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U.S. Bans Dogs From 113 Countries, Delaying Rescue For Countless At-Risk Pups

After more than 450 dogs arrived in the U.S. with fraudulent rabies certificates last year, the country is banning the importation of dogs from more than 100 countries.  In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) discovered a 52 percent increase in falsified rabies certificates of dogs coming into the country compared to the previous two years. The dramatic increase is likely connected to an increase in adoption demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, fewer animals will be permitted to … Read more

91 Dogs And 21 Cats Rescued From Filthy, Neglectful Household

WARNING: Images and videos might be disturbing to some readers.  The Humane Society of Washington County in Maryland took in around 817 pets in 2020. Now, in only one day, they brought in about 12% of that number. They rescued 112 dogs and cats from an unsanitary household where their grooming needs were clearly neglected. Thanks to the kind donations of supportive dog lovers, all these scared pets are finally getting the care they need. It has been a difficult … Read more

UPDATE: Miracle Dog Survives 4 Days On Frigid River After Coyote Chase

Detroit Miracle Dog

Update 6/15/2021: After surviving four days on the ice of the freezing Detroit River, this miracle dog finally has a warm and loving forever home. Jude Mead, the man who saved the dog’s life, has welcomed him into his family. The couple’s son renamed the pup “Teddy.” Friends of the River Rouge Animal Shelter shared a heartwarming update on Teddy’s progress. “Miracle (now Teddy, or Teddy Bear, as the sweet little boy of the house refers to him as) is … Read more

iHeartDogs Editor’s Summer 2021 Choice Awards

Sponsored Content You love to spoil your dog with new stuff, but it’s a real bummer when a product doesn’t work out for your canine BFF. With all the products and services available for dogs, you can easily get lost trying to decide what works and what doesn’t for your furry family. But the dedicated dog lovers of iHeartDogs are here to help. We’ve pawed through tons of products to find the hidden treasures you and your dog need. Here’s … Read more

Paralympian’s Adoption Application Denied Because Of Her Disability

Cheryl Featured Image

After noticing that her shaggy sidekick Charlie seemed to be lonely following the passing of his furry sibling, Cheryl Angelelli took to perusing Petfinder.com in the hopes of finding another furry friend for him. It was on the shelter-searching website that she and her husband first fell in love with the faces of a bonded pair of small dogs. They were sure that the Shitzu and Maltese would be fantastic friends for Charlie.  Since Cheryl has rescued four different dogs … Read more

Courageous Dog Is Best Friends With Fawn He Rescued From Drowning In Lake

Earlier this month, Ralph Dorn was looking for his dog, Harley, when he looked out onto the waters of Lake Martin in Tallapoosa County, Alabama. There Harley was, swimming in the water, but there was something unusual about the situation: Harley wasn’t alone.  In the water with him was a tiny fawn, crying out for help and struggling to swim. Surprisingly to Dorn, Harley wasn’t trying to play with the fawn — but trying to save her life.  Harley was … Read more

Relatable Pup Goes Viral On TikTok For Hating Mornings

dog grumpy in morning

Dog lovers around the world are falling for a spunky pup with a disdain for mornings. Most of us have groaned at the sound of our morning alarm, making this dog’s struggle extremely relatable. Eddie is an 8-year-old Yorkie Mix that was adopted in 2018 by a vet nurse named Lisa Mattuchio. Eddie came with a few special quirks, all of which helped Lisa determine that he was the pup for her. Eddie was born with a severe case of … Read more

RECALL: Company Accidentally Sends Salmonella-Contaminated Food

Freshpet first recall

Freshpet dog food recently announced its first recall. They issued a voluntary recall for a single lot of dog food due to potential salmonella contamination. All the affected food was “targeted for destruction” to make sure it never made it to consumers. Yet, despite catching it early on, the company accidentally sent the food to retailers. Only one lot was affected, but dog parents should keep an eye out for the affected product in stores. After all, it’s always better … Read more

