Page 519 – iHeartDogs.com

Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:

Learn More

Man Charged After Killing His Neighbor’s Runaway Rescue Dog

Rescue Husky shot

Kita the 5-year-old Siberian Husky was never the most well-behaved pup. She had a tendency to run off, and to her, it was all fun and games. However, her neighbor refused to put up with the pup’s antics. He grew so angry with her running loose that he took matters into his own hands. When given the opportunity, the cruel neighbor shot the rescue dog when she ran onto his property. Kita’s family was heartbroken when they found out the … Read more

This Great Dane Is Insta Famous For His Batman-Like Appearance!

batman dog cover

A Great Dane named Enzo is taking the world by storm with his striking resemblance to the well-known character, Batman. With his unique appearance and adventurous spirit, it’s no wonder this handsome Dane has become an Instagram celebrity! Danny Lemay and Stephanie Godim welcomed Enzo into their lives when he was just a tiny puppy. While he was much smaller than he is now, that was never the case for his ears! From the moment the two brought Enzo home, … Read more

Senior Lab Gets New Beginning After 1,134 Days At Shelter

Capone gets adopted

Good things come to those who wait! And no one has waited longer than Capone the 10-year-old Lab mix. He spent 1,134 days at Animal Friends in Pennsylvania after being transferred there from a different shelter. Day after day, he waited for someone to give him the loving home he deserved, but for over three years, he was continuously disappointed. He might’ve had more complex needs than the other adoptable dogs, but he knew he was still deserving of a … Read more

Rescuers Shut Down Cat Meat Restaurant And Slaughterhouse Saving 19 Cats & 5 Dogs

Millions of cats and dogs are butchered across Southeast Asia every year, but animal welfare groups have been hard at work trying to stop the barbaric dog and cat meat trade. And groups like Four Paws are making progress at every turn. In 2019, Four Paws, an international organization working to save animals from cruelty, began an investigation into the cat and dog meat trade in Vietnam. Research showed that 5 million animals, 1 million of those being cats, are … Read more

Starving Dog Unrecognizable When Returned To Shelter

Please note: some photos depict extreme neglect.  When we adopt a dog, we’re making a promise for the rest of their lives. But is that promise to keep them with us through thick and thin, or to make the best possible choices for them? Those aren’t always the same thing. At the age of two years old, Roland – then named Shorty – was up for adoption at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter in Conroe, Texas. His intake photo shows … Read more

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #54

In This Issue

● Why Is My Dog Limping?
● Making An Estate Plan For Your Pup
● 2020 Pet Of The Year
● Expectations For Your New Dog
● Less Scary Vet Visits
● Christmas Tree Hazards

UK Shelter Dogs Write Letters To Santa Begging For Forever Homes

Shelter Dogs Letters to Santa

Every December, dogs all over the world sit at shelters, wishing they had a home for Christmas. These dogs have often been overlooked for months, and sometimes even years. Shelters and rescues try their best to make Christmas as special as possible for the dogs in their care, but it’s never the same as having a forever family. This year, dogs all over the United Kingdom are speaking up. They wrote letters to Santa, asking him for a forever home. … Read more

Help Us Fly Tiny To The Forever Family Of Her Dreams!

tiny flight cover

Louisiana animal shelters are struggling more than ever due to the current pandemic. Shelters are experiencing overcrowding and strains in funding, which directly impacts the furry friends within their walls. Dogs in kill shelters are facing a terrifying reality due to lack of space, meaning so many deserving furry friends may never meet the family of their dreams. Thanks to dog lovers like you, some of these pups are getting their second chance! On December 31st, 2020, iHeartDogs will rescue … Read more

Cocoa Mellon Needs Your Help After Losing Her Mom To COVID

New Beginnings Transport

The COVID-19 pandemic has made life more difficult for humans and animals all over the world. In Louisiana, the amount of dogs in kill shelters is increasing. With minimal funds and overcrowded kennels, many of these locations need to make the difficult decision to euthanize perfectly healthy dogs. Luckily, iHeartDogs’ Second Chance Movement program is working hard to save these at-risk pups. On December 31st, 2020, iHeartDogs will sponsor a flight of up to 100 dogs from Louisiana to no-kill … Read more

