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Dog Declared A Stray Turned Out To Be Missing For 7 Years

It could happen to any dog parent. A broken leash, a startling sound, an open door, a distracting scent… no matter how it happens, millions of dogs go missing every single year. While there isn’t yet a way to communicate to our dogs not to run and hide, there’s a way to help them get back to you when they do: microchips. A story of a rescued stray dog from Texas illustrates this possibility. Honey arrived at the City of … Read more

Man Adopts Longest Resident At Animal Shelter After Losing His Mom

Tonka the Pit Bull

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a lot of loss and heartbreak to people around the world. In the spring of 2020, Wilfredo Vega from South Daytona, Florida faced his worst nightmare. His mom passed away amid the pandemic at 81 years old. Her oxygen level worsened after she was admitted to the hospital and she had a difficult time holding a conversation. When she passed away, Vega didn’t know how to handle his grief. Even months later, he still wasn’t … Read more

Scientific Research Tells Us What Dogs Are Thinking

I bet you’ve looked at your dog’s innocent little eyes and wondered, “What’s he thinking?” Unlike my Yorkie, Leonard, who stands on my chest, cries in my face, and then leads me to the fridge like Lassie leading people to rescue Timmy from the well, maybe your four-legged friend hasn’t figured out how to let you know he wants a bedtime snack… or a little extra lovins’… or that she’s sorry for pooping on your flip flop. It turns out … Read more

Syringes: A Thorough Breakdown

Let’s talk about a potentially life-saving device, especially if your pup needs insulin or any sort of injection at home… syringes! We get so many questions regarding syringes, from; “Can I re-use syringes?” to “Can I use these U-40 syringes with U-100 insulin?” to “What is the difference between U-40 and U-100, 1 unit is 1 unit, right”? So, let’s do a thorough breakdown of syringes! U-40 syringes are used for Vetsulin, Caninsulin, and ProZinc insulins. U-40 insulin has 40 parts of insulin per 1 mL … Read more

Fursure Gives You Free Pet Insurance Advice

When your pet gets sick or hurt, the last thing we should worry about is how we’re going to pay for our pet’s procedures. Having to make a choice between saving the one you love and going into crippling debt can be heartbreaking. Sadly, many pet parents are forced to make financial decisions when they should be concentrating on medical decisions. But with a solid pet insurance policy in place, worrying over the cost of vet care won’t be a … Read more

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #52

In This Issue

● Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
● Household Allergens
● Are We Over-Vaccinating Our Dogs?
● Why Dogs Hump & How To Stop It
● Common Autoimmune Diseases
● Holiday Foods You Can & Cannot Share

Dachshund Saves Chiweenie Brother From A Mountain Lion

Sarah Moore and Lindsay Golden have two adorable dogs: Winston, a Dachshund, and Mijo, a 15-year-old Chiweenie. The four of them recently visited family in mountainous Evergreen, Colorado, several miles southwest of Denver. While it’s a gorgeous place to live, there are some additional hazards for small, domesticated animals. For example: this area is home to mountain lions. On Saturday, Moore and Golden experienced a dog parent’s worst nightmare. The dogs got out of the house by way of an … Read more

Body Cam Shows Police Officer Risk House Fire To Save A Family And Their Dog

Heroes walk among us and when we need them the most, there they are, ready to jump in without any fear for their own safety. And when we hear the brave human risks his life to save an animal, we dog lovers are even more grateful for that hero. As a police officer for the Conway Police Department in Conway, AR, Officer Carson Howard protects and serves on a daily basis. But when a call about a house fire came … Read more

First Ever Dog Christmas Song Is Making Canines Feel Festive

Dog Dancing with Human

Every year, humans get to enjoy festive music for the holidays. But one dog food company thought dogs might like to get in on the fun as well. So, Tails.com created what they claim to be the first ever Christmas song made for dogs! The song might sound strange to us, but it’s made of a compilation of sounds that dogs love. Dogs around the world have been getting excited every time they hear it. It’s adorable to see so … Read more

