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“America’s Hero Dog 2021” Will Be Crowned On November 12

Well, here it comes. The votes are in, and after nearly a full year and over 400 nominations, we’re all about to find out who “America’s Hero Dog” is. If that sounds too subjective, I’m referring more specifically to American Humane’s Hero Dog Awards. The country’s first national humane organization hosts this annual event, which is sponsored by the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation. Platinum Presenting Sponsor Lois Pope explained the awards’ value: “The Hero Dog Awards celebrate America’s often unsung … Read more

Senior Pit Bull Abandoned At Vet Spends 200 Days Waiting For Love

Pit Bull Adopted After 200 Days

A 9-year-old Pit Bull mix named Cano had a rough past. Orange County Animal Services took him in after someone abandoned him outside a veterinary hospital. Adjusting to shelter life wasn’t easy for Cano because he was fearful and distrusting toward other dogs. Yet, his trauma didn’t stop him from falling in love with all the humans who cared for him. For 200 days, the shelter begged the public to help Cano find a home. But finding a family who … Read more

Heartwarming Time Lapse Shows Bulldog And Baby Growing Up Together

Girl grows up with Bulldog

Most kids adore dogs, especially if they grew up with a furry friend by their side. But some kids and dogs have bonds that are closer than the average companions, and they’re extra cute too! A little girl named Willow grew up with Peaches the Bulldog beside her every step of the way. Peaches is one of the most tolerant, easygoing dogs you’ll ever meet, and she loves to be with her human. Willow’s family recorded her interactions with Peaches … Read more

Dog’s Extravagant Birthday Party Saves Homeless Animals

Goldendoodle Special Birthday Party

Dogs deserve to be loved and cherished, so dog birthday parties are becoming increasingly popular. Many dog parents spend lots of money on things their dogs might not even notice, such as fancy decorations and billboards. However, a Goldendoodle named Dagny had an extravagant party that didn’t go over the top with spendings. Instead of going crazy with the decorations, his humans used the event to raise money for a good cause. Thanks to Dagny’s special birthday, many other dogs … Read more

K9 Officer Is Met With A Hero’s Welcome After Surviving A Bullet To The Head

When Chicago police alerted the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office to the sighting of a murder suspect on the run at a Bristol, Illinois, gas station, Deputy Terry Tifft and partner K9 Riggs were two of the responding officers. The suspect was driving the homicide victim’s vehicle, and when officers approached, he fled the car, brandishing a gun. Riggs went after him, tackling him to the ground before he reached the highway. But the suspect fired on Riggs, shooting him once … Read more

Officers Cut Through Wire Fence To Save Dog Trapped Inches From Highway

In addition to the daily struggle for basic survival, one of the biggest threats to a stray dog’s safety is fast-moving traffic. It’s not easy dodging heavy machinery traveling at 60 miles an hour. On October 20th in Arlington, Virginia, a bus driver spotted a dog trapped between two fences, mere inches from Interstate 396. The driver called animal control to report the dog’s precarious situation. Meanwhile, the poor dog stood terrified between the highway barrier and the chain-link fence … Read more

Pittie Tied With Barbed Wire & Left In A Dumpster Finally Knows Love

Used and abused as a bait dog, a 2-year-old Pit Bull was tied up with barbed wire and left to die in an Alabama dumpster. Eventually, he was found and placed in a shelter. Serendipitously, this boy with a rough start to life got noticed by the right person. Zye Tipton saw the Pittie at the shelter and decided he would be the perfect companion for his family, especially his grandmother, Edee Grun. At that time, Grun was dealing with … Read more

Heroes Work Together To Save Terrified Dog Stranded On Buoy

Dog trapped on buoy

Several people spotted a Shih Tzu mix wandering around Alamitos Beach in Long Beach, California. However, when they approached the dog, she ran off and jumped into the water. People tried to swim after her, but the pup was determined to get as far away from humans as possible. When she couldn’t swim anymore, she climbed onto a buoy and clung to it for dear life. Luckily, there were many dog lovers on the shore who couldn’t leave the dog … Read more

