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Fed Up Rescuer Writes Open Letter To Person Who Dumped 2 Dogs

It can be exhausting hearing all the stories about abandoned dogs. It sometimes seems like there’s a neverending stream of unloved pups pouring out into the streets as people just dump them when they don’t want them any more. But if we’ve learned anything reading all these stories, it’s that for every human who abandons a dog, there are others who are willing to help. Heroes don’t look the way they do in comics, or in movies based on comics. … Read more

7 Ways Your Dog Talks To You Through Body Language

We all wish our dogs could talk to us – it would make life soo much easier! But did you know your dog does try to speak to you? While it might not be in your language, your dog most definitely communicates with you. The following are a few of the main ways your dog talks to you about things that are important. Teaching your kids your dog’s language can also help to prevent bites from happening. #1 –  They … Read more

This Animal-Loving Artist Photoshops Pictures Of Dogs Next To Their Younger Selves!

photoshop adult dogs with puppies photo

A creative animal lover named Mandy Helwege has a booming business designed around photoshopping furry friends. She wanted to create something special for the many dedicated pet parents out there, so she came up with a brilliant concept! Mandy’s journey to success began with a fun idea for her Great Dane’s Instagram page. She thought it would be adorable to photoshop a picture of her Great Dane as a puppy next to his current self, creating a unique peek into … Read more

4,000 Abused Beagles Rescued From Cruel Research Industry Need Forever Homes

beagles rescued from research lab

The Humane Society Of The United States is leading the mission in relocating 4,000 Beagles rescued from an animal research facility. After the facility was found to be guilty of shocking violations to the Animal Welfare Act, the organization was ordered to release all 4,000 dogs to the care of the HSUS. While it may be shocking to many, there are Beagles located in labs throughout the country for the purpose of medical research. These labs cover everything from pharmaceutical … Read more

Brave Police K9 Fights For His Life After Getting Shot Three Times

Police K9 survives 3 gunshots

Police K9s work hard at their jobs, and sometimes, they put their own lives at risk to stay loyal to their teammates. K9 Huk is a brave member of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) who recently needed emergency vet care. K9 Huk was just doing his job when he was shot by a suspect three times, so the community is calling him a hero. After over a week of recovery, things are looking positive for Huk. His human co-workers believe … Read more

Stolen German Shepherd Returns Home After 4 Years And 600 Miles

Stolen German Shepherd

In January 2018, a German Shepherd puppy was stolen outside her home in Baytown, Texas. She loved everyone she met, so she didn’t resist when strangers welcomed her into their vehicle. The stolen pup’s family searched for weeks with no sightings and slowly gave up hope. But the weeks turned into months, and then years. It got to the point where the family thought they’d never see their dog again. But then, they got a phone call that changed everything. … Read more

Once Unrecognizable Due To Severe Neglect, Moses Now Has People Lining Up To Adopt Him

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) is the largest animal welfare charity in the UK. For nearly 200 years, this organization has dedicated itself to stomping out animal cruelty and rescuing those in need. This summer, the RSPCA launched the “Cancel Out Cruelty” movement: “Each year animal cruelty reaches its terrible annual peak in the summer months,” reports the RSPCA. “When an animal is beaten on average every hour of every day.” The RSPCA has … Read more

Shelter Employee Sparks Outrage For Refusing To Let “Obese” Woman Adopt Dog

When you work at an animal shelter, your goal is to find a permanent home for every animal that comes through. In order to ensure dogs who get adopted never have to return to the shelter, it’s up to the staff to determine whether the dog and their adopter are the right fit. However, in one case, a shelter employee may have stepped over the line in handling a woman’s request to adopt a rescue dog named Rocky. The shelter … Read more

Officer Adopts Distressed Dog Stranded In Hot Car For Hours

Officer adopts rescued dog

About a month ago, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) responded to a call about a dog trapped in a hot car. At the time, they suspected that the dog had been stranded in the vehicle for over two hours. After further research, the ASPCA announced that they believe the dog was actually in the car for 24 hours. The outside temperature was in the mid-80s that day, which can reach over 100 degrees in a parked vehicle in … Read more

Senior Dog Found In Car Of Deceased Owner

A recent rescue story out of Humboldt County in California had a very happy ending despite its tragic beginning. The ending could have gone the other way if not for some caring community members. The story involves a small senior dog, a human companion who passed away, a police rescue, a local shelter with a great memory, and a caring adopter. In a time when so much of the news is bad, this story is sure to put a smile on … Read more

How Much Do Rescue Dogs Remember From Their Pasts?

