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Why does my dog like sniffing butts?

Most of us consider ourselves polite people in polite society. We greet each other with smiles, kind words, head nods and handshakes. Our best friend, however, has a different sort of greeting. They choose to sniff bums. I would guess that most people with dogs conclude their pups do not have manners. But there’s more to the story. What does your dog get from sniffing butts? Since our canine friends are unable to shake hands, nature has provided them a … Read more

Here’s The Reason Why Your Dog’s Feet Smell Like Fritos

Despite the weird looks you get from people who don’t own dogs when you mention that your pup’s paws smell like Fritos, you aren’t crazy. Many dogs’ paws do smell like Fritos (or popcorn, depending on who you ask). The reason why they have that smell is rather mundane, but we’ll get to that. It should go without saying, but if your dog’s feet are excessively stinky or swollen or have a discharge, a trip to the vet is definitely … Read more

“Miracle” Hospice Dog Passes Away – But Her Family Is Turning Heartache Into Hope For Another Dog In Need

It takes an extraordinary soul to open their home to a dog, knowing that at any moment they’ll have to say goodbye. Hospice fosters live for the experience. Where many of us turn away because the heartbreak is too much, some people open their homes and their hearts to dogs who need love in their last days over and over and over. Two years ago I had the pleasure of making Kay Jones’ acquaintance. Kay came to iHeartDogs’ attention when … Read more

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #14

In This Issue

● Dangerous Cleaning Product
● Emergency First Aid
● “Scary” Dog Finds Love
● Are You Causing Your Dog’s Bad Behavior?
● Adopting A Special Needs Pup
● Pet Dental Health Month

Spotify Creates Personalized Playlists For Your Dog

Leaving your furry friends at home is always difficult. It’s hard not to worry about whether or not they’ll be lonely while you’re away. However, many people have realized that music can help soothe animals, especially when they’re feeling lonely. So, Spotify launched a special feature specifically for the animals in your life. You can now make a playlist for your dog, cat, and even your hamster! How Does it Work? If you visit Spotify’s Pet Playlist website, setting up … Read more

Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue: A Refuge For The Least Adoptable

If you’re reading this, then you’re likely a dog lover and you’ve seen just about every rescue around. But what if I told you there’s a rescue unlike any other? A saving grace for the most critical, elderly and least likely to survive. Take a trip just a couple of hours southwest of Walt Disney World and you’ll find the superwoman who is making miracles happen.  Sunny St. Petersburg, Florida is home to some of the best beaches in the … Read more

Possible Punishment For Service Dog Fraud Is In The Works

service dog cover

It’s a frustrating time for those with service dogs and their trainers. It’s becoming easier and easier for a dog to pass as a bona fide service dog, and receive the same benefits as those who rely on them for medical necessity. There are now 39 bills nationwide that are currently in the works to crack down on service dog fraud.  Over the years, the public has become increasingly frustrated with the blurred lines of what makes a true service … Read more

Two Puppies Wander Off but Only One Comes Home

In the small New England community of Phillipston, MA, the Gelman family runs an auto business called Grace Quality Used Cars. The people who live in Phillipston love to visit the showroom at Grace Quality because there are always some very friendly faces there to greet them. If customers are nice, they may even get a nuzzle or a wet kiss by these furry greeters. The Gelman family breeds long-haired German Shepherds. Adult male Clyde can always be found close by … Read more

Man Cropped a Litter of Puppies’ Ears with Scissors, Now Facing Criminal Charges

WARNING: Graphic images below.  A Niagara Falls man is facing a variety of animal cruelty charges after unethically and cruelly cropping 7 puppies’ ears. After further researching the practices of the man in question, the procedure was worse than you could even imagine. A local animal control officer was contacted by authorities, stating that a breeder had to seek veterinary care after her puppies’ ear cropping. She dropped them off with Michael Anthony Paonessa with the understanding that this procedure … Read more

Husky Finds a Kitten at the Shelter and Now They’re Best Friends

When Raven the Tamaskan Husky was just a puppy, she was lonely. She wanted a best friend to be able to run around and play with. So, Christina, Raven’s Mom, decided to take Raven to a shelter in Lubbock, Texas to allow her to select a best friend herself. Christina wanted Raven to find a kitten she could grow old with, but of course, Christina couldn’t just pick a friend for her. Raven had to choose her new friend on … Read more

