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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

8 Dogs Die Of Extreme Heat During “Freak Accident”

Dogs die in freak accident

When John Holloway saw his friend’s dog after an intensive on-site session at Virginia Beach Dog Training, he noted impressive behavioral improvements. So, Holloway chose to enroll his French Bulldog named Ego. Chris Kowalski also enrolled his Rottweiler Max at the same time. Ego and Max joined a group of dogs for a three-week training program run by Nicole and Stephane Hubert. Sadly, that was the last time the families saw their dogs alive. Hope Turns Into Tragedy Holloway anxiously … Read more

Family Refuses to Return Woman’s Lost Service Dog After Adopting Him

LaTonya Everhart has had her dog, Mr. Tipps, for over a decade — and he is even registered as her service dog. So when Mr. Tipps went missing back in March, Everhart was naturally devastated. But it’s what one shelter has done after taking in the dog that has left Everhart truly heartbroken.  Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit adopted out her dog to another family and now says that there’s nothing they can do to reunite the dog mom … Read more

Golden Retriever Adopts Orphaned Lamb As Her Own Curly Puppy

Dog adopts lamb

Benny the Lamb, also known as Bennedict CurlyPatch, thinks he’s a puppy. That’s because his birth mother rejected him, so a Golden Retriever named Lily stepped up to adopt him. They might look like an unusual pair, but they are incredibly happy together. Videos of Benny and Lily’s relationship have gone viral. She helped the little sheep get over the rejection from his own kind, which is a heartwarming and beautiful thing. Followers hope that this mother and son duo … Read more

Dogs Don’t Respond Well To Neutral Facial Expressions, Study Finds

Passive expressions and dogs

When we communicate with other humans, we often focus on the words they say above all else. Yet, body language is an important communication factor for all species, especially when two different species communicate. Dogs don’t speak human, so they need to rely on body language, smells, and facial expressions to understand what we’re saying. As it turns out, our facial expressions have a bigger effect on our dogs than we realize. Dogs like active expressions, like smiling and frowning, … Read more

Woman Wakes With No Memory Of Her Drunken Doggie Sleepover

Mia and Husky

It would be fairly funny and perhaps even exciting for many of us pet parents to wake up with an unfamiliar dog in our bed. But not for Mia, who was a bit tipsy the night before and is actually quite nervous around most dogs. It was a bit of a “ruff” morning for her when she woke up to find a large “wolf-like” dog lying next to her in her own bed with no memory of how or why … Read more

GPS Collar Reunites Deaf Dog With His Deaf Human

Deaf dog and human

Lex the two-year-old dog is deaf. He doesn’t let that hold him back from running around and playing with his dog sibling, but it means his family is extra protective of him. So, Lex wears a GPS dog collar to help him if he gets lost. Related: Looking for an alternative to a dog GPS collar? See our review of the best Apple Airtag Holder for a Dog Collar. That collar ended up saving Lex’s life. When the pup escaped … Read more

New Bill Will Help Protect Pets Of Domestic Violence Victims

new bill

If you have a fur baby in your life, you know you will do just about anything to protect them from harm. Many domestic abuse survivors admit to being unwilling to flee to safety if it means leaving their pets behind, making this new legislation so important. Recently passed Missouri bill, SB-71 will allow added protection to domestic violence victims and their pets. This bill acknowledges just how real the threat can be toward pets in an abusive home, and … Read more

VIDEO: Pit Bull Left Alone With Sleeping Baby

I hate it when people say Pitbulls are vicious! Pitbulls are just like any other dog breed! Here’s another Pitbull who proved everyone how gentle they can be! This is what happens when you leave a Pitbull in a room with a sleeping baby. Check out this video, and see for yourself how sweet and gentle this Pitbull is while sleeping beside the baby! It’s one of the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen! I just love them both!! This definitely … Read more

‘Forgiving’ Dog Was Intentionally Set On Fire By A 12-Year-Old Boy

It’s been a long journey, but Buddy the labrador retriever mix is on the mend.  Buddy is getting a new lease on life after being intentionally set on fire by a 12-year-old boy while living on the streets as a stray. No one knows why the child decided to do this — but it resulted in terrible wounds and pain for the poor dog, who was found wandering the streets of Mississippi on April 22 with an extension cord wrapped … Read more

