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Woman’s Tropical Vacation Turns Into A Lifelong Mission To Save Stray Dogs

Tropical getaways are the best. Vacations are a time to relax in a place that feels like paradise—a place where nothing could possibly go wrong. But oftentimes, that isn’t the case, especially for those who live at a vacation destination. Alison Sawyer Current quickly learned that when visiting Isla Mujeres, an island off the coast of Cancun, Mexico. She discovered that the beautiful island had a huge stray pet problem. No one was willing to take them in and care … Read more

Running Car Stolen From Hotel Parking Lot With Family Dog Inside

Dog stolen from hotel

We all make mistakes, but we never expect one wrong move to lead to a tragic scenario. When a family was checking into a hotel, they knew they’d only be gone for a minute or two. So, they left their car running only a few feet away from the entrance. Their Border Collie named Remy waited in the car while they ran inside. Remy’s family never expected something to go wrong within a matter of seconds. But in no time, … Read more

Teen’s Dog Treat Business Booms In Rough Times

The ongoing pandemic has forced everyone, even young adults, to get creative. We’ve learned new ways to socialize, exercise, learn, and earn money. Lynnsey Hauger, a freshman at Berkley High School in Michigan, was inspired by her love of dogs to find a new source of income this year. Unable to earn her usual babysitting dollars, Lynnsey started her own small company at home: Lubirds Dog Treats. Every day, Hauger makes gluten-free, dog-safe treats from her own kitchen. She bakes … Read more

Police Officer Welcomes Rescued Pittie Puppy Into His Family

As a police officer on patrol, your duty is to serve and protect your community. Occasionally, that includes local canines in need too. Police officers frequently help stray or injured animals and recover lost pets when they can. Lucky for one lone puppy in New Jersey, patrol cars came his way when he needed them. On January 2nd, Mount Laurel Police Department officers found the small gray and white Pit Bull puppy wandering alone in an industrial area. The little … Read more

Do You Live In One Of The Most Dog-Friendly U.S. Cities?

Dog-friendly U.S. cities

Dogs are a part of the family. So, of course, many people want their dog’s input when it comes to where they live. While most dogs are content wherever their loved ones are, others would prefer locations where there are countless dog-friendly activities. All cities have their pros and cons for life as a dog, but some are notably better than others. Do you live in one of the best U.S. cities for dogs? Now you can find out for … Read more

How A Sassy, Abandoned Shih-Tzu Inspired One Woman To Foster And Adopt Senior Dogs

When I was in college, I began working at a busy animal hospital as a veterinary assistant. As much as I adore dogs, I didn’t think it was fair to adopt one with my crazy schedule of classes, work, and friends—until the day I met Brandy. It was a typical afternoon when I noticed a group of staff clustered around one of the exam room doors. The veterinarian inside was speaking to a man about his dogs, and from the … Read more

Border Collies Break Record For Most Tricks In One Minute

Border Collie World Record

Border Collies, Wish and Halo are making history. Not only are they incredibly smart, but they also set their own Guinness World Record, and the results are adorable! The pups completed “the most tricks performed by two dogs in under one minute.” Additionally, Wish also completed the “fastest 5-meter crawl by a dog.” They’re on a roll! But these amazing talents didn’t just happen overnight. They’ve spent countless hours working on these tricks with their mom, Emily Larlham, who is … Read more

Faithful Dog Waits Outside Her Human’s Hospital For 6 Days

Dog waits at hospital

Even when we tell our dogs that everything will be okay, they don’t always understand. Being away from their loved ones is stressful, and it sometimes feels like the worst situation in the world. So, when Cemal Senturk was taken to a hospital in Turkey, he wanted to tell his dog that he would be back. But she didn’t understand why he was leaving her. The loyal dog waited outside the hospital for 6 days, hoping her human would come … Read more

“Sympathetic” Dog Copies Owner’s Limp, Wastes Hundreds In Vet Bills

When our dogs are in pain, we rush to find out what’s wrong. We’d do anything to keep our furry friends happy and safe. So when a Lurcher named Billy started limping, his parents contacted the vet immediately. But as it turns out, nothing was wrong with Billy. The family spent over $400 just to find out that Billy was mimicking his dad, who recently got crutches. Of course, most people would be mad at this, but instead, the family … Read more