Coffee Bean Lost Her Mom To Covid-19 And Needs Your Help

It’s not something we love thinking about, but sometimes you have to wonder: if something happened to me, who would take care of my dog(s)? Knowing the outlook for pets surrendered to shelters in overcrowded areas, I’d prefer to see mine placed in the care of someone I know personally. However, not everyone has that option. One particular side-effect of the coronavirus pandemic has been an increase in surrendered or abandoned animals. Many people lost their jobs or homes and … Read more

Free-Spirited Stray Dog Gets His Own Statue

Zorik the dog statue

Zorik isn’t your typical dog. He doesn’t want humans to pet him, cuddle him, or even be near him. So, for many years, he spent his life as a stray in Estonia. To many, it might sound like a lonely life, but he was anything but alone. He befriended other stray dogs and cats, and most importantly, he won the hearts of many people in the area. Soon, everyone knew him by name, so they came together to keep him … Read more

Help Sparky Find A Family To Cuddle Him And Keep Him Warm

Like so many communities around the world, Louisiana shelters have seen a massive increase in surrendered dogs. The COVID-19 pandemic has ripped dogs from their homes, either due to financial strain or illness. Sadly, this has put shelters in the difficult position of making decisions to fight overcrowding. In many cases, this means ending innocent lives that still have so much love to give. Sparky Dreams Of His Own Couch To Cuddle On With A Family That Loves Him Sparky … Read more

Help Us Fly 100 Dogs On Death Row To Loving Homes!

New Beginnings Transport

Many innocent dogs are alone in Louisiana, begging for a place to call home. Amid the pandemic, shelters are becoming overcrowded, leaving them with a difficult decision. Dogs in kill shelters may have to be euthanized due to lack of space and funding. But with the help of caring dog lovers like you, we can transport these dogs to freedom. On December 31st, 2020, iHeartDogs will save up to 100 homeless animals in Louisiana by sponsoring the New Beginning Rescue … Read more

Elusive Stray Finally Captured After 2 Years Roaming Streets

Even if they genuinely love people, capturing a lost or stray dog can be very challenging. Fear responses program dogs to run and to protect themselves first and foremost. A whole host of confusing smells can distract them too. It takes a combination of dedication and luck to get the dog to approach you enough to apprehend them. Fortunately, Regina Quinn, owner of Blue Angels Pitbull Rescue, is very dedicated. She had to be in order to capture Lucy, a 3 … Read more

Woman Dyes Her Dog Grinch Green In Ill-Advised “Prank”

Though a relatively new one, the “Elf on a Shelf” tradition is part of many families’ holidays. The original story came from a 2005 children’s book, and it describes how Santa will dispatch “scout elves” to spy on children before Christmas. The elves supposedly report back to Santa all the naughty and nice things they saw. Apparently, they also do some silly pranks around the house, definitively proving they are real. In a recent controversy, one parent may have taken … Read more

Bonded Shelter Pit Bulls Have Sleepover With Matching Pajamas!

Shelter Pit Bull Sleepover
All Niles and Frasier want for Christmas this year is a forever home. The 5-year-old Pit Bulls quickly bonded at the City Dogs Cleveland animal shelter, so they'd like to stay together when adopted. The shelter knows two 50-pound dogs is a lot for a new family to take on, but they're confident that these sweet boys will find their perfect place soon. To help promote these adoptable pups, the shelter staff decided to give them a special night. They ... Read more

SPCA Helps Military Serviceman Bring Home Stray He Bonded With Abroad

On a U.S. Military base in Georgia, Eastern Europe, service member Patrick Brady was routinely reviewing an inventory list when his life changed forever. A fellow service member noticed a tiny ball of fluff outside: a little stray puppy no bigger than a pair of boots. Brady fell in love the moment he met her. He bathed her, had her vaccinated, and gave her an appropriate name: Marshmallow. An independent girl from the start, Marshmallow tended to wander. She even disappeared … Read more