Mama Dog Abandoned Outside Shelter With Chain Embedded In Her Neck

An animal shelter in Alabama is searching for whoever left a dog tied up to the door outside their shelter in the middle of the night.  On the night of May 10, at around 9 p.m. local time, the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter was dark and quiet. That’s when two people in a car drove up in the parking lot and abandoned a dog there. If that wasn’t bad enough, the sweet mama dog was left in horrible condition with … Read more

U.S. Army Veteran & Military K9 Reunite To Enjoy Their Retirement Together

Veteran reunited with K9

Some goodbyes are harder than others, especially when you’re unsure if you’ll see each other again. For Spc. Michael Steponovich, the hardest part about leaving the Army was parting ways with a special K9. Popeye the 7-year-old German Shepherd, was his bomb-sniffing K9 partner for about 18 months, and the two developed a very close bond during that time. Now, the Army veteran is finally getting a chance to reunite with his furry friend—for good this time. Both of them … Read more

Don’t Return Your Pandemic Rescue Dog To A Shelter – Do This Instead

animal-shelter-dog

When the pandemic hit, pet adoptions surged. It makes sense that lonely, isolated people would want a new furry friend to hang out with. Sadly, many adopters made these relationships temporary and have been returning their pandemic rescue animals in 2021. Aron Jones, executive director of Moms and Mutts Colorado Rescue (MAMCO), told Huffington Post that 62 dogs have been returned to the rescue since February 2021. Of these dogs, 39 were adopted between March and July of 2020. For … Read more

Busch’s New Employee Is Ethan The Inspiring Rescue Dog

Ethan Busch beer ambassador

Just over a month ago, Busch beer announced that they were hiring a unique new employee. They searched tirelessly for a “chief tasting officer,” but for their canine beverages! The lucky pup would get a salary of $20,000 and some incredible benefits. And finally, the company found the perfect dog for the job! Now, Ethan the rescue dog has been chosen for this position. He was once malnourished and abandoned, but now he’s living his best life with the coolest … Read more

Birthday Pups Are Being Spoiled With “Barkuterie” Boards

Dog barkuterie boards

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, charcuterie boards were trending. With so much extra time at home, what better way to spend the day than creating an aesthetically pleasing plate of food? But now, “barkuterie” boards are the new trend. Barkuterie boards are adorable treat arrangements for dogs, making the perfect gifts for birthdays. Of course, the appearance is more for the humans, but your dog won’t complain about having extra treats. And one thing’s for sure: they make the cutest photo … Read more

Therapy Dog Calms Anxious Teens Getting Their Covid Vaccines

This week, a Covid vaccine clinic in Newburyport, Massachusetts opened up appointments for 12 to 15-year-olds. Most people don’t love getting shots, but kids especially have a hard time getting needles in their arms. Fortunately for the kids attending the clinic at this middle school, someone would be by their side supporting them. That helpful someone wasn’t a medical professional, but rather a comfort professional. Dice the service dog was there at the clinic, ready to comfort the young patients … Read more

Trained “Buddy Dog” Helps Blind 6-Year-Old Find His Confidence

Vesper and Rubin

Welcoming a new dog into your home can have quite a few “pawsitive” effects on you and your entire family. Their unconditional love, companionship, and comfort are some of the main reasons pet parents cannot imagine life without their furry family members. But for six-year-old Rubin, who is registered blind, having his new best friend “Buddy Dog Vesper” by his side has been profoundly life-changing. Rubin cannot see at all with his right eye and has limited vision in his … Read more

Survey Reveals Most Pet Parents Would Dump Their Date If The Dog Didn’t Approve

Pet parents are known to trust the instincts of their furry friends, and a recent online poll reveals how deep that trust goes. In a OnePoll survey conducted for ZestyPaws, 2,000 pet parents who are either single or dating answered questions regarding how their pets’ feelings figured into their relationship. The results might prove surprising to some, but not really when we think about how much we value our furry family’s opinion. As the responses captured, 2 out of every … Read more

