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UPDATE: After 435 Days In A Shelter, A Former Bait Dog Is Home

I could not be more excited to bring you some updates about a special pup who spent 435 days at SafeHaven Humane Society in Oregon. Her name is Ellie, and she’s a former bait dog. When rescuers found her in Mexico in 2018, Ellie was chained up beside her litter of puppies. The heavy chain had to be cut off with bolt cutters. On January 4th, 2020, Ellie found her forever home at long last. Her new family recognized her potential … Read more

Rescue Dog Turned K9 Officer Makes Drug Bust 7 Hours Into First Shift

K9 Dodger was sworn into the Spur Police Department on the morning of March 2. Later that day, and just seven hours into his first shift, he made a major drug bust, locating 14.3 grams of methamphetamine! Dodger is a former shelter pup chosen to become a detection dog through a special partnership between Animal Farm Foundation’s Detection Dog Grant Program and Sector K9. The program is unique in that it selects dogs based on their personality traits rather than their … Read more

Pizza Boxes Featuring Shelter Dogs Are Getting Pups Adopted

I gotta admit, I never thought there could be a way to make a pizza delivery arriving even more exciting. A pizza shop in Amherst, New York really showed me. Starting last Friday, February 28th, Just Pizza & Wing Co. customers began seeing flyers attached to their pizza boxes. These flyers featured photos of adoptable dogs from the Niagara SPCA. The franchise‘s owner, Mary Alloy, is an animal lover. She had been volunteering with the Niagara SPCA, working with Kimberly … Read more

Could The Coronavirus Help Take Dog & Cat Meat Off The Menu?

Shenzhen is a large city and technology hub in southeastern China ravaged by the recent strain of Coronavirus known as COVID-19. In response, the city government has proposed new regulations outlawing the consumption of wild animals. In addition, the Shenzhen government is including a potential ban on dog and cat meat, not in an effort to reduce disease transmission, but with respect to the special bond between people and pets. The legislation refers to it as the “consensus of all … Read more

The Street Vet Treats Homeless Pets and Connects with Their Human Companions

Dr. Kwane Stewart began his philanthropic vet care in the wake of the Great Recession. He wanted to do what he could to support people who could no longer afford to care for their animals. Since then, he has cared for hundreds of homeless pets, at his own expense. His work on the streets has revealed how vitally important the bond between pet and human can be, particularly for those living homeless. The Great Recession Was a Career Turning Point … Read more

Your Dog’s Nose Can Actually Detect Heat

Dog noses have long been a mystery to humans. Their noses are millions of times more sensitive than our own, but there’s always been so much that we just don’t know about them. Of course, our dogs have the cutest little noses that we just want to boop, but new research discovered that there’s more to these unique body parts that just being adorable. A recent study revealed that dog noses not only can smell, but they can also detect … Read more

Mailman And Golden Retriever Moose Make Fast Friends

It’s a daily ritual. Long before the delivery truck pulls up, your dog senses what is coming. She rushes to the window, confirming her suspicion. Once again this uniformed carrier of parcels thinks he is going to drop by unnoticed. Not on my watch! Your dog barks and runs around, scaring the mailman away. Phew! She looks to you for an affirming “good girl” for a job well done. Confused when she doesn’t get one, she ambles over to the … Read more

Woman Makes Amazing Artwork With Rescue Dog’s Fluff

iHeartDogs reached out to Rachel Belyavsky after seeing a post featuring her dog, Mowgli, on Reddit. She shared her story, and her amazing photos of Mowgli with us – and we’re thrilled to share them with you.  “We rescued Mowgli in June of 2017 through Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue. Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue pulls the majority of the dogs they save from high volume, high kill shelters in rural Texas – some with intake of 100+ animals a day. Mowgli was picked … Read more

Kindergarteners Make Dog Treats For Dog Rescue Fundraiser

Of course, kids love dogs! So, what better way to learn than to encourage young kindergarteners to help out dogs in need? A junior kindergarten class at Harrisburg Horizon Elementary in South Dakota is doing exactly that. The students are working together to make their own dog treats to sell in a fundraiser. All the proceeds go to Almost Home Canine Rescue.  Treats for a Good Cause The kids are having a blast with their new project. 5-year-old Julia Page … Read more

