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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

Lost Emotional Support Dog Found In NYC Subway Tunnels

Dog lost on subway

Lucy is a rescue dog and emotional support animal who shares a special connection with her family members. However, she is fearful of strangers, so unfamiliar events can be overwhelming for her. Lucy and her mom, Susan Moore, live in New York, and it’s impossible to avoid new people in such a big city. Susan’s adult daughter Molly watched Lucy while Susan was in the hospital recovering from an injury. But things went downhill quickly when Lucy escaped and got … Read more

Tuckered Out Pittie Pup Has A Cozy Car Nap With His Fave

Pittie nap cover

Nino is a lovable 8-month-old Pittie that takes advantage of every nap opportunity he gets. After a long day spent at the beach with his favorite humans, he couldn’t help but pass out in an adorable way. Kamilla Ferreira adopted Nino when he was just 4 months old. He quickly became the talk of the neighborhood due to his friendly personality, greeting everyone he meets with an eager tail wag and a kiss. “People sometimes get scared of his tough … Read more

They Call Them “Shrooms” For Dogs – And They Help Boost Their Immune System

What if I told you your dog could use some shrooms in their diet? Yes, of course, “shrooms” is a loaded term for us humans who think of a certain psychoactive kind of “magic mushroom.” But do you know about “shrooms” for dogs – Reishi Mushrooms – and the myriad of ways they can help your dog’s health and immunity? Let’s dive a little deeper into what these “shrooms” are and why giving your dog Reishi Mushroom supplements can be … Read more

I Gave My Dog Reishi Mushrooms For Allergies. Here’s What Happened.

Happy puppy playing

Your dog shouldn’t have to itch themselves until their skin is raw. But for dogs with allergies, skin irritation and other allergic reactions are hard to avoid. Luckily, building up a healthy immune system can help relieve allergic reactions. There are lots of ingredients that can boost immune systems, including reishi mushrooms for dogs. Related: Best Dog Allergy Supplements Reishi mushrooms are among the many beneficial ingredients found in iHeartDogs’ Happy, Healthy™ Allergy & Itch Relief Chews. These “shrooms” are … Read more

Woman With PTSD Confronts Man With Improperly Trained Dog

People bringing their pet dogs into grocery stores can be dangerous — especially for those who depend on service dogs to help them with a disability. That’s just what happened to a woman named Dominique recently at her local Walmart. Dominique, who has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), relies on a service animal to help her when she is out in public. She has a dog named Mya, who is a medical K9 in training.  In a video captured on … Read more

If Your Dog Has Painful Skin Itchiness, Put This In Their Food!

They may be a different species, but dogs can experience many of the same ailments as humans. Allergies, for one thing, can plague many dogs too. They also don’t possess the restraint to stop scratching or nibbling (hey, some humans don’t either), which can have consequences of its own. As the one responsible for your dog’s food and medical needs, it’s up to you to ensure they get the ingredients they need to maintain a healthy immune system. These immune-boosting … Read more

Family Discovers Foster Dog Has Same Rare Heart Condition As Daughter

Foster dog heart condition

When we choose a dog to adopt, it sometimes feels like fate. And the Mikolai family felt that more than anyone. Amid the pandemic, Nicki and her 15-year-old daughter Avery chose to start fostering dogs. But their first foster dog ended up having the same rare heart condition as Avery. The family knew it had to be more than a coincidence. It was fate. Plus, the pup already shared an incredibly close bond with Avery. So, they eventually adopted the … Read more

Senior Dog Tied To A Rock & Left To Drown Finds A Loving Home

Drowning Dog Saved

Two women panicked when they saw Bella the German Shepherd struggling to stay afloat in a river. At first, they thought she had fallen in or gotten stuck. But as it turns out, her leash was tied to a heavy rock and thrown into the water. A horrible person had intentionally tried to drown the pup in freezing water. But luckily, the Good Samaritans arrived just in time. They pulled Bella out of the water and called for help. The … Read more

