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UPDATE: Animal Rescue Explains Why They Refuse To Return Lost Dog To Family

Capone lost dog

UPDATE 4/16/2021: Unleashed Pet Rescue recently turned to Facebook Live to share their side of the now-viral story of Capone the dog (see original post below). In the video, Reno sits beside Capone, who has been renamed Benedict. He looks nothing like the photos Palacio shared because over half his body is covered in red, irritated skin. It’s clear that he has severe allergies that were not being properly treated. In the video, Reno details what really went down with … Read more

80-Year-Old Gravestone Honors Dog Who “Died A Gentleman”

There’s no concept that feels as timeless as a human’s love for their dogs. They’re members of the family, so we tend to apply many of our human traditions to them: birthday celebrations, Halloween costumes, and ultimately funeral or memorial ceremonies. In many cultures, traditional burial rites involve dedicating a headstone in honor of the person lost. So naturally, people often remember their lost pets the same way. That doesn’t seem to have changed much at all over the last … Read more

Dog Sitter Loses Poodle Puppy And Lies About It For 3 Days

Rover lost poodle

Leaving your dog with a stranger is a stressful situation for many people. In some cases, you’ll find a life-long sitter, but for a few, a tragedy occurs instead. Nia Morgan from Illinois has always turned to friends to watch her 10-month-old Poodle mix. But when they were all unavailable, she looked for other options. Morgan settled on Rover.com since many recommended it. But instead of getting the amazing service she’d heard about, she was faced with her worst nightmare. … Read more

Missing Terrier Trapped Under Fallen Rocks Found After 3 Days

Search and rescue volunteers with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) risk it all to save others’ lives at sea. Sometimes, they even get to prove their commitment to rescuing all those in need by saving distressed animals. In April 2021, a man and his dog were reported missing near Skinningrove in North Yorkshire, England. Incredibly, just as temperatures dipped below freezing, the Redcar RNLI lifeboat located the missing man (alive!) on April 9th using thermal imaging. However, they did … Read more

Young Cancer Patient Spreads “Pawsitive” Message To Animal Shelters Across The U.S.

Avery and donations

When you’re truly passionate about something, you won’t let anything hold you back from accomplishing your goals and achieving your dreams. This certainly can be said about 14-year-old Avery Sontheimer from Northwestern Pennsylvania. She absolutely adores animals and has made it her mission to help as many as possible.  “She’s always been an animal lover,” says Avery’s mom, Kim. “She wants to save them all.” That’s especially obvious by the fact that she has welcomed six rescue cats into her … Read more

Virginia Animal Shelter Receives Hefty Surprise Grant

Over the years, Angels of Assisi in Roanoke, Virginia has helped over 10,000 homeless animals find their forever homes. Now, they’re getting some major help in return.  Announced Monday, the nonprofit animal shelter has been awarded a hefty $500,000 grant from the Petco Love Foundation. The funds will help the shelter create a new building in Roanoke, which is estimated to cost about $3 million.  The team couldn’t be any more grateful for the money, as it will help more … Read more

Shelter Staff Is Shocked To Find A Bullet In Rescue Dog’s Abdomen

sarge rescue cover

A 5-year-old Lab Mix named Sarge offered an unexpected discovery during his routine neuter procedure. His uncertain past was made clear while on the surgical table, revealing a previous injury that no one saw coming. Sarge was placed in the care of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay earlier this year. In transferring from a rescue in Northern Florida, the shelter staff did not have much information about his past. Sarge’s wagging tail and lovable personality won over each caretaker … Read more

UPDATE: The “Chucky Doll In A Dog’s Body” Has Found His Perfect Person!