Dog Swallows Bag Of Cocaine That Was Thrown Into His Yard – Vets Rush To Save Him

dog eats cocaine cover

A Pitbull named Nipsey found himself in a dangerous position when his curious appetite got the best of him. A desperate police search of a home nearby led to a bag of cocaine being tossed into Nipsey’s yard, causing the staff at the Michigan Humane Society (MHS) to jump into action. Police Officers in the area were executing a search warrant at a nearby home when the property owners were desperate to rid themselves of any illegal belongings. The property … Read more

House Passes Bill To Give PTSD Service Dogs To Veterans

For years, the community has worked hard to raise money to help veterans get service dogs. The cost of a service dog is expensive, so many people in need cannot afford to have one by their side. Currently, Veterans Affairs supports veterans that need a service dog for mobility issues, but they don’t cover costs for those with mental health problems. However, a new bill could change this completely. This new bill is called the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers Act … Read more

Dog Daycare Center Under Investigation Following Video Of Abuse

We worry enough about our dogs when we drop them off at daycare. Do they miss us? Are they scared? Are they getting enough food? Enough play time? Our dogs are our babies after all, and even these little things can get in your head. So stories about animal day care employees mistreating the animals in their care hit extra hard. SCRAPS (Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Services) began an investigation into a daycare in Spokane Valley, Washington this week. … Read more

Couple Has Their Entire Bridal Party Made Of Dogs

If you’ve ever planned a wedding, then you know the definition of stress. It’s one thing to find the venue and work out all of the logistics of the big day. It’s an entirely different ordeal to play referee with dueling bridesmaids and gruff groomsmen. One couple solved those problems in the best way possible. A Bridal Party With 32 Feet There were no humans on either side of their bridal party- just their seven dogs! It was a bridal … Read more

Rescue Dog’s Death Inspires Woman To Write Children’s Book

Death often happens when we least expect it. We don’t go around thinking that we’re going to lose our loved ones, but then it happens and we don’t know what to do with ourselves. This is especially true for losing dogs since they live such short lives. Even though we know they won’t live forever, we still don’t know how to cope with it when we finally do lose them. However, author Amy Kite decided to use the loss of … Read more

10 Dapper Duds for Dogs

Looking for something cool for your dog to sport? Here are 10 outfits for any day of the week that are sure to make your dog the most dapper one at the park. #1 – Napoleon Uniform A perfect outfit for your couture poodle or Frenchie, it even has a matching hat. Your dog is sure to turn heads strutting down the boulevard. #2 – Green Floral Harness Your cutie will be ready for spring in this adorable green and pink floral … Read more

Blind, Deaf Poodle Survives Being Taken By Hawk

Unfortunately, small dogs are at a disadvantage when it comes to defending themselves. They should never be left outside unattended because you never know what wild animals could be out there looking for a snack. Deborah Falcione thought her beloved pups were safe on her deck, but she quickly realized her mistake. Sadly, her deaf, blind, 6-pound Poodle named Porschia was snatched up by a hawk! When Falcione realized that her 16-year-old dog was taken from the porch, she panicked … Read more

BREAKING NEWS: Dog In Hong Kong Tests “Weak Positive” For Coronavirus

A dog in Hong Kong has been placed under a two-week quarantine after samples taken from his nose and mouth tested “weak positive” for 2019-nCoV – also known as Coronavirus. The pup was taken to a vet for samples to be collected on February 26th, and is thought to be the only dog to have tested positive. For the moment, the pup does not have any symptoms of infection. The Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) says that … Read more

Violent Attack On Two Women Stopped By Brave, Loving Lab

This story originally appeared as a Facebook post from Stories For The Soul.  My friend had an abusive boyfriend. We both knew he was an abusive sociopath, but of course being his girlfriend, this was something that she was in denial about for a long time. Finally, she couldn’t deny it anymore and tried to leave him. While he was beating her, she managed to get away from him, and drove the short distance to my house to be safe. … Read more