Family Thinks Someone Confused Their Fatally Shot Dog For A Coyote

It can be hard to imagine with certain smaller breeds, but our dogs did descend from wolves. The tiny Chihuahua, the ferocious wolf, and the sneaky coyote all fall under the same biological umbrella. Some larger or more wolf-like dogs often get confused for one of their wilder cousins for this reason. Usually, it’s a harmless mistake. But sometimes, confusing a domestic dog with a wolf or coyote can lead to disaster. Greensboro, Vermont residents Alison McKnight and Steve Perkins … Read more

Grieving Pit Bull Finds Happiness In Rescue Kitten

Sometimes, all you need is a good friend to get you through difficult times. But best friends aren’t always the ones we expect. When a Pit Bull named Dude was grieving the loss of his Pit Bull sister Harley Jane, his mom knew he needed a new best friend. Unfortunately, they weren’t in a place to adopt another dog just yet. So, Julie Burroughs decided that a more unique companion might be the answer to Dude’s loneliness. When she met … Read more

It’s Officially Illegal In VA To Leave A Dog Chained Out In The Cold

chained dog law

Animal advocates around the country will be happy to hear that the cruel act of keeping a dog chained outside in cold weather is now illegal in Virginia. With frigid temperatures upon us, this law has passed just in time! Around the country, there are dogs that spend the majority of their days on a chain in their backyard without adequate shelter. While this action is heart wrenching enough, some face this reality in the unbearable winter months as well. … Read more

Dog Miraculously Lands On Feet After Woman Throws Her Off Balcony

Woman Throwing Dog

WARNING: Topic, images, and video may be disturbing to some readers. The dog has since been evaluated by a vet and is now safe.  A Florida woman caused a scene at a Motel 6, which ended in her throwing her German Shepherd over the balcony. An officer caught the entire exchange on video, and the suspect was arrested immediately after. Thankfully, the dog survived the fall and has been taken away from the woman who hurt her. But as suspected, … Read more

Police Dog Forms Unbreakable Bond With Two Dolphins

Police Dog and Dolphin Friends

Mako the police dog puts on a brave face whenever he’s fighting crime. He’s skilled at what he does and he’s an incredible team member. But, like all good heroes, he also has a soft side. When he’s not catching bad guys, Mako is all about making friends. He loves meeting humans and other dogs, but recently, he befriended some rather unusual creatures too. Mako’s two new best friends are dolphins, and he doesn’t mind that they’re a little different. … Read more

Couple Helps Transform Pitiful Shelter Pup Into A TikTok Sensation

tatum cover

Charles and Nicole Lever fell in love with a photo of a broken Pit Bull when scrolling through a local rescue’s photos. The Pixel Fund saved the pitiful pup from a kill shelter on the day he was set to be euthanized and gave him a second chance at life. Rescuers from the Pixel Fund came across Tatum when searching for needy pups around the U.S. He was covered in sores and extremely underweight. They knew they needed to step in … Read more

9 Ridiculously Expensive Gifts For The Posh Dog Who Has Everything

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Raise your hand if you love spoiling your dog. Okay – now, lower it if you did not buy your dog his own $20,000 pet bed. No? How about an $800 dog bowl? Easy one this time – $65 dog perfume? Any hands left up? Let’s be honest – our dogs don’t care how much we spend … Read more

A Skydiving Accident Led This Couple To Their Perfect Rescue Dog

Whether or not you believe everything happens for a reason, this story makes a strong case for silver linings. This spring, Ian Azeredo and his wife Linda Farkas adopted Otter, a spunky mixed breed rescue dog, from St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, New Jersey. If it hadn’t been for a terrible skydiving accident though, they never would have met their beloved dog and best friend. In July of 2019, Azeredo was on a skydiving trip, something he had done … Read more