Observant Dog’s Tireless Barking Ends Up Saving Her Neighbor’s Life

Dogs bark for many different reasons. Sometimes they bark to let you know they’re hungry or even just that they smell something yummy. Sometimes they bark to scare intruding squirrels off their property. Occasionally, a dog may even vocalize to alert their person to danger. Joy, a small black Havanese mix from New York, got her mom’s attention with her frantic barking. The 5-year-old rescue continued hollering at the door until Greta Edmonds finally realized Joy was trying to tell … Read more

Woman Jumps In Front Of Giant Alligator To Save Her Dog

Woman saves dog from gator

Unprovoked alligator attacks are rare in Florida, but when they occur, it’s a big deal. New Florida residents are often unaware of the risks associated with walking near water, so they might not be as careful as they should be. One woman and her dog found that out the hard way. An alligator pounced at the woman’s dog, but the woman used her body as a shield to protect her furry friend. Now, the dog is safe, but the woman … Read more

Border Collie Found Herding Sheep Days After Going Missing In A Car Accident

Tilly the Border Collie is back home safe and sound. The pup went missing after a car accident and was found herding sheep on a nearby farm days later.  Tilly was riding in the car with his parents on June 7 when they got into a car accident at an intersection in Idaho. The pooch was ejected from the vehicle and ran from the scene.  Luckily, no one was injured in the crash, but the couple was heartbroken that they … Read more

Charges Pending After “Skeleton Dog” Found In Tiny Crate

When animal control officers found Ziggy, she resembled a skeleton more than she did a puppy.  This poor girl was starved nearly to death and kept in a 24-inch crate. Weighing only 26 pounds, about half of what she should weigh, the hound mix could barely lift her head when rescuers found her.  But she did manage to wag her tail — a sign of hope for the dog who has been through so much.  Ziggy was brought to Hope … Read more

Officers Gift Teen A Puppy After He Witnesses His Dog’s Tragic Death

Teen's German Shepherd killed

16-year-old Eli Filiatreau recently went through the most horrific moment of his life. He watched someone kill his 6-month-old German Shepherd named Titan right in front of him. It was a sudden death, and the suspect reportedly did it on purpose and has since been arrested. After seeing the heartbreak Eli experienced, Nelson County officers in Kentucky wanted to help. So, they worked together to get a new puppy for the teen. Of course, the new dog will never replace … Read more

A Woman Left Her Job And Five-Year Relationship To Live In A Van With Her Dog

As humans’ companions, there are many aspects of domestic life that dogs really enjoy. Still, they’re just as content spreading out on a sectional couch as they are on a car’s back seat while you run errands. Ultimately, your dog is happiest when he’s wherever you are. 26-year-old Linnea Schmelzer from Wisconsin knows this all too well. She and her German Shepherd Akela live in a van together, exploring the wilderness. Together, they’re very content with their nomadic lifestyle. As … Read more

Six-Year-Old “Makes Lemonade Out Of Lemons” After Losing Best Friend

Lemonade Stand Featured

They say that when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade. Well, that’s exactly what six-year-old Jaylyn decided to do. After her beloved best friend, a Mini Goldendoodle named Dexter, suddenly passed away from heart-related issues, she was understandably upset. She wanted to do something to honor their sweet friendship.   “Jaylyn had a tough time with it. It was her first best friend. She wanted to do something in his memory, so she decided to set up a lemonade … Read more

Scared Sheepdog Returns Home To Family After Six Months On The Run

Xena is a hardworking Maremma Sheepdog who lives just outside Brisbane, Australia. She spent her life working on a sheep and cattle farm. Sadly, the drought in Australia coupled with the crippling effects of the pandemic put a halt to Xena’s family’s farm. Xena’s parents could no longer afford to care for their livestock or the dedicated dogs that kept careful watch over their land. Hard Times Meant A Shocking Life Change For Xena Xena’s family wanted the best for … Read more

Hero German Shepherd Saves Church From Sudden Fire

Dog saves church from fire

Like most German Shepherds, Bear is a loyal watchdog. Most dogs bark to alert humans of squirrels, other dogs, and the mailman, so it’s hard to take them seriously. Yet, when Bear woke his family up with a siren-like bark, they knew this wasn’t about a person walking by. Something had to be wrong. Bear’s barking alerted his humans that their church was burning down. If he hadn’t warned them in time, the whole building would’ve burned to the ground … Read more

