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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

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #10

In This Issue

● All About Dog Farts
● A Strange Discovery In A Shelter Dog’s Mouth
● Protect Your Dog During Holiday Fireworks
● Behavior: Myths About Dog Aggression
● Vet Corner: What Happens In “The Back”?
● Reader Q: Why Are My Dog’s Eyes Irritated?

Artist Turns Old Tires Into Dog Beds For Stray

As important as the environment is, many people won’t go out of their way to reuse and recycle. This was especially clear to artist Amarildo Silva when he noticed how many discarded tires were scattered around Brazil. He also noticed how many stray dogs there were. In fact, the number of abandoned animals in his area greatly outnumbers the amount of homeless people. Luckily, Silva came up with a brilliant way to address both issues. Whenever Silva walked around the … Read more

Chained To Shelter Fence, Dog Saved Just In Time To Give Birth

Dr. Michael White is the director of Harris County Animal Shelter in Texas. He flipped on the morning news and was surprised to see a reporter standing outside of his shelter’s gate. Reporter Janelle Bludau and the KHOU 11 News Team arrived at the shelter that morning to find a Lab Mix chained to the fence. Bludau told the audience that she would stay until someone came to open the shelter. Dr. White sprang from his chair and hit the … Read more

UPDATE: After 7 Years, Shelter Dog Still Needs Loving Home

Update: Scout has left the building! Not long after Scout’s story spread, his forever family finally found him! From Humane Society of the Delta: “We’ve got some exciting news!! “Scout has been adopted and he’s going home! We are so thankful for the foster family that took our sweet boy in and helped show what an amazing dog he truly is! We knew he was a great dog, but getting him in a home for everyone else to see how … Read more

FAA Issues Clarifying Statements About Emotional Support Animals

We’re in the midst of one of the busiest travel times of the year. It’s estimated that 47.7 million people will travel across the globe between December 19th and January 5th. That’s an estimated 2.2 to 3 million passengers per day! There were a record-breaking 26 million people who traveled by air over the Thanksgiving week this year. Flying the friendly skies has continued to become an even more popular option and generating buzz in the news. Naturally, emotional support … Read more

Heed Foods Review: Be A Picky Pup Parent By Putting Your Dog’s Health First

Your dog is so easy to love. You’re an expert cuddler. You know all the right places to scratch. But that doesn’t mean it’s all a walkie in the dog park. Some parts of being a pet parent are downright difficult. We know that making the best choices for your pet’s health can be hard, but we can all agree on one thing: a healthy pup starts with a healthy gut. Your dog’s health and well-being usually begins with what’s … Read more

Stick Library For Dogs Now Open For Business

Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that make all the difference. A warm cup of coffee, a cozy blanket, and a hug from a friend are just a few. If you’re a dog, however, then joy comes in the form of treats, walks, belly scratches, and toys. And, if you were to take a survey of the dogs in your life, many would argue that there is no greater toy than a good old fashioned stick! It’s a timeless … Read more

“Freakish” Dog Proves Beauty Comes From Within

Phoenix doesn’t look like your average dog, but that doesn’t matter to him. He’s no different than any other pup, but sadly, many people don’t see it that way. His appearance often scares people and causes them to look away. But he’s just a sweet dog that wants someone to love and understand him. The way he looks doesn’t hold him back. So, he’s ready to show the world what an incredible dog he truly is. This poor dog was … Read more

Vet Reunites With Terrified Pup He Won Over With A Meal

Every day, veterinarians see animals in terrible conditions. Their job is difficult, but they do everything they can to help. In one vet’s case, that means emotional support too. Dr. Andy Mathis is an outstanding vet at a small animal hospital in Georgia, and he has a passion for animals that goes beyond “pet ownership.” He knows they’re more to us than that. According to his own website: “A long, healthy and happy Life. As a pet owner/parent, it’s what I … Read more

Photo Shows Pittie Extremely Grateful For His Adopter

You might roll your eyes at the “a picture is worth a thousand words” saying, but that’s just because you’re not seeing the right picture. When you get a look at a rescue Pit Bull leaning on his adoptive mom, you’ll more than get it. His name is Russ, and by the look on his face in this photo he’s never been happier to be out of a shelter and in a family at last. 22-year-old Kayla Filoon is a volunteer … Read more

Study: Dogs Have The Brains To Understand Numbers

Even though they’ve been our closest pals for thousands of years, there’s still so much about dogs we don’t know. How much can they really understand and relate to us? Do they have any idea what we’re talking about at all? At the very least we now know they can understand numbers… sort of. A new scientific study has demonstrated some really interesting things about mammals’ relationship with numbers. More specifically, it shows that dogs, like humans and some primates, … Read more

iHeartDogs Community Shows Off Their Beautiful Dog Tattoos

Dogs are an important part of our lives. They stay with us forever in our hearts whether they’re with us today or not. That’s why many dog lovers have decided to get a tattoo as a permanent memory of their furry friend. Some of these memories are simple paw prints while others are colorful portraits. Either way, it’s clear that dog parents love to show off their dog tattoos to honor their best friends. In fact, there are many amazing … Read more

Service Dog Meets His Disney Hero, Dug The Dog From ‘Up’!