25 Owners Share The Hilarious & Bizarre Things Their Dog Is Afraid Of

A few days ago, we asked you on Facebook to tell us the most bizarre and funny things that your dog is afraid of. Your answers we’re certainly entertaining! We’re surprised how many of you listed #1! Below is our top 25 picks. 1. His own farts! – Christine Blair-Cregger 2. Paper towel tubes – Trenton Ward 3. Not even kidding, my Olde English bulldog doesn’t like the theme song to Giligans Island. – Ashley Tumbiolo Purington medianet_width=’600′; medianet_height= ‘120’; medianet_crid=’834548544′; … Read more

Police Officers Break Window To Save Dog Locked In 115 Degree Car

It’s hard to believe in this day and age; with everything we know about the severe effects, people still leave their dogs in hot cars. Even on cloudy days, locked cars can heat up to extreme temperatures fast. On a 75 degree day, temperatures inside the vehicle can reach 120 degrees in just 30 minutes. When Sarasota Police officers responded to a call about a dog left in a parked car, they knew the stakes. Dogs are very sensitive to … Read more

French Bulldog Puppy Stolen At Gunpoint Is Found Safe

French Bulldog Stolen

Pet thefts are on the rise. And French Bulldogs are one of the most desired breeds right now since they’re worth thousands of dollars. Lady Gaga’s French Bulldogs were just some of the many dogs who fell victim to robbery. Now, another French Bulldog has been taken at gunpoint, and he was only 10 months old. His human was trying to find him a better home when someone stole the innocent pup. After days of unsuccessful searching, the gray puppy … Read more

Playful Puppy With Spinal Deformity Walks For The First Time

Paralyzed Goldendoodle puppy

Benjamin Bunny doesn’t know he’s different from other dogs. All he wants to do is play and be loved, just like any other puppy. But moving around is difficult for this Goldendoodle because he has a severe spinal deformity. He is paralyzed from the shoulders down, so he can only get around by hopping and dragging his back legs behind him. But now, a custom wheelchair is changing Benjamin’s life. He can finally walk just like his foster siblings. Now, … Read more

Students Need Help In Building Dog Houses For Their Local Shelter

building dog houses cover

A group of students at Stewardson-Strasburg High School is giving back to their community in the most incredible way. By creating the S-S Recycling Animal Housing Project, this school will continue to help local animals for years to come. Jill Spour decided at the beginning of the school year to help her students create something special. She wanted to give them a sense of accomplishment and create a project that they could be proud of. After a bit of brainstorming, … Read more

Vegan Couple Claims To Love Animals Yet Their Dogs Were Sick and Suffering

An Australian couple faces multiple charges and fines after several drop-ins from the RSPCA confirmed reports that both of their five-month-old Bull Arab puppies were sick and suffering. RSPCA investigators made more than one visit and reported that Roo and Ula were underweight, unable to stand, and crying out in pain. Roo had even injured one of his back legs when jumping off a couch and had been fitted with a homemade cast. The couple explained that they used instructions … Read more

Revolutionary New Way To Eliminate Dog Poop And Stop Porch Pirates

Do you have a problem with jerk porch pirates stealing your stuff? Are you at the end of your tape roll trying to figure out how to stop them? Well, Jason Harvey has a solution for you! When his Des Moines, Iowa home became a repeated target for porch pirates, Jason got tired of watching the brazen thieves steal his packages. As he was walking his dog, Jason came up with an innovative solution to deal with the thieves. The … Read more

Disabled US Army Veteran Struggles With PTSD After Loss Of His Service Dog

We here in the USA enjoy freedoms people elsewhere can only dream of. But our freedom comes at a price, and it’s paid by the brave men and women of our armed forces who selflessly put themselves in the service of the rest of us. They protect the rights and freedoms of people who can’t protect themselves. For the sake of a better world, they leave the comforts of home, friends, and family to sacrifice life and limb. Sometimes, they … Read more

Lab Abandoned In Desert Is One Of Many Unlucky Pandemic Pups

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, dog adoptions increased. Many shelters were emptied due to so many people working from home. But now that many families are returning to their regular jobs, the pandemic pups are suffering. Colby the two-year-old Labrador Retriever is one of the many dogs left behind as restrictions are lifted. And while some families do the responsible thing by taking their dog to a rescue or shelter, Colby’s family did not. They left him alone … Read more