Pit Bull Shot Several Times Stays Positive After Leg Amputation

Pit Bull recovering from gunshots

Dogs are unconditionally loyal. Even when their humans don’t love them in return, dogs stick by their sides. Dogs don’t know how to stay mad at humans or hold a grudge. It’s a good quality to have, but it often gets them hurt in the end. A Pit Bull “unofficially” named Kevin is the perfect example of a pup with endless loyalty. His human shot him several times and then left him behind. But instead of being mad, Kevin just … Read more

Shelter Pooch Who Saved A Lost Boy Is Up For A Hero Dog Award

Shelter dog saves boy

In December 2019, Sasha the shelter dog saved the life of a young boy. A neighbor had lost their 10-year-old son with Down Syndrome, and Sasha was able to use her incredible nose to locate him. Now, Gina Silvestri hopes she can use Sasha’s brave spirit to help more dogs in need. She nominated her furry friend for the American Humane Hero Dog Awards in the shelter dog category. She hopes that winning this award will help encourage more people … Read more

Dog Miraculously Survives 9 Days In Alligator-Filled Florida Everglades

It’s a story that comes out of a dog lover’s worst nightmares, but ends with a loving family finally connecting with the pup they were fated to have. Their Paths Cross In April, Theo, a two-year-old mixed-breed with the sweet face of a Pit Bull, was wandering the streets of Miami, Florida. When Ashley Tirado and her vacationing family opened the door to their SUV, Theo hopped in without hesitation. “He chose us,” Ashley said. “He hopped right into our … Read more

“World’s Happiest Dog” Can’t Stop Smiling After Being Adopted

Shortcake happy Pit Bull

Lady Shortcake the 6-year-old Pit Bull has the most beautiful smile. It was one of the reasons her human fell in love with her, and now that she’s adopted, she smiles even more! Sometimes it’s when she’s excited, but other times it’s when she’s trying to get herself out of trouble. But either way, her unique expression is one-of-a-kind. Dog lovers all over the world are in love with this charming rescue pup. Her social media posts always brighten people’s … Read more

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #64

In This Issue

● Are Small Dogs More Aggressive?
● Does Aggression Increase With Age?
● New Mom Euthanizes “Aggressive” Dog
● Are Grumpy Dogs Smarter?
● Every First Letter Capitalized
● May Is Microchip Month

Overlooked Shelter Dog Becomes Police Department’s First K9 In Decades

Arrow the Belgian Malinois waited at the Burlington County Animal Shelter for eight months. His temperament made him difficult in a home setting and not suitable to become a service dog or emotional support dog. But as it turns out, he has the perfect personality for a police dog. So, the shelter matched Arrow with Southhampton’s Police Department. They hadn’t had a police K9 for 50 or 60 years, but they’re overjoyed to have one now. Arrow quickly adjusted to … Read more

Irish President’s Pup Steals The Spotlight During Somber Tribute

President of Ireland's dog

If you ever meet Michael D. Higgins, the president of Ireland, you can expect to meet his dogs too. His Bernese Mountain Dogs have always had a reputation of stealing the show. And now, the newest pup in the family has joined in. During a tribute to deceased actor Tom Hickey, Misneach the puppy stood right beside Higgins, just out of frame. While Higgins appears serious during his speech, a behind-the-scenes video reveals a different perspective: Misneach vigorously licking and … Read more

Verdict Is In – Here’s The #1 Way To Help Eliminate Your Pup’s Allergies

When your pup has allergies, no one is happy. It can be heartbreaking to see your dog itch over and over again, only to make the irritation worse. There are plenty of ways to eliminate dog allergies, such as using a hypoallergenic shampoo or feeding an allergy-friendly diet. But what if you’ve tried everything with no success? The new iHeartDogs® Happy, Healthy™ Allergy & Itch Relief for Dogs is the answer to your pup’s uncontrollable itching. It’s a tasty treat … Read more

Dogs Start Petition To Ensure All Balls Are Actually Thrown

In a world where nothing makes sense anymore, the rules are made up, and the points don’t matter, dogs are finally taking a stand. What do they want? All balls to actually be thrown! When do they want it? Now! This decree is similar to the chant that has been barking around cities across the nation. From the hollers of Possom Trot, Kentucky to the smallest cracks of Buttzville, New Jersey, and every other never-heard-of town in between, dogs are … Read more