You know your rescue dog had a life before you walked into the shelter, but how much of that time do they actually remember? Would your dog recognize their old owners or where they used to live? Can they recall specific experiences whether they were good or bad? For some rescues, forgetting a painful past might be a good thing, but is that even possible? Here’s a closer look at how your dog’s memory works and what scientists think they … Read more

UPDATE: Dog Found Chained To A Cinder Block & Left To Drown Has Been Adopted!

Park Rangers outside of Kansas City, Missouri made a shocking and heartbreaking discovery at Longview Lake on Friday. A terrified, mud-caked dog – since named Deputy by his rescuers – had been chained to a 12″ x 12″ concrete masonry block and presumably left to drown as the waters rose. He is now recovering at the Great Plains SPCA in Independence, MO where staff describes him as a “loving, happy dog.” Park rangers heard Deputy’s cries and began investigating the … Read more

5 Ways To Tell If Your Dog Is Bonded To You

If you recently adopted a dog, you might be wondering whether or not they’re already bonded to you. Some dogs may be so grateful to be adopted that they’ll bond to you almost immediately. Other dogs are shy or may have had a rough life prior to meeting you, so they may take a little longer to warm up. Here are 5 signs that your dog is bonded to you. #1 – They don’t try to race out the door … Read more

Scientifically Proven Ways To Show Your Dogs How Much You Love Them

Scientific research has helped us understand the complex thoughts and emotions our beloved dogs are capable of. They may feel, interpret and express love differently than humans, but they definitely understand the sentiment. Dr. Brian Hare is an associate professor of evolutionary anthropology at Duke University and founder of the Duke Canine Cognition Center. When asked by People Pets whether dogs realize how much we love them, he answered: “Yes, your dog knows how much you love him! Dogs and … Read more

9 Things Humans Do That Our Dogs Wish We Didn’t

When we love our dogs like family, we sometimes forget that they don’t understand us quite like our human relatives. Sometimes we try to have full-on conversations with them or unknowingly send them body language signals that are interpreted differently in the animal kingdom. For these reasons, we’ve compiled a list of 9 common things that humans do that stress dogs out. If you’ve done any of these things, don’t worry–we all have! But by being more aware, we can try to communicate with our … Read more

Abused Puppy Left Inside a Walmart Bag Makes Amazing Recovery

Hope is a tiny Pit Bull mix puppy with a loving family to care for her, however, this sweet puppy wasn’t always so lucky. She was first found in plastic bag inside a Coachella Valley dumpster when she was only a few weeks old. Luckily, Alejandra Espinoza Zazueta came to the rescue after receiving a call from her mom. Unfortunately, when Zazueta arrived at the scene, she discovered that poor Hope was not in very good shape. Zazueta discovered that … Read more

The 10 Most Common Breeds Found In Shelters

Did you know 25% of shelter dogs are purebred? Why are some breeds more likely to be in shelters, and how can it be prevented? Let’s look at the 10 breeds most common in shelters and reasons they end up there. #1 – American Pit Bull Terrier With more breed specific legislation popping up, “pit bulls” are the most common breed found in shelters. Even where they’re legal, many apartments forbid them. Dangerous in the hands of bad people, they … Read more

Puppy With 6 Legs And Extra Organs Is Thriving Despite All Odds

Skipper acts just like your average puppy, but the newborn canine doesn’t look the way you’d expect. That’s because the 11-ounce Border Collie/Australian Shepherd mix has six legs! Not only that, but she also has two tails and some duplicate organs. Most puppies in these situations don’t survive, but Skipper isn’t one to follow the crowd. Thanks to the help of supportive veterinarians, Skipper is thriving despite her conditions. All her legs seem to be functioning properly, and vets are … Read more