One Puppy Mill Survivor Led Her To A Life Helping Even More Dogs

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a dedicated dog lover and a passionate rescue dog advocate. I even made a career out of writing about dogs and encouraging others to adopt. But this passion didn’t just appear out of thin air. It isn’t something I was born with. Everyone’s love for rescue dogs starts somewhere, and my passion began thanks to a tiny puppy mill survivor named Zoe. Unlike most of the other dog bloggers out there, I didn’t … Read more

Excited Golden Retriever Licks The Face Of His Best Cow Friend

dog and cow friend cover

Footage of a heartwarming moment between two unlikely friends has gone viral on TikTok. A Golden Retriever named Pablo could not hold back his excitement when seeing an old friend, proving just how special animal friendships can be! 2-year-old Pablo lives in the Northern Ireland countryside in the village of Maguiresbridge. This part of Ireland is filled with lush green lands and farms, and there are adorable cows on just about every corner. Each day when Pablo walks with his … Read more

Police Rush To Save Drowning Dog From Frigid Waters

Tinkerbell Drowning Rescue

Dogs often get themselves into unfortunate situations out of curiosity. And in extreme cases, those mistakes could be life-threatening. That’s why it’s always heartwarming to know that there are kind people who won’t hesitate to help a dog in need. It’s unclear how a brindle dog named Tinkerbell ended up nearly drowning, but she was terrified and confused. She might not have survived if the New York City Police Department (NYPD) hadn’t spotted her and saved the day. If it … Read more

Famous Police Dog Survives Shooting And Gets Heroic Welcome Home

Police Dog Recovery

Arlo the police dog is brave, strong, and TikTok famous. The Thurston County police dog spent the past year growing his TikTok following, sharing adorable videos of his daily adventures. He now has 1.5 million followers, which made him pretty proud of himself. But even celebrities can fall on hard times. Poor Arlo was critically injured in a shooting on the job. Vets weren’t sure if he would make it, but he kept on fighting. Now, the brave hero is … Read more

New Facility In Phoenix Is Dedicated To Saving Moms And Their Babies

Of course they’re unbelievably cute, but newborn puppies aren’t quite ready to find homes with people. Experts say puppies should remain with their mothers for at least the first eight weeks of their lives, if not longer. The pups have a lot to learn from their mom and a lot of socialization to undergo. They need to be able to grow and thrive with mom by their side. A Phoenix-based rescue specializes in large-breed pregnant dogs and their puppies who … Read more

Dogs Evolved A Special Muscle That Lets Them Give “Puppy Dog Eyes”

There’s nothing on earth quite as powerful as those big, bright puppy dog eyes your dog gives you. Have you ever wondered why that is? A team of university scientists and researchers proposed a few interesting explanations. A study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) found a distinct difference between wolves and dogs. Comparing the anatomy and behavior of dogs and wolves, researchers found that the facial musculature of both species was similar except above … Read more

Abandoned Great Pyrenees Guards His Deceased Brother

Tucker Great Pyrenees

A dog’s loyalty never ceases to amaze us. Even when all hope seems lost, dogs will stick by their family members for as long as needed. And Tucker the Great Pyrenees knows a thing or two about being a hero even when it’s not needed. Melissa Ringstaff and her family found Tucker on the side of the road, not moving. At first, they thought he was injured, but as it turns out, he was protecting a deceased dog who had … Read more

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #56

In This Issue

● Early Cancer Signs
● Dogs On The Bed?
● Collar Interprets Barks
● Help Your Dog Grieve
● Signs Of An Ear Infection
● Mouth-Burrowing Beetles

Thieves Hung Innocent Dog’s Foot From A Tree And Abandoned Him

WARNING: Topic, images, and videos may be sensitive to some readers. Some humans do cruel things with no reason in mind. And that seems to be what happened in a dog named Fanta’s case. He was simply relaxing outside and minding his own business when all his greatest fears came to life. Before he knew what was going on, a group of strangers dragged him into a vehicle and tortured him on an abandoned property. Poor Fanta didn’t deserve any … Read more

Don’t Worry, There Will Still Be A 2021 Puppy Bowl!