Heartlessly Abandoned By His Breeders, Somersaulting Dog Defies The Odds

When his breeders surrendered tiny, five-week-old Sampson to Good Sprout Rescue and Sanctuary, all odds were against him. Not only was he young enough that he should still be with his mother and siblings, but he was suffering from a severe brain infection. In fact, they weren’t even sure whether or not he would survive his first night in the hospital. “Sampson was surrendered to us by his breeders because he was not growing like the rest of his siblings … Read more

Newly-Adopted Rescue Dog Saves Owner From Fatal Mudslide

Most dog parents will agree that their furry friends have changed their lives for the better. But not many can say that their dog saved them from a near-death experience. Pierpaolo Paradisi had only recently adopted his dog Leo when a dangerous storm broke out in Vernazza, Italy. Amid the storm, Paradisi was only moments away from driving into a deadly landslide. However, Leo quickly stopped him in the most unusual way. If Paradisi hadn’t had his rescue dog by … Read more

Flight Attendants Break Protocol To Save French Bulldog’s Life

frenchie plane rescue

Two fur parents are thankful for the fast action of the flight attendants on their Jet Blue flight. When their beloved French Bulldog fell into respiratory distress, the plane crew jumped into action and offered her life-saving care. Michele and Steven Burt were on a Jet Blue flight to Worcester, Massachusetts with their 3-year-old Frenchie named Darcy. Darcy is a healthy pup with no underlying issues they were aware of, so the couple assumed she would be safe with them … Read more

Lawmakers Demand Answers After Discovering Horrific Beagle “Experiments”

Horrific Beagle Experiment

WARNING: Content may be sensitive for some readers. Chief medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci is being called out all over social media for allowing horrific animal abuse to occur. Reports claim that he allowed taxpayer money to go toward testing on puppies, which involved exposing them to deadly bugs and removing their vocal cords. The situation sounds like something out of a horror movie, and many Beagles died in these inhumane experiments. Now, many lawmakers are fighting back and demanding … Read more

Man Goes To Pier To Spread Grandmother’s Ashes & Ends Up Saving Drowning Dog

drowning dog rescue

A grieving grandson named Raden Soemawinata went to the Brighton Pier to scatter his late grandmother’s ashes. He planned to spend the afternoon honoring his loved one, but was instead offered an opportunity to save a treasured life. Raden set off to the pier in Melbourne, Australia to say goodbye to his dear grandmother. Just before he was about to head home after paying his respects, he witnessed a frantic dog owner in need of help. A tiny Maltese mix … Read more

Tortured Dog With Eyes Super Glued Shut Fights To Keep Her Vision

Dog with eyes glued shut

Vets see a lot of horrific incidents while working, but a recent patient at the Northern Pike Animal Hospital in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, truly shocked them. An 11-pound dog arrived at the vet with her eyes sealed shut with super glue. Vets feared that the pup would lose her eyesight, but they didn’t give up hope. Now, the tiny pup is free of glue, but she suffered many consequences as a result of the abuse. Yet, she’s expected to make a … Read more

Calling All Genius Dogs: Researchers Want To Hear From You!

Most of the time it’s not a problem, but sometimes don’t you just wish your dog understood what you were telling them? That’s a question scientists have pored over for decades. In 2004, a brilliant Border Collie named Rico performed a series of experiments to help researchers determine a dog’s capability for human language. What they learned was that Rico could understand over 200 human words, all tied to his various toys. The researchers would call out a name, and … Read more

Heartbroken Dog Found With Metal Wire Clamping Her Mouth Shut

Dog mouth tied shut

WARNING: Images may be sensitive to some readers. The Kansas Humane Society (KHS) recently witnessed one of the most heartbreaking stories. A kind stranger came across a dog whose mouth was tied shut with a metal wire, so they rushed her to Wichita Animal Services. The wiring had been there so long that it caused deep lacerations, which exposed the dog’s bones and tissue on her nose. This dog deserved a second chance at life, so the humane society stepped in … Read more

Chilling Camera Footage Captures A “Ghost” Removing A Dog’s Collar

Ok, you’re reading this and probably thinking, a ghost took off a dog’s collar, whatever. Either you don’t believe in specters, or perhaps you feel there’s no way a ghost is going to mess around with a dog’s collar. But watch the video. It will change your mind. And once you see the end, you’ll be just as creeped out as the 10.5 million TikTok viewers who’ve already seen this chilling camera footage. As the video starts, the frame shows … Read more