Family Abandons Pit Bull At Kill Shelter Because She’s “Not A Cute Puppy Anymore”

Pit Bull at shelter

Sadly, not every family treats their dogs with respect. A sweet Pit Bull named Ellie thought she had a loving home. She came to her first family as a puppy, when she was adorable and irresistible to them. But as soon as she turned a year old, her loved ones turned their backs on her. They surrendered her at a high kill shelter in Tennessee, saying they no longer wanted her because she was “not a cute puppy anymore.” This … Read more

Top 10 Most Low Maintenance Dog Breeds

Low maintenance dogs

If you are looking for a family dog, one of the things to take into consideration is how much work the dog needs. Busy households with not a lot of time may want to consider one of these low maintenance dogs. They don’t need the “frills and pampering” or many vet visits other breeds require. For our list, we did not take into consideration activity or “energy” level. After all, every dog should be exercised and played with to stay … Read more

After Seeing Him Struggle, Students Build Custom Cart For Paralyzed PitBull

Shannon Ryan was scrolling on Facebook when she saw a request within a private group for volunteers and fosters of the rescue Pitties Love Peace. The rescue group was searching for someone to foster a 6-week-old pup named Jimmy. Shannon instantly said yes.  It didn’t matter that he couldn’t move his back legs and that nobody knew why. She didn’t care that he had to wear diapers. One look at his tiny, adorable face, and she was sold.  Jimmy first … Read more

Puppy Mill Survivor Begs To Be Adopted With 14-Year-Old Friend

Tuck and Cuda

Whenever people ask me how I can keep fostering after 22 animals and counting, I think of stories like Tuck and Cuda’s. Of course, fostering dogs can be sad and frustrating at times, but the happiness of their adoption day is worth all the hard work. As I’ve told many people before, shy dogs are the most rewarding, and Tuck was one of my first extremely shy foster dogs. I fostered Tuck, a one-year-old Maltese, over a year ago now, … Read more

Delivery Driver Cautiously Approaches Porch Where Pit Bull Is Watching & Waiting

To a dog comfortably resting on his own porch in his own domain, the approaching delivery person can seem like a threat. That’s why there is some truth to the concept of dogs hating mailmen. It’s a tough thing to avoid, which is why delivery drivers often have to be very cautious approaching homes where dogs are outside. Recently, a Ring camera captured an interaction between a delivery driver and a dog at the home he was delivering to. That … Read more

Determined Dog Refuses To Back Down When Defending Family From Mountain Lion

While mountain lions may be a common sight near the foothills in Utah, a dog deciding to defend her family and refusing to back down during an encounter certainly isn’t.  But that’s exactly what Ella, a hunting dog and family guardian, decided to do. Risking life and limb to do it, nothing was going to hurt her humans while she was on watch. The scorching summer afternoon started out the same as any other, with the kids playing in their … Read more

Disabled Slaughterhouse Dog Now Changes Lives As A Therapy Dog

From slaughterhouse to therapy dog

When Gayle Ellias knew she wanted to adopt a sixth dog, she had her heart set on a Golden Retriever. She wanted a canine she could train as a therapy dog, and she thought the popular breed would be her best bet. But when she saw an adorable Alaskan Malamute rescued from the dog meat trade, he stole her heart. Ichabod wasn’t an easy dog to adopt, but Ellias was willing to jump through all the hoops to bring him … Read more

Meet The American Bully Service Dog Who Is Specifically Trained To Combat Depression

Most people are familiar with the fact that there are guide dogs that help the visually impaired and service dogs that help veterans who are struggling with PTSD. But did you know that there are also service dogs that are specifically trained to combat depression? Kristen Kotselidis, a professional dog trainer, not only has years of experience training service dogs, but she also uses one to help manage her own mental health. Diesel Responds To His Mom’s Cues Diesel, a … Read more

Black Ink Crew‘s Ceaser Emanuel Charged With Animal Cruelty After Hitting Dog With Chair