Abandoned Disabled Pup Gets Lego Wheelchair Designed By 12-Year-Old Boy

Raising and caring for a disabled dog can often be a challenge. They may require additional assistance that fully abled dogs don’t. However, the reward of seeing these disadvantaged pups thrive and enjoy life in spite of their disabilities is extremely powerful. A few wonderful people in Georgia would be glad to tell you how great it felt to help an abandoned two-legged puppy overcome her challenge. That puppy’s name is Gracie, and she was dropped off at a veterinarian’s … Read more

Flight Policy Changes After Two Dogs Die in Three Days

Duke was a large male boxer. He was cherished by his human, Australian Kay Newman. She watched in horror as her dog was left in a crate on the tarmac during a delay. Temperatures soared to over 102℉. Her sweet boy could not handle the heat, especially inside a kennel that radiated inside like an oven. Duke died and the airline thinks sympathy alone is enough.  Kay Informed Qantas that Duke’s Breed Was High Risk Kay and Duke were booked … Read more

Beagle Adopts Baby Possum After Losing Her Puppies

Dogs are very protective over their loved ones, but those loved ones are typically just humans and other dogs. However, Molly the Beagle loves a baby possum! Molly recently had a litter of puppies that died at birth, which was heartbreaking for her. While she was looking for her puppies, she came across a baby possum that had been abandoned by her own mother. Without hesitation, Molly took her in. Molly lives on a farm in Australia, so she’s used … Read more

Brazil Bus Station Provides Strays With Shelter From The Cold

Brazil has not always been known for kindness to stray animals, but employees at a bus terminal in the city of Curitiba prove that warm-hearted humans can always be found. When a trio of friendly street dogs began hanging around the station, the staff opened their doors – and their hearts – to help protect them from the cold. The three dogs were dubbed Max, Pitoco and Zoinho by their new friends who provide them with food, water, and cozy … Read more

Rescue Dog With Terminal Cancer Becomes Police K9

Eddie the rescue dog had spent at least a month wandering the streets of Washington on his own after being abandoned. When Carin Brown with Benton County Animal Control finally rescued him, she could tell that he was in rough shape. At first, she thought he had gotten hurt as a stray, but she soon discovered that it was much worse. Poor Eddie had an inoperable tumor, and he only had 6 to 12 months to live. Eddie’s Bucket List … Read more

Therapy Dogs Submit to Procedures to Help Young Patients

We are all familiar with therapy dogs and the important work they do in schools, hospitals, homes, and more. One team from Southhampton in the UK have a special set of skills that put their young patients at ease. They aim to make the children they serve feel comfortable and unafraid when facing a battery of medical tests and procedures. How do they do it? By submitting to the procedures themselves first! They Are Called “Dog-tors” There are six Golden … Read more

Puppy Bowl XVI Recruits Over 90 Adorable Adoptables

I’m not a big football fan, but that doesn’t mean I don’t look forward to the day of the Super Bowl every year. No, it’s not for the commercials. It’s not entirely for the snacks either. I get excited to watch the annual Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet! Erin Wanner, a senior production executive for Animal Planet, told Patch how this annual tradition came about over 15 years ago. “We put down some turf on the office floor and let some puppies … Read more

Loving Dog Dad Walks His Paralyzed Pup In A Cozy Wagon

Walks are the highlight of the day for many dogs. They love having the opportunity to explore outside and take in lots of new smells. In fact, walks can be fun for all dogs, even if they are unable to walk on their own. This is especially true for a man and his paralyzed dog in Nova Scotia, Canada. He made a cozy wagon specifically so his dog could still enjoy going on her daily walks. He says that he … Read more

New Colorado Bill Would Ban Puppy Mills, Retail Sale Pets

A bill introduced January 10th, 2020 aims to prevent the sale of dogs and cats by pet stores in Colorado. The “Humane Pet Act” also establishes new standards for the care and treatment of dogs and cats by breeders and prohibits animal sales in public places. For breeders, this means limiting the number of dogs or cats managed at one time to 25. It also prevents the animals from breeding more than once a year and more than six total … Read more

Teenage Boy With Cancer Searches For Lost Dog

The Martin family of Algonquin, Illinois has three amazing dogs, all of which are loyal members of the family. However, Xena the Coonhound-Rhodesian Ridgeback mix has a special bond with 13-year-old Jack Martin. Their bond became even stronger when Jack was diagnosed with stage 4 Ewing’s sarcoma, which is a rare bone cancer. So, when Xena got lost one day, Jack didn’t know what to do without her. Xena had gotten loose when she was in the car with Jack’s … Read more

Two Missing Dog Cases Unite Their Communities With Very Different Results

Meadow and Bella are two of many dogs that went missing around the holidays. What sets them apart is the incredible support their respective communities provided in helping to bring them home. The city of Birmingham, Alabama rallied around Atlanta resident, Lauren Johnson when her dog Meadow became lost. Residents of Charleston, SC did the same when a Yellow Lab Mix named Bella was stolen along with her owner’s truck. Their efforts eventually resulted in both dogs being recovered. Sadly, … Read more