Disney World is not only the happiest place on earth, it is also one of the best places to hone a service dog’s skills. Jessica Paulsen knows this firsthand. She and her good-boy Golden Retriever, Henry love spending time at the park and have visited six times! While all the sights, sounds, and smells are enough to drive an average dog to distraction, Henry is trained to focus on the task at hand. He can block out just about any … Read more

Here’s How You Saved A Veteran And A Shelter Dog By Bringing Them Together

Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good, which helps support various charities. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible. A grant provided to Canines for Service from GreaterGood.org, funded by the iHeartDogs.com community, made success stories like that of Rosemary and Salim possible. The impact of training a shelter dog as a highly skilled service dog for a veteran with a disability is vast. Not only are the lives of both … Read more

You And Rescue Rebuild Help A Shelter That Helps Keep Families Together

Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good, which helps support various charities. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible. One of the main reasons that GreaterGood.org’s Rescue Rebuild program chose Young-Williams Animal Center for a renovation is their take on “managed admissions.” This shelter is an open admission city shelter, which means that they have to take any animal that comes to their door. This can be chaotic. So instead of … Read more

Truck Driver Finds Happiness Again Through The Love Of Her Adopted Dog

truck driver cover

A Texas truck driver named Florencia Aguilar was left devastated after the passing of her beloved dog Bandit. After losing him to his battle with stomach cancer, she wondered if she would ever again find the happiness that Bandit gave her. After losing Bandit, Florencia fell into a dark depression. She found it difficult to even leave the house and only ventured out when it was time for another truck route. Florencia began to wonder if the best cure for … Read more

Extended-Stay Hotel Lets You Foster A Pup During Your Stay & Adopt Them On The Way Out

hotel foster program

A life on the road can be a bit lonely at times. With so many careers involving full-time travel, the desire to have a furry friend along for the ride is at an all time high. Luckily, this extended-stay hotel has the solution that so many traveling animal lovers needed. A Home2 Suites in Biloxi, Mississippi is home to a beautiful program that helps comfort dogs and humans alike. With their Fostering Hope program in partner with the Humane Society … Read more

Freeway Is Shut Down To Save Runaway Rescue Dog

It was supposed to just be a normal drop-off day for the Community Animal Welfare Society (CAWS). They transported 68 dogs away from kill shelters to the VCA All Pet Animal Hospital in Taylorsville, Utah. Many of the dogs were excited to meet their foster parents at this location, but one dog in particular didn’t seem so sure. As soon as she had the chance, she took off running. At first, the staff with CAWS struggled to get the dog … Read more

Artistic Dog’s Paintings Raise $4K For Shelter

Actually making money with art is no simple task. A Staffordshire Terrier with success selling his art has some advice for you: 1) Be a dog who paints, 2) Give all the money to an animal shelter. That Staffy is named Rico, but people call him Ricasso. He’s a full-on professional artist and also a shelter dog at Animal Welfare League Of Alexandria. Rico’s powerful and active wagging tail didn’t go unnoticed by staff. They do “Rico’s Art Lessons” with … Read more

Stolen Lab Is Now Home For Christmas

Alfie the Labrador Retriever is an important member of his family. His parents, Shaun Traves and Laura Bland-Traves, love him very much. Their son, Charlie, can’t live without him. So when their truck was stolen with Alfie stuck in the back, they were horrified. They couldn’t imagine a life without their sweet Alfie. They began to search long and hard. They were determined to bring him home as soon as possible. Alfie had been in a crate in the back … Read more

Dog At Shelter 900+ Days Asks Santa For A Home

Letters to Santa have always been the most heartwarming of all the annual traditions. They give children everywhere a chance to dream and fantasize. Our dogs don’t really get an opportunity to put their hopes and dreams down on paper like that. Lucky for one adoptable pup in Pennsylvania, the humans that knew her best wrote a letter to Santa for her. Lucy and her sister Bella first arrived at the PSPCA through its Humane Law Enforcement team in May … Read more

Heroic Bystander Saves The Life Of Dog Who Was Run Over

Timing is absolutely crucial in the event a dog survives getting hit or run over by a car. Injured dogs are left completely vulnerable to further injury, totally exposed in the street. A lifesaver in New York had this in mind when he ran into the street to save an injured dog from a worse fate. The Robledo family was having their car serviced at Honda of New Rochelle. Fortunately for them, general manager James Gallagher worked that day. He … Read more

