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“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

Monch Bars Are The To-Go Snack Every Dog Needs This Summer

Monch bars to-go

Dog parents love to spoil their pups, but treats can be frustrating. It’s especially difficult to find a healthy, all-natural treat to carry on walks. But luckily, this Canadian brand has the answer to our messy pocket problems with their Monch Bars – an all-natural protein snack bar for dogs! After Vino the fresh dog food founder adopted his energetic Black Mouth Cur, he struggled to find training treats that would be easy to digest and convenient to carry on … Read more

Everyone Is Falling In Love With This Mickey Mouse Look-Alike Pup

Disney dog cover

Almost everyone is aware of the beloved Disney Character Mickey Mouse. With his jolly personality and signature look, there is only one thing cuter than Mickey Mouse himself… a canine Mickey Mouse look-alike! An adorable pup named Goma has captured the hearts of dog lovers around the world. Her fluffy gray ears stand tall and proud, bearing a striking resemblance to the well-known mouse cartoon. Not only are her round ears an incredible sight to see, but she has the … Read more

Asian Country Dedicates New Holiday To Native Dogs

Turkmenistan is a nation in Central Asia that’s known for its strict laws. But they do have one thing going for them: they’re huge dog lovers! In fact, the country is even celebrating a new holiday that’s just for the dogs. This new holiday is dedicated solely to the country’s native dog breed: the Alabai. The Alabai is a native variety of the shepherd dog, reaching up to 175 pounds! These adorable pups are clearly worth celebrating, so the people … Read more

“Smiley” Rescue Dog Survives Getting Shot And Hit By A Car

Smiley rescue dog

Smiley the rescue dog has had a rough past, but she’s stayed true to her name. She arrived at an animal shelter after getting shot and hit by a car. Despite the pain and fear she must’ve felt, she stayed positive and continued to “smile” at her rescuers. Every step of the way, she remained so upbeat and full of life. This happy dog still has a lot of healing to do, but she’s expected to make a full recovery. … Read more

Longest Shelter Resident “Roofus Floofus” Has Adorable Birthday Pawty

Roofus Floofus Birthday Pawty

Roofus Floofus has an unforgettable name, but he has been waiting for a forever family for far too long. He’s fluffy, smiley, and sweet. Yet, he’s been sitting at Lifeline Animal Project in Georgia for over two years now! He gets lots of love at the shelter, but it’s no match for a real home. Roofus Floofus wants a family that can love him for who he is. To help this sweet pup get adopted, shelter staff threw him a … Read more

Dog And Friends Enact Revenge On Cruel Driver’s Car

Life on the streets can be rough for a dog with nowhere to live and no humans to feed and love them. Still, they can sometimes find comfort in other homeless animals. Dogs did evolve from the wolf, after all, which is a pack animal. They like company, and they can benefit from it in many ways. A driver kicked a stray dog in a Shijiazhuang, China parking lot to shoo her away from a space. At the time, the … Read more

Dog Crashes Track Meet & Unofficially Wins The Race

At Logan High School in Utah, a track meet took a surprising turn thanks to a doggie spectator’s intervention. As runners neared the end of an intense 4×200 meter relay, a pup in the crowd took a page from the Air Bud playbook: “there’s nothing in the rule book that says a dog can’t run a relay race!” Refusing to remain merely a spectator in the face of such high stakes, the little dog ran right under the barrier separating … Read more

Stranger Drives 650 Miles To Surprise 4-Year-Old Twins With A Puppy

Puppy from Balloon Wishlist

Kids have been sending letters to Santa for ages, but usually, it’s just for the fun of it. Parents know that these letters won’t really make it to the North Pole. Yet, there’s still some magic in writing wishlists and sending them off to Santa. But somehow, 4-year-old twins Luna and Gianella Gonzalez found a Christmas miracle after the holiday season. A stranger across the country found their list and decided to become Santa. He worked with other Good Samaritans … Read more

New App Reunites Lost Dogs Using Their Nose Prints

Dog nose print

Your dog’s nose can do a lot of amazing things. It can smell far better than a human nose, but did you know that it can also bring lost dogs home? Thanks to a brand new app called NOSEiD, all it takes is your dog’s nose print to reunite them with their humans. As it turns out, a dog’s nose print is just as unique as a human’s fingerprint. So, it’s just another way to keep your dog safe if … Read more

It’s Time To Prepare Pets For Your Return To Work. Here’s How.

