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Survey Reveals How The Pandemic Has Changed Our Pets

affectionate-dog

In addition to the medical ones, the coronavirus pandemic had many other unforeseen consequences. Some of those changes include our pets’ behavior, according to a recent survey cataloging thousands of pet parents. Just like their human family members, companion animals had to adjust to a new way of life during Covid. For some, that shifted the way they interact with their families or with others outside the household. Researchers from the Universities of York and Lincoln in the UK surveyed … Read more

Dog Mom Discovers That Her Baby Has The Same Birthmark As Her Late Dog

reno birthmark cover

A pair of grieving pet parents were working through the loss of their beloved Samoyed when they were met with life-changing news. After losing their dog Reno just hours earlier, the couple discovered that they were expecting a baby. The new mother from China had 12 years of beautiful memories with her beloved Samoyed pup. He was at her side during so many pivotal moments in her life, making it no surprise that he found a way to be at … Read more

Fearless Yorkie Chases Bear Up Tree To Teach Him A Lesson

Guard dog Yorkie

When most people look for a guard dog, they look for a large breed known for protecting. Those who adopt a toy breed probably aren’t expecting much beyond unlimited cuddles. Yet, one family was surprised to find out that their Yorkie was secretly a guard dog. Bella the tiny Yorkshire Terrier is fearless. She doesn’t let anyone hurt her loved ones, no matter how strong they might look. The sweet pup recently went viral for scaring off a bear that … Read more

Volunteer Honored For Fostering 300 Dogs And Counting!

Volunteer fosters 300 dogs

Every dog fostered saves lives. So, imagine how many dogs are saved if 300 dogs are fostered! Volunteer Claudia Buckmaster has fostered 300 dogs in the course of just six years, and she’s not stopping anytime soon. Buckmaster knows that there are millions of dogs out there who need a second chance at life. Plus, she loves surrounding herself with loving canines. She hopes that her story encourages more people to foster and adopt. Not everyone can take in 300 … Read more

Abandoned & Differently-Abled Miniature Horse Lives Indoors With 3 Dog Friends

Editor’s Note: iHeartDogs is sad to report Peabody passed away this past September. We are thankful to have had the opportunity to share his beautiful story with our readers. Rest in Peace, Sweet Peabody. When Faith Smith found out that six-week-old Peabody the miniature horse, maybe deaf, blind, and unable to walk, she wasn’t swayed. When she was told that a veterinarian had advised his first family to euthanize him, she still didn’t change her mind. She knew that Peabody … Read more

Senior Dog Found In Michigan Turns Out To Be Florida Pooch Missing For 7 Years

A 13-year-old Yorkie mix named Sgt. Pepper has been reunited with his rightful owner after seven years, multiple caretakers, and more than 1,000 miles. Pepper was six when he went missing from Laurie Davies’ Florida yard back in 2014. This past Monday, he was discovered wandering down a rainy street in Charlotte, Michigan. The soggy pooch was taken in by Eaton County Animal Control, where he was routinely scanned for a microchip. This led straight to Davies, who rushed to … Read more

Finally Ready To Adopt, Woman Finds The Dog She Lost Years Ago

Dog lost for two years

Sadly, many lost dogs never find their way home. And the longer they’re missing, the harder it is to stay positive. So, when Aisha Nieves had a chance encounter with her long-lost dog, she was shocked. She assumed she would never see him again, so it was like fate. Kovu, a Pit Bull/Rottweiler mix, escaped his yard two years ago after a vehicle ran into the home’s fence. He was soon adopted out to a different family, so Nieves was … Read more

Dog Lost For 2 Weeks Discovered Tired But Alive In New Jersey Swamp

Chunk missing dog

If you’ve ever had your dog escape a pen or run out the front door for even just a second, you know the sinking feeling that hits your gut when you realize your best friend might be lost. So when Jim and Marie Zangara’s Golden Retriever, Chunk, went missing for two whole weeks, those 14 days and nights were excruciating. Chunk Hits The Road Chunk ran away on June 6 while enjoying some beachy fun with his folks in the … Read more