You Helped Save The Life Of This Veteran And His Service Dog

When you purchase items from the iHeartDogs store, a portion of that profit is donated to GreaterGood. GreaterGood is an incredible organization that supports charities that help dogs in need. Thanks to amazing customers like you, many dogs and even some people get a second chance at life. Adam and Molly are proof of that. Adam was a combat soldier in the Air Force, but after he medically retired, he found it extremely difficult to live an everyday life. The … Read more

Returned 4 Times Over 6 Years, Special Needs Senior Finally Finds His Person

There really is a perfect family for every dog. No pooch knows that better than Bandit Rider! The petite Shepherd mix was rescued as a stray in 2014 and taken to the Gwinnett County Animal Shelter in Lawrenceville, Georgia. He was then chosen to participate in the Gwinnett Jail Dogs Program where a select handful of inmates foster and train dogs to prepare them for adoption. Like so many southern strays, Bandit tested positive for heartworm disease. However, unlike the others, he … Read more

K9 Killed in the Line of Duty Honored With Custom Casket

Hondo was a  7-year-old Belgian Malinois who joined Herriman City Police Department in 2015. Hondo was assisting US Marshals with an operation to apprehend a dangerous fugitive in Utah. He was shot and killed in the line of duty. His fellow officers asked a local auto body and paint to shop, Rawtin Garage to help honor Hondo and his service with a customized casket.  Chief of Police Chokes Back Tears as He Shares the News of Hondo’s Death The Herriman City Chief … Read more

Young Girl Writes Stories To Read To Shelter Dogs

Brielle Leger is a 9-year-old girl who loves dogs much like any other kid. However, her love for dogs truly goes above and beyond any other 4th grader. Brielle is an aspiring author, so she writes her own stories about dogs, complete with illustrations that her younger sister, Brynn, helps her draw. Once a week, the sisters visit the Fairhaven Animal Shelter, where they read their stories to all the dogs waiting to be adopted. This heartwarming idea started at … Read more

Security Cam Captures Mother Dog Running To The Rescue When Leopard Attacks Her Puppy

leopard dog rescue

The power of a mother’s love took the spotlight in an event that could have been fatal for a tiny puppy. While a hungry leopard made dinner plans after spotting a small dog in the distance, the puppy’s mother had other plans. Divisional Forest Officer, Mrintunjay Madhav, emerged from his office in Himachal Pradesh, India when he heard a commotion coming from outside of his work building. Though he immediately saw a mother dog licking her 2-month-old puppy, he couldn’t … Read more

Man With Special Needs And Love For Dogs Has Birthday Dreams Answered

A woman in North Carolina asked the community for help making her nephew’s birthday extra special. Christy Ford is the aunt of Tyler Ford, a 21-year-old with special needs and a deep love for dogs. His loving aunt wanted to surprise Tyler with a book full of dog pictures, knowing there was nothing else that could put as big of a smile on his face! What Christy didn’t know is that her simple request would quickly go viral. A Man … Read more

Guilty Teen Returns Stolen Guide Dog To Blind Man

Kevin Coachman from Illinois became completely blind a few years ago after being shot multiple times during a carjacking. Adjusting to a life without sight was very difficult for him, but he kept going. Then, a few months ago, the Seeing Eye Foundation paired him with a guide dog: a beautiful German Shepherd named Lucca. Lucca made life so much better for Coachman, and before long, they were doing everything together. However, that all came crashing down when Lucca was … Read more

UPDATE: Denver Could Still Overturn Mayor’s Veto That Re-Enforces Pit Bull Ban

Covering the story of Denver’s Pit Bull ban has been quite a rollercoaster. As I wrote just a few weeks ago, Denver’s City Council voted to pass a new code allowing Pit Bulls in the city. Just days later, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock vetoed the measure. The veto was the mayor’s first. Mayor Hancock refers to an attack on a 3-year-old child in 1989 that prompted the initial ban. He believes Pit Bulls pose a threat to public safety. Consequently, … Read more

