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Dog Stolen With Car Reunited With Her Family 9 Months Later

It’s every car owner’s nightmare that their vehicle will be stolen. But imagine how nightmarish it would be if someone stole your car and your dog. One of those is not replaceable. Sergi and Valeria Karat, a couple from New York, took a drive to Connecticut with their dog Cindy in February. Their car was stolen from a rest area in Fairfield while they stopped to pump gas. Most devastating of all was the fact that Cindy was inside the car … Read more

How To Brush Your Dog’s Teeth: 5 Key Steps

A common question we get here at iHeartDogs.com is: “How do I brush my dog’s teeth?” We have spent years working with owners in understanding dental hygiene and how to help your pup the most. Here is how to brush your dog’s teeth: Dogs suffer from all the same dental problems that we do, such as tartar, plaque, and calculus buildup; broken or fractured teeth or roots; developmental or orthodontic problems; abscesses or infected teeth; cysts or tumors in the mouth; and gum disease … Read more

Dog In “Fospice” Aims To Conquer Bucket List In Her Final Days

Fospice dog bucket list

Not all shelter pets get the happily ever after they deserve. If dogs age or grow ill in the shelter, they might not live long enough to find their forever families. That’s why many shelters and rescues have implemented fospice programs. A “fospice family” provides a loving home for a terminally ill shelter dog so they will have a great end to their life. Lala is a fospice resident at the Young Williams Animal Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. To make … Read more

Woman Risks Her Own Life To Stop Two Men From Drowning A Dog

Dog saved from drowning

A woman was going for a casual bike ride in Thomasville, Georgia, when she witnessed a horrific scene. She spotted two men holding something under the water of a creek. As she got closer, she realized that they were holding a dog. In a panic, she scared them off, risking her own life in the process. But luckily, the woman was safe, and she saved the dog’s life too. The Pit Bull, now known as Miss Hicks, is doing much … Read more

You Helped A Senior Chihuahua Reach Her Weight Loss Goals

Pixie the Chihuahua rescued

Every item purchased from the iHeartDogs store provides some donations to Greater Good Charities. Greater Good’s Rescue Bank program provides shelter dogs with healthy meals so shelters and rescues can save their funds for other care requirements. This program has helped many dogs in need, including a sweet little pup named Pixie! Pixie is a 10-year-old Chihuahua with a black and brown fur pattern. When she first arrived at Needy Paws Rescue in St. Louis, Missouri, she was incredibly overweight, … Read more

With Your Support, Paisley Went From Starving To Thriving

iHeartDogs works closely with Greater Good Charities by donating part of each sale to their various charity efforts. One of these programs, Rescue Bank, works to donate quality dog food to shelters and animal rescues in need. Some organizations could not run without kind donations like this, so by supporting us you’re making happy endings like the ones below possible! When Paisley was found on the streets in December of 2020, she could barely move. The poor thing was so emaciated and had … Read more

Hockey Team’s New Service Dog In Training Will Melt Your Heart!

Washington Capitals New Puppy

In 2019, the Washington Capitals added a furry team member: a puppy named Captain! Captain stayed with the team as he trained to become a service dog for a veteran. Saying goodbye to Captain was bittersweet, but the team was so happy to be a part of his journey. So, they decided to go on a similar adventure all over again. The hockey team recently introduced fans to 9-week-old Biscuit, who is a Chocolate Labrador puppy. Biscuit will hang out … Read more

Formerly Homeless Veteran & His Rescue Dog Walk Across The UK Raising Money For Charity

When Christopher Lewis completed his service in the 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment, he found adjusting to civilian life and being a single parent immensely challenging. At one point, Lewis and his daughter faced homelessness, and he worried he might lose her because of their circumstances. Fortunately, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, helped Lewis and his daughter get through this. After the organization helped him during his lowest moments, he decided to give back while also finding a new purpose. For … Read more