Black Ink Crew New York, a VH1 show about tattoo artists working in Harlem, used to star a 43-year-old artist named Ceaser Emanuel. Now, the show has completely severed ties with Emanuel after witnessing a disturbing incident of animal abuse perpetrated by him. Footage from a Ring camera went viral this year, horrifying both fans of the show and dog lovers everywhere. The disturbing video shows Emanuel hitting a dog with a folding chair, among other things. The Abuse Incident Caught … Read more

The 10 Most Affectionate Dog Breeds

What could be better than dog kisses and canine cuddles? These breeds aren’t afraid to show their love for you, in fact, they insist on it! Having one of these breeds means having a personal snuggle machine in your home. If you’ve got space in your bed or on your couch for a cuddle buddy and free hands for belly rubs, consider adopting one of the dogs on this list! #10 – Brussels Griffon This charming little dog steals the … Read more

5 Amazing Things Dogs Can Sense About Humans

Dogs are extremely keen, intuitive animals that we learn more about every day. It’s recently been discovered that some dogs are able to warn their epileptic owners before a seizure happens, or notify their diabetic owners if their blood sugar is too low. These amazing things haven’t yet been able to be trained and only some dogs display the behavior. But there are things that all dogs can sense about humans, and they’re pretty amazing. #1 – Your Mood It … Read more

Why Dogs Kick Grass After Going To The Bathroom & How To Save Your Yard

Both male and female dogs have been known to do it, the kicking grass after using the restroom routine. Dogs kick grass after going to the bathroom, and when they’re done, your yard is left with some not-so-appealing reminders. It happens after dogs pee and poop, and dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments have been known to do it. Your dog may look silly acting like a cat in a litter box, but it’s actually a natural canine behavior … Read more

Happy Endings Aren’t Always Easy: New Orleans Teacher Says “Goodbye” To Rescued Stray

It is no secret that housing issues continue to plague pet owners all across the country. Rent costs are continuously rising, and there are landlords aplenty who refuse to budge on their “no pets” restrictions. Given the statistics, it’s no wonder that countless homeless pets fill our city streets. Shelters and rescues are overwhelmed. So much so that many have had to start refusing intakes. And not for lack of concern, but simply due to lack of space. They are … Read more

Orthopedic Surgeon Forced To Stop Offering Free Surgery For Pets After Angry Outcry From Veterinary Community

A love for animals unites most pet lovers – but it can divide us just as much. Most of us agree on a few basic things: pets deserve to be happy, healthy, and loved – but how they should receive those things is often the subject of debate. Recently 11Alive.com shared what appeared to be the heartwarming story of Dr. John Keating, an orthopedic surgeon in Atlanta, Georgia, who studied to perform surgery on humans but had a passion for … Read more

80 Neglected, Traumatized Dogs Discovered In Condemned House

Vet Apt Feature

When a probation officer was notified that a “court-ordered ankle monitor” had been removed, he paid a visit to the person’s home and discovered dozens of dogs living in shocking and unsafe conditions. The probation officer immediately called the local dog warden. But because the case involved extreme neglect, they turned to the Licking County Humane Society for help.  After a brief conversation with the single human resident, agents expected this rescue to be a small-scale endeavor. But the situation … Read more

Stick Lodged Inside Dog’s Neck Goes Unnoticed By Vets For 6 Weeks

Stick lodged in dog's throat

It’s easy to tell when our furry friends are acting unusual, but figuring out what the problem is can but tricky. In most cases, vets can discover issues that families can’t, but even professionals get stumped sometimes. Amanda Coleman knew something was wrong with her three-year-old Labrador named Poppy for several weeks before vets determined the cause. Somehow, a stick lodged inside her neck had gone undetected by x-rays. So, when a vet found the root of Poppy’s symptoms, it … Read more

Deaf “Miracle Dog” Returns To Devastated Family After A Year Lost In A Strange City