Your Purchases Helped Build A Pet-Friendly Domestic Violence Shelter

Part of every sale through theiHeartDogs store is donated to GreaterGood, which helps support various charities like Rescue Rebuild. Stories like the one below are made possible with your help! Check out all the animals iHeartDogs fans and shoppers like you have helped save here. In December 2019, a crew with Rescue Rebuild traveled to Georgia. The reason for the visit: build an animal-friendly domestic violence shelter. Sadly, as Rescue Rebuild writes in their blog, many shelters and temporary homes can’t allow animals. As … Read more

You Never Have To Leave Your Dog Home Alone Ever Again

Dog lovers rejoice! A dog’s place in the world is changing. For many people, the days of dogs being a second-class citizen are a fast-fading memory. Our furry friends are becoming more and more welcome in every aspect of our lives. Restaurants, public transportation, parks, and even employers are wagging their tails in excitement and welcoming four-legged guests! The day we’ve all dreamed of is finally here. We never have to leave our BFFs home alone again! Corporate Canines Are … Read more

Rescue Puppy Acts As Blind, Deaf Littermate’s Guiding Star

Two uniquely bonded puppy siblings are ready to find their forever home together after being rescued from the streets of Louisiana. Star is deaf and nearly blind, but her brother, Denver proudly serves as her “guiding star”! The story of Denver and Star begins like so many others. They were dumped, along with their mother and six other littermates in the rural south. All were taken in by a loving family who fell in love with the mama dog. They … Read more

Puppy And Pigeon Friendship Raises Money For Animal Rescue

Dogs have been known to chase birds and other small animals for fun. But when the bird is bigger than the dog is, they might think twice! A Chihuahua puppy and a pigeon have formed an unlikely friendship, and they have inspired many people to help animals in need. Both of the animals have mobility issues, so they bonded as they recovered at The Mia Foundation. Plus, they’re just so cute together! Lundy is a 2-month-old Chihuahua puppy who can’t … Read more

Study Finds Interesting Trends Among Dog People

rover study cover

It’s official, you are not alone in your overwhelming urge to spoil your beloved companion. While you probably won’t be shocked by the results of this study if you’re a dedicated dog parent, you may think some of the results are pretty funny. Being a dog parent, you know just how much validity there is to the fact that we often treat our pups like family. Well, a recent Rover study set out to examine just how special the bond … Read more

Foster Dog Raises Two Needy Kittens With Her Own Litter

The biological drive for a mother to nurture can be remarkably strong. Even stronger is the need for newborns to find a protector. These powerful natural forces led to the world’s cutest miracle in Evansville, Indiana this winter. A woman called It Takes A Village No-Kill Rescue in January hoping to hand off Sudie, a 5-year-old Chihuahua/Dachshund mix. She had gotten Sudie from a neighbor, not knowing the dog was pregnant. Tessa McCauley, an officer manager for ITV, gladly took the … Read more

No One Will Adopt This “Different” Looking Senior Dog

You’d think dogs would be exempt from unfair standards of beauty, but tragically that’s not always the case. Dogs with unconventional appearances or physical disabilities often end up staying longer in shelters. They rarely get the chance to prove their hearts and devotion after quick first-impressions. 10-year-old Pit Bull Wally has now lived at Islip Animal Shelter in New York for over a year. He arrived there as a stray last January with a severe skin infection and blind in one eye. … Read more

12-Year-Old Boy Leaves Puppy Outside Shelter With A Devastating Note

On February 13, the staff at the Xollin Animal Shelter in the Mexican state of Michoacan discovered a Pit Bull puppy in a cardboard box outside their facility. The injured pup was accompanied by a stuffed toy and a note from a broken-hearted boy. “My name is Andrés and I am 12 years old. My mom and I decided to leave my dog in your hands, hiding it from my dad because he is thinking about selling him. But he … Read more

Use Google Chrome? Now You Can Feed Shelter Dogs Every Time You Do an Internet Search

