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Multitalented Service Dog Also Plays Jenga

Dogs are better than people at a lot of things. Inherent cuteness, sniffing out floor crumbs, and catching things in their mouths for starters. But did you know dogs can also be intimidatingly good at Jenga? Yep, I’m talking the classic balancing game of layered wooden blocks. Well, at least that’s the case with one specific dog: an Australian Shepherd named Secret. Secret is a service dog to an 19-year-old woman named Mary. On their shared Instagram page, she posted a … Read more

Staffie Abandoned At Church With Heartbreaking Note

When dogs are surrendered or abandoned, we can be quick to judge the person who would do that to their animals. But there are many complicated circumstances that lead to animal surrenders. Some truly hope their dogs will be better off in someone else’s care. Some have little knowledge of the resources available to them. A Staffordshire mix left tied up inside the Sacred Heart Church in Blackpool, Lancashire before Christmas is somewhat of a product of both those things. … Read more

15 Strangers Help Stolen Dog Travel 2,000 Miles Home

Zeus the Pit Bull mix lives a happy life with his family in Montana. Cassandra Rasmussen and her two young daughters give him as much love as possible. However, his life wasn’t always so happy. Not long before Christmas, Zeus was stolen by someone who considered themselves to be a friend. That ‘friend’ had a key to Rasmussen’s home, so they took off with Zeus and some of the family’s belongings.  The suspect was later found nearly 2,000 miles away … Read more

Dog Rescued From Icy Waters In Wisconsin

Any loyal dog parent will do whatever they can to keep their pup safe. Oftentimes, they’ll even put themselves in danger to do it. So, a Wisconsin family was horrified when their beloved dog, Daisy, fell through the ice of a frozen river. Their first instinct was to chase after her and pull her to safety, but then they thought twice. They ended up calling the Wausau Fire Department for help, and they responded immediately.  In a clip from the … Read more

Is Your German Shepherd Susceptible to Allergies? Breed-Specific Info About These Courageous and Protective Dogs

When you imagine your ideal dog, do you have a particular breed in mind? While some folks prefer to find a mixed breed that has a dash of this and a splash of that, others have a very clear affinity for a favorite breed. With the AKC referring to them as “confident, courageous, and smart” it is no surprise that many people only have eyes for German Shepherds.  Nom Nom, the fresh food partner of iHeartDogs, researched German Shepherds in … Read more

Is Your Chihuahua Susceptible to Allergies? Breed-Specific Info About These Sassy and Classy Dogs

When you imagine your ideal dog, do you have a particular breed in mind? While some folks prefer to find a mixed breed that has a dash of this and a splash of that, others have a very clear affinity for a favorite breed. With the AKC referring to them as “charming, graceful, and sassy” it is no surprise that many people only have eyes for Chihuahuas.  Nom Nom, the fresh food partner of iHeartDogs, researched Chihuahuas in terms of … Read more

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Player Abandoned His Dog On The Side Of The Road

Jitterbug the Cane Corso was found alone on the side of a busy street. Several people had stopped to help her, but she refused to get in their cars. She waited there for about 36 hours before an animal rescue came to save her. They noticed that she was very hungry and tired, and she was even missing some teeth! As they got to know the pup better, they soon learned that she had been abandoned by a famous athlete. … Read more

Taco & Tequila, Dog and Cat Besties Create Purrfect Combo

When Delfina Plaja received a puppy for her birthday last year, never did she imagine the little dog would adopt a kitten. Delfina’s pup, Taco, struggled with potty-training, a problem many dog parents understand. Trying to help her puppy out, Delfina moved her home workspace into an alleyway adjoining the house. Not long after the move, a grey tabby kitten curiously watched her and Taco from beneath a car. @tnt_dog_and_cat/Instagram “It turned out he had been living all alone in … Read more

Community Helps Bring Home A Dog That Was Lost During A Car Crash On Christmas Eve

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Janine Brown faced her worst fear when she was in a car accident that caused her dog to break free from the vehicle and escape. Her Christmas Eve was spent recovering from injuries related to this traffic accident, and having to put her trust in the community to help bring her beloved companion home. Janine Brown and her dog, Mya Angel, were involved in a traffic accident close to home on December 24th. The crash left Janine and her dog … Read more

Woman Gives Her Dog The Jacket Off Her Back To Keep Him Warm

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Kristina Hollie and her coworker were waiting for the bus in Cambridge, Massachusetts when they came across an adorable sight. A dog was running errands with his mom when they found themselves in a bit of a predicament that resulted in a heartwarming display of love. This adorable pup and his fur mom stopped for a quick trip into the post office when she was told that her dog could not come in with her. With no other option, she … Read more