Abuse Survivor Makes It To The American Humane Hero Dog Semifinals!

bow tie boone cover

An incredible pup named Boone refuses to let his disabilities get him down. Coming from a previous life filled with heartache and abuse, Boone is defying the odds in every way! Boone is a loving Beagle that was rescued from a heartbreaking situation. His previous owners left him with scars he could never forget, both physical and mental. For a reason that we couldn’t possibly fathom, Boone’s previous owner cut off his back legs. Boone somehow survived the trauma, and … Read more

Firefighters Rescue Husky Trapped On 15th Floor Of Burning Building

Husky saved from fire

Any sudden fire can be scary, but when you’re several floors off the ground, there’s even more reasons to panic. Virginia Beach firefighters recently responded to a fire at a tall apartment building. The fire broke out on the 15th floor, the very top of the structure. While the residents made it out safely, there was one innocent dog who was left home alone. So, firefighters rushed to the top of the building to bring him to safety. Little did … Read more

YouTuber Arrested For Tying Balloons To His Dog & Floating Him Away

Dog floating with balloons featured

A lot of YouTube videos focus on making as much money as possible. To attract viewers, they need to come up with unique and funny content. Yet, some YouTubers find things funny that are the opposite of a joke. When Gaurav Sharma uploaded a video of himself tying balloons to his Pomeranian and forcing him to float, fans were furious. Sharma laughed throughout the whole video, but now, he’s been arrested for animal cruelty. Putting an animal at risk will … Read more

Shelter Pup Defies Stereotypes To Become The UK’s Only Bomb-Sniffing Staffie

In 2017, the RSPCA in Somerset took in an abandoned brindle and white Staffie. Today that rescue pup, now five years old, is the only one of her breed working as an explosives detection dog in the U.K. So, how did Roxy the Staffordshire Terrier go from hopeless to hero? Her story of redemption will not only make you smile, but also give you hope for abandoned dogs and the rescuers looking out for them. A New Path For An … Read more

Pet Sitter Who Abused Beloved Senior Dog Gets Infuriatingly Lax Sentence

From Canada, we get horrifying news of dog abuse and torture that left an innocent senior dog near death. And though it makes us sad to report, we think it is important to tell Xaskaa’s story, especially in light of how ridiculously lenient the punishment for the abuser seems. The Abuser Volunteers To Dog-Sit To celebrate last Christmas, Milagros and Jayson Henkel of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, wanted to travel to visit family in Peru. One of their neighbors, Kiefer … Read more

171 Dogs Rescued From South Korea’s Meat Trade Arrive In U.S. To Find Homes

171 dogs on track to eventually be eaten by humans in South Korea have been saved and brought to the United States as part of a rescue operation coordinated by Humane Society International. The dogs had been raised as commodities in the South Korean meat trade—meat that humans would eventually consume. The Animal And Dog Meat Trade Experts estimate that over 2 million dogs are raised to be eaten on thousands of dog meat farms across South Korea. This lucky … Read more

Will My Dog Get Sick If He Eats Cicadas?

It’s officially cicada season! This means that the large-bodied, crunchy exoskeleton-ed insects that hum midday melodies and emerge from the ground are arising again. You know the ones, they’re quite loud and like to hang out in trees. They can’t sting or bite, but disregard personal space by flying straight into your arm, neck, or face without even introducing themselves first. However, this year we won’t only experience the annual emergence. While cicadas come along every year, this is the … Read more

Homeless Labrador Becomes Superstar Search And Rescue Dog

Just last year, Forrest the labrador retriever was homeless. But now, thanks to the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation and Farmers Insurance, he’s a dog with a job.  Last August, Forrest began training to become a certified search and rescue dog. After months and months of hard work, he graduated from his program this past weekend alongside four other talented pups.  He also found a forever home in the process. Forrest will be living with first responder Tom Simons of … Read more