Landlord Attacked After Exposing Horrific Puppy Mill In Tenant’s Apartment

Apartment puppy mill

WARNING: Content may be sensitive to some readers. For nine months, Dr. Kennisha Gilbert contacted authorities about a case of animal neglect in her upstairs tenant’s apartment. But even with video evidence, no one came to help the landlord and OB-GYN physician. The situation only got worse as time went on. She reported excessive barking, an ammonia stench coming from upstairs, and urine leaking through the ceiling. When Gilbert’s social media pleas finally caught the attention of the police and … Read more

Sweet Senior Dog Thinks Family Adopted Kitten Just For Him

Guinness is a good boy. He loves his family, both the humans and his dog siblings. And judging by the frost on his handsome face, he’s been taking care of his fam for many, many years. So when his family recently grew by four little paws and a set of kitty whiskers, Guinness proved to be quite excited by the addition, thinking his family adopted a kitten just for him. Because he’s the best dog, it was no surprise Guinness … Read more

Man Reunites With 150-Pound Dog Thanks To Help From The Community

Lost 150-Pound Mastiff

Zeus, the 150-pound Cane Corso, gains attention no matter where he is. It’s impossible not to stare at the giant canine in awe. But when Zeus went missing, he suddenly wasn’t so easy to find. Ryan Camaioni lost the 6-year-old dog after moving to a new home in New Milford, Connecticut. The dog grew very skittish while out on his own and sped off after every sighting. With the help of many locals, Camaioni searched non-stop for days, trying everything … Read more

UPDATE: Abandoned Dog Who Chewed Off Own Leg Is Now Recovering

Dog chews off leg

Update 10/5/2021 – In mid-August, a Pit Bull was found abandoned. She chewed off her leg in a failed attempt to free herself, but now, she’s doing much better. Saginaw County Animal Care and Control is caring for her, and they named her Bella. Staying at the shelter is probably the first time in Bella’s life that she experienced real love. She’s doing really well physically, but the staff members are concerned about her mental health. While she’s loving and … Read more

Tulsa Detective Rescues Pit Bull & Her 8 Puppies From Trash Dump

dump rescue

A Tulsa Police Detective was shocked to discover a skinny Pit Bull and her eight newborn puppies living in a trash pile. Being a devoted dog lover, she knew she had to take action to save their lives. Marnie Waller of the Tulsa Police Department spotted a skinny pup wandering the area near her husband’s work. Unable to get this furry friend off her mind, she decided to investigate. After a bit of searching, Marnie and her husband discovered that … Read more

Dog Hit By Car & Left Untreated For Months Learns To Thrive Despite Paralysis

Nothing inspires quite like the resilience of a dog. They can overcome abuse and still love people, thrive through disability, and most of all, they never complain. Two whole months after a Pit-mix was hit by a car, injuring his back, he was surrendered to a shelter. The pup had never been treated for his injuries in all that time, and he essentially had no use of his back legs by the time he was surrendered. Seeing the extent of … Read more

Couple Saves Dog From Tracks Just 30 Minutes Before Train Comes

Dog tied to train tracks

Dan Winkelman knew something was wrong the moment he heard a dog barking in the distance. The barking sounded frantic, and as he got closer, he realized it wasn’t coming from someone’s yard. Instead, the sound came from the forest. The barking led Dan to the train tracks, where a dog was sitting in the middle. The dog’s leash was caught on the tracks, but it was no accident. As Dan examined the leash, he realized that it seemed to … Read more

Retired First Responder Finds His Lost Dogs During News Interview

Stolen Pit Bulls Reunited Featured

Kevin Johnson, a retired firefighter from Calaveras County, California, loves his two Pit Bulls more than anything. One is even in training to become an emotional support dog to help him deal with the trauma of more than 30 years on the job. Johnson lives on a quiet street, so he never expected his dogs to be in danger. But one day, they disappeared, and he heard a vehicle speeding away, likely with the dogs inside. He feared he might … Read more

Meet People Magazine’s Cutest Rescue Dogs Of 2021!