This new (free) app turns Google Chrome into a tool that helps save shelter dogs! If you’re like most internet users, you use Google Chrome as your default browser. Now there’s a fun way to help feed shelter dogs every time you do an internet search. This free Chrome browser extension was made in partnership with iHeartDogs. For every search you make, you help feed shelter pups through GreaterGood.org! Every time you open a new browser tab, you’re greeted with a … Read more

“Dog Is My Co-Pilot” – Mutts4Trucks Pairs Lonely Shelter Dogs and Truckers

Truckers are indeed the backbone of America. Moving goods from coast to coast and everywhere in between. But with the job comes long, solitary hours on the road. But having a companion can make life on the road better. Less lonely. Fortunately, PEDIGREE and Mobil Delvac recognized this as an opportunity to help truckers and shelter dogs at the same time. So they created Mutts4Trucks, which brings truckers and shelter dogs together to live happily furever after. This fantastic program … Read more

Use Google Chrome As Your Browser? This Free App Shows You Dog Pics Every Time You Open a Tab

This new (free) app turns Google Chrome into a tool that helps save shelter dogs! If you’re like most internet users, you use Google Chrome as your default browser. Now there’s a fun way to help feed shelter dogs every time you do an internet search. This free Chrome browser extension was made in partnership with iHeartDogs. For every search you make, you help feed shelter pups through GreaterGood.org! Every time you open a new browser tab, you’re greeted with a … Read more

Use Google Chrome? This Little Trick Will Donate to Animal Rescues Every Time You Do a Search

This new (free) app turns Google Chrome into a tool that helps save shelter dogs! If you’re like most internet users, you use Google Chrome as your default browser. Now there’s a fun way to help feed shelter dogs every time you do an internet search. This free Chrome browser extension was made in partnership with iHeartDogs. For every search you make, you help feed shelter pups through GreaterGood.org! Every time you open a new browser tab, you’re greeted with a … Read more

Parker The Snow Dog Becomes Honorary Mayor In Georgetown

When it comes to politics, there are often many disagreements. No matter what the result of an election is, there’s always someone that will get upset. However, that might not be the case for Georgetown, Colorado’s new honorary mayor. This vote was chosen unanimously by the Town of Georgetown Selectmen. The reason this new mayor is so perfect is that he’s not a person at all, but instead, he’s a fluffy and lovable dog! The Election The new mayor of … Read more

Man Starts Dog Walking Group to Help Guys Cope with Depression

Rob Osman has a long history of battling depression and anxiety. Over the years, he has worked hard to overcome his mental illness. He even pursued a degree in counseling and psychology. But of all the techniques he has used to feel better, the one that had the greatest impact was walking his dog, Mali. When he realized how therapeutic dog walking could be, he decided to help other men access those healing benefits. Dudes & Dogs was born. Rob … Read more

Update: Nearly 500,000 Dogs Fed With Our Miracle Of Love Campaign

Shelter dogs got to experience love like no other this Valentine’s Day. The iHeartDogs Miracle of Love campaign was a huge success thanks to you! Purchases made from the Miracle of Love Valentine’s Day campaign gave 30 shelter dogs an unforgettable Valentine’s Day filled with delicious steak, vegetables, and belly rubs galore! Deserving Doggos Dined On Delicious Steaks! The iHeartDogs crew headed out to the German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County for the Valentine’s Day of a lifetime. Dressed in … Read more

Adopted Boy Is Devoted To Helping Forgotten Senior Shelter Dogs

8-year-old Robbie Gay is well aware that his life could have turned out very differently. Before he was adopted by a loving couple, Robbie suffered severe abuse. He was twice hospitalized with brain injuries before entering the Florida foster system. “He knows what it feels like not to be loved and cared for. He’s the most hopeful, optimistic, and genuinely caring kid who has absolutely no reason to be that way,” Robbie’s adoptive mom, Maria told CBS News.  Since his … Read more