Man Jumps Into A Freezing River To Save Dog That Was Trapped In The Water

river rescue cover

Austin Russell’s day took a drastic turn when he came across something splashing in the Grand River. Though he originally planned to just continue along with his bike ride, a bark in the distance changed everything. Austin quickly realized that the splashing in the water that he had chalked up to floating debris was actually a canine that was in dire need of help. As he approached the river, he began to hear a dog barking and the sound of … Read more

The 10 Most Stubborn Dog Breeds

Obedience isn’t everything. These dogs might be lazy, some are playful, some are independent, but the one trait they all share for sure? Stubbornness! All these breeds are completely loveable and have other traits that could still make them your perfect compaion… if you don’t mind a training challenge! #1 – Beagle Lovingly independent, the Beagle will find amusement anywhere if left to their own devices. There will be trouble with a indifferent owner who doesn’t appreciate what the Beagle … Read more

5 Signs You Love Your Dog More Than Your Family Members

We can all agree that we love our dogs like family, but do you prefer the company of your canine companions over your human family members? You may be afraid to admit this out loud, but for the record, we can totally relate! Dogs are our best friends, confidants, and furry family members, and their love and loyalty is unconditional and everlasting. They don’t judge, they’re always happy to see us, and they never, ever let us down – even … Read more

10 Dog Breeds Who Are Absolute “Drama Queens”

Which dogs breeds have the most tendency to be drama queens (or kings?) We put this question to our fans recently on Facebook, and you responded with no shortage of answers! The below list is a result of our own research and your votes, along with a few stories from our community users! Would you add any to our list? Tell us in the comments on Facebook. #10 – Pomeranians Community user FabiolaJM loves her “diva” Pomeranian Peluche – but … Read more

Artist’s Breathtaking Pics Remind Us To Appreciate The Little Moments With Our Dogs

It can be difficult to put into words just how much you love your dog. The pure joy they inject into our lives can elevate even the most everyday moments into something worth telling everybody about. Los Angeles based artist Yaoyao Ma Van As tells the story of her and her beloved pooch in incredible illustrations on Instagram. The cute, colorful pictures are guaranteed to give you warm, fuzzy feelings when you see yourself and your favorite companion in the … Read more

Step-By-Step: How To Be A Dog In 21 Hilarious Illustrations

If you’ve been thinking about a career change, now’s a great time to consider becoming a dog. It’s the good life. Lisa Swerling & Ralph Lazar, the New York Times bestselling authors and artists behind the creative studio Last Lemon, have created a simple and funny user-driven guide for “How To Be A Dog”. Dog owners, experts and dogs themselves submit ideas from around the world, and if the Last Lemon team likes the concepts (i.e. if they are funny … Read more

10 Dog Breeds That Are Extra Clingy

While every dog loves being with their human, there are some that really, really love to be with you. Dogs are sensitive creatures, and their desire to be near you is very strong–but for some, it’s more than that. Like a dog that clings to your side, ready to be your pal wherever you go? Then one of these breeds might be just the one for you! #1 – Labrador Retriever Labs are known for their easy going personality and attachment … Read more

Brave German Shepherd Races To Save Her Trappped Pitbull BFF From Snow

snow rescue

If you’re a dog parent that’s lucky enough to have two canine friends in your home, you’ve probably noticed the wonderful bond that two pups can share. Well, this bond was put to the test when an adorable Pittie named Knuckles found herself in a bind that only her furry BFF could rescue her from. Knuckles and Kanawha were enjoying a snow day with their dad, Brian Wagner, when their frolic through a winter wonderland took a turn. As Kanawha, … Read more

Woman Arrested For Punching Boyfriend After He Leaves Her Dog Outside In The Rain

An Oregon woman is facing assault charges for punching her boyfriend not once, but twice after he left her dog outside in the rain. While there are likely more details about this situation that have yet to be released, this is what we know so far. The Coo’s County Sheriff’s Office released the arrest report of a Myrtle Point woman named Melissa, and the obvious grin that she was sporting soon after the incident. According to police, when Melissa returned … Read more

Could Your Dog’s Food Be Shortening His Lifespan? Here’s How To Tell.