New Police Therapy Pup Named For Beloved Trooper Killed In The Line Of Duty

A new extra hairy officer will soon join the Bellevue Nebraska Police force. A dog, that is. His name is “Pawfficer Mo,” honoring a fallen Colorado State trooper, Will Moden. The adorable Goldendoodle puppy will eventually become a certified therapy dog. He’ll be there to offer emotional support to officers and citizens during emergencies, community outreach events, and more. It’s hard to think of a sweeter dedication to a beloved late officer. How Mo Got His Job And Name Midwest … Read more

Hospitalized Man Reunites With Lost Dog After Bear Attack

Puppy lost during bear attack

When most dogs go missing, their humans usually drive around day and night to find them, but Jason Umbriaco didn’t have that option. He survived a bear attack, but was rushed to the hospital shortly after. During the horrific situation, his Border Collie puppy named Buckley ran off in fear. Since Umbriaco was unable to leave the hospital to look for Buckley himself, other dog lovers reached out to help. In the end, a kind hospital employee was able to … Read more

Teen Dives Into Lake To Rescue Stranger’s Shih Tzu From Drowning

It was a normal trip to Penllergare Valley Woods in Wales for Jane Warner and her pup, Charlie — until things took a near-tragic turn.  While relaxing by the lake, Charlie noticed some ducks and decided to chase them. This led him right into the lake, and there was one major problem: Charlie isn’t the best swimmer.  When he made his way into the deep lake, the Shih Tzu started to get caught up in the reeds. Warner began to … Read more

A Human Cut Out His Tongue, But This Adoptable Pup Still Gives Kisses

Pit Bull missing tongue

Heart the Pit Bull got his name for his lovely, kind-hearted demeanor. He adores every human he meets, but as it turns out, humans weren’t always nice to him. Someone found the innocent Pit Bull wandering the streets of Philadelphia. They said he was disoriented, covered in puncture wounds, and missing his tongue. So, the kind soul rushed the ill canine to ACCT Philly, which is the only open-admission shelter in the city. Now, Heart has recovered and is looking … Read more

Lost Dog Rings Her Own Doorbell At 3am After Crazy Adventure

Dog rings doorbell

Dogs are often smarter than we think, and they sometimes surprise us in ways we don’t expect. When Rajah the 18-month-old pup was spooked by fireworks, she ran as far from home as possible. Her family worried about her for over seven hours, fearing that they’d never find her. Yet, Rajah surprised her family with a human-like action. After a day of crazy adventures, Rajah knew it was time to return home. She rang the doorbell of her own home, … Read more

River, The Dog Who Inspired A ‘Fallout 4’ Game Character, Passes Away

If you’re a gamer, you may know her as “Dogmeat” from Fallout 4. If that sounds like gibberish to you, let me introduce you to River, as she was known in real life. I’m talking about an actual dog who inspired a video game character (also a dog.) River the German Shepherd’s time in the studio had a huge impact on the popular game. Fallout 4, a series installment released in 2015, is a role-playing game set in a post-apocalyptic environment. … Read more

Dog Cuddles With Injured Baby Deer Until Help Arrives

Dog cuddling with deer

A dog’s love has no limits. Many canines, especially a Nashville pup named Zoey, seem to be willing to help anyone. An ill fawn wandered onto Zoey’s property, but instead of getting protective, the pup sympathized with the small creature. She helped her human look after the baby deer and offered endless amounts of cuddles and kisses to the fragile animal. Now, thanks to the generous help from the dog and her family, the deer is headed off to receive … Read more

9 Tips To Keep Your Dog Calm And Safe This 4th Of July

Dog scared of 4th of the July

The 4th of July is a fun celebration for humans, but for dogs, it often feels like it’s the end of the world. While we’re attending parties, our poor canines are left to hide under the bed alone. As if that isn’t sad enough, the 4th of July is also the time of year that most pets go missing. So, it’s time for us to make our furry friends a priority this holiday. Related: 10 Best Patriotic USA Themed Dog … Read more