2021 People Cutest Rescue Dog Finalist

Last year, Lamb Chop, the puppy mill survivor, won People Magazine’s World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest. But who will win this year? People Magazine announced the top ten rescued cuties of 2021 at the beginning of September, and they recently narrowed it down to the top three finalists. All the finalists are adorable and worthy of the top spot, but only one can be crowned the winner. So, let’s take a look at all the dogs that made it into … Read more

US Veterinarians Warn Of Rapidly-Spreading Canine Respiratory Illnesses

Veterinarians across the country have seen an increase in infectious respiratory illnesses in our canine friends. With reports ranging from canine influenza outbreaks to infectious respiratory bacteria, vets are asking you to practice caution with your beloved companions. Dogs are presenting with sniffling and sneezing at an unusually high rate over the last few months. Summer often brings a slight increase in infectious canine disease, but this season seems to be a little different. From July to now, there have … Read more

Why ‘Alpha Leader’ Training Has Been Debunked In Dogs

For many years, we’ve been told that we need to be the leader of the pack to gain our dog’s respect. Many training programs have led us to believe that our dog’s undesirable behavior is due to them asserting dominance, essentially making dominance a personality trait in our pups. Dog trainers around the world have begun to question these methods in the last five years, arguing that positive reinforcement is the way to go. So how is dominance training harmful … Read more

Vet Clinics Struggle To Keep Up In The Aftermath Of The Pandemic Pet Boom

pandemic pets

With so many people in quarantine during the pandemic, animal lovers everywhere realized they had extra time to care for a new furry friend. This led to what is now referred to as the “pandemic pet boom,” giving so many dogs and cats a forever family to call their own. While this was a welcome change for the animal rescue world, it led to some unexpected repercussions that are now impacting both veterinary professionals and fur parents alike. The Pandemic … Read more

Hero Dog Saves Feathered Friends From An Alligator Attack

Beauty, the black Labrador Retriever, is slowly recovering after saving her ducky siblings from an alligator attack. Since they were tiny ducklings, Beauty has looked after Crest, Downy, and Dot and treated them with love and care. She was even once thought to be “missing” when the ducks wandered off and got stuck in a thornbush. Beauty stayed by their sides and laid next to the bush until her parents came to find them. So, when an even bigger and … Read more

Woman Shares Emotional Reunion With Yorkie Lost Before Cross-Country Move

Woman and Yorkie Reunited

Time and distance can’t break the bond between a human and their dog. Kenyetta Tyler’s Yorkie named Coco went missing seven months ago, and she has moved across the country since then. Tyler feared she might never see Coco again. But the second someone found the Yorkie, Tyler traveled to pick her up as quickly as possible. Tyler and Coco had the most heartwarming reunion ever because neither of them could contain their excitement. Their story is a great reminder … Read more

A Vet Explains What You Need To Know About Pet Insurance For Your Dog

Pet insurance is not like human health insurance. It is designed to give you peace of mind by helping you prepare for the costs of large medical issues. Subscribers pay a monthly premium (prices vary depending on plan and company) instead of being surprised by a major illness or injury. It is like a safety net to catch you when you fall. It is certainly nice to have in an event where price is the last thing that you want … Read more

Utah Ice Center Gives Dying Dog The Gift Of One Last Roll In The Snow

Maggie was a big, hardy pooch who loved going on outdoor adventures with her parents and many canine pals. Her life was filled with joy and excitement as she explored the beautiful state of Utah with those she cherished most. When Maggie’s journey reached its final days due to terminal cancer, her humans wanted to give her one final gift. They posted to Facebook and reached out to the Salt Lake County Ice Center with an unusual request: a mound … Read more

Permanently Smiling Dog Needs Massive Donation To Save His Life

Smiling Dog Needs Donations

When people meet Jasper, the 8-pound Chihuahua mix, the first thing they notice is his charming smile. Jasper has a permanent smile, so he always looks like the happiest pup in the world. But sadly, Jasper’s signature grin is a neurological condition that likely causes him pain. Finding the cause and cure for his condition certainly isn’t cheap either. So, Front Street Animal Shelter in Sacramento, California is asking for donations to help with sweet Jasper’s medical needs. Right now, … Read more

Dog Chosen As Mayor Of Small California Community

A community in California has chosen a dog to be their mayor! And who can blame them? Dogs are trustworthy, loyal, and protective. Who wouldn’t want those qualities in a mayor? Well, Copper, the five-year-old Golden Retriever is definitely all of that and more. Copper officially became the honorary mayor of Copperopolis on September sixth, after 1,800 people cast their votes for him to be the mayor of their unincorporated town. (This means the title is purely ceremonial.) The tiny … Read more