Pit Bulls Take Over Instagram To Reclaim Their Image

Pit Bull influencers

Pit Bulls are some of the sweetest, most charming creatures you’ll ever meet. But sadly, not everyone sees them that way. For decades, Pit Bull type dogs have been known as “mean,” “aggressive,” and “scary.” Yet, anyone who’s lived with a Pit Bull knows this couldn’t be further from the truth. So, Pit Bull influencers are turning to Instagram to change the way the world sees these dogs. With one cute post at a time, these social media famous pups … Read more

Pastor Gives His Pug A Proper Send Off At Emotional Funeral

Pug Funeral Service

People often overlook pet deaths. But anyone who has lost a dog knows that it’s one of the hardest things to experience. So, pastor Tim Beville Jr. from Pennsylvania decided to show the world that pet loss shouldn’t be taken lightly. He created the biggest, most beautiful funeral for his late Pug named Dexter. It included an open casket, an assortment of flowers, and an obituary. To Beville’s surprise, people all over the world were moved by it. He knew … Read more

Florida Man Wrestles 8-Foot Alligator To Save His Dog

Many think that Mike McCoy is crazy for wrestling a massive alligator. But when the Florida man’s Labrador Retriever named Jake was snatched by the reptile, McCoy had to act fast. So, he jumped into the pond and wrestled that alligator until his furry friend was free. McCoy and Jake are lucky to be safe after the incident. If McCoy hadn’t been so brave in that moment, the pup might not have survived. So, while alligator attacks like this are … Read more

Update: Family Celebrates Senior Foster Dog’s Remaining Days With A Bucket List

Senior Lab Bucket List

When Brandy Fowler chose to foster Whiskey, a 15-year-old Lab, she knew his days might be numbered. And after bringing him to the vet, she realized she might be his last hope. So, she decided to go above and beyond her foster family roles. She was determined to give Whiskey the best life possible. Whiskey now has a bucket list that he’s working on. Fowler wants to ensure that he gets to do all the things that he likely didn’t … Read more

Reporter Scores Exclusive With World’s Dumbest Dognapper

Folks, I gotta say, this one’s a doozy. It’s either something ripped from those viral videos of “dumb criminals” or the weirdest “mistake” you’ve ever heard. Let me explain: it all started when a dog was stolen from a parked car. Around 12:30 pm on a Friday, Boston Police officers responded to a report that someone broke into a car and took a 13-month-old German Short Haired Pointer named Titus. Surveillance video later captured a man walking the dog over … Read more

New Mama Carries Recently Birthed Puppy Into Street To Signal For Help

Jade carrying puppy

It’s no secret that most mothers would do just about anything to protect their children. Even moms who are quiet and calm in every other situation wouldn’t hesitate to let out their inner “mama bear” when their children are in danger. That’s why it’s no surprise that a frightened, homeless mama dog named Jade did exactly what she thought was necessary to protect her precious family. It was Stephanie Brooks, a tourist visiting California from New Jersey, who first spotted … Read more

Vietnam Veteran Vows To Save 50,000 Dogs To Honor The K9 He Left Behind

51 years ago, U.S. Army veteran Mike Monahan finished his tour of duty during the Vietnam War. On that day, he also had to say goodbye forever to Chico, a trained Army dog on his patrol team. Chico alerted his team to tripwires and even saved Monahan’s life. To this day, Monahan can’t help but feel guilt over leaving Chico behind. Because, not long after he hugged his friend goodbye in that kennel in Vietnam, Chico was needlessly euthanized. When … Read more

Grieving 6-Year-Old Invites Passerby & Dog To Her Father’s Funeral

I hope you have your tissues handy because this one’s a doozy! Young children should never have to mourn the loss of their parents. Sadly, it is too often a fact of life as it was with Raelynn Nast. The 6-year-old Greenwood, Arkansas girl recently lost her father, Davey, to colon cancer. He was only 41-years-old. This loss was particularly hard on Raelynn. Her father’s funeral was held last month, but the story of what happened there has just recently … Read more