Heartbroken Man Who Was Saved By A Chihuahua Has Rescued Over 30 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

Puppy Thrown Against Car Showers His New Mom With Kisses

A sad story has a happy ending this week! A puppy who had previously been thrown against a car has now found his new furever home. The little Labrador mix won over the hearts of so many people that a lottery had to be done to choose his new family! If that’s not a happy ending, I don’t know what is! A Shared Dinner Saved A Life According to chieftan.com, the bizarre story started earlier this month when a man, … Read more

Olympic Skater Fights Depression Fostering Shelter Dogs

Ivanie Blondin is a 29-year-old Olympic speed skater hailing from Ottawa, Canada. Despite rising to the top of her sport and becoming an inspiration for women across the world, Ivanie battles depression. She’s not alone in her fight. And, she may have found the best cure of all… dogs! A Fighting Spirit And Some Puppy Love Makes A Girl Unstoppable Ivanie didn’t qualify in 2010 so she pushed on, eventually making it to the Sochi Olympics in 2014. She then … Read more

Bossy Dog Teaches Toddler How To Sit

Nearly every dog knows how to sit on command. It’s a simple trick that many dog parents love to teach their furry friends. However, Khloe the Labradoodle is fed up with being told what to do. Not only have her parents taught her to sit, but now her human sister, Joslyn, is trying to boss her around too! In an adorable video of Khloe and Joslyn, Khloe decides to teach her baby sister some tricks instead. In the beginning of … Read more

2-Year-Old Receives A New Heart & A Puppy To Share It With

2-year-old Truett Palmer received two incredible gifts in 2019: A brand new heart and a puppy to share his bright future with. Truett was born with a rare congenital heart defect as well as a condition that causes abnormalities of the head and face. He has undergone several surgeries during his short life, including open-heart surgery this past June. “At Boston Children’s they did his open heart surgery to hopefully repair, make things better and give him a better quality … Read more

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #11

In This Issue

● All About Anal Glands
● Dealing With Urinary Incontinence
● 3-Legged Puppy Finds His Perfect Match
● Fighting Like Cats & Dogs
● Vet Corner: Xylitol Poisoning
● Reader Q: How To Soothe Itchy Ears

K9 Harlej Has Beautiful Memorial After Losing His Life While On Duty

K9 Harlej the Belgian Malinois was 5 years old when his career with the Fishers Police Department ended. He was one of many heroic dogs that worked hard to make a difference. He made the ultimate sacrifice by risking his life to save others. His handler, Officer Jarred Koopman, was devastated by the loss of his furry friend. Jarred’s family, friends, and co-workers all came to celebrate the life of this wonderful pooch. Harlej’s Last Mission On the day Harlej … Read more

Lost Silver Lab’s Return Is A Christmas Miracle

Lucy the Silver Labrador was only 5 months old when she went missing. Her dad, Mark Krichbaum, had allowed her to play with his sister’s Boxer on his 80-acre farm. Krichbaum was busy repairing a sawmill on his property, so he was unable to keep an eye on the dogs. After hearing a gunshot in the distance, the Boxer came running back to Krichbaum, but Lucy was nowhere to be seen. When Krichbaum realized that Lucy was lost, he was … Read more

Grieving Dad Takes Senior Dog With Cancer On One Last Walk To Vet

No one ever wants to have to say goodbye forever to their best friend. But when given the chance, many would prefer to let their beloved dogs go peacefully instead of painfully succumbing to disease. That dreaded moment of acceptance is one that sticks with you for a long time. On Twitter, Toronto resident Dale Thompson shared a glimpse of his own heartbreaking farewell moment with his 14-year-old dog Murphy. Murphy had been battling cancer for a while now. “This … Read more

Cafe Entertains Lost “Puppy” While Searching For His Family

For lots of dog lovers, their favorite breed is “stuffed.” Say, for example, you’re living with severe allergies or more likely you’re a child not financially independent enough yet to raise a living dog. Or maybe you just think stuffed animals are cute! Either way, if you bring your stuffed dog with you to a cafe, odds are you love it very much and don’t want to be separated from it. That’s at least what the people at Tama Cafe … Read more

Rescue Dog Saves Family From Christmas Light Fire

Years ago, Pippa the 9-year-old rescue dog found a loving home with Jan Bickhart and her family. She currently lives with them in Virginia and she is very loyal to all her family members. The sweet senior dog always wants what’s best for her loved ones, so when she sensed danger, she knew she had to do something. Her family had rescued her when she needed a home, so now it was her turn to rescue them. At 2 a.m. … Read more