Animal Hospital Offers Dogs Chocolate “Goodbye Kisses” In Their Final Moments

Saying goodbye to a beloved friend is never easy. Still, the staff at Smiths Station Animal Hospital go above and beyond to ensure their patients and clients have every creature-comfort in these heartbreaking moments. Recently, the Lee County, Alabama vet clinic posted a photo to Facebook, and its bittersweet meaning is hitting viewers right in the feels. The image shows a clear jar filled to the brim with Hershey’s Kisses. Written on the side, with hearts for O’s, are the … Read more

Amber Abroad: Part 8: A Day In The Life Of Caring For Over 200 Dogs In Thailand

amber abroad cover

My overseas adventures brought me to an incredible dog rescue on the island of Phuket! Amber Abroad: Part 7 introduced you to the tireless work performed within these shelter walls, and a few of the special pups that call the Bodhi Rescue home. Now that you have a better idea of how the Bodhi Dog Rescue and Shelter began, I’d like to take you through a typical day in the life of caring for the 200 plus dogs that live … Read more

Two Fire Departments Join Forces To Rescue Dog From 40-Foot Well

An adventurous pooch named Rico is safe at home with his family after a freak accident almost claimed his life. Out on his own one evening, Rico was walking to a neighbor’s house in the small community of Prairietown, Illinois, when he fell into a 40-foot well. The local fire rescue reached out to the Edwardsville Fire Department, which has a specialized team for technical rescues in confined spaces. The two groups of heroes came together, working in the dark … Read more

RECALL: Popular Dog Food Brand Has Elevated Vitamin Levels

Husky Fromm Pet Food

Fromm Family Foods of Mequon, Wisconsin, recently issued a recall related to some of its canned food recipes. The brand has only had one other recall, which was in 2016 for a similar issue. The company voluntarily recalled about 5,500 cases of canned dog food due to elevated levels of Vitamin D. If you have any of these cans, Fromm urges you to stop serving them to your dog right away. While Vitamin D is healthy for dogs, high amounts can … Read more

Gastrointestinal Obstructions In Dogs: What Every Owner Needs To Know

Gastrointestinal obstructions in dogs can be located anywhere along the digestive tract from the stomach to the colon. They occur when the natural flow of ingested materials becomes stopped up, making it difficult for the dog to pass stool or gas. Bowel obstructions are fairly common in dogs due to their habit of ingesting non-food items. Who is at risk for a gastrointestinal obstruction? While any dog can potentially suffer from a gastrointestinal obstruction, puppies are especially susceptible as they … Read more

Dog Reunites With Family After Surviving Fatal Plane Crash

Dog survives plane crash

On September 22, 2021, a plane crashed just 30 miles southwest of Page, Arizona. The plane came from San Martin, California, and it went down as it was descending into the Arizona city. The cause of the crash is still unknown. It was a smaller plane with two humans and one dog inside. The pilot died amid the crash while the passenger was severely injured. The dog survived but ran off in a panic immediately after. Luckily, officials later tracked … Read more

Man Arrested For Dragging Huskies Behind Vehicle To “Walk Them”

Huskies dragged behind SUV

Police officer Ricardo Rojo of Arkansas was shocked when a large SUV passed his police car with two large dogs dragging behind it. When he questioned the driver, he said he was just “walking them.” But Rojo refused to let someone get away with such blatant animal cruelty. Since then, both dogs have been taken into custody and put into foster homes. One dog suffered from severe injuries, while the other one got away with minor scratches. Both dogs are … Read more

The Best Dog-Friendly U.S.-Based Companies In 2021

It’s the end of September and we’re most of the way through 2021 already. For many of us, the past two years have been fairly challenging. Having our dogs always nearby for love and companionship during an ongoing pandemic has made a huge difference. Rover released its Best Dog-Friendly Companies 2021 report on the 28th, which shows just how much dogs factor into our changing culture. The report lists the top U.S. companies that offer benefits for dog parents along … Read more