The Ultimate 2021 iHeartDogs Holiday Gift Guide

The days are getting shorter, and the evenings hold a chill. That means Christmas can’t be far away! Have you started shopping yet? Whether you’re already halfway through your list or maybe you’re looking for great ideas, we’ve got you covered when it comes to gifts for dog lovers and their dogs with the 2021 Holiday Gift Guide! Check out this ultimate list of gift ideas that are perfect for family, friends and coworkers. And, don’t forget to put your … Read more

Visually Impaired Woman Suffers Abuse For Asking People Not To Pet Her Guide Dog

Do not pet guide dog

Dr. Amy Kavanagh has been visually impaired her whole life, but she only started working with her guide dog named Ava recently. Ava makes getting around much easier for Kavanagh, but like all service dogs, distractions make her job much harder. Strangers try to pet Ava daily, no matter what Kavanagh says. Many people get offended when they’re told they can’t pet a service dog. Kavanagh recalls that some individuals have even displayed abusive behaviors in response. Yet, some distractions … Read more

Pit Bull Puppy Found Barely Alive In Tornado Rubble Now Saves Lives

Little Man the Pit Bull

Moore, a suburb of Oklahoma City, suffered massive wreckage in 2013 when a tornado plowed past. Molly Gibb, a volunteer for the search and rescue team, helped scour the area for any signs of life. After five days of searching, the team found a Pit Bull puppy buried under the rubble. He was just barely alive, but volunteers had faith he’d survive. Gibb named the pup Little Man, and she adopted him when no one claimed him. He was clinging … Read more

Millions Rely On This Sassy Senior Pug To Predict How Their Day Will Go

Dad and Noodle

Every morning, the internet waits to find out what kind of day it’s going to be from a handsome senior pug named Noodle. Millions of online followers have fallen in love with the charming 13-year-old and eagerly anticipate his videos. His devoted fans view his posts to help them determine how their day will go. In a sense, Noodle is their daily horoscope provider.  They wait to find out whether it will be a “Bones Day” or a “No Bones … Read more

In Sweetest Meeting You’d Never Expect, Trusty Dog & Gentle Whale Shark Share A Kiss

Did you know whale sharks exist on a diet of plankton and small fish? With no teeth, these big fish are filter feeders and certainly not maneaters or dog eaters! As what National Geographic describes as a “docile fish,” whale sharks don’t even mind if a diver decides to hold on and catch a ride. Truly, any of us would be in good company if we ever got the chance to meet a whale shark. Listed as an endangered species, … Read more

Almost Euthanized, Emmie & Blaze Thank You For Your Help In Saving Their Lives

The ASPCA reports more than three million dogs enter U.S. shelters every year. Forty-eight percent of those dogs find forever homes through adoption. But for twenty percent of shelter dogs, there is no happy ending, only the sad reality of being euthanized. For some dogs, this is a humane ending to their suffering. For others, it comes down to overpopulation. But when we all work together, we can reduce the overcrowding in shelters and help adoptable dogs find happy lives … Read more

Boaters Leap Into Water To Rescue Dog Swimming Alone In Middle Of Ocean

Some dogs love to swim, but they might not realize the consequences of taking an unattended dip in the ocean. Over-eager dogs get swept up by ocean currents and take ill-advised leaps off of boats more than you’d think. Case in point: a group of friends in Florida were out enjoying their boat when they saw a rather unusual sea creature. Somehow, a Jack Russell Terrier was swimming beside them, with no other boats in sight in the middle of … Read more

Drone Rescue Is A Last Resort For Starving Dogs Stranded By Volcano

Saving La Palma Dogs

For over a month, several dogs have been trapped on the island of La Palma, Spain with no escape. The Cumbre Vieja volcano has been erupting, spreading hot lava and volcanic ash to nearby areas. Sadly, it hasn’t shown any signs of stopping, and many families were forced to flee without their furry friends. Many dogs climbed to ash-covered roofs to escape the lava, but now they’re stranded. Officials have found ways to drop dog food via drones, but it … Read more

