied Up to Be a “Better” Hunter Finally Gets the Life She Deserved
Neglected dog Bambi survived heartbreaking abuse before rescuers helped her find a forever family and the happy life she always deserved.
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Toledo, United States.