Blind Teen Sues Restaurant For Turning Away Service Dog

Teen and service dog lawsuit

Service dogs aren’t your typical companions. They’re trained to do impressive tasks to keep their humans safe and comfortable. But even though the law allows service dogs in all public areas, there are still people that see them no differently from other dogs. Jacky’s Waterplace and Sushi Bar in Rhode Island turned away a teenager and her service dog. The family was outraged by this discrimination, so they are now suing the restaurant. A Birthday Disaster Haylee Mota and her … Read more

Couple Pursues Suspect On A 50-Mile Chase To Find Their Stolen Dog

Lost Dog Wild Goose Chase

James and Amber Holda have gone through a roller coaster of events to bring their lost dog home. The Virginia Beach family has a 1-year-old Pit Bull mix named Claire. Claire is playful and loving, but sometimes she’s a little too curious. One day, the pup squeezed through a crack in the fence and ventured into the front yard. Video footage shows her approach a strange vehicle, only to have a person come out and snatch her. The Holdas were … Read more

Former Bait Pit Bull Carries Security Blanket For Comfort

Pit Bull security blanket

Bub the rescue Pit Bull started his life as a bait dog in a dogfighting ring. When he was rescued, he was terrified and traumatized. He was also incredibly underweight and covered in infections. For those reasons, he was put at the top of the kill list at his shelter. Luckily, someone “rescued” him moments before he was euthanized, but they only kept him in their garage and neglected him. But what a difference love and care can make! Since … Read more

Golden Retriever Shows Off His Sizable Stick Collection

Collecting is a hobby that brings joy to people all over the world. There’s a very specific thrill that comes from looking for, finding, and then admiring your accumulations. However, collecting isn’t a behavior that is exclusive to humans. Interestingly, cats, magpies, and squirrels are known gatherers and admirers of shiny objects. Even dogs are known for favoring specific objects and toys over other things.  While it’s quite common to meet a dog that loves sticks, how many of them … Read more

Three-Legged Dog Hit By Van Learns To Walk Upright

I’ll never forget how terrified and devastated I was when I first heard that my mom’s dog, Teddy, was hit by a car. One of the lucky ones, he came away from the accident with a broken leg. Teddy has that particular doggie resilience, and amazingly within a few days he was already learning how to leap on furniture with his full leg cast. A brave Brittany Spaniel named Dexter from Colorado showed a similar determination. His accident, however, was … Read more

Loyal Police Dog Brutally Killed By 16-Year-Old Robbery Suspect

K9 Kozmo Rest in Peace

Police K9s are more than just dogs. They’re police officers just like the humans they work beside. And many human officers consider these hardworking dogs family. So, whenever a dog’s life is lost during duty, it’s taken just as seriously as a human’s. Kozmo was a loyal member of the Mesquite Police Department in Texas for almost all five years of his life. He was always willing to work hard, and he caught many criminals. But at the end of … Read more

Adoring Golden Squeezes Under Car To Hug Her Handy Human

Golden Retriever cover

Most of us know that our pups will go to great lengths to get our attention. A Golden Retriever in Australia did exactly that, and would not let anything stand between her and her fur dad! Goldens seem to be affectionate by nature, but some are even more cuddly than others. This Golden couldn’t bear being away from her fur dad while he worked on his car, and quickly took matters into her own paws. At the beginning of the … Read more

“Most Loving, Friendly” Pit Bull Dumped With Only A Bag Of Food

Pit Bull abandoned with food

Clearwater Police recently picked up a lovable Pit Bull on the side of the road. He was friendly and happy to see people, but he was so thin that you could see his ribs. Now, police are searching for the person responsible for abandoning him. They could face charges for animal cruelty. But despite having a tough start to life, the brave dog remains optimistic and excited. Once he has fully healed, he will be ready to find a loving … Read more

MOLD WARNING: Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats

Pet parents may want to check their pantries – Zuke’s is voluntarily removing all of their Mini Naturals treats from store shelves after customers reported the presence of mold inside the package. “We’re pet parents, too, and only want the best for our four-legged family members. For this reason, we are proactively and voluntarily removing Zuke’s Mini Naturals from store shelves as well as various online retailers, due to a quality issue with a recent batch of products.” If you … Read more

He Surrendered His Dog When He Became Homeless. Now, They’re Finally Back Together.