Dog After Covid

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, lots of things changed for both humans and pets. With so many people working from home, many dogs were confused, yet overjoyed. But if you haven’t returned to the office yet, your furry friends are in for an unpleasant surprise. It’s not fair for you to make that switch on them without warning. So, it’s a good idea to start preparing your pets for the “new normal” sooner rather than later. Here are some tips for … Read more

Retired Sheriff And His Record-Breaking K9 Die On Same Day

When you think of police dogs, you might imagine large, strong dogs like a German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois. An 8-pound runt of the litter is probably the opposite of what you’d expect. But Midge the Chihuahua/Rat Terrier mix holds the Guinness World Record for being the smallest police K9 ever, and she was proud of it. Even though she didn’t look like a police dog, she always took her job very seriously. But sadly, all journeys have to come … Read more

Runaway Rescue Dog Helps FedEx Driver Deliver Packages

Dog in FedEx Truck

Ursula, the Lab/Shepherd mix is shy, but loves to run off and explore. Unfortunately, the 6-month-old pup’s behaviors made it hard for her to stick with a family, though. But thanks to her latest adventure, she’s about to get the attention she truly deserves. An Arizona FedEx driver saw Ursula running into the road during his delivery route. Instead of running away from him too, she jumped in his truck and helped him deliver packages. Her actions proved that she’s … Read more

Giant Great Dane Proves To Be Best Kitten Foster Dad Ever

To say Corbin is a big dog is an understatement. As a Great Dane, he’s 150 lbs. of legs and love and the better words to describe him are ‘gentle giant’. His mom, Karen, told the Dodo people will cross the road he’s so big, “yet they don’t know that he’s terrified of his own shadow.” You see, Corbin’s heart is bigger than he is, and its kittens that make this huge guy melt. Karen has been fostering kittens for … Read more

Dog Five Minutes From Euthanasia Hugs His Determined Rescuers

Dog saved from euthanasia

Many Southern states are overcrowded with dogs due to not enough spaying and neutering. And sadly, that causes many shelters to euthanize dogs, thinking it’s the only solution. But it isn’t these poor dogs’ faults that humans aren’t responsible! So, they don’t deserve to keep dying in this cruel way. A dog named Robin was only five minutes away from euthanasia when he was rescued. And when he realized he was safe, he had the most adorable reaction! He hugged … Read more

Have You Noticed Your Dog Is Slower To Rise? Try Giving This Daily

Is your dog less active or having trouble with everyday activities like rising after sleeping, climbing stairs, and hopping in and out of the car? Pain caused by the degeneration of joint tissue is very common in older dogs. While pharmaceutical drugs offer relief, they also carry the risk of serious side effects leading many vets and pet parents to seek out natural supplements like Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM. Cartilage – the moist, spongy tissue that cushions the joints – … Read more

Colostrum for Dogs: Can It Reduce Your Pup’s Allergies?

In all creatures, allergies can be a complicated beast. While we still don’t have a complete idea about what causes them, science has made great strides in treating them. One method found to be particularly effective in treating canine allergies is the use of “Mother’s Milk,” aka colostrum for dogs. Colostrum offers many physical benefits to your dog, especially when it comes to treating allergies and their symptoms. Here’s everything you need to know about this nutrient-packed substance used in … Read more

Handsome Shelter Employee Helps Get Pup Adopted In Record Time

When adoption rates are down, animal shelters have a lot of tricks up their sleeves to help dogs find forever homes. Some attempts are crazy successful, while others go unnoticed. Luckily, a recent post from Wichita Falls Animal Services was a hit without a doubt. But not for the reason you’d think. The post advertised an adoptable Husky sitting next to one of the newer shelter employees. While the dog got lots of interest, so did the man! In fact, … Read more

Pit Bull Breaks Breed Stereotypes By Saving Human’s Life

Astro the Hero Pit Bull

Astro might not look like a hero, but his family knows he is. Like many Pit Bull mixes, people are quick to look at Astro and judge him or fear him. Yet, the loyal rescue dog has done everything he can to prove that he’s just a sweetheart. But his loyalty stretches far beyond his ability to cuddle and give kisses. As it turns out, he also has some quick-thinking abilities. When Astro’s human was in trouble, the pup knew … Read more

Police Dog Stabbed In The Line Of Duty Is Making A Full Recovery

argo police k9 cover

A Fresno Police Dog named Argo was fighting for his life after a run-in with a violent criminal. After being stabbed by a suspect and attacked by another dog, the Fresno Police Department feared they would lose one of their own. Officer Sturgeon and K9 Argo responded to a call involving a man holding a woman against her will. After discovering the suspect in question already had warrants out for his arrest, the duo drove to the scene in an … Read more