Disabled Pitbull Puppy Rescued From Cruel Owner Goes On To Find A Wonderful Family

pitbull puppy cover

A special Pitbull named Gabriel began his life with the world stacked against him. Not only was he born with a serious congenital deformity, but he was in the hands of a breeder that did not care where he ended up. Thankfully for this lovable pup, his story would soon change. Gabriel was sold at just 4 weeks of age to an owner that could never offer him the support he needed. After realizing that Gabriel would not be the … Read more

Love and Kittens Help To Heal Mama Dog’s Heartache

Milo the dog knows heartbreak. But like any soul who has experienced loss, she appreciates the joy that fills her life now. At a gas station near Arizona’s border to Mexico, Milo was scrounging out an existence, but she had no real home and often knew the pains of hunger. She was also pregnant when Sunshine Dog Rescue found her, yet she seemed in pretty good shape for being a rural stray dog. Things were looking good for Milo. She’d … Read more

Family Abandons Pit Bull At Kill Shelter Because She’s “Not A Cute Puppy Anymore”

Pit Bull at shelter

Sadly, not every family treats their dogs with respect. A sweet Pit Bull named Ellie thought she had a loving home. She came to her first family as a puppy, when she was adorable and irresistible to them. But as soon as she turned a year old, her loved ones turned their backs on her. They surrendered her at a high kill shelter in Tennessee, saying they no longer wanted her because she was “not a cute puppy anymore.” This … Read more

Busch Gardens Variety Show Stars Clever Rescue Animals

During these times of social isolation, we’ve largely had to resort to experiencing virtual versions of things. Museums have released virtual tours, artists now teach classes on the web, and actors perform digitally while they can’t be on stage. So, while we may not be able to just flock to crowded theme parks like we used to, we can still get glimpses of their non-ride offerings online. One particular park, Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, has a show we’d all … Read more

“Pet Poo Skiddoo” Collects Your Dog’s Poop And Makes It Environmentally Productive

Sorry if it’s taboo, but let’s talk about poop. Specifically: dog poop. Think about how many little baggies full of it fill your trash can by pick up day. Now multiply that by every dog in your neighborhood, your city, your entire state. That’s a lot of poop, isn’t it? Stephanie Chow, founder and owner of “Pet Poo Skiddoo,”  certainly thinks so. That’s why the Asheville, North Carolina-based company is collecting this waste… for a very good [environmentally friendly] reason. … Read more

Lost Golden Retriever Spends Year Alone In The Woods

Walter comes home

Exactly one year ago, Walter the Golden Retriever got himself in a tricky situation. He and his mom, Kate Olson, had traveled from New Hampshire to Missouri to visit with family. Something must’ve spooked Walter while walking because he squeezed out of his collar and ran off. Olson stayed in Missouri for weeks, posting fliers everywhere. After that, she tried her best to return to Missouri as much as she could, but soon COVID-19 hit, making it near impossible. She … Read more

11 Surprising Things Dogs Smell That Humans Can’t

What things can dogs smell that humans can’t? Those super snoopers pick up just about every scent there could possibly be as canine noses are built for superior sniffing. Especially when compared to human olfactory senses. We’re pretty much nose blind next to our dogs. According to the American Kennel Club, “Depending on the breed, dogs have up 100 million or more scent receptors in their noses. And those terrific trackers we know as Bloodhounds have 300 million!” That means … Read more

After 990 Days Alone, Charlize Gets A Family Of Her Own

Charlize Rescue Story

Being patient can really pay off in the end. And no one is more patient than Charlize the Pit Bull mix. The 4-year-old pup spent 990 days at various shelters, 866 of which were at the Delaware SPCA. Luckily, this beautiful rescue dog didn’t give up hope at any point in her journey. Charlize’s determination and kindness helped land her the perfect family in the end. Her new parents cannot believe she was up for adoption for so long because … Read more