Dog Abused & Left To Starve In An Abandoned Attic Falls In Love With Her Rescuer

Jami Lassell and her friend arrived at an abandoned house in Pennsylvania to clean out an attic. Little did they know, that moment would save a life. The attic had a foul smell of urine and feces. Then, they spotted a Pit Bull trapped up there who was nothing but skin and bones. It’s unclear how long the dog was stranded in the attic, but somehow she survived with no food or water. Despite the harsh situation, she was incredibly … Read more

Great Dane Survives 60-Foot Fall & 48 Hours In The Wilderness

A Great Dane named Presley found herself in a desperate situation after straying away from her fur mom on a walk. Not only did she get lost in the forest near her home, but she fell down a 60-foot embankment in the process. Susan Clark and Presley go on daily walks in the forest surrounding their Oregon home. Presley is typically glued to Susan’s side during their outdoor endeavors, but something appeared to have distracted the 100-pound pup on their … Read more

Incredible Footage Shows Rescuers Drone-Dropping Food To Dogs Trapped By Lava

For nearly a month, the Cumbre Vieja volcano in the Canary Islands of Spain has been erupting, spewing hot lava across the area. The eruption, which started in September 2021, has destroyed over a thousand buildings and forced 6,000 residents to evacuate La Palma. Sadly, some had no choice but to leave their pets behind. La Palma is home to 83,000 people, and many of them have furry family members. Fortunately, dogs have better survival instincts than we do. Footage … Read more

Brave Rescuer Slides Into 40-Foot Rock Crevice To Save Stranded Dog

Woman saves dog from rock crevice

A 12-year-old dog named Liza recently went through one of the most terrifying incidents of her life. She got trapped in a deep rock crevice at a New York state park, but she had no way to escape. It took about five days before rescuers figured out how to free her. Yet, they never gave up trying. Now, Liza is safe with her family once again. It’s unclear how she got into such an unfortunate situation, but it’s an important … Read more

Quirky Dog Abandoned For Being “Too Old” Now Educates Others

Abandoned Pekingese Adopted

Rex, the 14-year-old Pekingese mix, is adorable in his own unique way. He has an extreme underbite and a tongue that hangs out on one side. It’s hard to imagine how anyone could resist his sweet face, but he was once abandoned only because of his age. His family gave him up because he wasn’t a tiny puppy anymore, which is incredibly unfair. Senior dogs are some of the most loving companions you can have. So, there were plenty of … Read more

Home Surveillance Captures Coyote Attack & Ultimate Rescue Of Family Dog

coyote attack

A California family is still in shock after helping their dog break free from a sudden coyote attack. The entire event was caught on home surveillance, showing the pivotal moment that saved Chico’s life. Kerri and Larry Ruiz live in Southern California with their adorable pup named Chico.  The Ruiz family loves their beautiful home in the SoCal hills, but there is one threat they have to keep an eye out for: coyotes. The presence of coyotes in Kerri and … Read more

Man & The Dog Who Saved His Life In The Strangest Way Die Just Months Apart

Dog and Man Die Months Apart

In 2010, a small dog named Kiko saved his dad’s life, but at the moment, it didn’t seem like it. Jerry Douthett screamed for his wife Rosee to come help him one night. When she entered the room, she saw that Jerry’s toe was gone and Kiko’s mouth had blood in it. It might sound like a horror story, but if Kiko hadn’t done it, Jerry would’ve died. Kiko’s quick thinking gave Jerry over ten more years of life. But … Read more

Hospice Surprises Terminal Cancer Patient With Her Dogs And Horse

Jan featured

A few months ago, Jan Holman was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer. Unfortunately, it wasn’t very long after her diagnosis that her health started to decline rapidly. Before long, she found herself staying in the hospital. After a few weeks away from home, Jan was desperately missing her furry family members. This is understandable, as even a day or two away from our best friends can start to feel like forever.  Jan and her husband, Dennis, have two Cavalier King … Read more

33 Hilarious Cat & Dog Tweets To Make You Laugh Your Paws Off

We love our cats and dogs for so many reasons. They’re adorable, intelligent, loyal, and always there when we need them. And best of all, our kitties and doggos are funny as all get out! Pawrents can always count on their furry ones to provide the most excellent comic relief. Even on the worst of days, like Mondays, we can look to our cats and dogs for laughs. And, thanks to social media, we can enjoy other people’s fur kids … Read more