Being a dog parent often involves a lot of tough decisions. It’s not just about what food to feed or how many walks to go on; but instead, it comes down to what’s best for your dog. And for families who have fallen on hard times, the right decision is often the hardest to accept. Ryan Hamilton from Tampa Bay had to surrender his dog Dakota when he became homeless. He loved Dakota more than anything, but he couldn’t properly … Read more

Flight Attendant Helps Reunite Veterans With Their Retired Service Dogs

When dogs who serve in the armed forces complete their military service, they’re often given up for adoption. Sometimes the soldiers they worked with and grew close to are given first priority, but it’s not quite that simple. Bringing a dog back to their handlers overseas costs thousands of dollars. Luckily, there’s Molli Oliver. Oliver works as a flight attendant for United Air, but her real passion is reuniting these brave dogs with their partners. She’s already brought four dogs … Read more

Photographer “Flags” Dog Walkers Who Neglect To Dump Their Pups’ Poop

When you welcome a dog into your family, you also welcome love, loyalty, and lots of poop into your life. Hey, we all know cuddles on the couch and backyard games of fetch are far more fun than being their own personal pooper scooper. But if we want lifelong loyalty and unconditional love, this is one of the prices we’ve got to pay. Since there’s no such thing as the poop fairy, your dog’s poop is your responsibility. AP Hovasse, … Read more

Texas Committee Passes Bill To End Breed Discrimination In Public Housing

Texas Pit Bull bill

Dogs are a part of the family. When we move, our dogs come with us. But that could be harder for some families, depending on their furry friend’s breed. In many states, all landlords have to do is look at a dog and say no. Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and other muscular dogs are just some of the many canines that suffer because of this. It’s time to put an end to these outdated rules. There is no science to prove … Read more

Sweetest Senior Dog Has Been Waiting 7 Years For His Forever Home

Think about how much has happened in your life in the past seven years. That’s how long one dog at League for Animal Welfare in Ohio has been living in a shelter, longing for his forever home.  Mica is a 10-year-old pointer and labrador mix — and he has been in the care of the shelter since November 30, 2014. As countless other dogs have left the shelter and gone onto their forever homes, poor Mica has just watched the … Read more

Hilton Thanks Supportive Dogs By Serving Luxury Dog Menus

Hilton dog meals

Our furry friends have got us through a lot of tough times, especially during 2020. The start of the pandemic forced lots of people to stay home, not knowing what the future held. But thanks to dogs all over the world, humans felt comforted and supported amid the pandemic. So, Hilton wants to thank those supportive canines at some of their hotels. Select Hilton locations will be offering dog menus for the special furry friends in your life. These menus … Read more

Texas Puppy Mill Bill Passes In The House, But Officials Fight Back

Texas puppy mill bill

Ending puppy mills is an important goal for dog parents all over the world. And a big part of that is stopping pet stores from selling dogs. But banning puppy sales is much easier said than done, and sadly, many people continue to fight back against puppy mill bans. So, the state of Texas is doing what they can to put an end to puppy mills as quickly as possible. Bill 1818 recently passed in the Texas House. If it … Read more

9-Year-Old Collects Huge Haul Of Donations For Animal Shelter

If you found your way to this article, odds are pretty high you’re an animal lover. I’m also willing to bet you’ve loved animals since you were old enough to distinguish a doggie from a kitty. So surely you can relate to 9-year-old Caroline Uhorchak, who already knows her passion in life is giving back to animals. Though she’s only a grade-schooler, Caroline has pulled in tons of donations to her local animal shelter… literally. With a red wagon in … Read more

Lost Dog Found 900 Miles Away After Month-Long Search

Lost German Shepherd

Most lost dog reunions happen when the dog is found just down the road or a few cities over. But when a dog is found across the country, you can’t help but wonder what they’ve been up to all that time. Becca Williams from St. Augustine, Florida lost her black German Shepherd named Cass at the beginning of April 2021. It was very unlike Cass to run off and not return, so Williams knew that something was wrong. For almost … Read more

