Page 516 – iHeartDogs.com

“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

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 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

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

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 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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

New Luxury Shelter Will Cater To Seniors, Pregnant Pups & Special Needs Dogs

Chicago’s ALIVE Rescue is preparing to open their dream rescue facility is Salem Lakes, IL. Thanks to their tireless efforts, the Big Barn Rescue will be their most impressive accomplishment yet! The creation of the sanctuary started when they received a huge land plot donation at the end of 2016. Four years later, plans for their dream rescue and adoption center are well underway. It is the culmination of a massive goal that will help ALIVE Rescue more than double … Read more

Dog Tossed In Dumpster On Christmas Day Is Adopted By The Officer Who Saved Her

Christmas day brought a harsh reality to the town of Villa Rica, Georgia. After finding a malnourished pup left for dead in a dumpster, the police are now searching for the cruel human who put her there. A resident of Wilson Mill Townhomes was taking out the trash on Christmas day when he heard whimpering coming from the dumpster. He immediately contacted the local police, and they soon discovered a heartbreaking situation. Deep within the dumpster was a bag that … Read more

7-Year-Old Asks For Shelter Donations Instead Of Birthday Presents

When you’re a kid, your birthday is probably the most exciting day of the year. All the focus is on you and you get tons of awesome presents! But not all kids see it this way. Instead of giving in to the selfish parts of birthdays, some kids choose to give back instead. One little boy named Michael was particularly generous when his birthday rolled around. Instead of asking for some new toys, he decided to gather gifts for someone … Read more

“8-Armed Bullies Of The Sea” Punch Fish Just Because They Can

As it turns out, humans aren’t the only ones to get into fights over something spiteful. New research shows that octopuses do it too! After all, it makes sense because they have eight arms to punch with. On several occasions, octopuses were spotted punching fish, particularly the fish they were hunting with. In some instances, the fish probably deserved the punch. But in other cases, the punches seem completely uncalled for. So, is it possible that octopuses are simply doing … Read more

One-Of-A-Kind Shelter Helps Heal The Country’s Most Emotionally Damaged Dogs

Dogs that experience trauma early in life become harder to adopt through no fault of their own. Many have lived their whole lives tied up or in barren cages, knowing no human kindness and living in their own filth. Even basic home living can confuse and frighten them. They don’t know or trust people, and they can’t simply be placed into new homes when rescued. Overcrowded shelters don’t have the time or resources required to rehabilitate these animals and they … Read more

Alaska Airlines: ‘No More Free Flights For Emotional Support Dogs’

For many years emotional support dogs have been treated the same as service dogs on flights. They’ve been allowed on board for no extra cost and often no questions asked. But when the Department of Transportation recently ruled that emotional support animals (ESAs) no longer need to be accommodated on flights the same way as service dogs, airlines quickly reconsidered their rules. Alaska Airlines will be the first to change their rules since the announcement. ESAs will no longer get … Read more

Disabled Dog Reunites With Dad On New Year’s Day After 10 Months Apart

Dylan Summers and his dog Athena had the perfect start to the new year. About 10 months ago, Athena went missing while recovering from surgery. Summers searched long and hard for his sweet pup, but he began to lose hope. In December, he decided that it might be time to adopt another dog. But when he started searching for the perfect rescue dog, he came across someone very familiar. Summers was reunited with Athena on New Year’s Day, but she … Read more

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #55

In This Issue

● If A Dog Falls Through The Ice
● City Dogs Get More Allergies
● Life Flights For Police K9s
● Signs Your Dog Needs More Love
● Vet-Recommended Resolutions
● Dog DNA Tests

Animal Control Wrongfully Euthanizes Beloved Pit Bull On Christmas Eve

December 28th was supposed to be a magical reunion for Monica Lopez and her Pit Bull mix Dada. Dada went missing not long before Christmas, and Lopez was grateful to hear that animal control had found him and kept him safe. They promised to return Dada when their office reopened after the holidays, so Lopez eagerly waited until then. But things quickly took a turn for the worse. Instead of seeing her furry friend again, she was told that he … Read more