Rufus is an adorable five-year-old Blue Heeler. He was reunited with his family this week after spending nearly a year alone on the streets of Santa Fe. Rufus, who is completely deaf, escaped from his family home in early September 2021, and an entire community has been on the search for him since. There were certainly those who feared that they would not find him alive. Rufus’ family had just moved to Santa Fe and had barely lived in the … Read more

Heartbroken Dog Lost Half Her Muzzle To Gunshot, But She Still Found Love

Dog missing half of snout

A rescue dog named Nona has a traumatizing past, but she hasn’t let that ruin her optimistic spirit. A gunshot caused the Jack Russell Terrier/Retriever mix to lose half her muzzle, and she ended up in a shelter as she recovered. After she was feeling better, Nona had a little trouble finding her forever home. She went through two adoptions that weren’t quite the right fit, so she was returned both times. Now, after several years, Nona is finally where … Read more

Missouri Shelters Scramble To Find Foster Homes After Severe Flooding

Missouri shelters flooded

Part of Missouri near St. Louis has experienced severe flooding, and it’s putting animal shelters in danger. Two rescue organizations have reported flooding in their kennel spaces, causing them to evacuate all the dogs in their care. An overwhelming number of foster parents have stepped up to help the dogs in need. These shelters are now in desperate need of donations as they continue to operate amid the flooding. While helping their adoptable dogs, they’re also trying their best to … Read more

Wheelchair-Bound Pup Spends Over A Year Looking For A Family With Not One Application

Bebe the German Shepherd/Husky Mix was just three months old when she was abandoned. An unknown person left her on the doorstep of a small veterinary hospital. She was just a baby – small and alone in a big, scary world. Bebe then spent the next three months in a tiny, cramped cage at the hospital, unable to run and play as a normal dog would. She had neither a home nor a family to come to her rescue.  Due … Read more

Olympian’s Fearless Puppy Survives Plane Crash That Nearly Killed Her Entire Family

Earlier this week, four-time Lebanese Olympian Chirine Njeim and her family survived a near-fatal plane crash. The incident, which occurred in Macomb County, Michigan, was terrifying. And their survival? An absolute miracle. Passengers of the plane included Njeim, her husband, Ronny Kamal (who was piloting the plane), and their niece. A six-month-old Golden Retriever puppy named Charlie was onboard as well. Their survival was against all odds, an event many proclaim an absolute miracle. A Tragic Accident The Njeim family … Read more

5 Ways To Tell If Your Dog Is Bonded To You

If you recently adopted a dog, you might be wondering if they’re bonded to you. Some dogs may be so grateful to be adopted that they’ll bond to you almost immediately. Other dogs are shy or may have had a rough life prior to meeting you, so they may take a little longer to warm up. Even if your dog doesn’t seem bonded to you yet, don’t fret – humans and dogs have created strong, long-lasting bonds for centuries, and … Read more

Footage Shows Doberman Fake Death To Survive Brutal Mountain Lion Attack

California is no stranger to the happenings of wildlife. With a vast array of landscapes and sprawling neighborhoods taking over much of the area, Tujunga, California sits within the borders of Los Angeles. Despite the bustling city life, wildlife still calls the city it’s home. Unfortunately, that spells trouble for many four-legged family members. One family learned this lesson the hard way when their Doberman was recently the victim of a brutal attack. A Sneak Attack Just Before Dawn The … Read more

UPDATE: Sisu & His Stuffed Sidekick Venture To Virginia And Inspire Acts of Kindness

UPDATE  We shared the story of the young Lab mix, Sisu, who tried five separate times to steal the same unicorn from a Dollar General in North Carolina. People all over the country were touched by Animal Control Officer Samantha Lane’s kindness of purchasing the purple unicorn for him. Never mind Sisu’s adorable habit of snuggling up with and carrying the unicorn wherever he went! Sisu and Officer Lane’s story even inspired others to perform small acts of kindness of … Read more

Dog Driving Tiny Car Gets Pulled Over By Police

Many dogs love the thrill of going for car rides and sticking their heads out the window. However, for a little dog named Buddy, he controls his own car rides. Buddy was seen driving around on the sidewalk in a tiny black Mercedes that looks like it was made just for him. Police officers spotted this unusual sight in Heidelberg West, Australia and knew they should investigate. So, the pup had his first run-in with the police! The Victoria Police … Read more