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, we’ve seen countless events canceled and gathering spaces closed. Fret not though dog lovers, the beloved Puppy Bowl will still take place this year! Puppy Bowl XVII will air before the Super Bowl on February 7th at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT on Discovery+ and Animal Planet. In my opinion, it’s way more interesting than the football. An official statement about the 2021 event reads: “[E]ven though this past year has been different from years … Read more

Man Loses Wife To Cancer & Now Must Go To Court To Keep Her Service Dog

service dog battle cover

A grieving husband is not only feeling the pain of losing his wife, but her beloved service dog as well. His wife’s dying wish was that Tootsie would remain in their family after she passed, and Paul will do anything to make that wish a reality. Paul’s wife Britni struggled with a chronic and debilitating illness that made getting around extremely difficult. When researching ways to make her life a bit easier, she came across a wonderful solution; a service … Read more

Introducing The Biewer Terrier: The 197th AKC-Recognized Breed

Dogs come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, each as adorable and unique as the last. However, as far as official “breeds” of dogs go, the AKC  recognizes 197, as of this year. The newest dog to become an official AKC breed is the Biewer Terrier (pronounced “Beaver.”) It took a long journey for the Biewer Terrier to earn this title. Here’s everything you need to know about these adorable little fluff balls. Traits And Characteristics These little dogs … Read more

Blind And Deaf Dog Smells Dad, Dances Right To Him

People often try to argue that a dog who can’t see or hear has no real quality of life. But as someone who lived with a blind dog who was also hard of hearing, I can tell you those people speak without experience. These amazing dogs quickly learn to cope with their circumstances. They live their lives moment by moment, for sniffs and food and love. 3-year-old Lyla was born blind and deaf, but that doesn’t seem to bring her … Read more

One-Eyed Pit Bull Returns To First Home After 12 Years

12-Year PIt Bull Reunion

Sherrie Smith and her daughter Ashley had a one-eyed Pit Bull named Zoe over a decade ago. They often spent time reminiscing about the pup and wondering how she was doing. But the last thing they expected was for her to come home 12 years later. The Smiths initially had to re-home Zoe because they couldn’t find affordable housing that allowed pets in Honolulu, Hawaii. They were heartbroken, but knew it was what they had to do. Over time, the … Read more

“I Thought I Wanted To Die But My Dog Saved Me” Tiny Terrier Saves Life Of Woman Consumed By Darkness

My love for dogs began the moment I was born. My parents brought me home and introduced me to our Chow and Keeshond, Buddha and Kaysha. There hasn’t been a day in my life that I have been without a dog waiting for me at home. This love for dogs and witnessing their unconditional love and devotion has fueled my passion, which is exactly why I love writing for iHeartDogs. One Dog Changed The Course Of My Life I have … Read more

Dedicated Rescuer Spends 15 Months Earning Abandoned Mama Dog’s Trust

mama rescue cover

A Pit Bull named Mama was abandoned in the moment she needed someone most. After just giving birth to a litter of healthy puppies, her cruel owners no longer found use for her. They made the despicable decision to not only separate her from her babies, but drive her out of town in an effort to make her disappear forever. Mama was left at a gas station in the outskirts of California, and quickly dumped without a care. After aimlessly … Read more

Injured Dog Seeks Love After Family Removes His Eyes And Surrenders Him

Louis the Blind Dog

Louis thought life was great. He had a family who seemed perfect to him despite their flaws. But they weren’t everything he dreamed them to be. When the going got tough, Louis’ family turned their backs on him. Now, he’s left wondering what he did wrong. After waiting too long to treat Louis’ eye infection, the family opted to remove his eyes. Louis knew he could adapt, but post surgery, his family wasn’t happy. Now that the pup was blind, … Read more