Obesity in dogs is a very serious problem, and it’s rates are increasing daily. It’s estimated that roughly half of all dogs in the United States alone are obese – that’s 35 million dogs! Obesity can cause many illnesses such as diabetes and even worsen joint and back problems. Obesity is also one of the most common reasons injuries occur in our dogs. Most importantly, obesity leads to an increase in many diseases, including cancer, and can rob years off … Read more

N.Y. Dog Walkers Take The Most Epic “Pack” Photos

Walking dogs professionally can be a fun and rewarding job on its own. Still, a dog walking company in Saratoga Springs, upstate New York found a way to make even more fun for themselves and their canine clients daily: amazing pack photographs. Tim Pink and his assistant Erin Prevost typically walk around 50 dogs in a week. They don’t have any breed restrictions, but walking packs are divided by size. These often-photographed afternoon walks are part of Saratoga Dog Walkers‘ … Read more

Dogs Missing From Accident Scene Reunited With Family

Roads become packed with travelers during the holidays. Sadly, this opens the doors for more traffic accidents. Even our worst days have a silver lining even if we don’t see it right away. One man in North Carolina thought he lost it all when his vacation was interrupted by a car accident that ended with both of his dogs missing. With a little patience, a lot of help from the community, and a bit of luck, Brian Shelton’s worst day … Read more

Medevac Helps K-9 Beat Death For The Second Time

The work that dogs can do is absolutely mind-blowing. Take 6-year-old Kylie for example. She’s a cadaver dog that works with D.C Fire and EMS. Her passion is helping bring closure to families after a tragedy. Kylie has a superhero nose and bravery that is unwavering, as you’ll soon find out. Train Like Your Life Depends On It Because It Does The number one rule first responders live by is safety. But, even if you take all precautions known to … Read more

Buffy Is Enjoying Her New Family And Sweaters After Being Rescued

Sadly, not all dogs are given the life they deserve but there are amazing rescues like START that hope to change that. START stands for the Shelter Transport Animal Rescue Team. They’re based in California but they provide services to the entire Pacific Northwest. As their name says, they provide transportation to and from shelters in hopes of giving dogs a better chance at adoption.  A Chance To Wipe Away Fear Buffy is one of the lucky pups who crossed … Read more

I Switched My Dogs From Kibble To Fresh Food And Documented Everything For 6 Months

Earlier this year, I began feeding my dogs fresh dog food. It was a decision that came with a lot of consideration. Based on everything I read, fresh dog food was the best for my dogs, especially considering I had been feeding them kibble for their first four years. After A LOT of painstaking research, I settled on Nom Nom, for reasons I’ll share with you shortly. Six months have passed, and the results have been beyond my highest expectations. … Read more

Heartbroken Man Who Was Saved By A Dog Now Lives With Over 30 Rescued Tiny Dogs

Bobby Humphreys is a big guy doing big things in rescue – for little dogs! Big Guy Littles World Sanctuary is Bobby’s passion project. He cares for and rehomes tiny Chihuahuas who have had rough beginnings or special needs. But just a few years ago if you had told Bobby that he’d be spending his days with a pack of teeny Chihuahuas, he might’ve called you crazy. For years Bobby’s breed was Rottweilers. The beautiful, athletic dogs are more the … Read more

Street Dog’s Shocking Look Scared Away Most. Until This Lady.

A rescued puppy named Bethany went viral after photos of her were shared to multiple social media platforms. Within days, Safe Rescue For Dogs was flooded with emails of potential adopters, and admirers of Bethany’s incredible spirit despite her differences. Bethany is an eight-month old Labrador mix that was born with a severe facial disfigurement that causes her face and snout to twist.  Though her appearance can be a bit shocking to some, her unique features have no effect on … Read more

Rescue Becomes First Arson K9 Detection Pit Bull

It takes a special dog to handle the role of an arson K9 detection dog. But who’s to say that it can’t be a rescue dog? Throw Away Dogs Project proves that some rescue dogs can be trained to become working dogs. In fact, one of their most recently trained dogs is a rescue Pit Bull named Hansel. Hansel has now become the first arson K9 detection Pit Bull thanks to this amazing project. Plus, this good boy loves his … Read more

Canadian Service Dogs Made The Best Theater Audience Ever

The dogs who train to be service dogs at K-9 Country Inn in Ontario take their important roles very seriously. That’s why they collectively made up the most well-behaved theater attendees ever. A photo of their outing to a relaxed performance of Billy Elliot at the Stratford Festival speaks for itself. The K-9 Country Inn service dog training program includes this little trip to the theater to test the dogs’ learned obedience and socializing skills. They also learn to attend to … Read more

Woman Shocked When Her Puppy Grows Into A Fox!