Pet Lovers Rejoice As New York Gets Closer To Banning Puppy Stores

New York Pet Store Ban

New York could become the sixth state to ban the retail sale of puppies, kittens, and rabbits now that lawmakers have passed the legislation. There’s only one more step before New York joins California, Maryland, Illinois, Maine, and Washington. The New York State Legislature passed the bill in June 2022, so now, citizens are waiting for Governor Kathy Hochul to make the final decision. If this bill passes, no retailers in New York would be able to sell dogs, cats, … Read more

Boss Says Dog’s Death Is “Not The Best Reason” To Miss Work, So Woman Quits

The last thing anyone wants to do the day they lose a loved one is get right back to work. Some employers will be amenable to giving time off when you lose a dog, but many consider this type of loss unequal to that of a person and have no patience for it. Make no mistake: your grief over your late dog is valid. The issue is whether others respect that sentiment and if the concept of pet bereavement is … Read more

Dog And Friends Enact Revenge On Cruel Driver’s Car

Life on the streets can be rough for a dog with nowhere to live and no humans to feed and love them. Still, they can sometimes find comfort in other homeless animals. Dogs did evolve from the wolf, after all, which is a pack animal. They like company, and they can benefit from it in many ways. A driver kicked a stray dog in a Shijiazhuang, China parking lot to shoo her away from a space. At the time, the … Read more

Dedicated Dog Found Guarding Family’s Home After It Was Destroyed By The Camp Fire

When the Camp Fire approached Bill and Andrea Gaylord’s 80-acre ranch they had only minutes to evacuate. They attempted to bring their two Anatolian Shepherd dogs, Miguel and Madison, to safety but both dogs ran off to protect the property, and they were forced to leave without them. The Camp Fire burned over 153,000 acres, destroying buildings and tearing apart families. Many people, like the Gaylords, were forced to leave their pets and were uncertain about their fate. However, organizations … Read more

Outdated Breed Laws Leave Family With A Heartbreaking Choice: Their Dog Or Their Home

Last April, a distinctive black and white pooch named Lucy escaped her yard and found herself in the care of Leawood, Kansas Animal Control. This everyday incident set off a desperate legal battle that remains unresolved. Even though Lucy’s mom, Kristi Bond, rushed to pick her up the following day, a letter from the city of Leawood soon arrived. They had deemed Lucy a “dangerous animal” because she fit the “appearance and characteristics” of a Pit Bull. The Battle Begins … Read more

DNA Reunites Long-Lost Littermates Abandoned On Highway 12 Years Ago

Alisha Vianello is the Executive Director of Gateway Pet Guardians in East St. Louis. A life-long animal lover, she was heartbroken to learn of a tiny puppy abandoned on the highway in Jefferson County, Missouri. Related: 4 Best Canine DNA Tests At just four weeks old, there was no way the helpless baby could be a runaway. Luckily, a good samaritan found him and delivered the little ball of fluff to the local humane society where Alisha was currently working. … Read more

Runaway Foster Dog Survives In A Narrow Pipe For Over A Week

Dog pipe rescue

It takes foster dogs some time to get used to their temporary homes. Some dogs are a flight risk at first because they’re intimidated by the unfamiliar situation. But when foster dogs get lost, lots of dog lovers step up to help find them. An 8-year-old Coonhound named Dylan ran away from his foster home in New Jersey and was gone for over a week. His foster mom refused to stop looking for him, and eventually, someone found him in … Read more

Hero Bloodhound Sniffs Out FBI’s Most Wanted Cartel Leader And Murderer

This month, the FBI finally got ahold of one of its 10 Most Wanted criminals. Drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero had been on the run from the U.S. government since 2013, when he got out of a Mexican prison on a technicality. Credit for the end of this decade-long hunt absolutely goes to a dog named Max, who works with the Mexican Marines. The 6-year-old hound is the one responsible for Quintero’s capture. Max Sniffs Out Crime According to authorities, … Read more