Runaway Pooch Brings Bridge Traffic To A Halt During 48-Hour Ordeal

Dog lost on bridge

Even the most loving, well-behaved dogs can run off. Stan the Brussels Griffon’s family was shocked when he escaped their home in Dundee, Scotland. He is very loyal to his family, so it seemed unlike him. Jasmine and Emma Kettles were determined to find their dog no matter what. After a stressful 48-hour search, Stan was finally found and brought home. He had an eventful journey, so he was exhausted and scared when he returned. If only he could tell … Read more

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #65

In This Issue ● Helping A Dog In A Hot Car ● Dog Driving Danger ● Should You Vax For Rabies? ● Helping Dogs Overcome Trauma ● Diabetes Testing ● Summer Hazards Quiz Recent Food Recalls 3/26/21 – Midwestern Pet Foods (55+ Brands) 3/16/21 – Bravo Packing, Inc. 1/17/21 – Mars Petcare UK (Several Products) 11/13/20 – Albright’s Raw Chicken Recipe HEALTH ALERT #1 Here’s What To Do When You See A Dog In A Hot Car There have already … Read more

Two Friends Open An Innovative “Doggie Health Hub” Together

Most dogs don’t exactly enjoy their visits to the groomer. A new more holistic approach or “healing grooming” may help soothe some of their anxieties. At least, that’s the idea behind Groucho’s in the northeastern U.K. Friends Paula Goodrick and Jennifer Robb partnered on an exciting new dog health and hygiene venture. The two run Groucho’s, an unconventional grooming salon and “doggie health hub.” Their goal is to work with nature to offer an all-around dog health treatment facility. Goodrick … Read more

RECALL: Multiple Brands Pulled For Salmonella Contamination

It’s better to be safe than sorry. Pet food company Sunshine Mills, Inc. is issuing another voluntary recall for its lines of dog food. No illnesses have been reported, but some of the food tested positive for salmonella. So, they pulled four brands off the shelves. In 2020, Sunshine Mills experienced a massive recall for aflatoxin contamination. Some of the brands in the new recall were also affected in the previous recall. So, if you serve your dog any products … Read more

Suspect Not Jailed After Kicking Man’s Beloved Dog To Death

Alice the Jack Russell terrier had been Seattle resident John Hickey’s companion for nearly 14 years. But after Saturday, Hickey has no one left.  Hickey told Q13 News that a man came running at him and his dog while on a walk, demanding he give the man his jacket. When Hickey threatened the man with pepper spray, the suspect kicked Alice in the middle of the street. “I heard pounding of feet and I turned around and he was running … Read more

Sweetest Senior Golden Saved From Dog Meat Festival

Ahead of the Yulin Dog Meat Festival in China, dozens of dogs are safe now due to one rescue organization’s hard work — including the sweetest senior golden retriever. Every June in China, thousands of innocent dogs are sent to slaughter because people consume dog meat to mark the summer solstice. Before they are killed for food, dogs are kept in tiny wire cages and transported without food or water for days. Sadly, some don’t even survive the trip to … Read more

Hospitalized Woman’s Dog Gets Adopted Without Her Consent

During a woman’s hospital stay, she was told that her dog would be safe. Instead, she found out that her best friend was put up for adoption while she was away. After a nervous breakdown, emergency medical workers escorted Denise McCurrie to the hospital, where she stayed for about two weeks. With no one else to watch her 6-year-old Schnauzer named Roscoe, a New York animal care center stepped in. Yet, McCurrie soon found out that they’d let an animal … Read more

UPDATE: 8-Year-Old Pokemon Trainer Sells Card Collection To Save His Puppy’s Life

Pokemon trainer saves parvo puppy

Update 6/2/2021 – After 8-year-old Bryson Kliemann sold his Pokemon cards to pay for his beloved puppy’s medical bills, the Pokemon company was touched. Most Pokemon fans wouldn’t be willing to give up their prized possessions so easily, so it speaks volumes about how much Bryson cares about his dog Bruce. So, Pokemon sent Bryson several Pokemon card decks and a copy of Pokemon Battle Academy to make up for the cards he sold. “Hey Bryson, we were so inspired … Read more