Update 4/27/21 Dog rescuer, Tyfanee Fortuna does not pull any punches when it comes to writing adoption ads. Sugar-coating a dog’s behavioral problems may get them adopted sooner, but the goal is to find them a forever home. So, when it came time to find an adopter for one of the most challenging creatures in her long career, Fortuna was as blunt as a hammer. Describing a pooch as a “haunted Victorian child in the body of a small dog … Read more

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #62

In This Issue

● Are Dog Years Real?
● Hybrid Dog vs. Mutt
● Why Grapes Are Toxic To Dogs
● 8 Ways You Annoy Your Dog
● Is Your Vet Doing A Good Job?
● Protect Your Dog From These 7 Bugs

Dog Saves Family From Fire, Then Disappears For Two Months

Boxer lost after fire

About two months ago, the Bice family’s home caught fire while they were sleeping. But thanks to their furry friend, they made it out alive. Tank the Boxer barked and acted crazy to alert his family of the flames. But after the fire, Tank was still scared and confused. So, he took off, hoping to find the damaged home in one piece again. But Tank’s adventure caused him to get lost for almost two months! His family spent that time … Read more

Therapy Dog Has Helped Thousands During Pandemic, Earned Prestigious Award

We know that dogs bring healing to people who are suffering from both physical and psychological pain. They’re in our homes, our neighborhoods, sometimes in our schools, and occasionally even in offices! In England, there’s one dog that’s been helping thousands of people heal throughout the pandemic. Meet Max. He’s a Springer Spaniel mix that got his start as a therapy dog helping his dad, Kerry Irving. Irving is a locksmith that endured life-changing injuries after being rear-ended by a … Read more

Man Bullied By Employer And Paid In Pennies Donates $1,000 To Rescue Dogs

We’ve all had horrible bosses at one point. They’re miserable and their unhappiness seems to soak into the hearts of all of their employees. You probably saw the news recently where a man’s boss thought he got the last laugh, but if you didn’t let me catch you up. Andreas Flaten worked for A OK Walker Automworks in Peachtree City, Georgia. He decided to call it quits last November after spending too much time in what he considered a toxic … Read more

Thanks To You, Families Facing Hardships Can Stay Together With Their Cats And Dogs

When people can barely afford to feed themselves, how do they keep their cats and dogs fed? St Hubert’s Animal Welfare in Madison, NJ, aims to keep families from having to ask such a question thanks to cat and dog food donations from The Rescue Bank. They know times are tough and want to help families stay together. Just the other day, a woman walked into the lobby to surrender her cat. It’s not what she wanted to do, but … Read more

“Hero” Dog Who Helped 5 Others Escape From Hoarding Finds The Perfect Home

Animal hoarding is a very serious form of cruelty. Sadly, an estimated 250,000 animals fall victim to this phenomenon every year. Animals in hoarding situations suffer without proper sanitation, veterinary care, or nutrition. They often suffer silently too, without their neighbors even knowing what they’re going through. Serendipitously, Tonie Quinlin was outside her Colombus home on November 13, 2020, when she saw a dog hanging out of a window across the street. The 1 ½-year-old black Retriever mix had broken … Read more

Officer Smashes Door, Inhales Smoke To Save Dog From Fire

Dog Saved from Fire

Fires are terrifying for everyone, but they’re the worst for our furry friends. While we might know what’s going on and where to run during a fire, our dogs do not. All they feel is fear and confusion, which might make it hard for them to escape alone. So, when a fire started in a Florida house while Amber the dog was home alone, she panicked. She had no idea how to escape the smoke. But luckily, a kind police … Read more

Pile Of Kibble Laced With Metal Discovered In Popular Dog Walking Spot

Emma Pulford was out walking her two dogs on March 27 when one of her pups started pulling her toward a pile of dog food left on the side of the road. Pulford didn’t think anything of it — until she saw what was deliberately placed inside the pile of food.  A mix of screws and metal was scattered throughout the pile, horrifying Pulford, a dog lover and resident of Gateacre, England. If her rescue dog, Sooty, would have eaten … Read more

UPDATE: Longest Shelter Resident Returned After Single Day With Adopters

Rusty the longest shelter resident

When a dog gets adopted, they have lots of reasons to feel stressed and confused. They’ll likely need a few days, weeks, or even months to feel like they truly belong in their new home. But not every family has that kind of patience. And sadly, no one has been willing to be patient with the longest shelter resident at the Waco Animal Shelter. Rusty has been in shelters for over 419 days now. Every time he gets a happily … Read more