Man Takes Battle To Court After Former Employer Demands Return Of Working Dog

When Barry Myrick began working for M & M Environmental, a pest-control company in Queens, New York he was assigned an unusual piece of equipment – a bedbug sniffing dog named Roxy. Over the past five years, Myrick and Roxy lived and worked together, forming a powerful bond of love and friendship. But in March something happened that changed everything. Myrick was laid off. A few months later he and his wife packed up Roxy and their other dog Robbie … Read more

Homeless Man Tearfully Reunites With Stolen Service Dog

Jimmy Nicholos works part-time at the START Rescue Resale Store, a thrift shop in Sherman Oaks outside of L.A. that funds pet rescue adoptions. Though he’s currently experiencing homelessness, he has a service dog named Boots who helps him get by. Sadly, New Year’s Eve was the last time he’d seen his best friend and helper in weeks. On that day, a woman Nicholos had met before came into the store. She offered to groom Boots for free, and since … Read more

Couple Takes Turns Sleeping On Couch To Comfort Elderly Dog

Senior Dog Bedtime Routine

Once you let your dog in your bed, there’s no going back. They’ll want to sleep beside you and hog the covers every single night. Most dog lovers adore their pups so much we don’t mind sacrificing a little sleep. A couple in Yorkshire are especially familiar with their dog hogging the bed. Their English Springer Spaniel named Spike has slept beside them every night since they first adopted him. But now that he’s getting older, the family has made … Read more

Special Dog Collar Lets Dogs Communicate With Humans

Dog Emotion Collar

Have you ever wondered what your dog is thinking and feeling? If you’re anything like other dog parents, those thoughts probably cross your mind all the time. It’s easy to bond with dogs, but even then, we don’t always know what’s going on in their heads. With this new smart dog collar, you might be able to. A South Korea startup designed a special collar that can better tell you what your dog’s barks mean. Specifically, it will tell you … Read more

More Colorado Cities Lift Pit Bull Bans Following Denver’s Decision

Pit Bulls cuddling

Pit Bull bans have taken place in many cities throughout the United States, but lawmakers are finally looking for a change. In November 2020, Denver lifted their 30-year Pit Bull ban, allowing more dogs to find the forever homes they deserve. Since then, other cities in Colorado have followed this trend. Now, in January 2021, Aurora and Commerce City in Colorado have ended their breed bans as well. They started off the new year in the best possible way for … Read more

Ben & Jerry’s Presents Delicious Frozen Dessert Cups For Your Pup

Ben & Jerry’s, the Vermont-based ice cream company that brought us “Chunky Monkey” and “Phish Food” has something brand new and exciting to introduce. The confectioners revealed their latest products are geared specifically towards our canine companions. That’s right, they’re selling frozen treats for dogs! Ben & Jerry’s famously prides themselves on a dog-friendly work environment. They have several “K9 to 5ers” who inspired this new product line. A very Ben & Jerry’s-esque description of the brand new dog-friendly frozen … Read more

Abandoned Puppy Faithfully Remains At Her Deceased Sibling’s Side

Your dog may love to chase cars, but often they don’t understand how dangerous this activity really is. Attended and securely leashed, it’s usually just harmless barking and tugging. Little puppies with no one to protect them, however, are at serious risk of getting struck by a vehicle. Sadly, this tragic fate befell an abandoned puppy in Serbia. Even sadder, his sister didn’t know what else to do besides remain by his side, just next to the street. This heartbreaking … Read more

RECALL: Deadly Aflatoxin Recall Expanded After 70 Pets Die

Sportmix Expanded Recall

2020 ended with nine lots of Sportmix food getting recalled for deadly aflatoxin. At the time, the FDA was aware of 28 deaths and 8 illnesses related to the recall. After further research, more dog and cat food produced in Midwestern Pet Foods’ Oklahoma plant was recalled as well. The recall now includes over 1,000 lots of Sportmix and three other brands. This is an ongoing investigation, so the product list and number of cases may increase as more information … Read more