Miracle Puppy Survives Brutal Stabbing Thanks To Her Heroic Adopter

Pit Bull survives stab wounds

Smoke the Pit Bull puppy had a heartbreaking past, but she doesn’t show it. Her previous human stabbed her at least seven times, damaging her trachea and carotid artery. If it weren’t for Brad Chambers’ kind heart, Smoke wouldn’t have survived. Today, Smoke is one of the happiest, most loving dogs you’ll ever see. She shows no signs of a traumatic past, and she recovered from all her injuries. Yet, none of it would’ve been possible without the help of … Read more

Why Hemp Oil Might Be Your Dog’s Best Friend During Fireworks

Fireworks are an important part of many of our holiday celebrations, but not everyone in the family is excited about these displays of color and sound. When you see pretty lights in the sky, your dog experiences all the worst kinds of fear. Keeping your pup at home, closing all the doors and windows (including dog doors), and wrapping them up in an anti-stress scarf are all ways to help them cope with fireworks. For dogs with serious stress, however, … Read more

Man Refuses To Eat Or Sleep Until His Stolen Service Dog Comes Home

Aaron Morris was left devastated when his car was stolen with his beloved service dog inside. Aaron left his keys in the ignition to keep his pup cool while he was in Dollar General, only to discover his car missing when he exited. Aaron struggles with his mental health each day, and his service dog Jolene is the only one who can raise him up. The pair are attached at the hip, which is why Aaron brought her along on … Read more

Teenager Fights A Mother Bear For Her Dogs And Wins

Bear push featured

What lengths would you go to save your dog’s life? Most dog parents wouldn’t think twice about running to the rescue if their dog was in danger, but it’s easier said than done. When 17-year-old Hailey saw a bear climbing over the fence in her backyard toward her four dogs, she had to think fast. In a shocking viral video, Hailey runs outside and shoves the bear off the fence seconds before it carries away her small dog. Hailey admits … Read more

Blind Dog and His “Seeing-Eye Cat” Set Sights On New Forever Home

During a winter cold snap in Canada, the animal lovers of Saving Grace Animal Society in Alix, Alberta, were out delivering supplies to families needing assistance when a homeowner made the decision to surrender their blind dog and his bonded cat friend to the rescue. The family knew the pair needed care beyond their ability, and as Saving Grace shared on Facebook, “The family felt an indoor retirement home was best for this blind boy and his ‘seeing eye cat.’” … Read more

Woman Reports Dog Eating Off Plate At Restaurant To Health Department

A dog-friendly restaurant in Charlotte, North Carolina has garnered attention from the local health department after a woman spotted a couple feeding their pooch off of their plates at the eatery.  Tikola McCree said she was at Foxcroft Wine Company in south Charlotte when she noticed two people feeding their dog off of the restaurant’s plates, utensils, and a cutting board. The dog was licking the plate, and McCree thought it was a health violation.  When she told employees she … Read more

Petting A Therapy Dog Benefits Students For Weeks, Study Finds

Therapy dog benefits

We all know that petting a dog has many great benefits for humans. Everything feels more uplifting with a dog curled up beside you. Now, that happiness we feel while petting a dog is backed up by science. A study from AERA Open revealed that the benefits of petting a therapy dog can last for up to six weeks, making it the perfect cure for stressed college students. Your doctor probably won’t give you a prescription for petting a dog, … Read more

Pet Insurance: Here’s What Every Dog Owner Should Know

While pet insurance is not new (the first pet insurance in the United States covered TV star Lassie in 1982), it is starting to become far more popular. Some businesses are even starting to offer it as a benefit to attract and keep pet-loving employees. Still, less than 1% of the approximately 179 million pets in America are covered by pet insurance. If you want to skip ahead to instantly see what the best pet insurance options are for your … Read more

Filthy, Freezing Stray Is Completely Transformed By Her Rescuers’ Love

An animal lover named Valinda Cortez stumbled across a pitiful sight when visiting a local convenience store. Standing in the freezing rain was a drenched and terrified pup, broken from the realization of being left alone. Once Valinda stepped out of her car, she locked eyes with an abandoned pup standing alone in the parking lot. The poor dog was soaking wet, shivering, covered in matted fur, and appeared to have discharge coming from her eyes. Not only was she … Read more