Puppy Stolen At Gunpoint Is Found Safe

Lobo the puppy and his dad were going for a daily walk in Prince George’s County, Maryland, but what happened next was something too horrible to even imagine. A couple approached the man and his pup and held them at gunpoint. They demanded that the man hand over Lobo. He tried to fight back, but before he knew it, his beloved puppy was snatched up by these horrible people. Protecting Lobo Everything had happened so fast. But of course, the … Read more

Rescue Puppy That Went Viral For Her Unique Appearance Found Her Forever Home

bethany cover

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

Officer Who Lost K9 Partner Tears Up When Gifted Stuffed Version Of Him

Police officers who work with K9s develop very special bonds with their partner dogs. It’s a new level to the man and man’s best friend relationship. Naturally, when Officer Madsen in Pasco, Washington lost his K9 partner “Lemon” he was heartbroken. Just weeks after he retired from the force, Lemon suffered a medical crisis and died. Lemon served the police department for 8 years, assisting with the takedown of multiple suspects and in several drug busts. Officer Madsen and Lemon had also … Read more

K-9 Orkon Recovers After Being Hit By Car

Like any police K-9, Orkon the Belgian Malinois is a brave dog. He always works hard to help save the day. In some cases, he might work a bit too hard though. In a recent chase, Orkon got hurt for the second time on the job. He had been chasing down a suspect in Florida when he got struck by a car. Everyone from the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office was horrified to see their loyal team member in such … Read more

Pit Bull Rescued After Being Trapped In Porta Potty

A kind woman never expected to be a hero when she decided to use a portable restroom at a Michigan park. She opened the porta potty door to reveal a dog in need. A poor Pit Bull had been abandoned in a crate that was zip-tied shut inside the bathroom. He was left with no food or water, and he was shivering alone in the cold. So, the woman cut the zip-ties off his crate and called for help without … Read more

Crafty Narcotics Detection Dog Escapes Kennel For A Post-Holiday Break

Look, nobody likes going back to work after a holiday break. Why shouldn’t that sentiment apply to working canines too? At least, that seems to be the mindset of a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois named Hyco who sniffs out narcotics for a living in South Carolina. On Friday December 27th, Hyco got a little stir-crazy and escaped from his kennel. The Greenville County Sheriff’s office shared his photo on Facebook, hoping someone in the surrounding area would recognize him. Hyco is shy … Read more

She Decided To Quit Her Job, Dump Her Boyfriend, & Travel Around The US With Her Dog

sydney van life

Sydney Ferbrache had no idea that a picture on Instagram could change the path of her entire life. When she scrolled past a photo of a girl traveling around and living in her van, she knew she had to make this her reality. Now, Sydney is traveling around the US with her dog Bella, while over 100,000 people follow her journey on Instagram. Though she is now a passionate advocate for solo travel, her journey didn’t start this way. Sydney … Read more

Blind Man Asks For Descriptions Of People’s Dogs

You made your way here to iHeartDogs, so odds are high you’re already a member of the Dogspotting Society Facebook group. If you’re not, I’m so honored to be the one to fill you in! Members of this group are encouraged to share any and all things dog with each other. As the group description says, there “you can make friends, talk about dogs and Dogspotting.” Photos of adorable pups are circulated all the time. Last month Stephen Shkuratoff, a member of the … Read more

Service Dog Refuses to Leave Her Mom’s Side After Saving Her Life

Shauna Darcy and her American Staffordshire Terrier, Ruby, bonded as soon as they met. Darcy trusted Ruby very much, so she soon decided that she wanted to train Ruby to be a service dog to help with her anxiety, depression, and agoraphobia. As soon as Ruby started her training, she proved to be an incredible service dog in more ways than expected. However, little did Darcy know, Ruby would actually end up saving her life. As soon as Ruby began … Read more

Bulldog Missing For Three Years From California Caught By Police After Being Involved In Florida Burglaries

Police in Sarasota, Florida recently cracked a case with a rather unique plot twist. Tracie Eileen Defee and Michael Paine were apprehended in Sarasota, just south of Tampa. The duo had been breaking into homes in the area but they weren’t alone. Another unwilling accomplice was spotted with them on surveillance footage. A Pawsitively Adorable Accomplice An adorable white Bulldog was seen tagging along with the couple on their string of burglaries. Maggie was her name and she has quite … Read more

Delta Airlines Strands Man And His Support Pit Bull In Phoenix

Zachary Smith, a student at Kentucky Christian University, flew to Arizona on a Delta Airlines flight over the holidays with his comfort dog Kaimani. Kaimani is a Staffordshire/Pit mix who has helped him through his panic attacks for years. He wouldn’t think to fly without her. The airline warned Smith that due to her breed, Kaimani might not be allowed to fly. Still, she was coming with him no matter what, so he gave it a shot. He provided his … Read more