Outdated Breed Laws Leave Family With A Heartbreaking Choice: Their Dog Or Their Home

Last April, a distinctive black and white pooch named Lucy escaped her yard and found herself in the care of Leawood, Kansas Animal Control. This everyday incident set off a desperate legal battle that remains unresolved. Even though Lucy’s mom, Kristi Bond, rushed to pick her up the following day, a letter from the city of Leawood soon arrived. They had deemed Lucy a “dangerous animal” because she fit the “appearance and characteristics” of a Pit Bull. The Battle Begins … Read more

Emotional Support Dog Is Adopted By Another Family During Owner’s Medical Emergency

Joey and Max

The heartwarming moment of a man being reunited with his beloved best friend and service dog after an unexpected three weeks apart was caught on video by a local news station. Joey Martin and his German Shepherd mix Maximus ventured from Portland to Auburn, Washington, where they were looking forward to exploring Olympic National Park together. However, they never made it to the park for their adventure. Not long after they arrived in Auburn, Martin experienced a medical emergency that … Read more

Dog Impolitely Achieves His Dream Of Becoming A News Reporter

Dogs can have dreams just like we do. And many of them probably want to do human things to be more like their loved ones. But is it possible for dogs to want a job? This dog seems to think so. During an outdoor weather report, a Golden Retriever decided to attempt his goals. In order to become a news reporter and a star, he knew he needed a microphone. So, he interrupted a live report by snatching the microphone … Read more

YouTuber Builds Device That Informs Him When There’s A Dog Outside

Did you know just looking at dogs and cats can make you happier? Really, it’s backed by science. These days, we could all use a little cheering up while we’re stuck at home. Practically though, no one can spend all day staring out the window looking for doggie pedestrians. With this in mind, YouTuber “Ryder Calm Down” decided to put his technological capabilities to the test. He built a device that alerts him whenever a dog passes in front of … Read more

Family Creates Bed On Wheels For Elderly Dog’s Adventures

Mobile dog bed

As dogs age, a lot can change in their personalities and abilities. They might slow down and prefer a good nap over a game of fetch, which is okay! But just because a dog is a senior doesn’t mean they want to miss out on adventures. Cocoa the Chesapeake Bay Retriever was once full of energy, but at age 16, she found walking difficult. Yet, she loved going on adventures in Virginia Beach. So, her family found a way to … Read more

Accomplished Border Patrol K9 Retires After 7 Years Of Hard Work

K9 Kirpy Retires

Kirpy the Belgian Malinois is just one of the many brave pups who fight for our country. From his puppy years to age seven, Kirpy worked as a police K9, specializing in locating illegal drugs. But no one should have to work forever. So, after seven successful years of hard work, Kirpy got the retirement of his dreams. Now, brave Kirpy gets to live the pampered life of a companion dog. The days of fighting crime are over, and now … Read more

This DC “Pet Pantry” Helps Food Insecure Families Feed Their Animals

Part of each sale on the iHeartDogs.com store is donated to GreaterGood.org, which offers grants for charities and programs like Rescue Bank. Some organizations could not run without these kind donations. Customers like you are the reason uplifting stories like the one below are possible! When you live with food insecurity, whether for a long or a short time, your pets are affected too. Not everyone has a safety net, but a Washington D.C. “Pet Pantry” has been working hard to create one. Humane Rescue … Read more

Tinder Date Ends With Woman Jumping In River To Save Date’s Dog

Blind dates are already hard enough. The awkwardness of the whole thing has kept more than a few of us single. So we really feel for Lizzy Johnson of Surrey, England, who recently jumped into a river to save her Tinder date’s dog from drowning. The Dog Is All In The pooch, a Boxer-like pup from Lizzy’s description, had apparently never been around water. As the Tinder-connected pair took a stroll along the River Mole in Walton-on-Thames, the fearless boy … Read more