“Wonky-Faced” Rescue Dog Becomes Gorgeous Social Media Star

Alan Wonky Face

Johanna Handley thinks Alan the Saluki/Boxer mix is the most beautiful dog she’s ever seen. So, she knew she had to adopt him on the spot! But sadly, not everyone sees the 1-year-old pup for his true colors, and instead, they judge him at first glance. Lots of bullies have called Alan “ugly” and suggested that Handley “fix his face.” But Handley loves Alan the way he is, and she wouldn’t trade his gorgeous face for the world. To help … Read more

Shelter Tradition Places Dogs In Temporary Homes For The Holidays

Thousands of dogs have to spend the holidays at a shelter each year. But they all deserve a warm, loving home more than anything. That’s why Jacksonville shelters started a special program in 2012 that helps adoptable dogs find a home for the holidays. It’s called “Silent Night.” To participate in Silent Night, Florida families can choose to foster a dog for the holiday season. This gives the dogs a comfortable place to stay and it might even land them … Read more

Dog Takes Cross-Country Journey Home, But Gets Adopted By Someone Else

Keeping Finn

Things don’t always go as planned. But sometimes, they actually end up being better than expected. So, a rescue pup named Finn is glad his journey to find a family wasn’t quite as easy as planned because he wouldn’t change his life for the world. Brothers Henry and Elias Friedman went on a cross-country road trip together to bring Finn to his new family. Yet, when Finn’s family had a change in plans, the brothers didn’t panic. Instead, Henry decided … Read more

Abused Puppy Finds A Home With The Officer Who Saved Him

Officer adopts abused dog

Two dogs named Hemi and Foreign suffered a traumatic past. Officers found them in critical condition in someone’s yard. Both were very thin and struggled to walk despite being only around 6 months old. Foreign couldn’t put pressure on her back leg while Hemi’s back leg was so swollen and bruised that an officer had to carry him. Neither pup seemed to know what true love was like, but thankfully, their kind rescuers are ready to show them. Not long … Read more

Beagle Becomes Inspirational Author After Heartbreaking Abuse

Bow Tie Boone

A Beagle named Boone is well-known for his collection of over 330 custom bowties. He looks like a star every time he wears one. But there’s a not-so-great past behind the pup’s smiling face. Before Boone met his loving family, he suffered horrific abuse. His previous humans intentionally cut off his back legs. Poor Boone probably thought his life was over, but thankfully, some kind individuals came to save the day. A new family took him in and showed him … Read more

“Loved Dog” Poster Reminds Us To Cherish Every Moment With Our Pets

Whenever I come across a lost pet poster, my heart aches in solidarity. As a lifelong dog lover, I’ve had my share of close calls. My childhood dog was once spooked by 4th of July fireworks and ended up going missing for three very long days and even longer nights. Megan Clemens, dog mom to a Pomeranian named Stanley, is also sensitive to the plight of pet parents in distress. On a recent walk with Stanley in Nashville, TN, she … Read more

Dog Runs For 6 Miles To Congratulate His Mom On Her Wedding Day

Wedding Convoy Dog

Weddings are the most important day in many people’s lives. Yet, they’re not quite as special if all your close family can’t be there to celebrate with you. And yes, that should include your four-legged family members! For one wedding in China, a poor dog was worried he would be left out of the excitement. So when his mom’s wedding convoy drove off, he couldn’t help but chase after her. He had to at least congratulate his mom on her … Read more

Paralyzed Puppy Mill Survivor Runs To Forever Home

Paralyzed Puppy Mill Dog

Dogs rescued from puppy mills have a harder time adjusting to their new life than other rescue dogs. They never knew what it was like to be loved by a human before, so they’re often hesitant and timid. They also aren’t familiar with everyday pet supplies like beds, toys, and treats. But luckily, once they step out of their shell, it’s heartwarming to see their transformation. A puppy mill survivor named Teddy Bear is one of the many dogs with … Read more

Dog Man Movie

All dogs are basically super heroes, but one fictional one actually does that job. His name is 'Dog Man,' and he exists between the pages of a Dav Pilkey graphic novel series. Maybe you've already read some or all of the books, given how popular they are. All 9 books in the series became number 1 best-sellers, and over 40 million copies have been printed (huge for a graphic novel series.) If you're not familiar though, here's a little rundown: ... Read more

Update: Puppy Saved From Alligator Is The Newest Deputy Dog Recruit!