Heartbreaking “Thank You” From Dying Dog Leaves Rescuer In Tears

Dying Dog Says Thank You

We truly don’t deserve dogs. Even in the saddest, most hurtful moments of their lives, they still show us love and companionship. Sometimes, dogs will even be loyal to a human they’ve never met before. But maybe they can just tell when someone has a kind heart. One woman extended her kindness to two dogs who had no one looking out for them. Instead of being scared or aggressive, one of the dogs stepped forward and showed compassion in return. … Read more

Barking Dog Leads Officer To His Trapped Sibling

Terriers Annabelle and Jacques are siblings and best friends. In January, 2016, a chilly rescue proved how strong their bond really is. When their mom was taken to the hospital for a medical emergency, the two panicked dogs escaped their Orange, Massachusetts home in the confusion. Somehow, poor Annabelle got trapped under a downed tree in the nearby woods. Jacques knew he had to do something to help his best friend. The little terrier ran up an embankment and barked … Read more

After Spending The Last 3 Christmases In A Shelter, Elsa Has Finally Found Her Forever Family

elsa rescue

A loveable Shepherd mix named Elsa can finally heal from her painful past. After waiting years for her happily ever after, she has finally found the forever family of her dreams. Elsa is a 7-year-old rescue that spent the first five years of her life in a heartbreaking situation. She lived outdoors in a tiny kennel with minimal shelter, barely receiving any human interaction. Not only was her living situation uncomfortable, it was almost unlivable in wintertime. When Elsa’s situation … Read more

Traumatized Animal Testing Survivor Opens Up In Foster Care

Nate, a beautiful purebred Husky, came in to Seal Beach Animal Care Center as a stray. When the shelter scanned his microchip, they saw it wasn’t registered, but had been claimed by a laboratory. A laboratory that practices animal testing. Though no one knows exactly what tests poor Nate had to endure, the signs of abuse were clear. Nate’s tail had been docked and his ears were notched as well. SBACC staff speculated the tail docking was so it wouldn’t … Read more

Beach Memorial For Deceased Dog Provides Tennis Balls For Other Pups

When Bruce, a playful black Lab, passed away, his family found a beautiful way to memorialize him and bring joy to other dogs and their families. At a popular beach in Mandurah in Western Australia, they set up a wooden box filled with tennis balls. People visiting Silver Sands beach with their pups are encouraged to take one either to borrow or to keep. For some reason, the brightly colored, erratically bouncing balls fulfill our dogs’ prey drives. Plus, they … Read more

Abused Puppy With Broken Legs Saved After Being Thrown Into River

Lux abused puppy

Lux the 6-month-old puppy already faced more than enough pain for a lifetime. His human tortured him to the point where he thought his life was over, but then, the Detroit Pit Crew Dog Rescue saved the day. They rescued the pup and took him away from his abusive human. Poor Lux had broken bones and fractures all over his body. And on top of everything, his human had tried to throw him into a river after hurting him! Thankfully, … Read more

Rescue Pomeranian That Went Missing On Cross-Country Visit Reunited With Mom

When Hayley Compton went to visit her parents in Lexington, North Carolina she already had a big weight on her shoulders. She had recently lost her grandmother, and in the same year, a job. Her four-legged best friend Rascal, a 7-year-old rescue Pomeranian, helped make things better. But on this trip, 500 miles away from their New Jersey home, Rascal escaped the front door and was lost. Knowing her best friend was out there in a strange place all alone … Read more

Gumdrop Is The First Denver Pit Bull To Be Adopted Since They Were Banned In 1989

Gumdrop Pit Bull Adopted

Anyone who has a Pit-Bull-type dog  in their family knows how lovable these breeds can be. But sadly, not everyone sees it that way. Dogs classified as “Pit Bulls” are often feared and discriminated against through no fault of their own. Any dog can be dangerous if not properly trained, so it’s time to stop discriminating against Pitties. Thankfully, amid the 2020 election, Denver, Colorado finally voted to lift their Pit Bull ban. For over 30 years, people weren’t allowed … Read more

4 out of 5 Dogs Over The Age Eight Have This Painful Condition, But Hide It Well

Just the thought our dogs suffering silently from hidden pain breaks the heart of any dog parent. Sadly, research shows that 4 out of 5 dogs over the age of 8 are suffering from some kind of joint pain. And while we humans have the ability to reach for pain meds and talk to our doctor about symptoms, our precious pups do not. In fact, dogs are quite good at keeping their joint pain a secret. Why do dogs hide signs of … Read more