Heartbroken Dog Refuses To Leave Her Human’s Casket After His Funeral

Dog stays by casket

Death is a difficult thing for anyone to grasp. But while humans understand the concept of death, dogs likely don’t know why humans and animals disappear. One dog called Lessie, also referred to as Lassie by some sources, didn’t know how to cope with her human’s death. She shared many years of her life with her human father, so she didn’t understand when he disappeared one day. However, when she attended his funeral, she could tell that he was in … Read more

3 Legged Dog Wins Animal Foundation’s 2021 “Best In Show”

When you think of dog shows, maybe you imagine the purebred-focused events you see on TV on Thanksgiving. The Animal Foundation’s annual “Best in Show” actually features adoptable rescue dogs of all shapes and sizes. “Best in Show” is the Animal Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and it’s been going on for 18 years now. The money raised goes to several important causes, like their foster program and their kitten nursery. The 2021 Event For the first time in … Read more

8-Year-Old Donates All Of His Birthday Presents To Animal Shelter

Pulaski County, Kentucky, is home to about 65,000 residents. Of those 65,000 people, there is one with an exceptionally large heart. Jacob Maggard may only be 8-years-old, but he has enough kindness and compassion within him to last several lifetimes! Jacob’s neighbor, Cheryl Sears, passed away on May 22nd. Rather than flowers, Cheryl’s family asked for donations to be made to the Pulaski County Animal Shelter, where her daughter, Kim, is the Assistant Director. Jacob was so inspired by this … Read more

Homeless Boy Adopts Puppy And Names Him After Lost Brother

Rommel and Badji

Rommel Quemenales was only 11-years-old when a documentary was released about his life on the streets. His dad left him at an early age and his mom showed little interest in her many children. So, Rommel began begging and finding money in his own ways. But he wasn’t doing it alone. During his time on the streets, he met a homeless puppy, who quickly became his best friend. Rommel named his dog Badji after his brother Adji who disappeared many … Read more

Do You Know These 5 Warning Signs Of Pet Cancer?

Today, your dog isn’t interested in eating, nor has energy that was exhibited yesterday. Normally, your dog is eager to eat and equally eager to play and get into mischief. Being the excellent parent that you are, you make an appointment for your dog to see your veterinarian. While you aren’t sure what may be going on, in your gut, you know that this isn’t normal behavior. Your vet comes in and asks qualifying questions. You both agree to run … Read more

You Gave Donna The Greyhound The Diet She Needed To Thrive!

Donna the Greyhound Greater Good

When you purchase products from the iHeartDogs store, a portion of those proceeds are donated to Greater Good Charities. Through Greater Good’s Rescue Bank program, shelter dogs can get healthy meals so the rescues can save their funds for medical costs and other care requirements. Donna is just one of the many dogs that Greater Good Charities has had an impact on! Bexata Animal Sanctuary, Inc., a Greyhound rescue in San Antonio, cared for Donna the Greyhound. She initially came … Read more

Celebrity “Ethan The Dog” Chosen To Throw The First Pitch At Baseball Game

Ethan Featured

“Ethan the Dog” is ready to play ball! Which, if you’ve been following his story, you know is nothing short of a miracle. He was chosen as the “celebrity” guest to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Louisville Bats inaugural “Hops & Hounds” event. Bats fans were encouraged to bring their best furry friends to join them for an evening of baseball and sampling locally brewed beers. The event was held during the Louisville Bats minor league baseball … Read more

Couple Spoils Their Neighborhood Pups With A Community Treat Box

dog treat box cover

A couple in Lincoln, Nebraska, has found a way to pamper the many pups in their neighborhood. In an effort to honor their late beloved companion, the couple created a community treat box for the lovable pups and dog parents of their community. Joe Knopp and Deb Bauer-Knopp are dog lovers who, after tragically losing their beloved Golden Retriever, wanted to create something special in her memory. After some imagination and brainstorming, the Gold Dog Express was born! The Gold … Read more