Airport Staff Discover Sneaky Chihuahua Stowaway Hiding In Owner’s Luggage

chihuahua in suitcase

A Texas couple was shocked to discover their beloved pup hiding in their luggage as they checked in for a flight to Vegas. After their bag was flagged for being six pounds overweight, a quick check of the luggage revealed an unexpected face. Kristi and Jared Owens arrived at the Lubbock Airport to set off on a much-needed vacation. As they began the check-in process before boarding their flight to Vegas, they were informed that one of their bags was … Read more

Woman Visits Lonely Chained Dog For Years Until She Finally Gets To Set Her Free

Have you ever walked by a tied-up dog, and they’re so excited to see someone they test the strength of their leash just to come say hello? Imagine if that dog had been chained up like that for years. That’s the sad past of an Akita named Takia, who kept up her love for humans even after spending all her life anchored to a tree. Laura Seymour Clark, a student at Liberty University, noticed the dog on her way to … Read more

Golden Retriever Safe After Man Arrested For Striking Him Repeatedly

A man from Grand Rapids, Michigan, was arrested after he repeatedly punched a dog outside his workplace. 25-year-old Jon Wilcox was caught on video yelling at the Golden Retriever while he motioned for the dog to come over. When the dog approached Wilcox, he began repeatedly striking the poor pup before he carried him away. The good news is that the dog, named Higgins, is safe. Higgins Has A Bright Future, But Wilcox, On The Other Hand… Sweet Higgins was … Read more

Dog Surprises Her Foster Mom With Litter Of Puppies During Midterms

Pregnant foster dog on campus

Fostering dogs can be hard work, but the most dedicated volunteers are happy to take on the challenge. 20-year-old Lauren Enge doesn’t mind taking on more than she can handle if it means saving more dogs. So, during her college midterms, she took in the sweetest foster dog named Kahuna. At first, Enge had no idea that the dog was pregnant. Yet, Kahuna began gaining weight at a rapid pace despite getting lots of exercise. So, Enge asked the vet … Read more

70-Year-Old Man Will Swim 9 Miles To Raise Money For Senior Pets

Ordinarily, this is the time of year in the northeastern United States when people are closing their pools and swimming is confined to indoors. In New York, the temperatures have already started dropping and the leaves are changing. It isn’t exactly ideal outdoor swimming weather. But for one man, this is the perfect opportunity for him to raise awareness for a cause that he is passionate about.  Who is doing what? On October 17th, Tom Collings plans to swim a … Read more

Suspicious Woman ‘Finds’ Stolen Dog, Then Refuses To Return Her

Wendy the Chihuahua Mix Stolen

On October 3rd, Yesenia Aguayo let her 11-year-old dog named Wendy out in the yard to do her business as usual. But when the Chihuahua/Shih Tzu mix didn’t return, she knew something was wrong. She checked surveillance videos and saw a woman carrying her furry friend away. Aguayo didn’t recognize the woman in the video, so she began searching everywhere for her pup. The Chicago resident reached out to the Bensenville Police Department and the Bensenville Animal Hospital, but neither … Read more

World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Overcame Her Fears With The Sweetest Smile

Heaven the cutest rescue dog

When Jackie Rakers saw a 5-month-old puppy looking for a foster home, it was love at first sight. But the pup needed eye surgery, and the vet who operated on her decided to adopt her. Rakers was heartbroken, but then a month later, the vet returned the scared puppy, so it seemed like it was meant to be. Soon after, Rakers adopted the shy little dog and named her Heaven! Now, Heaven is no longer the terrified puppy at the … Read more

Incredible Video Shows Service Dog Protecting Mom During A Seizure

In 2001, Tina started having migraines and seizures at age 23. She went to countless doctors and neurologists, hoping to find some medication to help. Sadly, even regular injections don’t completely stop the seizures. In 2018, a devastating seizure wiped Tina’s memory, causing her to lose the first 40 years of her life. Not only is Max the German Shepherd her service dog who detects and protects her during seizures, but he also comforts her as she deals with that … Read more