Instagram Model Who Stomped On Her Dog Avoids Jail Time

Punishment for animal abusers ultimately rests with the judge on the case. Still, with how far and wide things can circulate on the internet, these criminals often get their comeuppance in other ways too. That’s what’s fueling angry animal lovers after a woman arrested for a 2017 abuse incident received a less-than-severe sentence. Keevonna Wilson initially pled not guilty, but later accepted a plea deal. In the end, the judge gave Wilson four years probation, community service, and ordered her … Read more

Woman Rescues Wounded Greyhound After Man Tries To Dump Him

England’s Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) is looking for the man who dumped a blue merle Greyhound with life-threatening injuries.  The dog was apparently attacked by another canine and suffered a gaping wound to the chest. When questioned by a woman who saw the man walking the injured pooch, he said he planned to leave the dog at an estate in Leeds. The woman intervened immediately, rushing the dog to a 24-hour vet clinic where … Read more

Ohio Town Dedicates Police Procession To Fallen K-9 Officer

Day in and day out, police officer Brian Kitko and Max the Belgian Malinois were at each other’s sides.  From police missions to time at home, the pair were nearly inseparable, according to the Grove City, Ohio Police Department. But in early June, the two made their last call together.  A cancerous growth was discovered on Max, resulting in emergency surgery. It was a risky procedure, and sadly, Max did not survive. Max had been with the police department since … Read more

Families Panic Over Missing Pets After Miami Condo Collapsed

Missing pets Miami collapse

Several days after the Champlain Towers South Condo collapsed near Miami Beach, only 11 have been found dead, with 150 still missing. Yet, that isn’t the only heartbreaking part of the situation. Now, many survivors are coming forward to ask about their pets, who have been missing since the collapse. With people being the priority, officials haven’t been searching for the furry family members, so residents fear the worst. Pets Are Family Too It’s unclear what the pet restrictions were … Read more

Dogs Frantically Search Miami Building Wreckage For Signs Of Life

Dog searching Miami rubble

A 12-story condominium building in the Miami, Florida area recently collapsed, leaving many families shocked and heartbroken. At least ten individuals were found dead, but over 150 are still missing. Firefighters have been searching the rubble for days, but they can’t do it alone. So, several search and rescue dogs have stepped up to sniff out life amid the destruction. These dogs and their handlers often work 12-hour shifts, determined to save lives during this tragedy. It’s clear that these … Read more

Huskies Chained Outside To Metal Cages In 115 Degree Heat

The weather in Cedar City, Utah has been exceptionally hot throughout the last couple of weeks. Many pet owners recognize the dangers that extreme temperatures can pose to dogs. However, one Cedar City family is choosing to ignore them. Kim Phifer is a Cedar City resident who noticed three Huskies that were left outside during the recent heatwave where temperatures spiked to 115 degrees. Chained to metal cages and laying on unshaded concrete, these Huskies spent multiple recent days suffering … Read more

The Surprising Effect Our Pandemic Weight Gain Has Had On Our Pups

Featured Image

Now that so many “pandemic restrictions” have been lifted, and long-awaited activities are resuming, it’s become obvious that so many of us put on a few extra pounds during the roller-coaster ride of the last year. It’s not very surprising. We often use food as a main source of comfort to combat stress, plus we were being told to remain inside as often as possible. What is surprising is the effect our weight gain has had on our furry best … Read more

Teal The “Foul Ball Dog” Is The Real MVP Of Minor League Ball

For baseball fans in Corpus Christi, a foul ball has become a lot more exciting to see during games. That’s because of a Chocolate Lab named Teal, whose job it is to go and fetch the balls hit into foul territory. Teal is the 4-year-old canine companion of the head groundskeeper, Landry, for the Corpus Christi Hooks at Whataburger Field. Beloved by players, stadium staff, and fans alike, he serves as the team’s unofficial mascot. Landry named the dog not … Read more

Chinese Monk Gives Over 8,000 Strays A Safe Haven

A Chinese Monk named Zhi Xiang has built his life around rescuing the animals of his community. Saving animals is a part of his spiritual journey, one to which he has vowed to dedicate himself for the rest of his life. Zhi’s journey in animal rescue started in the 1990s when he began treating injured street cats in his neighborhood. The once-small stray animal population in his community has since grown to astonishing numbers over the last 30 years, leading … Read more