Abandoned Dog Sleeps On Human’s Jacket, Waiting For Their Return

Abandoned Dog with Jacket

Dogs are so loyal and devoted that many families don’t deserve them. A sweet dog named Honey was abandoned by her humans and left on the side of the road. She had nothing but her human’s jacket with her, so she curled up on it, praying they’d return. The scared dog waited on that familiar jacket for as long as she could, but cars just kept passing. Little did Honey know, she also suffered from severe medical conditions during her … Read more

Thieves Snatch Woman’s Dog When She Turns To Pump Gas

Bichon Stolen at QuikTrip

A woman was on the phone with her daughter, ready to fill her car up with gas. At that moment, it felt just like any other day. But when her back was turned, the unimaginable happened. Her sweet little dog named Nu Nu disappeared from the car in a matter of seconds. Poor Nu Nu was the victim of a “slider attack.” In these robberies, the thieves watch from the other side of the car and wait until the person’s … Read more

DoorDash Driver Steals Innocent Puppy While Delivering Food

DoorDash puppy thief

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began, delivery has become a common method for shopping. Nowadays, you can get just about anything online, and we trust delivery drivers to safely bring our purchases to us. But on rare occasions, these deliveries do not meet our expectations. And for dog mom Ashley Swinton, a delivery driver not only brought her food, but also chose to steal something in return. A DoorDash driver was caught on camera stealing Swinton’s puppy. The driver dropped … Read more

Enjoy A Beer & A Snack While Your Pup Plays At Michigan’s First Indoor Dog Park

When the temperatures drop, we humans want nothing more than to stay warm inside. Dogs still need their exercise though, which often leaves the people walking them with cold toes and a bit of impatience at the dog park. A new business in western Michigan aims to turn this less-than-ideal winter chore into a fun, warm activity. “The Pack” is more than just an indoor dog park; it also boasts a daycare facility and even serves food and beverages to … Read more

Couple Donates $10,000 Of Lottery Winnings To Local Shelter

Have you ever had that fantasy, the one where you’ve won the lottery and all you have to do is decide how to spend it? For most of us that’s all it is: a fantasy. But recently, one Virginia couple really did get that rare opportunity. Their $1 million lottery ticket was a winner and the lucky recipients decided they wanted to spend a large chunk of their winnings on homeless animals. They donated $10,000 to the Montgomery County Animal … Read more

After Six Families And A Year In The Shelter, Houdini Just Wants To Know Love

The holidays may be over but one adorable little guy is still hoping for one last gift. Houdini is a 3-year-old Husky who is every bit as adventurous as he is adorable. Sadly, Houdini has been waiting at the San Diego County Department of Animal Services shelter in Carlsbad for over a year. What’s even worse? He’s had SIX families! Some of them only lasted a few days. Houdini isn’t a bad boy. After all, could anyone that cute really … Read more

3 Men Assaulted This Woman At Gunpoint & Stole Her Dog

On the evening of Tuesday, January 5 Sarah Vorhaus was walking her two dogs, Chloe and Colton in the Russian Hill area of San Francisco, CA when she was violently assaulted by three men. The reason for the attack quickly became clear to 30-year-old Vorhaus when one of the men demanded, “give me your dog.” Vorhaus turned to see a man with a gun. He punched her in the face several times, snatched Chloe, and took off in a car … Read more

UPDATE: Thank You For Helping Over 100 At-Risk Dogs Fly To Safety!

On December 31st, 2020, you helped us fly over 100 dogs and cats from overcrowded Louisiana shelters to no-kill shelters with open space in Wisconsin and Michigan. Just in time for the new year, these dogs arrived in facilities where their chances of adoption are much, much higher. Thank you to all the kind Heroes who helped these pups start their new lives on the New Beginning Pet Rescue Flight! When items are purchased from the iHeartDogs’ Second Chance Movement … Read more