Gunner deputy dog

A tiny Cavalier puppy named Gunner is fully recovered after his terrifying run-in with a hungry alligator. He and his dog dad are now being rewarded for their incredible bravery, as Gunner is now an official Deputy Dog for his local Sheriff’s office! Gunner was on a morning walk with his dad just a few weeks ago when the unthinkable happened. An alligator was stalking the 4-month-old puppy in the distance, waiting for him to take a step toward the … Read more

Service Dog Returns Home After 3 Years In The Woods

Lost Service Dog Found

After spending three years apart from their loyal service dog Lola, Debra and Steven Mejeur are probably wishing dogs could talk. Lola likely spent all three years alone in the woods, so it’s hard not to wonder how she survived all that time. When Lola first got lost, the Mejeurs searched weekend after weekend. But eventually, they accepted that the beloved black Lab mix probably hadn’t survived. Three years later, they were overjoyed to find out their assumptions of Lola’s … Read more

Nursing Student’s Service Dog Gets Her Own Degree At Graduation

Service dogs are much more than just cuddly companions you spend the day with. These dogs are specially trained to perform incredible life-saving tasks, and many people couldn’t live their day-to-day lives without their aid. No one understands this better than recent nursing school grad Maggie Leptrone. When Leptrone finally graduated from the University of West Georgia’s nursing school, she walked up to receive her diploma accompanied by another graduate: her service dog Mona. Mona helps Leptrone as her diabetic … Read more

TIME Magazine Names Rescue Animals The 2020 Pet Of The Year

TIME Pet of the Year

Every year, TIME magazine selects a “person of the year” to showcase in their latest issue. But this year, they decided that on top of the person of the year, they should also choose a pet of the year. For 2020, it seemed like a no-brainer. With so many negative events, there was one significant victory for animal lovers: an increase in animal adoptions! Amid the pandemic, many families chose to adopt and foster thanks to their extra free time. … Read more

Doug The Pug Finds His Calling Helping Children Battle Cancer

If you are not familiar with Doug the Pug, you are missing out! With over 18 million followers across his social media accounts, Doug is one of the most important (and squishiest) influencers online today. Now Doug is using his status to help children fighting cancer. Leslie Mosier, the human voice behind the canine phenomenon, announced the creation of the Doug the Pug Foundation on Giving Tuesday. View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Doug The Pug … Read more

Man Tackles 350-Pound Bear To Save His Beloved Pit Bull Pup

bear rescue cover

A California man is thankful for the survival of his beloved Pit Bull after a terrifying event. After spotting his pup in the hands of an angry bear, he jumped into action without hesitation! Kaleb Benham was playing with his dog Buddy near his house in the early hours of Thanksgiving Eve. What started out as a normal play session with his furry BFF turned into a dramatic fight for survival at the hands of a black bear. Within moments … Read more

Senior Dog Has “Bark Mitzvah” For His 13th Birthday

Bark Mitzvah

In a Jewish family, when a boy turns 13 years old, he celebrates with a bar mitzvah ceremony. So, it only seems fair that those families’ dogs should experience a similar celebration. After all, many dogs don’t even reach 13, so it’s definitely a milestone worth commemorating. A Florida family happily followed those traditions when their Labradoodle named Brody turned 13. They completed all the bar mitzvah traditions, only in a dog-friendly way. Best of all, Brody even became social … Read more

Couple Honored For Rescuing Street Dogs From Meat Trade

John and Gill saving dogs

A couple who saves dogs together stays together. At least, that’s what John and Gill Dalley’s story shows us. The two of them devoted their lives to saving homeless dogs and ending animal cruelty. Their actions helped put an end to the dog meat trade in Thailand and they tackled the stray dog and cat problem. The Dalleys helped so many animals in need that they were awarded a Daily Mirror Animal Hero Award in 2020 for their Outstanding Contribution. … Read more