New “Petfished” Campaign Warns About “Christmas Puppy” Scams

The holidays are all about bringing joy, and nothing brings more joy to a person than a dog. It’s the reason puppies make such a popular Christmas gift. Sadly, something as well-intentioned as getting someone you love a new dog can have negative consequences. As online searches for “adopt a puppy” rise during the gift-giving season, experts have an important warning. Sadly, some people out there see this only as a means for profit, at the expense of dogs’ well-being. … Read more

Foster Mama Dog Loves To Kiss Her Rescue Kittens

Tabby kittens Gilligan and Milli were found on the streets without their mother. But these little sweethearts have grown up strong and healthy thanks to the care of an unlikely foster mom who loved them with all her heart! At only three weeks old, kittens need constant care and the warmth and protection of their mother. Without it, kittens on the street often don’t get the chance to live the spoiled and happy life they deserve. But thanks to rescue … Read more

UPDATE: Charlie The Great Dane Befriends Tortoise In Forever Home

Great Dane and tortoise friends

Over the summer, Charlie the Great Dane had an unbelievable adoption story. He arrived at the Rancho Coastal Humane Society after his human passed away. His human’s caretaker, Tim Yanitor, wanted to keep Charlie, but wasn’t able to at the time. About 9 months passed and Charlie still didn’t have a home. Then, after news channels promoted his story, Yanitor couldn’t believe his eyes. Now that he was in a much better place, Yanitor rushed to adopt Charlie and the … Read more

Brave, Protective Dog Chases Shark Away From The Shore

It takes a dog’s unconditional love and inherent drive to protect to take on something as intimidating as a shark. An incredible video taken in Australia last month illustrates this, showing a brave pup scaring off a shark that got too close to shore (and humans.) I know people become extremely concerned when it comes to the issue of a dogs’ safety. Believe me, I absolutely feel the same way. So if you read the headline and jumped to this … Read more

From Canal Rescue To Finding Her Forever Family – This Pittie Has An Incredible Story

pittie canal rescue cover

Two dog lovers were driving down a Californian highway when they noticed an unfamiliar sight in a nearby canal. After turning around to get a closer look, they discovered a helpless Pittie in a dire situation. Mindy and Danica had no idea that a typical drive around town would turn into an epic canine rescue. With both women being so dedicated to animal welfare, there was no way they could pass up a furry friend in danger. After realizing that … Read more

RECALL ALERT: Dog Food Company May Have Salmonella Contamination

Albright's Dog Food Recall

While many dog parents choose raw food over kibble due to its health benefits, it’s still possible for raw brands to get recalled. After a report of salmonella contamination, Albright’s Raw Dog Food chose to voluntarily recall select products for everyone’s safety. Salmonella not only poses a risk for the dogs who eat the food, but it can also be dangerous for humans who handle it. Thus, if you have the affected products, it’s important to stop serving them to … Read more

UK’s “Wimpiest” Shelter Dog Turns 16 In Her Forever Home

The folks at Dogs Trust Rescue & Rehoming Charity in Glasgow, Scotland never say no to a challenge. In 2012, one of those challenges was a dog named Bonnie. According to The Glasgow Times, the terrier mix was afraid of “the dark, telephones, doorbells, other dogs barking, and to be left alone.” She had to wear a special compression coat to give her a “constant hug of reassurance.” Poor Bonnie languished in the shelter for more than two years, alone … Read more

Silly Dog Doodle Sneaks Into Her Food Container For Snack Shenanigans

Dogs can be the silliest clowns and it’s one of the millions of reasons we love them, but sometimes dogs do derpy things that leave us laughing and shaking our heads at the same time. And food seems to be the trigger for some of the goofiest moments! Ask Doodle the dog. She recently pulled off some snack shenanigans that cracked her mom up, but also left this funny dog with a new Doodle-proof food container! Brandy Stenzel/Facebook Where’s that … Read more

Woman Brings Dog To Office For Months, Thinking It’s A Doggy Daycare

Beagle at Work

We all make mistakes, but some are certainly more severe than others. For months, one busy dog mom continuously made an embarrassing mistake that she’ll never forget. Somehow, she mixed up an accountant’s office with the doggy daycare across the street. While most would figure out the truth after one visit, this confusion went on far too long. Luckily, everyone involved was kind and amused by the situation, and it’s now something they can laugh about. Sometimes, mistakes end up … Read more

