Page 522 – iHeartDogs.com

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

Video Of Man Playing With Dog Causes Backlash From Girlfriend’s Followers

How our loved ones treat our furry friends is no joking matter. To some people, dogs are just animals, but to any true dog lover, they’re a part of the family. So, it’s important that our partners are on the same page in this regard. In fact, many dog lovers are quick to end relationships and friendships over someone disrespecting their dogs. So, when one girl posted a lighthearted video of her boyfriend playing with her dog on TikTok, her … Read more

A Tale of Two “Pitties” – Georgie’s Total Transformation

First of all, we want to say thank you so much, Sandy, for sharing this incredible story with all of us! Sandy is a hardworking, dedicated pet mom who rescued poor Georgie, saving her from enduring any more pain in her difficult life. Sandy knew how much commitment and care it would take to help this poor soul, who unluckily had a life-threatening case of untreated diabetes, but that did not stop her! If anything, it only made Sandy’s love … Read more

Boys Scale Fence To Help Free Dog Trapped In Sinking Sand

It’s pretty common for young boys to come home at the end of a day covered in dirt and who knows what else. But in one particular case, some muddy kids from Wales deserve praise, not scolding. These boys teamed up to help a 10-year-old dog named Charlea out of a real sticky situation. Hayley Edgar, a Conwy resident, was walking home with her daughters when she spotted the dog in trouble. Charlea had gotten trapped in some sticky sand … Read more

Pit Bull Stolen During Home Invasion Comes Home 8 Years Later

In 2012, a horrific home invasion caused a family to lose their beloved Pit Bull named Junior. At the time, he was still very young, but the family already had a close bond with him. Julia Nemeth searched long and hard in hopes of bringing her beloved dog home, but she seemed out of luck. Eight years went by with no Junior sightings. Of course, Nemeth feared the worst, but she also tried her best to keep searching. Not a … Read more

Lost Spaniel Found At Scrapyard Just In Time For The Holidays

The holidays are stressful enough without having to search for a lost dog. But Christmas is about family, and dogs are such important family members in our homes. Thus, when a family in England lost their Sprocker Spaniel (Cocker Spaniel and English Springer Spaniel mix) named Bear, they wouldn’t rest until he was found. To help bring Bear home, they created a Facebook group with thousands of helpful followers. It took nine days of endless searching, but eventually Bear was … Read more

Dozens Of Dogs Set For Euthanasia Find Foster Homes Just In Time For Christmas

The Christmas spirit is alive and thriving at one North Dakota animal shelter. The Souris Valley Animal Shelter in Minot, North Dakota recently gave the best gift of all – another chance at life and love! Although the shelter is currently under renovation which has lessened its capacity, they welcomed 33 new dogs and cats from Oklahoma in their biggest rescue operation to date. The animals were slated for euthanasia back in the Sooner State so the folks at Souris … Read more

Budweiser Could Feature Your Dog’s Picture On A Can!

Budweiser is bringing some joy this holiday season in the best way. A 2020 holiday beer can from the brewery that featured a Dalmatian puppy named Brewski naturally received pretty positive feedback. As a result, Budweiser decided to partner with popular social media account “We Rate Dogs” to find some new doggie can models. If you’re not familiar with “We Rate Dogs,” it’s a funny account on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter that provides “official ratings” of people’s dogs based on photos … Read more

Couple And Service Dog Recklessly Exit Moving Delta Flight

Flights can be stressful, but it’s important for everyone to follow safety rules to ensure that it goes as smoothly as possible. It’s rare for passengers to misbehave on flights, so when they do, it’s a big deal. Especially when innocent passengers, including one brave service dog, get involved. After panicking about the small space of the plane, Antonio Murdock and his girlfriend Brianna Greco took matters into their own hands. While the plane was moving on the runway, they … Read more

Military Dog Chases His Soldier Best Friend For One Last Hug Goodbye

You’ve seen videos of soldiers being reunited with their pups when they come home from deployments. Then there are the videos of police K9s and their handlers with deeper bonds than we can fathom. We know that the connections between two-legged and four-legged heroes are completely unbreakable yet somehow every video seems to touch our hearts deeper than the last. A Golden Retriever has been serving in the army alongside his human soldier for the last two years. The time … Read more

Man Charged After Killing His Neighbor’s Runaway Rescue Dog

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!

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

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

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!

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

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 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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

51,821,477 Meals Donated

281,751 Toys Donated

55,604 Blankets Donated

406,765 Rescue Miles Donated

$66,782 Funded For D.V. Survivors

$1,881,595 Funded For Service Dogs

51,821,477 Meals Donated

281,751 Toys Donated

55,604 Blankets Donated

406,765 Rescue Miles Donated

$66,782 Funded For D.V. Survivors

$1,881,595 Funded For Service Dogs

Feed
Shelter Dogs

Fly Shelter
Dogs To Safety

Keep Pets &
Domestic Violence
Survivors Together

Pair Veterans
With Service Dogs