Malnourished “Christmas Miracle” Dog Given Foster Home For The Holidays

The winter months are always extremely busy times for animal rescues and shelters everywhere. Tragically, there are often more pups left out in the cold than there are places for them in the shelters. The kind hearts of generous foster families are what give starving and cold strays the second chances they desperately need. That’s how one poor malnourished stray pup, now named Joseph, got off the streets in time for the holidays. Noah’s Ark Rescue Project And Shelter (NARPS) … Read more

Unwanted Dogs “Write” Letters To Santa Paws

Even though it’s supposed to be the happiest time of the year, the Christmas season can be a real downer for some dogs. Living in a shelter over Christmas is no fun, but what’s worse is dogs finally getting adopted as Christmas gifts and returned shortly afterwards. This happens a lot unfortunately. Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, takes tons of calls from people surrendering their no longer wanted pups after the holidays. The organization maintains a network of … Read more

Boy With Service Dog Is Denied Photos With Santa

Like most kids, 9-year-old Hunter loves Christmas. He loves the holiday season almost as much as he loves his loyal service dog, Angel. So, Hunter and Angel were ecstatic at the idea of taking pictures with Santa at a Massachusetts mall. However, one exciting photo turned into a nightmare when the staff would not allow him and Angel to take a picture with Santa. Hunter was left heartbroken during the happiest season of the year. Angel is a sweet and … Read more

After 2,000 Days, Senior Dog Finds Home For Christmas

For nearly 2,000 days, Seamus the Pit Bull mix spent his time at a California rescue. He’s now 9 years old, so he’s spent over half his life waiting for that forever family to come around. Many holidays have come and gone while he waited, hoping for someone to adopt him. But luckily, this Christmas, the wait is over! Seamus is ready to spend the rest of his life with his forever family, and he couldn’t be happier! Seamus is … Read more

Community Finds Missing Golden Retriever After Rollover Accident

A family from Woodhaven, Michigan had a string of back luck recently. But, as they say, every cloud has a silver lining. The Stevensons were on their way to spend Christmas morning with their family. Unfortunately, they hit a slick spot on the interstate which resulted in a rollover accident. The slick spot sent their car flying as it flipped a few times before coming to a stop. With The Good Comes The Bad The silver lining is that nobody … Read more

Guide Dog Dropout Becomes ‘Custody Canine’ For UK Police Station

River, like so many other 5-year-old Labs, loves to chase squirrels. For most dogs, this personality trait is a mere inconvenience; but for River, it resulted in her removal from a guide dog training program. This gorgeous gal wasn’t cut out for work with the blind, but her calm, gentle nature made her the perfect choice for a new form of police service. The “Custody Canine” pilot project at Maidstone Police Station in Kent, UK utilizes River’s unique skills to … Read more

Boy’s “Tearjerker” Letter Earns Him An Autism Assistance Dog

Children and dogs go together like peanut butter and jelly — especially when the child is on the Autism spectrum, and the dog is trained to keep him safe! 10-year-old Lewis Millar faces daily challenges stemming from Aspberger’s syndrome. After four years on a waiting list with Assistance Dogs Northern Ireland (ADNI), the boy’s heartfelt letter helped make his dream a reality. A Black Lab named Jade joined the Miller family just in time for the holidays! “It was the … Read more

Survey Reveals All The Ways Our Dogs “Ruin” The Holidays

Now that the holiday season is coming to a close and we’ve said goodbye to visiting family members, there’s time for a little pause and reflection. Time to think back on the thoughtful gifts, delicious meals, and of course all the ways your mischievous dogs and cats made a horrible mess of the season. Itchpet recently performed some valuable research on this topic. A survey of 2,000 dog and cat people discovered a myriad of holiday “crimes” our furry friends … Read more

Labrador Kicked Out Of Guide Dog Training Ends Up Shining In New Career As A Therapy Dog

river therapy dog

They say when one door closes, another one opens. Well this saying proved true when an adorable Labrador named River was sacked from her training as a guide dog for her love of chasing squirrels, and in turn found her way to a new career. Related: Top Internet Dog Training Courses While River appeared to be wonderful candidate for a career as a guide dog, she began to raise some eyebrows when her love of chasing squirrels was able to … Read more