68 Dogs Saved From Horrific Death Before Yulin Meat Festival

68 Dogs Rescued from Yulin Meat Festival

The horrific Yulin Dog Meat Festival continues despite the hard work of animal welfare organizations. In 2020, progress toward ending dog meat consumption was made, but that hasn’t stopped this event from occurring. This year, a truck loaded with 68 innocent dogs was stopped, and rescue officials were able to save the dogs in time. While the people responsible claim that all the dogs were bred for meat consumption, the dog behaviors suggest that they were pets stolen from families. … Read more

Therapy Dogs Bring Comfort Amid Miami Building Collapse

Miami collapse therapy dogs

On June 24th, 2021, a tragic accident left many families heartbroken and confused. A condominium complex in the Miami area collapsed, with nearly 150 people still missing. Families are grieving as the chances of hope dwindle, so they need all the love and comfort they can get. Officials brought the best kind of comfort they could think of: two adorable dogs. A therapy dog duo is working hard to bring comfort to the families of those who are missing. While … Read more

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #66

In This Issue

● Pandemic Weight Gain
● Lungworms
● Gov Kills Anti-Cruelty Bill
● Signs Your Dog Trusts You
● Symptoms To Never Ignore
● Can Dogs Eat Cicadas?

Missing Puppy Returns To Her Family 11 Years Later As A Gray-Faced Senior

Even with useful microchipping technology, finding lost dogs can be a huge challenge. A scared dog’s instinct is to run, and a plethora of new smells can overwhelm them and lead them astray. There’s also the possibility of a lost dog being stolen or even taken in as a perceived act of charity. Crumpet, a Jack Russell Terrier, was just a puppy when she vanished from her own garden in Dorset. Her mom, Sarah Covell, went to check on the … Read more

Psychic’s Vision Helps Woman Steal Her Dog Back From Thieves

Stolen dog found by psychic

Eco the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has one of the craziest stories to share. She was stolen in the middle of the night when her human’s back was turned, but her mom was able to steal the dog back after a month of searching. Oddly enough, a psychic predicted exactly where Eco was located. The whole situation was incredibly bizarre for everyone involved. Now, Eco’s family is raising awareness about dog thefts to ensure that this never happens to anyone else. … Read more

Chihuahua Star From Cruella Shares Shocking Acting Secret

Cruella Wink

Cruella, Disney’s latest live-action film, seems like it would be all about the Dalmatians. After all, the movie is an origin story for Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians. Plus, one of the starring Dalmatians in the modern adaptation is a rescue dog! However, the Dalmatians weren’t the only fan-favorites in this new film. Instead, a Chihuahua character named Wink stole the spotlight. Wink wears a tiny eyepatch and helps his humans with elaborate plans, so filming wasn’t easy. Behind-the-scenes staff … Read more

Patient Rottweiler Takes Emaciated Puppy Under Her Wing

Stormi the Pit Bull puppy was nothing but skin and bones when humans found her. At the time, the skeletal pup had been abandoned in a basket in the park, just barely clinging on to life. She was so weak she could hardly move, but when she looked into her rescuer’s eyes, it was clear that she wanted to fight for her life. Now, thanks to a second chance, Stormi is thriving. She’s one of the happiest, most beautiful Pitties … Read more

Dog Lovers Are Furious After Texas Governor Kills Anti-Cruelty Bill

Dog lovers across the political spectrum are fuming this week after Texas Governor Greg Abbott vetoed a new anti-animal cruelty bill that had received bipartisan support. Under the proposed law, dogs kept outside would be required to have proper shade and water. The law also would have banned the use of heavy chains as a restraint and made it easier for law enforcement to intervene, among other provisions. Dog people, to put it mildly, are furious. Some of that frustration … Read more

Bulldog Lost In Car Wreck Finds The Perfect Place To Stay Until Owner Found

A car accident is scary and traumatic enough, but when your dog goes missing after the crash, an already bad scenario takes a nosedive for the worse. That’s what happened to Aaron Shuptrine of Houston, Texas, recently when he crashed on the way to work and his cherished best friend, Bevo (no relation to the legendary mascot of the Georgia Bulldogs), was thrown from the vehicle. Shuptrine wasn’t able to find him in the immediate aftermath. “I’m devastated,” Shuptrine told … Read more