Firefighters Rescue Lost Puppy Just In Time For Christmas

Some of our favorite hometown heroes saved the day again. This time it was for a tiny, four-month-old Pug puppy! The little guy and his family had traveled from Texas to Butte, Montana to enjoy the Christmas holiday. However, this peppy Pug must have watched too many Christmas movies because he took a play right out of Kevin McAllister’s playbook and “accidentally” escaped from his family just as their vacation was beginning. Little Pug In A Big World If you’ve … Read more

New Program Will Offer Same Emergency Transport For Injured K-9s As Officers

Though K-9s put themselves at the same risk as their police handlers, they don’t receive completely equal treatment when it comes to healthcare. These dogs enter crime scenes, chase down criminals, and sniff out missing persons and weapons. They can be, and often are, severely injured doing this important but dangerous work. However, when a human officer gets severely injured in the line of duty, they’re put into an ambulance or helicopter for fast transport to a hospital. When a … Read more

RECALL: Pet Food Has 36 Cases Of Aflatoxin Poisoning And Counting

On December 30th, 2020, Midwestern Pet Foods recalled nine lots of their Sportmix pet food. The food is said to contain potentially fatal levels of aflatoxin in it. Many dogs have already fallen ill or died due to this contaminated food. This recall is still an ongoing investigation. So, the numbers and details could change and expand as new information is discovered. If you feed your dog Sportmix pet food, please be cautious and keep an eye out for additional … Read more

Rescue Puggle With “Jabba the Hutt” Body Loses Half Her Weight

Do you think this dog bears a resemblance to a certain Star Wars character? When Bertha arrived at an Ohio shelter in November 2019, she weighed 63 pounds. That was about double what a healthy Puggle (Pug and Beagle mix) should weigh. A veterinary technician named Meredith Wille saw Bertha’s photo online and immediately fell in love. She contacted the shelter to ask if she could foster the sweet rescue dog. She even offered to cover the costs for Bertha’s … Read more

Family Learns Dog Is Missing When They See Video Of His Icy Rescue

Kevin Klosterman was at Grand Lake, Ohio taking photos when his brother called about a dog that had fallen into the freezing water. Klosterman grew up on Grand Lake and knew all too well the dangers of falling through the ice in winter. Hypothermia can set in in just five minutes, for people or dogs. That’s why he didn’t hesitate to put on a life jacket and drag a canoe out to the struggling 1-year-old Retriever. In just four minutes, … Read more

‘Balto’ Was A Real Dog Who Saved Real Lives

If you haven’t actually seen the 1995 animated feature film ‘Balto,’ you’ve probably at least scrolled past it on Netflix or Amazon Prime. Though he looks great in ink, Balto is more than just a cartoon character voiced by Kevin Bacon. He represents a real, heroic dog. A Siberian Husky and trained team sled dog, Balto made national headlines in January of 1925. Balto and his team brought the diphtheria antitoxin to the small town of Nome, Alaska. They were … Read more

California K9s Discover Illegal Drugs And Money During The Holidays

December is supposed to be a time to spread holiday cheer and visit with loved ones. But many dedicated employees continue to work hard, even on the jolliest days of the year. Some of those hardworking individuals are our brave K9 officers. This holiday season, many police K9s fought crime, uncovering illegal drugs and over a million dollars in drug money. Officers never would’ve been able to discover these crimes without the pups’ amazing sense of smell. So, thank you … Read more

UPDATE: Boy And His Dog Abandoned In Cemetery Days Before Christmas

There’s nothing stronger than the bond between a kid and their dog. Even when everything goes wrong, it’s comforting for them to have each other. A 3-year-old boy named Tony and his dog were abandoned at an Ohio cemetery only two days before Christmas. They were all alone in the cold, left to fend for themselves. But luckily, they had each other during these difficult moments. And not long after, help arrived to give the duo the Christmas they deserved. … Read more