Golden Retriever Service Dog Completing Bucket List

Wonka the service dog has only spent a few years on this planet, but he’s managed to accomplish so much in that time. In the last two months since his diagnosis with terminal cancer, the 6-year-old Golden Retriever has been even busier than usual. Hearts Alive Village, the rescue organization where Wonka works, put together a “bucket list” of adventures for his last days. Kelly McMahon, Wonka’s handler, also serves as Hearts Alive’s Director Of Operations. There Wonka both works full … Read more

Confused Dog Refuses To Leave Porch After Family Moves Away

One day, a family in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania packed up their things and moved away. But they left something very important behind: a sweet brown dog. The dog continued to sleep on the porch, just outside the home he knew. His family never returned for him. Still, he waited. Janine Guido, founder of nearby Speranza Animal Rescue (“Speranza” means “hope” in Italian,) received several calls from neighbors about a dog left behind. No one knew much more outside of that, she told … Read more

Rescue Staff Helps Service Dog Diagnosed With Cancer Complete “Bucket List”

Wonka the service dog has only spent a few years on this planet, but he’s managed to accomplish so much in that time. In the last two months since his diagnosis with terminal cancer, the 6-year-old Golden Retriever has been even busier than usual. Hearts Alive Village, the rescue organization where Wonka works, put together a “bucket list” of adventures for his last days. Kelly McMahon, Wonka’s handler, also serves as Hearts Alive’s Director Of Operations. There Wonka both works full … Read more

Hungry Mama Dog And Litter Found Freezing In Minnesota Snowdrift

In January, a pregnant dog needed a place to have her litter of puppies. All she had was a snowdrift to lie in, and that’s where she had 6 pups. Soon, the poor malnourished mama stopped producing sufficient milk to feed her little babies. Fortunately, a concerned family discovered the hungry, huddled family and drove all of the dogs to Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue. Located on the Red Lake Indian Reservation in northwestern Minnesota, Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue (RLRR) sees a … Read more

Dog Mom Carves Massive Husky Out Of Snow

Things can get pretty chilly in Canada. When towns start coming to halt because of snow and ice, some people choose to get creative. Makeshift sleds, snow angels and snow ice cream typically make the top of the list of snowy day activities. That wasn’t the case for one Canadian woman. A Snow Sculpture That Would Give Anyone The Zoomies! Gina Brightnose is from Thompson, Manitoba and she made heads turn recently with her creative snow sculpture. “We had a … Read more

Dog Wins Connect 4 Game Against His Mom

Dogs are the best companions. Whether you just want to sit around and snuggle or run around and play, dogs always want to be there with you. However, for a smart Cockapoo named Percy, play time is more than just squeaky toys. Percy’s favorite game is Connect 4, and he gets better at it every time he plays. He might even be better at it than most people are! Percy loves when his mom, Sarah Shapiro-Ward, teaches him new tricks. … Read more

Deaf Great Dane Hilariously Protests His Right To Swim

Remember when you were a kid and your parents wouldn’t let you go swimming? It was soul-crushing, heartbreaking, and downright cruel! Okay, maybe that’s a little bit dramatic but we know one pup that agrees! The bigger the dog, the bigger the tantrum so you can imagine the kind of tantrums that a Great Dane can have! A Pouty, Pool Party Loving Pooch Max was an avid swimmer and mischief-maker. When he didn’t get his way, everyone was going to … Read more

Grief Therapy Dog Is An Official Staff Member At Funeral Home

Therapy dogs have the gift of delivering comfort and security during scary, difficult, and overwhelming times. Their efficacy at soothing sick, traumatized, and grief-stricken souls is well documented. Macon Funeral Home in Franklin, North Carolina recently added a therapy dog in training to their grief support staff. They expect Mochi to bring comfort to grieving families for years to come. An Idea That Was Immediately Embraced by Leadership Tori McKay is an office administrator for Macon Funeral Home. For 10 … Read more

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #18

In This Issue

● Distemper Virus On The Rise
● Why Dogs Die Young
● Blind, Deaf Therapy Dog
● Why Dogs Lick Us
● Vet Corner: Anesthesia Worries
● Reader Q: Tips For Blind Dogs