Sweetest Music-Loving Dog Maple Has Passed Away

From the moment Maple the rescue dog met her dad, musician Trench, they’ve been inseparable. Through every guitar chord and song, Maple has been her dad’s biggest fan every step of the way. But now, after over 12 years, they’ve played their final song together.  Maple passed away on June 16 at the heartbreak of her dad and her many online fans. Regularly featured in her dad’s music videos on YouTube and Instagram, Maple rose to stardom with her sweet accompaniments … Read more

Who Gets To Keep The Dog When There’s A Divorce?

The way that pets are seen in the eye of the law is changing in the United States when it comes to divorce. According to the Associated Press (AP), new ways of working out the custody of one’s dog, cat, or parrot have sprung up with special mediators and “petnups” to avoid courtroom disputes. States such as California, Illinois, and Alaska have enacted laws that give judges leeway to consider the best interests of pets, much like they do for … Read more

Miracle Dog Found In Plastic Bag With Broken Legs And Bullet Wounds

Rescue dog with broken legs

Sadie the German Shepherd mix has one of the strongest wills to live that Dogwood Animal Rescue has ever seen. She was shot and left in a garbage bag with several broken legs. Most dogs would’ve given up at that point, but Sadie kept going strong. When some kind humans came to the rescue, Sadie wagged her tail and showed them lots of love. Now, Sadie is at the vet getting some long-overdue medical attention. Through every step of the … Read more

Marketing Goes To The Dogs With Sniffable Mini Billboards

Tiny dog billboard

You’ll often see advertisements aimed toward children, making them thrilled to buy new toys, but what if your dog could be influenced by ads too? With a new billboard campaign, they might be! Tiny billboards are appearing at busy parks, catered specifically toward furry friends. Not only are they dog-sized, but they have unique features to attract your dog toward them. Finally, after all these years, your dog will be able to do their own window shopping and show you … Read more

Unique Sanctuary Lets Dogs Live Out Their Lives In Luxury After Their Owners Pass

Hannah's House

After Rita Lynd adopted Hannah the Boxer, she looked into her beautiful eyes and made her a promise. She promised that one day, she would open a sanctuary for orphaned dogs to live out their future years in comfort and care. This promise was made in 2009, and after years of hard work and fundraising, it finally became a reality in 2019.  Hannah was adopted by Rita, a retired canine behaviorist, after the passing of her owner, John. He and … Read more

Digby The Trauma Therapy Dog Helped Save A Woman From Taking Her Own Life

digby fire and rescue

A heartbreaking situation was de-escalated with the help of a dedicated trauma therapy dog named Digby. Digby the dog works with the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service in England, offering support to crew members that have been exposed to trauma. The fire department crew was called to an upsetting scene of a woman standing on a bridge, moments away from taking her own life. Multiple agencies were attempting to speak with the distraught woman in hopes of talking … Read more

Lost Puppy Returns Home After Fatal Car Accident

Shih Tzu fatal crash

The Cepoi family lost their dog amid a fatal crash, which killed a child in the other car. The accident left Cristina Cepoi and her two children injured, but those weren’t their only worries. During the car accident, their Shih Tzu puppy named Toby ran off in a panic. They feared he wouldn’t survive on his own. Yet, thanks to a kind community of dog lovers, Toby was located about six days later. The whole family is still in shock … Read more

Lost Dog Survives Heart-Stopping Trek Through Busy New York City Tunnel

A lost dog is now safe and sound back at home after giving her mom the scare of a lifetime.  Indie the rescue pup got loose from her dog walker last Tuesday evening on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and went running through the Midtown Tunnel. She made her way all the way to Long Island City before she was found hiding out in a warehouse with feral cats a week later.  She didn’t go unnoticed, though. Workers in … Read more

13-Year-Old Rescues Missing Senior Dog & Helps Him Find His Way Back Home

Teen finds lost dog

When their small dog named Jersey went missing, Amy Cerelli and her boyfriend panicked. It was unlike the senior pup, and he had a hard enough time getting around as is. Even after lots of flyers, social media posts, and late-night searches, nothing happened. Then, a young hero came to the rescue. 13-year-old Tyion Hepner found Jersey while he was playing outside. He could tell the pup needed help, so he took him in and cared for him while he … Read more