Marine Finally Reunites With Injured Dog He Rescued Overseas

As someone who ended up rescuing a foster, I understand how hard it can be to let go of an animal you’ve cared for. When a special bond forms, you just can’t imagine saying goodbye.  Frustratingly for a U.S. Marine who bonded with the abandoned dog he rescued overseas, taking her home wasn’t so simple. Luckily, an organization dedicated to solving this particular problem stepped in to ensure these two didn’t have to be apart. The story of their bond … Read more

Maternity Ward For Rescue Dogs Saves Thousands Of Moms And Pups

Maternity ward for dogs

No one can resist the sweet faces of a puppy litter! But sadly, many rescue puppies never get the chance to feel the love. Many kill shelters are forced to euthanize pregnant dogs due to a lack of funding and space. Yet, many people keep avoiding spaying and neutering their own pets, which only adds to the overpopulation problem. Luckily, one kind dog lover decided to do her part to help with these issues. She created a rescue specifically for … Read more

Rescue Flights Will Send 1,000 Heartworm-Positive Dogs to Safety

April is heartworm awareness month — and this month, 1,000 dogs affected by the disease will get their second chance at a healthy life.  Announced April 14, Greater Good Charities is partnering with the maker of Heartgard Plus and The Animal Rescue Site to create the Good Flights program. This program will help bring 1,000 asymptomatic heartworm-positive dogs that are at risk of euthanasia to safety.  According to the American Heartworm Society, Louisana is one of the leading states in … Read more

Rescue Pit Bull Rushes To Save Tiny Friend From Drowning

Pit Bull Saves Pomeranian from drowning

In a recent viral video, a dog’s loyalty is put to the test. And not only did Jessie the Staffordshire Bull Terrier succeed, but she saved her canine sibling’s life! Security footage of her humans’ pool shows her Pomeranian brother named Chucky fall in. As Chucky struggles to get out, Jessie rushes to save the day. She eventually pulls her tiny friend to safety and becomes a hero. It seems that dogs aren’t only a human’s best friend, but they’re … Read more

Severely Neglected Dog Finally Experiences Life Without Chains

WARNING: Images might be sensitive to some readers. The Animal Welfare Society of South Africa (AWS) recently came across one of the worst neglect cases they’ve ever seen. Someone called to report a sick dog on a short chain outside someone’s house. The woman who owned the dog showed no concern for the pup’s rough state and didn’t have an interest in helping her heal. So, AWS had no choice but to issue a final warning to the woman and … Read more

Neighbor Leaves Poisoned Bone For Dog That “Barks Too Much”

If you live in a populous residential area, odds are you hear a dog barking from time to time. A rational and understanding person learns to tune out the noise. Apparently, though, some cruel neighbors will resort to threats of violence if they happen to be bothered by a dog’s barking. Cheri Blair, from a Sydney, Australia suburb, let her 7-month-old dog Jolene into the backyard one morning. When the Portuguese Podengo took a while to come back to the … Read more

Rescuers Carry Injured 80-Pound Rottweiler To Safety During Hiking Trip

Rottweiler rescue

Kinga Szpakiewicz and her 80-pound Rottweiler named Lusha love hiking together. They often spend several days on hiking trips in California. It’s an excellent chance for them to bond and take a break from the chaos of the real world. But when something goes wrong, suddenly being away from civilization doesn’t seem so perfect. During a three-day hiking trip on the Sespe Creek Trail in Los Padres National Forest, Lusha hurt her paw. The pup was unable to finish the … Read more

Non-Profit Honors Army Veteran With Service Dog

It’s no secret that when soldiers return from combat, their lives are often changed. Adjusting to a new normal can be extremely difficult. This is especially true for veterans who have seen and lived through unimaginable circumstances. Sadly, civilian society can quickly feel overwhelming. Even everyday tasks can feel like moving mountains. As you may have learned yourself, dogs are often a source of comfort. Dogs help heal our hearts and bring peace to our minds. They help our beloved … Read more