Pet Parents Fight To Ban Fireworks After Dog Is Literally Scared To Death

What was meant to be a joyous annual holiday turned tragic for a dog dad in East Kilbride, Scotland. The man, who is battling cancer, lost his beloved dog Mikka last week when she was frightened to death by fireworks on the UK’s Bonfire Night. The 7-year-old Whippet’s heart stopped after a series of particularly loud booms. Claire Nicholson, a friend of Mikka’s dad who also runs a local lost pet Facebook group, shared the heartbreaking news with the Scottish … Read more

Homeless Dog Who Befriended Soldiers Needs Help Getting Home For The Holidays

Have you heard of Nowzad? If not, you’ll definitely want to keep reading. Actually, you’ll want to keep reading either way because there’s a dog that needs your help! Nowzad all started because of the love of one dog in the streets of Afghanistan. The Royal Marines were stationed in Now Zad, Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2006. While the Royal Marines were there to provide help to the locals, they quickly realized that it was more than humans that needed … Read more

This Unique Documentary Gives A Dogs-Eye View Of The Life of Street Pups

stray documentary cover

A filmmaker named Elizabeth Lo has offered the world an endearing peek into the life of a stray pup. By following a stray dog named Zeytin throughout the streets of Istanbul, this film has captured the hearts of viewers around the globe. The film “Stray” recently won the Best Documentary Feature at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival for its unique and heartwarming premise. Critics have fallen in love with the main pups of this film, and have walked … Read more

Presidential Service Dog Sully H.W. Bush Honored With Bronze Statue

Sully is a four-year-old Labrador Retriever who came into service at the side of former President George H.W. Bush. He rose to nationwide notoriety when he lay faithfully beside the casket of President Bush throughout the 2018 wake and funeral service of the former President. Now, people will remember Sully H.W. Bush in perpetuity thanks to a recently unveiled bronze statue of the dog that was erected this Veteran’s Day at the America’s VetDogs campus on Long Island. Renowned Sculptor … Read more

Dogs Vs. Cats: Pokemon So Cute You’ll Wish They Were Real!

Dog Pokemon

Whether you’re a Pokemon fan or not, it’s hard to resist the cute designs of these creatures. Many people are familiar with classic Pokemon like Pikachu and Charmander, but there are also plenty that look like real life dogs and cats! Here are 6 adorable dog-like Pokemon and 6 of the cutest cat-like ones. If they were real animals, dog and cat lovers would be lining up to adopt them. But now, it’s time for the ultimate decision: are cat-like … Read more

#WhatWasYourDogMistakenForChallenge Has Parents Sharing Their Unique Dog’s Photos

Dogs come in so many beautiful and unique shapes and sizes. Yet from the tiniest Chihuahua to the largest Great Dane, few can avoid being falsely labeled.  Passing pedestrians always assumed my gorgeous Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was a girl. Some Husky parents constantly have to convince others they’re not walking a wolf around. A lot of people have dogs, and everybody has opinions. That concept is what sparked a truly delightful hashtag challenge: the #WhatWasYourDogMistakenForChallenge. Social media users jumped at … Read more

Marine Trains Rescue Dogs To Support All Veterans

Sierra Delta

It can be pricey for veterans to find the perfect service dog, and even then, that dog isn’t always what they expect. Marine veteran B.J. Ganem from Wisconsin saw far too many downsides to service dogs for veterans. But he knew he could make a change for the better. So, he founded Sierra Delta. Instead of charging veterans thousands of dollars for a specially bred service dog, Sierra Delta lets them choose a rescue dog. The organization will train that … Read more

Searches For Pet-Friendly Rental Properties Skyrocket During Covid

As someone who rents their apartment, I understand all too well how difficult it can be to find one that allows animals. When having a dog or cat doesn’t increase your monthly rent, it’s outright forbidden. Renters argue this is unfair, while landlords worry about covering damage costs. The debate rages on. Recently, I wrote about a bill proposed in the UK that would benefit renters with animals. The bill, called “The Dogs and Domestic Animals (Accommodation and Protection) Bill,” pushes back against … Read more