Stolen Service Dog And Heartbroken Human Share Beautiful Reunion

Stolen service dog reunited

Aaron Morris and his service dog Jolene are inseparable. Morris struggles with his mental health, so his loving Pit Bull is always there to comfort him. Without Jolene, Morris feels lost and heartbroken. One day, his worst nightmare came to life. Someone stole his car, which had his phone, medications, and Jolene inside it! All his other stolen belongings seemed insignificant though in comparison to the canine. All he wanted was Jolene back, no questions asked. He wasn’t himself without … Read more

15 Photos That Prove This Bulldog Is The Best Thing On The Internet

Remember when Kim Kardashian broke the internet? Well, wait until you see this hunk of love. Axel the Bulldog is the internet sensation you probably haven’t heard about but you’ll be glad you did! He and his dad go on a lot of adventures around town. When they aren’t taking a joyride together or out getting ice cream, Axel’s dad likes to dress him up in some outfits that will literally make you laugh out loud! He hasn’t quite reached … Read more

World’s Most Valuable Working Dog Sells For Record-Breaking Price

Most expensive Kelpie

A dog’s love is priceless, but that doesn’t seem to be the case in Australia. Eulooka Hoover the Australian Kelpie from Edenhope recently sold for $35,200 in an auction, breaking the record for the most expensive working dog in the country. Of course, this high price didn’t just come out of nowhere. Hoover is a very versatile working dog, and he’s great at what he does. So, he will continue to show off and get work done in his new … Read more

Military “Battle Buddies” Retired And Reunited With Their Best Friends

Reunited Military Featured Image

After retiring or being restationed, a military dog handler doesn’t always know whether or not they will see their working dog again. This can be a difficult adjustment for both the soldier and their dog. They were once constant companions and we are well aware of the incredibly strong bonds humans form with our four legged friends. Often, this is especially true for our soldiers in the military, as they worked side by side with their battle buddies in seriously … Read more

Meet The Rescue Dalmatian Starring In Disney’s ‘Cruella’

With each new year it seems comes at least one new live-action Disney remake. As animals often star in these films, that means work opportunities for talented animal actors. Parker the Dalmatian is one of those lucky stars. Parker appears in the latest Disney movie, a live-action telling of the story of Cruella de Vil from the 1961 animated classic 101 Dalmatians. He plays one of three Dalmatians owned by Emma Thompson’s character the Baroness von Hellman.  According to his … Read more

Wasabi The Pekingese Wins Best In Show At Westminster Dog Show

Westminster Dog Show 2021

Wasabi the Pekingese looks like a cuddly little teddy bear! He clearly deserved his “Best in Show” award at the 145th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. His cuteness alone proves that. Of course, there were lots of adorable contestants this year, though, and all of them deserved that top spot. Along with Wasabi, some of the finalists included a fluffy Samoyed named Striker, a Whippet named Bourbon, and a French Bulldog named Matthew. They’re all sure to steal your heart! … Read more

Brave Dog Takes Two Rattlesnake Bites Protecting His Person

Harbison Canyon, California is home to Alex Loredo and his best friend Marley, a 7-year-old yellow Lab. Unfortunately for these two, it’s also home to rattlesnakes. Though they are typically rare, rattlesnake bites can be deadly. One day while exiting their home, a foot and a half long rattler appeared next to Loredo and Marley. Marley didn’t hesitate for a moment to defend his human from this threat. Loredo described the scary situation: “As I am walking out the door, … Read more

Matted Shih Tzu Is Unrecognizable After Being Freed From 6 Pounds Of Hair

Matted Shih Tzu

Simon the Shih Tzu didn’t even look like a dog on the day he was rescued. The poor pup weighed 20 pounds, and about 6 and a half of it was severely matted hair. It must’ve taken years for it to get that bad, but now, he finally gets to feel free. KC Pet Project took in the neglected dog and helped him feel healthy again. Along the way, Simon has also become a social media star! People are lining … Read more