Congress May Help More Veterans With PTSD Get Service Dogs

We’ve all seen videos of ecstatic, crying pups welcoming their service-member-humans back home. And it’s okay; we get a little teary-eyed too. So it seems obvious that our wounded and disabled veterans should naturally have unparalleled access to medical and therapeutic treatment. Sadly, that isn’t always the case, particularly when it comes to service and support animals. The PAWS Act But a bill currently in the Senate called Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers, or PAWS, would make access to K-9 therapeutic … Read more

Children’s Hospital Gets A Dog to Comfort Their Patients

Brea Johns Hopkins Children's Hospital Dog

We all know there’s hardly a better treatment for a cold than a snuggly pooch who’s picking up on you feeling down. So we’re hoping that dogs like Brea, a 2-year-old Yellow Labrador, bouncing down the halls of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Medical Center in St. Petersburg, Fla., become a common occurrence at other hospitals. Puppy Love for the Sick Brea is the hospital’s first facility dog. Leah Frohnerath, a child life specialist at the hospital, is Brea’s handler. Brea … Read more

This Special Needs Puppy Has A Custom Helmet With Adorable Cat Ears

tilly cover

Tilly’s journey began at the Westchester SPCA in Virginia. Her mother was brought to the shelter as a very pregnant street pup, and soon gave birth to 11 puppies in early January. Having so many puppies made it challenging for Tilly’s mother to care for each of her babies properly. It soon became clear that Tilly would require a bit of extra care, which was just too much for the new mom. Tilly’s head was much larger than the rest … Read more

Tiny Dog Stranded on Icy River For 4 Days Gets Adopted by His Rescuer

For four days, Miracle the dog was trapped in the icy Detroit River, clinging to life.  After having been chased out onto the ice by a coyote, the little fluffy dog was stranded with no way of escaping. He dodged birds of prey and even fell into the icy water at some point.  That was until Jude Mead of an Ontario marine construction company heard about him and decided that the dog was not going to spend another second out … Read more

Dog Digs 20 Foot Tunnel To Protect Her Puppies From Freezing

Thousands and thousands of years after they were first domesticated, dogs still have incredible survival instincts. They can endure harsh conditions through both skill and intuition. In Hockley County Texas, an abandoned mama dog named Cedar proved this with the remarkable efforts she took to keep her newborn puppies safe and warm. Cedar gave birth to her litter in mid-February, 2021 before a polar vortex hit. To protect her babies from the cold and predators at the same time, she tunneled … Read more

This $12 “Kibble Booster” from Amazon Prime Will Help Your Dog Feel Fuller Longer AND Boost Their Nutrition

Does your dog constantly act hungry? This trick might save you and your pup some grief! It’s no secret that protein helps you full longer as it takes longer to break down and process by your body. Kibble, which is high in carbohydrates and low in protein, provides a short boost of energy which normally leaves dogs full hungry again long before mealtime. By adding a protein topper to your dog’s dry food, you can boost protein intake and help … Read more

Hero Dog Fights Off Knife-Wielding Intruder to Protect Her Family

It was every parent’s nightmare.  On the evening of March 25, Wylie, Texas couple Amber and Taylor Newsom were getting their daughters ready for bed when they heard their dog, Marley, barking. When they went to go check to see what was going on, they were met with a strange man wielding a knife inside their home.  But Marley wasn’t going to let the man hurt her family. The black Labrador Retriever jumped into action — lunging and biting at … Read more

Country’s First Indoor Dog Water Park Is Approved By Pampered Pups

Dog Water Park Facility

Whenever you stop at a hotel, kids are sure to burst with excitement if it has a water park. And as it turns out, many dogs are the same way. A South Dakota dog resort recently expanded its facility to include the country’s first indoor dog water park. Dogs can run around in a splash pad space any time of the year. This doggy play area had a slow start due to COVID, but now it’s booming with success! It’s … Read more

Working Dog Program Helps Farmers Overcome Mental Health Hurdles

When farmer Kelly Barnes had to give up physical labor due to chronic pain from fibromyalgia, she was left feeling hopeless and isolated.  That was until she realized how much her Kelpie dog, Dugald, would be there by her side to help her battle through her mental health struggles. Now, Barnes is helping farmers throughout Victoria, Australia pair up with working dogs who will help them do the same thing through Dunkeld’s Working Dog Training School.  “Going through this experience … Read more

Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Say Goodbye To Rescued Police K9

Champ K9 Crosses Rainbow Bridge

Many police K9s train for their roles since birth, but not Champ. Champ the German Shepherd, Pit Bull, and Boxer mix broke barriers when he started his role. As a rescue dog, he proved that any dog can change the world if given a chance. And he likely opened doors for many other rescue pups after him. But after a long, fulfilling career full of excitement, Champ decided it was time to say goodbye. This brave dog passed away amid … Read more

Protective Pit Bull Safeguards Stray Cat As She Gives Birth In His Doghouse

Hades and Nicol

When we think of unlikely friendships, the combination of cats and dogs is often at the top of our list. But that didn’t matter to a Pitbull named Hades and the stray cat he protected, befriended, and then welcomed into his family.  This heartwarming story started when Juan José P. Flores, dog dad of Hades, noticed frequent visits from a stray Calico cat. Despite his inability to get close to her, Flores was concerned she may not be getting enough … Read more

After Spending 667 Days At The Shelter, Melvin Finally Found His Forever Home

melvin cover

A deserving pup that spent almost two years at the shelter has finally found a forever home. Melvin had to celebrate one birthday behind shelter walls, but he will be celebrating his next one with an incredible family. The 3-year-old Pit Bull spent 667 days at SPCA LA. After being found wandering the streets by the Long Beach Animal Care Service, he began a two-year waiting game. Melvin was deeply loved by the staff from the second he walked through … Read more

Adventure Group Bands Together To Rescue Dog From Steep Rock

If you’re an outdoorsy person, odds are you have an outdoorsy dog who loves accompanying you on your adventures. Hiking, swimming, exploring, and camping with our dogs can be fun ways to exercise and enjoy some fresh air together. That’s why Utah-based pup siblings Summer and Winter often accompany their parents on ATV trips. On one of their routine explorations of the backcountry, Summer took a misstep and ended up sliding dangerously down the rock. Luckily, she’s an obedient dog … Read more

UPDATE: Sisu & His Stuffed Sidekick Venture To Virginia And Inspire Acts of Kindness

UPDATE  We shared the story of the young Lab mix, Sisu, who tried five separate times to steal the same unicorn from a Dollar General in North Carolina. People all over the country were touched by Animal Control Officer Samantha Lane’s kindness of purchasing the purple unicorn for him. Never mind Sisu’s adorable habit of snuggling up with and carrying the unicorn wherever he went! Sisu and Officer Lane’s story even inspired others to perform small acts of kindness of … Read more

RECALL: Dog Food Company Pulls Over 55 Products For Salmonella Contamination

Midwestern Pet Foods Recall

Pet food company Midwestern Pet Foods had a rough start to 2021. They recalled over 1,000 lots of three of their brands after at least 70 dogs died from aflatoxin contamination. They thought that was all behind them, but now a new recall has surfaced. The company is voluntarily recalling some CanineX, Earthborn Holistic, Venture, Unrefined, Sportmix Wholesomes, Pro Pac, Pro Pac Ultimates, Sportstrail, Sportmix, and Meridian products due to salmonella contamination. If your dog eats any of these brands, … Read more

Dog Grooming: Everything You Need To Know From Puppies To Adults

Every dog requires at least some grooming to maintain their health and happiness. Grooming shouldn’t be a negative experience for your dog, whether you take them to a groomer or do it yourself. Do you know how to set your puppy up for a lifetime of dog grooming success? Are you aware of how your dog’s grooming should change as he ages? Do you know how to find a groomer who will be a great fit for your dog’s needs? … Read more

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #61

In This Issue

● Signs You Are Bathing Your Dog Wrong
● Is Your Dog At Risk For Canine Distemper?
● Dog Stops Traffic To Save Her Human
● The 5 Dog Personality Types
● Benadryl For Anxiety
● Can Dogs Share Your Easter Feast?