UPDATE: Abandoned Dog Who Went On To Save 100 Koalas From Bushfires Honored

Remember Bear, the rescue dog who saved 100 koalas during the Australian “Black Summer” bushfires of 2019? Bear is a dog surrendered by his family because of his obsessive compulsive tendencies and high energy. The Border Collie/Koolie mix went on to use his drive and special detection skills to save animals at risk of perishing in the devastating fires. At the House of Lords this week, Bear earned a special medal from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). As … Read more

Firefighters Save Terrified Dog Trapped In Narrow Drain Pipe

Dog saved from storm drain

A Hound mix named Hubie was at Millenium Park in Boston, Massachusetts, with his dog walker when something spooked him. He escaped and found shelter in the safest place possible. Unfortunately, his hiding spot ended up being a 16-inch drain pipe, which was just barely rounder than him. He could squeeze into the pipe, but there was no going back. Several agencies arrived to rescue Hubie, but it ended up being a bit more difficult than anticipated. It took over … Read more

Ivy Thanks You For All The Good Food That Helped Her Get Back On Her Big Paws

As one of the larger dog breeds, the Great Pyrenees needs a lot of food! That means Saving Pyrs in Need (SPIN) requires a ton of food to keep their big rescue pups happy and healthy. Thanks to you, SPIN keeps those food bowls filled and their rescued Pyrs on their way to their forever homes. All because you shop with a purpose! And shopping with a purpose means you can feel good about getting a little something extra for … Read more

These Abandoned Dogs Were Skin And Bones Until You Saved Them!

Malnourished dogs rescued

Every time you purchase items from the iHeartDogs store, a portion of those proceeds are donated to Greater Good Charities. Greater Good Charities support shelter animals in many ways, such as donating healthy meals through their Rescue Bank program. Those free meals have saved the lives of many dogs, including two siblings named Benita and Beatrix. Someone dumped Benita and Beatrix all alone at a secluded rest area. They didn’t have any food, water, or shelter, and they were so … Read more

Woman Burns 90% Of Her Body Trying To Save Her Dog From Thermal Spring

Woman burned while saving dog

Laiha Slayton wasn’t afraid to risk her life for her dogs. She was moving from Washington to Ohio to start a new job as a dental assistant. Her dad, Woodraw, and her Shih Tzus, Chevy and Rusty, joined her on the road trip. Laiha and Woodraw had never been to Yellowstone National Park, so they decided to take a brief detour to check it out. Yet, what should’ve been a beautiful memory turned into a real-life horror story. Rusty ran … Read more

Dying Puppy Shares One Last Day In The Sun With Her Beloved Family

One of young pup Raven’s favorite things to do was sunbathe with her furry family. A dog full of spunk, she loved frolicking with the foster dogs and cats who came to stay with her family. Even though she struggled with her own issues, Raven wanted to help other dogs find their happiness. Sadly though, this good girl’s life was cut tragically short. At only six months old, Raven’s body had grown tired from the congenital issues that made her … Read more

Desperate Dog Relentlessly Chases Car To Beg For A Forever Home

Stray dog chasing car

Martina Russo and her partner Fil regularly travel in their van, but they don’t come across stray dogs very often. Yet, when they drove in the Spanish countryside, they spotted a tiny dog chasing their car. At first, they thought the pooch was just playing a game. But the longer the dog ran, the more distressed she seemed. So, the couple let her inside and searched for her owners. Now, the Shih Tzu/Yorkie mix is named Moxie, and she’s here … Read more

RECALL: Another Popular Dog Food Has Dangerous Vitamin D Levels

PureVita dog food recall

Elevated vitamin D levels are among the most common causes of pet food recalls. Earlier this month, another popular dog food brand was voluntarily recalled for this reason. Now, Tuffy’s Pet Foods has also recalled some of their NutriSource dog food due to dangerous levels of vitamin D. Of course, vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs because it promotes healthy bones. Yet, in high doses, any ingredient can become dangerous. So, if you have any of the affected … Read more

3 Rescues Work Together To Bring Lost Dog 150 Miles Back Home

Dogs are capable of crossing remarkably long distances on foot by themselves. It’s unfortunate we must re-learn this lesson every time a missing dog turns up over a hundred miles away from home. On September 25th, 2021, hikers found a 5-year-old German Shepherd mix named Teddy Bear lost in Wenatchee National Forest in Washington. They brought him out of the woods and into the care of the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County. The first thing the shelter did … Read more