Truck Driver Travels Thousands Of Miles To Find Runaway Dog

Truck Driver Lost Dog

The life of a truck driver involves a lot of time on the road. For many, this can be an exciting and adventurous job, until something goes wrong. When a woman named Melissa was driving a truck with her rescue dog by her side, everything seemed positive at first. But then some road work lead to her dog escaping and running down the interstate. Melissa was thousands of miles from home, so she had no idea how to find the … Read more

Officials Search For Woman Dragging And Kicking Dog In Horrific Video

WARNING: Topic, images, and video may be sensitive to some. Laredo Crime Stoppers in Texas were on the lookout for a woman whose actions are unforgivable. She’s seen on film abusing a dog, but her identity and location were unknown at first. Officials needed all the help they could get to put an end to this cruelty, so they reached out to the public for information about the situation. Luckily, a tip helped them in their search. What Happened? A … Read more

A Missing Dog Made It All The Way From Texas To Oklahoma

I’ve said it before, but I’ll gladly say it again for those who don’t know: microchipping pets can save lives! Every day a dog brought in as a stray is revealed to be someone’s lost pet thanks to chip scanning. You’d be surprised how far a dog can wander from home before a microchip scan helps them get back too. One wanderlusty pup found on the streets this month serves as a perfect example. Susan Ray rescued one of her dogs, … Read more

Puppy Found Sick And Abandoned Has An Important Job Now

Some thoughtless person’s loss became the Surrey and Sussex Dog Unit’s gain in the form of an abandoned dog named Dustin. Well, formerly named Dustin. The pup, since renamed Badger, had a major “glow up,” as they say. Last summer, a resident of Redhill, Surrey found four sick, starving, abandoned Cocker Spaniel puppies. The neglected litter, among which Dustin numbered, had patchy fur and crusty eyes from infections. Soon after, the puppies were taken to the Millbrook Animal Centre in … Read more

Shelter Dogs Learn Ballet To Find Forever Families

dog dancers featured

Rescue dogs will often do anything they can to find their perfect family. That’s why the dogs at Stray Rescue of St. Louis have turned to the professionals for help. Yet, instead of turning to dog trainers or groomers like most rescues, this group sought help from ballet dancers. After all, what’s more appealing than a dog who knows how to dance? Dancers with the St. Louis Ballet teamed up with the rescue for the third year in a row. … Read more

Homeless Man Finally Reunited With His Stolen Dog

At around 8 a.m. on a Wednesday morning in Miami Lakes, someone stole Sky Dim, the 5-year-old Chihuahua mix, right off his leash. Sky happens to be the only family to a 72-year-old homeless man named Pedro Carrion. The two reside just north of the Palmetto Expressway, where they love and support each other. Losing Sky devastated Carrion. Though the heartbroken father acknowledged he didn’t know if someone stole Sky or thought they were helping an abandoned dog, he just … Read more

Moose The Therapy Dog With Doctorate Degree Loses Battle With Cancer

Moose Tribute

Moose the Yellow Lab accomplished more in his life than most humans do. Not only was he one of four dedicated therapy dogs at Virginia Tech, but he also had an honorary doctorate degree in veterinary medicine. He helped many students cope with anxiety and other mental health problems. Moose was always there to support them and let them know that it’s okay to ask for help. This sweet therapy dog spent years making lives better at Virginia Tech. But … Read more

Abused And Disobedient, Bulldog Becomes Bilingual To Find His Forever Home

abandoned dog rescue cover

A frightened American Bulldog was found tied to the gates of an RSPCA animal centre in the early hours of an August morning. Not only was the pup tightly chained and terrified about what he had just been through, but there were also a few unexpected complications to come as well. It took two members of the RSPCA to free the abandoned Bulldog, as he was tied so tightly that he could barely lie down. Once the team was finally … Read more

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #53

In This Issue

● Aflatoxins In Dog Food
● Why Is My Dog Always Hungry?
● Only REAL Service Dogs To Fly Free
● Holiday Dog Crimes & Culprits
● Canine Liver Disease
● Indoor Dog Parkour