America’s Top Shelter Dog Makeover Prize Goes To Matted, Neglected Dog Named Scruffy

As dog lovers, we see the beauty in every dog. Sadly, there are sometimes we have to look a little harder when a dog has lived a life of maltreatment and cruelty. But even when those dogs are scabbed, matted, and starving, we see the magic that is the dog. With the love, patience, and devotion of animal rescue workers and volunteers, these dogs of lost beauty find their canine good looks again. And once they’ve been restored, these gorgeous … Read more

Adorable Ginger Kittens Steal Every Heart In Foster Family, Including The Dogs’

Ruby and Max are tiny ginger kittens who found themselves alone beneath a house. When their mom didn’t come back, their cries of distress alerted the homeowner. Thankfully, the person knew just where to turn, bringing the babies to Best Friends Animal Rescue of Northwest Arkansas. Best Friends turned to Paws of Oz for help fostering the small kittens as they needed a skilled foster who could help them grow strong for a forever home. Holly Brookhouser, head of Paws … Read more

Man Bikes Across The United States To Save Rescue Dogs

Golden Retriever Bike Trip

Following your dreams is an incredible feeling. But it’s even better when you know your hard work is going to a good cause. A man from Winter Park, Florida learned that when he embarked on a lengthy hike to raise money for rescue dogs. However, he knew he couldn’t stop there. Ever since his last trip along the Appalachian Trail, he decided to aim even higher. Now, he’s preparing a bike ride across the entire country. Once again, his trip … Read more

Officer Writes Children’s Book Inspired By His K9 Partner

As I’m sure was also the case with many of you, some of my favorite books growing up were about animals. From ‘Runaway Bunny’ to ‘The Pokey Little Puppy,’ I always found stories more engaging when a furry friend was the protagonist. A new children’s book of this variety starring a skilled and loyal police dog was written by the officer who works with him. Jeff Froelich, a Jefferson County, NY sheriff’s deputy, spent his lockdown pretty productively. Froelich, inspired … Read more

16 Dogs That Refuse To Part Ways With Their Favorite Toys. Ever!

Dog toys

As kids, we probably all had one toy that we couldn’t go anywhere without. But as we got older, we relied on that toy less and less. Those toys will always hold a special place in our hearts, but we no longer need them the way we used to. That’s not how it works for dogs, though. Dogs will always be our furry children, so it’s common for them to have a lifelong toy. While most dogs destroy every toy … Read more

Woman Seeks Justice After Beloved Dog Is Killed On Her Property

German Shepherd Loss

Accidents can happen, but this situation likely isn’t one of them. Belleann Maffessoli of Vernon, Connecticut, faced a terrible tragedy after her black German Shepherd named Karo vanished. She always let him out on her large property about the same time each day, but when he didn’t return or come when called, she knew something was wrong. Then, she heard a gunshot in the distance, and her heart froze. She spent several days searching for her missing pup, hoping that … Read more

Six Border Collies Could Be The Smartest Dogs In The World

Smart Border Collies

Every dog is smart in their own way, but not all intelligence is equal. While some dogs can learn every command you teach them, others can learn more obscure concepts like categorizing their toy collection or learning to talk. After observing several canine geniuses, researchers in Hungary have decided to find out once and for all who the smartest dogs in the world are. They’ve gathered six dogs with similar skills, each from a different country. All of them happen … Read more

This UPS Driver Has Made So Many Pittie Friends On His Route – Check Out These Adorable Photos!

ups driver cover

Scott Hodges has found a way to combine his passion for dogs with his daily work. This UPS driver has made friends with every furry companion along his route and has made it his mission to bring joy to every pup he passes. Scott has always been an avid animal lover but maintains a soft spot for his favorite breed of dog; Pit Bulls. Scott had a Pit Bull of his own named Sheba for 15 years, during which he … Read more