Compassionate Officer Drapes Coat Over Sad Dog Hit By Car

Dogs survive car accidents all the time (thank God.) But often injured and terrified dogs will wander from accidents, unknowingly denying themselves the care they need. That makes emotional support for canine car accident victims important too. A police officer in New York knows that, and it’s a good thing he was there for a dog hit by a car this month. On Facebook, The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office shared a photo of Sergeant Chris Howlett and a dog on a … Read more

Study Proves Kids Who Grow Up With Dogs Are Less Likely To Develop Schizophrenia

If you grew up with a dog by your side, you know what a rewarding experience it is. Having an adorable furry friend to play with is the dream for any kid. A new study suggests that there could be more benefits to dogs than just happiness. People that are exposed to dogs early in life are less likely to develop schizophrenia when they grow up. Having a dog during your childhood can keep you both happy and healthy! Family … Read more

Three-Legged Puppy Shares Second Chance At Life With Fellow Survivor

Tragedy struck an Ohio family twice. Just over a year ago, Andrew Allen was hit by a car while crossing the road. This happened just days after his 2-year-old brother lost his battle with brain cancer. The circumstances were unimaginable. As Andrew laid in the hospital in a coma and dependent upon life support, his family prepared to say their goodbyes. Surviving And Thriving The odds were stacked against Andrew. He was hit by multiple cars and suffered a traumatic … Read more

Dedicated Dog Rescuer Turns Her Home Into A Handicapped-Pup Sanctuary

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About 12 years ago, Claire-Louise Nixon rescued her very first special needs dog that was in danger of being let go without rescue intervention. Though caring for this handicapped puppy was an experience like no other, this Milton Keynes resident had no idea that the love and dedication to this one pup would open the door to a long future in animal rescue. After the rescue of her first special needs resident, a tiny Cocker Spaniel named Thomas Cook with … Read more

Heartbroken Woman Flies Banner Over City To Find Still-Missing Dog

San Francisco resident Emilie Talermo would do absolutely anything for her beloved Australian Shepherd Jackson. Since he was taken from her, that’s all she’s been doing. The pup was stolen from outside a grocery store in Bernal Heights neighborhood in San Francisco on December 14th. Talermo first adopted her best friend in New York. They’ve been together over 5 years and crossed the country together. For weeks now the two have been apart, and she has no idea where he is or who … Read more

Thunder The Wonder Dog: The Cone Dog From The Woods Is Healing And Looking For A Family

Davina Liberty and Sarah Grimes were shocked when they found an animal in need. They came across a dog limping when they were horseback riding in the Jackson State Forest in California. He appeared to be in really rough shape, but that wasn’t the most noticeable part. The poor dog was wearing a medical cone on his head and he had lots of wounds. So, Liberty knew that she had to do something to save this sweet pup. The dog … Read more

Rescue Is Determined To Get Injured, Abandoned Dog Back On His Feet

A pair of unrestrained canine brothers, 6 month old “Dale” and 5-6 year old “Brennan” (yes, as in “Step Brothers” best buds,) took a jaunt together one day in December. On their trip, a car struck Brennan, badly injuring him. Dale refused to leave his suffering brother’s side. That’s how Pasco County Animal Services found them, side by side in the road. Foster organization Maxx And Me Rescue wrote on Facebook about the trauma these dogs suffered together. Brennan especially suffered … Read more

Crying Dog Runs After Cow Who Raised Him

This is the kind of story that makes those “unlikely animal friendship” calendars go flying off the shelves. It’s about a tiny brown dog named Rookie and his best friend in the whole world: a cow. Yes, she’s a dairy cow. She’s also, he seems to believe, his mother. The two are similar in [brown] color. He’s very tiny and she towers over him, but Rookie often sleeps on top of her back. They even share a water bowl. They’re udderly … Read more

Incredible Footage Of K9 Apprehending Suspected Domestic Abuser

Duke is a K9 police officer with the Corona Police Department. He recently showed his insane athleticism and apprehension skills when assisting his handler and fellow officers in taking down a suspect. Warning: the video (published by TMZ) is intense and shows a suspect being held down by the K9 officer. Rest assured, Duke was left completely unharmed, without a single scratch on his body. Police and Suspect in Vehicular Stand Off Police from Corona and Fontana, California were involved … Read more

Foster Failure With Sad Past Becomes Shelter Helper Dog

Yuri’s story begins like that of so many other shelter dogs. She arrived to the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter in Valley View, Ohio in bad shape. She had pneumonia, scars on her back and legs, was heartworm positive, and pregnant. Deputy Dog Warden Amanda Kopec had a soft spot for Yuri right away. Little did she know that Yuri would bloom into a talented resource for the shelter and would wiggle her way into Kopec’s life for good as a foster … Read more