Great Dane Confronts Venomous Snake To Protect Her Mom

Dog saves woman from snake

When the weather warms up, both humans and dogs want to spend more time outside. Yet, there are lots of other animals that are also out and about during the summer. Many of them are critters that you don’t want to mess with. While you may realize this, your dog likely does not. A California family learned it the hard way. Megan Montano came face to face with a rattlesnake without even realizing it at first. Before she could do … Read more

Buddy Dogs Help Children With Sight Loss Visualize A Brighter Future

Becoming a guide dog for a visually impaired human is one of the most important tasks a pooch can take on. For this reason, the training is rigorous, and not all pups who enter the program make it to graduation. But that doesn’t mean these dogs can’t put their training to good use! In the case of Buddy Dogs, some tiny flaw in their health or behavior prevents them from becoming seeing-eye dogs. So they work with children instead. What … Read more

Illinois Senate Bans Puppy Mill Sales And Saves Lives

Illinois puppy mill bill

It’s hard to believe that puppy mills still exist. They seem like they should be easy to shut down, but minimal breeding restrictions and pet stores fighting back make it incredibly difficult. Most dogs bred in puppy mills are sold to pet stores, which many first-time dog parents are unaware of. So, to end this inhumane problem, Illinois is banning the sale of puppies from breeders at pet stores, making it the 5th state to prohibit pet stores from working … Read more

Family Dog Attacks Would-Be Kidnapper To Protect 12-Year-Old Girl

Dog saves girl being chased

Dogs are more than just a man’s best friend. They’re a best friend to any human who will love them, whether that’s an adult or child. At home, our dogs seem like all love and cuddles, but when faced with danger, they won’t hesitate to protect their favorite humans. So, when a truck started following a 12-year-old girl in Columbiana, Ohio, the family dog acted fast. He was able to scare off the stranger before the girl got hurt. Yet, … Read more

Fire Department Therapy Dog Sniffs Out Her Coworkers’ Stress

Studies show that approximately 1 out of every 5 firefighters suffer from the often debilitating effects of PTSD. Many firefighters report worsening mental health over the last year as the pandemic and social justice issues compound upon an already stressful job. Now, thanks to one adorable pup, the Charlotte Fire Department is looking to change that! A Hero’s Hero Meet Lady Catherine, or Cat as her brothers and sisters like to call her. The only thing more adorable than Cat … Read more

Sweet Dog Cares For 9-Day-Old Orphaned Foal

Tye the baby horse had a rough go of it from the very start. At only 9 days old, Tye became an orphan. His mother, a 22-year-old mare named Sandy, experienced sudden detrimental health issues. Sadly, she eventually needed to be euthanized. Zip, a 5-year-old rescue dog, lives among these horses in Fayette, Alabama. The Australian Cattle Dog has known many horses, young and old, but he especially connected with the orphaned Tye. Karla Swindle, who cares for both of … Read more

Landlord Doesn’t Allow Pets? This Might Win Them Over

They say moving is one of the most stressful of life’s events. Well, that’s made even more difficult by homes and apartments that don’t allow animals. What are you supposed to do if your new building won’t let your pup live with you? Many renters have a tough time finding places that will accommodate them and their best friends. Fortunately, some persistence and due diligence can help change a landlord’s mind when it comes to banning animals. Most Renters Have … Read more

Dog Tragically Dies At Home After Initially Surviving Rattlesnake Bite

It’s that time of year when days get longer and temperatures rise. Sadly, the warmer weather also brings out snakes, some of them venomous, along with the chance one may bite your dog. The death of Jersey, a three-year-old mixed breed dog in California, earlier this month is a reminder of how important it is to know what to do if a snake bites your dog. The Attack Jersey was playing on some rocks outside of her home in Pranther, … Read more

Retired Police Officer Locates Missing German Shepherd After Deadly Crash

After a fatal crash on I-95 in Virginia, Eric and Mary VonCanon were taking a detour around the site when they spotted something unusual on the side of the road.  Instead of wreckage or split tires, the couple saw a German shepherd laying on the side of the highway in the grass, complete with her collar and leash.  During the crash, she was thrown from one of the vehicles and ended up lost. Luckily, Eric VonCanon, a retired police officer … Read more