Why Dachshunds Make Great Dogs For People In Smaller Living Spaces

There’s no way to overstate how valuable having a dog in your life is. The right kind of dog is always out there waiting for the perfect person. But as many of us already know, dogs are not one-size-fits-all. With dozens of existing breeds and many more mixes, different kinds of dogs can fill different roles in your life. As someone who has lived in several tiny apartments, I’ve always gravitated towards smaller dogs. But a dog’s size alone doesn’t … Read more

From Alone To Hugs And Kisses, Chowder Is A Happy Puppy

Just a puppy of four months old, Chowder was left to fend for himself in the world. With puncture wounds dotting his face, one can imagine his short life had already known cruelty. As a baby, he should have been snuggled sweetly in a cozy bed in his forever home, but sadly this wasn’t the life he knew. But little did Chowder know, one rainy day while he curled up in a pile of trash snug beneath an old mattress, … Read more

UPDATE: Drools Gets Adopted After 729 Days In Rural Shelter!

Drools Adoption Day

Drools the Pit Bull and Boxer mix recently had his moment in the spotlight as dog lovers around the world fought to help him find a forever home. On his 716th day at the Conour Animal Shelter, Kacey Widetich and her colleagues with Relay for Rescue moved into the shelter with him. Day after day, they came up with ways to help him find a family. They vowed to sleep at the shelter every night until Drools was adopted. Sure … Read more

Puppy With Heart Defect Begs Dog Lovers For Support

Josie donaions

Josie the Papillon mix isn’t your typical puppy. Due to a heartbreaking past and unfortunate circumstances, her life expectancy is not much. At only 8 to 12 weeks old, Josie isn’t expected to even live to be a year old. But she’s not ready to give up. Life-changing surgery can increase her lifespan to over 10 years, which is what it should be. This surgery can’t be completed without generous donations though. The Carthage Humane Society in Missouri used to … Read more

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #51

In This Issue

● Does Weight Bias Affect Dogs?
● Hero Dog Saved Rhinos
● Blood Bank For Military Dogs
● Why Dogs Dislike Some People
● The Best Breed For You
● Seasonal Affective Disorder In Dogs

Oscar The Blind Rescue Dog Continuously Steals Hearts In Alabama

Oscar the blind dog

At first glance, Oscar the Bluetick Coonhound might look like your average dog. But once you get to know him, you’ll quickly find out that he’s a blind rescue dog with a difficult past. Yet, he works hard to make sure his sad story doesn’t show. Despite not having eyes, he’s still one of the bravest, sweetest, and most capable dogs you’ll ever meet. In fact, the citizens of Mobile, Alabama love Oscar so much that they treat him like … Read more

Dog With Broken Leg Tied Up And Abandoned At Bus Stop

2020 has been a year for the record books in so many terrible ways. Some sorry excuse for a dog owner has given us one more reason to question the state of humanity. A big, beautiful dog with a front leg that was literally broken in two was found tied up. His human apparently left him there to fend for himself. Thankfully, a good samaritan saved the dog and improved our opinion of mankind.   Mixed Breed Lurcher Found Tied … Read more

Woman Receives Incredible Birthday Gift: The Dog She Lost 6 Years Ago

When Debi Vazquez of San Antonio, Texas received a voicemail on October 25 she assumed it was a friend wishing her a happy birthday. She was shocked to hear that her dog, King, missing for more than six years, had been found. Not only was the 15-year-old Chihuahua mix alive and well, but he was also 1,360 miles away at the Humane Society of Broward County (HSBC) in Ft Lauderdale, Florida!   “It was just a miracle. One of my … Read more

Proposed Law Would Give Renters The Right To Have Pets

As a writer, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to grit my teeth and write something like “the dog was surrendered when his person’s new living situation wouldn’t allow animals.” It breaks my heart that someone should have to choose between having a place to live and keeping their furry family member. Fortunately, I’m not the only one who feels this way. A new bill proposed in the UK would ensure that property renters no longer have … Read more