A woman made a surprising discovery about the puppy she had been raising. A few red flags went up about her cute fluffy white pup that spurred her to begin asking questions. She received a complete shock when she learned that her puppy wasn’t actually a puppy at all. The pup had been living with her for months and she didn’t know. Ms. Wang Adopted a Small Fluffy Puppy Ms. Wang was so excited to bring home her adorbale new … Read more

Little Girl Mails Letter To God After Dog Passes. He Writes Back.

When Meredith was a just a baby, her parents got her a dog. Now, Abbey wasn’t just any dog. She was Meredith’s protector, playmate and friend. For years, they were inseparable with Abbey always following wherever Meredith would go. Like all dogs, Abbey got a little older…a little slower, but she was always there right by her best friend’s side. So it was only fitting that when Abbey passed away recently, Meredith was right there with her…by her side. The … Read more

5 Ways People Unknowingly Hurt Their Dog’s Feelings

A Harvard psychologist recently declared that when dogs dream they are likely reliving their experiences with their humans. Those yips and kicks we see are their reactions to either pleasing us or annoying us in dreamland. For better or worse, our dogs’ entire lives revolve around us. If they do not get enough of our time or that time is marred by unwarranted punishments, it can leave lasting emotional scars. Dog owners usually make one of these 5 mistakes because … Read more

6 Things Your Deceased Dog Would Want You To Know

At iHeartDogs.com we often write about coping with the loss of a beloved pet. We do this because we understand that saying goodbye is one of the hardest things you will ever have to do, and we hope that somehow our words can provide a bit of comfort. Having experienced the love and compassion of dogs and cats all my life, I believe they would want us to keep these 6 important messages close to our hearts after they have … Read more

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #13

In This Issue

● Lumps & Bumps & Spots, Oh My!
● Petition: No More Dogs Out In The Cold
● The Podcast For Dogs
● Review.com’s Best Dog Foods
● Diseases Pets Can Give To People
● How To Socialize A Rescue Dog

RECALL: Black Hawk Dog Food Has Fears Of Mold Contamination

Dog food company MasterPet has issued a voluntary and immediate recall for 9 batches of their Black Hawk Dog Food because of possible mold contamination. This recall was for their food that was manufactured between August and November 2019. Their ongoing quality control process helped them discover that some products were developing mold, so they pulled those products right away. Which Products Are Affected? This voluntary recall covered a few different sizes and formulas of the Black Hawk Dog Food, … Read more

WARNING: Popular Cleaning Product Is Dangerously Toxic To Dogs

Donna Brydon is a dog mom to an adorable King Charles Spaniel named Skye. The pair had a close call and scary situation recently after the 12-week old puppy came into contact with a popular cleaning product. Brydon shared her story to warn dog families everywhere that the product could make your dog sick, or worse. Visited a Friend’s House With Freshly Mopped Floors Donna and Skye went to visit a friend who had just cleaned her floors with Zoflora, … Read more

Scientist Says Dogs Hate Hugs. Another Says He’s Wrong. Here’s Why.

Dogs are so adorable that it’s difficult to resist hugging and kissing them. We want to show them as much love as possible because they deserve it. However, most people have probably come across a study or article telling them to stop hugging their dog. A scientist has made it clear that dogs don’t like hugs, but most dog lovers would disagree. We know that our furry friends love cuddles, so could this claim be false? What is the Claim? … Read more

Widowed Firefighter Searching For Dog Lost In Australian Brushfire

The brushfires in Australia have made headlines around the globe but one man’s story is particularly heartwrenching. It’s a story of a man pushed further than any human being deserves, and yet he continues on. When you look up “perseverance” in the dictionary, you’ll see Ash Graham. But this hero needs our help. No Stranger To Overcoming Tragedy Here’s a little background on Ash. He lives in Nerrigundah, New South Wales- one of the areas most devastated by brushfire. Two-thirds … Read more

You & Transport Northwest Saved A Blind Pit Bull’s Life

Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good, which helps support various charities like START Rescue. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible! Blindness is not a death sentence for dogs. Blind dogs, like people, learn to adjust fairly quickly without their eyesight. Potential adopters are often quick to overlook sightless dogs over fears their care may be too difficult or costly. If they happen to be housed in a high-kill shelter, those … Read more

Activists Are Ending Animal Cruelty Through Education

Children learn how to treat and care for animals when they are young by watching their parents and members of the community for cues. If they are kind and responsible with their pets, kids tend to follow suit. However, when children grow up without pets or with role models who are cruel or neglectful towards animals, their outlook on pet care is skewed. That is why non-profits like Atlanta Rescue Dog Cafe are vital to reducing animal cruelty and keeping … Read more