Police Expose Abusive Puppy Mill With Dozens Of Traumatized Dogs

A Michigan woman is facing the consequences of traumatizing dozens of dogs and puppies in a cruel breeding operation. In running a backyard puppy mill in deplorable conditions, she abused hundreds of animals that deserved so much more. Local troopers in Michigan made a shocking discovery when responding to a call about an abandoned horse. Upon investigating the surrounding area, they were horrified by what they found. Just next to where the horse was found was a cruel puppy mill … Read more

Dedicated Animal Rescuer Who Saved Thousands Of Dogs Dies Of COVID-19

An avid animal rescuer named Valerie is being remembered for the many furry friends she rescued throughout her life. The families she helped are sharing their memories of this incredible woman who recently passed away from COVID-19. Valerie Louie was deeply involved with animal rescue throughout her adult life. Also a full-time nurse at Highland Hospital, her entire life revolved around helping others. Valerie worked with local animal rescues for the last 20 years, helping to rescue thousands of dogs … Read more

20 Golden Retrievers Saved From Chinese Meat Market Arrive In Miami

Despite many protests and petitions, the dog meat trade continues in China and a handful of other countries. Not only do animal rights groups widely condemn the practice as inhumane, the dogs are subjected to cruel and horrifying conditions before they become food. Many of the dogs used for meat are actually stolen family pets. The bottom line is: these are dogs, and they deserve the love and life any other family pet has. A rescue group from Florida recently … Read more

Homeless Man Saves Every Animal In Burning Shelter

Oftentimes, animals can have a difficult time fending for themselves. They rely on their humans to keep them safe. But for shelter dogs, life can be even harder without a family looking out for them 24/7. Luckily, there are still many people who would risk their lives for any animals in danger. One homeless man made that clear when he ran into open flames to save the lives of innocent shelter dogs and cats. He knows how much a dog … Read more

Hospital Worker With Cancer Searches For Lost Rescue Dog Amid Pandemic

The start of the COVID-19 pandemic was stressful and confusing for many people. It left families wondering, ‘what more could possibly go wrong?’ But for radiation therapist Kelli Ketzler, the troubles just never seemed to end. In the early days of quarantine, she was diagnosed with cancer for a second time. On top of that, her rescued Shih Tzu named Charlie couldn’t bear to be without her. So, he ran away from his dogsitter in hopes of finding his mom, … Read more

Python-Sniffing Dogs Help Combat Florida’s Invasive Snake Problem

You’ve probably heard some of the amazing things trained detector dogs can do. They can sniff out drugs, bombs, diseases, blood sugar levels, and so much more. Now, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) found a new use for a dog’s high-powered nose: detecting invasive snakes. Truman, a black Labrador, and Eleanor, a Point Setter, have been working with the FWC to restore the region’s ecosystem. They sniff out pythons and alert their handlers so the snakes can be … Read more

Donated & Counting!

Dogs Saved!

D.V. Survivors & Pets!

For Service Dogs

Donated & Counting!

Feed Shelter Dogs

Dogs Saved!

Fly Shelter Dogs To Safety

D.V. Survivors & Pets!

Keep Pets & Domestic Violence Survivors Together

For Service Dogs

Pair Veterans With Service Dogs

50,643,279 Meals Donated

281,309 Toys Donated

55,604 Blankets Donated

4,752 Rescue Miles Donated

$66,069 Funded For D.V. Survivors

$1,857,751 Funded For Service Dogs

50,643,279 Meals Donated

281,309 Toys Donated

55,604 Blankets Donated

4,752 Rescue Miles Donated

$66,069 Funded For D.V. Survivors

$1,857,751 Funded For Service Dogs

Feed
Shelter Dogs

Fly Shelter
Dogs To Safety

Keep Pets &
Domestic Violence
Survivors Together

Pair Veterans
With Service Dogs