13-Year-Old Dog Comes Of Age With His “Bark” Mitzvah

Folks, Mazel Tovs are in order. Just as his dad did 39 years ago, a boy named Rambo officially became a man. Well, a 13-year-old dog named Rambo celebrated his “Bark Mitzvah,” at least. In the Jewish tradition, the Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a coming-of-age ritual and celebration that occurs when a child turns 13.  Rambo’s mom and dad, Ruth and Craig Ellenberg from New Jersey, decided to share the tradition with their dog too. A Pup Becomes A … Read more

Experts Suspect That Man Faked Dog Train Tracks Rescue For Fame

Dog on train tracks video

It’s easy to get caught up in fame on social media. Many people become obsessed with gaining followers and viewers on sites like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. But the lengths that some people will go to get recognized can be a bit extreme. A TikTok user was repeatedly praised for saving a dog tied to train tracks in a heart-wrenching video. However, experts later announced that the video was likely faked for fame. Many people were worried for the dog’s … Read more

Quick-Thinking Canine Has Life-Saving Reaction To Her Dad’s Stroke

German Shepherd saves human from stroke

In the moment, 68-year-old Lothar Weimann claimed he was fine. Yet, his German Shepherd named Ellie sensed otherwise. Somehow, she knew he was having a stroke before he did. Judging by the bump on his head afterward, Weimann had fallen, so Ellie jumped into action and got the neighbor involved. Thanks to Ellie’s quick thinking, Weimann’s life was saved. It’s unclear how the dog knew to look for help, but she certainly did the right thing. This situation further proves … Read more

Starving Mama Dog And Her Malnourished Newborns Saved Just In Time

With many cases in animal rescue, timing is critical. One ticking clock scenario is when rescuers have the chance to save newborn puppies. The first few weeks of a puppy’s life are critical, and proper nutrition is essential to their well-being and growth. When an abandoned female dog gave birth on the streets in 2020, the people who discovered her knew they had to act quickly if they were going to save the whole family. After birthing a litter of … Read more

Lost Dog Rescued After Several Days In Snowy Colorado Mountains

Dog Lost in Colorado Mountains

Every year, Curtis Culver and his brother plan a backpacking trip to Grand County, Colorado. Culver’s dog, Stella, usually tags along. This trip was the 20th year so far, but it was the first year they encountered dangerous weather conditions. The three of them had to evacuate to escape a harsh snowstorm, but when help arrived, Stella bolted in fear. Culver panicked as he was forced to leave her behind. Being a smart and resourceful pup, Stella survived five days … Read more

Devoted Veteran & Therapy Dog Pair Honored For National Service Dog Month

September is National Service Dog Month. It is a time for raising awareness and showing appreciation for the extraordinary work service dogs do every day. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) are honoring Julian King and his beloved service dog, Mocha, this month for their dedication to the community of Coos Bay, Oregon. Over the past nine years, the pair has visited just about every hospice and senior living facility in the area. Finding A Purpose After Retirement King is … Read more

Tiny Dog Breaks World Record For Speedy Home Run

Terrier runs bases record

When it comes to fast dogs, you might picture large dogs with long legs. But Macho the Russell Terrier proves that looks can be deceiving. This talented pup recently broke a unique Guinness World Record, making him the fastest dog to run the bases at a baseball stadium. It takes a lot of effort and focus for a dog to even make it to all four bases in a row. So, Macho is one special pup, and he’s proud of … Read more

Annual Dog Surfing Competition Gives “SurFURs” A Chance To Show Off

Did you know that dog surfing competitions are a thing? If not, I’m happy to be the one to tell you all about them. I’m even more delighted to share photos of the cutest water sport you’ll ever see! Surf City Surf Dog is an annual competition that takes place in Huntington Beach, California. At the end of September, fearless dogs with incredible balance take on the waves and are judged on their surfing skills. After taking a hiatus during … Read more

Could Your Dog Have a Hookworm Infection?

Hookworms are an intestinal parasite (worm) that lives in the small intestines of dogs and other animals. The most common species of hookworm is Ancylostoma caninum, although there are other species of hookworms that can also infect dogs. This parasite primarily causes problems in young puppies, but it can also affect adult dogs. Hookworms get their name from their body shape. These small worms (only half an inch long) have a body that bends to form a hook shape. They … Read more