Yorkie Taken From Elderly Woman’s Porch Is Returned Safe & Sound

Stolen Yorkie Reunited

When a dog is lost, every day is a struggle. You can’t help but wonder when they’ll return, if they ever do. 71-year-old Dianne Ramsey was only apart from her beloved Yorkie for four days, but it felt like a lifetime. Sasha the 15-year-old Yorkie was stolen off Ramsey’s porch in New Orleans. Ramsey, who is a vascular dementia patient, was crushed when she found out. But as it turns out, the “thief” might not have been the villain they … Read more

Residents To Choose From Several Exciting Features For Innovative New Dog Park

dog-park

When you hear the phrase “dog park,” you probably have a simple image in mind. However, a dog park can consist of a variety of things beyond just fenced-in running space. Why shouldn’t a dog park have more stimulating play features? Why shouldn’t it be nice for human visitors to look at? The Vancouver Park Board recently sought out public feedback for their updates to the dog area in Coopers’ Park in North False Creek. Currently, the off-leash space there lacks … Read more

Insurance Company Helps “Jake From State Farm” The Dog Get Adopted

When adoptable animals have a hard time finding homes, shelters often find a creative name can get them some attention. That’s what helped one sweet dog overcome his past to find his new forever home. That name the shelter gave him? “Jake From State Farm.” Yes, that helpful insurance agent on the other end of the phone in the popular commercials inspired this sweet boy’s name. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you can view the original … Read more

Los Angeles Becomes The Country’s Largest No-Kill City!

The Best Friends Animal Society has been working long and hard to achieve no-kill status across the United States. So far, Delaware is the only state that’s considered completely no-kill. But city by city, dog lovers are helping decrease the euthanasia rates. Hopefully, we’ll soon reach no-kill status across the entire country! Now, Los Angeles is finally considered a “no-kill” city. This makes it the largest no-kill city in the country! We still have a long way to go to … Read more

Boy Has Cutest Reaction When His Lost Pit Bull Returns Home

Lost Pit Bull Reunion

There’s no bond like that between a boy and his dog. But what happens if that beloved dog goes missing? Most families say confidently that their dog will never run off, but it happens much more than we realize. A family in Polk County, Florida was devastated when their gray Pit Bull named Bruiser disappeared. They tried everything they could to lure him home, but nothing worked. Just when they were about to lose hope, they got the news they’d … Read more

Science Says You Should Stop Buying Gifts For Humans And Shop For Your Dog Instead

Quick question: do you love spoiling your dog? C’mon. We all know the answer here is a resounding “DUH!” Even if they can’t say thank you, and sometimes they don’t get as excited as we hoped over a new toy or treat, it fills our hearts with joy like nothing else to give our dogs a simple gift. It isn’t just you who feels this way, either. Science has once again come through to back up the warm-fuzzy feelings our … Read more

Dog won’t stop itching? These popular ‘dog allergy treats’ on Amazon Prime might be the fix you need

A Simple, Natural Solution for Your Itchy Dog When the days start getting longer and the sun seems to shine just a little brighter, I know summer is approaching. More importantly, it’s pool time. Countless hours in the pool with my two favorite fur balls. In and out of the pool, chasing a ball or some improvised chew toy. Their coats hold so much water, that each time they get out of the pool, I swear I see the water … Read more

Your Workplace Might Become Pet-Friendly After COVID!

dog-friendly office

The COVID-19 pandemic has given many dog lovers a chance to further bond with their furry friends. And for many, it’s allowed them to find time to adopt and train a new family member. But with so many dog lovers temporarily working from home, what will happen when the pandemic ends? Luckily, you might not have to choose between your dog and going back to work. A new survey from Banfield Pet Hospital polled 500 C-suite executives and 1,500 employees … Read more

Fire Crew Saves Deaf And Visually Impaired Dog From Drainage Pipe

Dog in drain pipe

It’s common for dogs to get themselves into tricky situations. Getting them out is the hard part. One dog in Florida got stuck in a drainage pipe and couldn’t find his way out. On top of everything, he was deaf and visually impaired. But despite the many challenges involved, fire crews rushed to save the day. The St. Johns County Fire Rescue and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office teamed up to complete the rescue mission. It took a total … Read more