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #9

In This Issue

● Dog Mom Warns About Toxic Mushrooms
● Stray Walks Through The Right Door
● Designer Puppy Scam
● Why Dogs Are Willing To Die For Us
● Vet Corner: All About Microchips
● 2020 Resolutions You Can Share With Your Dog

Tiny Two-Legged Puppy Has A Need For Speed In Her Custom Wheels

Loveyloaves cover

Lovey Loaves is a rescue dedicated to the rehabilitation of dogs with special needs. When the odds are stacked against these wonderful pups, Lovey Loaves swoops in and gives them the care they need to succeed. With a record of transforming an array of incredible canines, it’s no wonder this organization was the first to hear of a tiny two-legged puppy that could benefit from their expertise. Cheri Wells of the Lovey Loaves Rescue was contacted on the night before … Read more

91 Dogs Take Cross-Country Flight For Second Chances

Life is going to change for the better this week for nearly 100 shelter dogs. Their holiday miracle came in the shape of an airplane! These lucky dogs took flight this week from North Texas to various shelters across the United States. The goal is to find them their furever families, and these patient pups certainly deserve it! Flights To Freedom For Nearly 100 Deserving Doggos According to nbcdfw.com, 91 dogs left Dallas-Fort Worth Airport this week with destinations in … Read more

Lost Dog Receives Southern Hospitality At Alabama Prison

Soup is an English Setter of Southern rearing who lives with his family in Montgomery, Alabama. Last week, his curiosity got the best of him as he chased after a deer in some nearby woods. He ended up getting lost, leaving his family fearing the worst for three excruciating days. Little did they know that Soup was just fine, receiving the finest Southern hospitality in a somewhat surprising place. Soup Was Found Scared but Was Won Over with a Hot … Read more

52-Year-Old Veteran And Service Dog Become Yale Freshmen Together

James Hatch is a veteran Navy SEAL who is no stranger to obstacles. He proudly served in the Navy for 26 years and successfully completed missions around the globe. Hatch spent much of his time in Iraq and Afghanistan where some of his most notable comrades had four legs and a tail. Those tours of duty didn’t come without a price, however. A Dog Laid Down His Life For Hatch As a dog handler in the Navy, Hatch completed 40 … Read more

They Had Given Up On This Sweet Dog With Cancer, But You Gave Him His Second Chance

Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good, which helps support various charities. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible. “Chief entered the high-kill Lancaster Shelter in California with a cancerous growth on his tail. He was such a gentle dog, but nobody wanted him. The shelter gave only 48 hours before he was going to be euthanized. “But enter our friends Vicki and Lori of Hands Paws & Hearts, who thankfully came to … Read more

Injured Stray Wanders Through Open Door & Finds Her Forever Home

In a whirlwind few days, a starving stray dog went from living a difficult life on the streets of Philadelphia to becoming a beloved internet star with a family. It’s all thanks to a door that blew open during a storm and the man who later closed it. In that time, the dog sought shelter in the home she would later occupy for life. She just didn’t know it yet. The pup’s adventure began with a simple, straightforward tweet from … Read more

August Spent Half His Life At The Shelter & Now He’s In A Loving Home Because Of You

ggrb august

iHeartDogs works closely with The Greater Good by donating part of each sale to their various charity efforts. One of the charities, Rescue Bank, works to donate quality dog food to shelters and rescues who are in need. Some organizations could not run without the kind donations from organizations like this, and that’s why your donations are so appreciated. The Dogworks Rescue is just one of the many rescues that benefit from the efforts of the Greater Good Rescue Bank. Thanks to … Read more

Therapy Dog Hoards Christmas Toys For Himself

An adorable therapy dog named Ben Franklin knows what Christmas is all about. At least, he thinks it’s all about the toys.  The Franklin Police Department was collecting toy donations to be shipped off to the Santa Foundation. However, they never expected that one of their employees would be eager to keep those toys for himself. Ben the Golden Retriever has been with the police department ever since he was a young puppy. He joined the team as a therapy … Read more

August Is Celebrating Christmas For The First Time Ever Thanks To You

At just 2-years-old, adorable August had spent nearly a year in the shelter in Lucas County, Ohio. Nearly half of his life was spent in that shelter waiting for a family to love him! He had been adopted and returned numerous times. And yet, despite the stressful shelter environment and being let down time after time, August kept his happy-go-lucky disposition. He quickly became a shelter favorite (don’t tell the other dogs)! Saved In The Nick Of Time August loved … Read more

Transport Gives Strays Found On Farm A Second Chance

iHeartDogs works closely with GreaterGood by donating part of each sale to their various charity efforts. One of these organizations, Animal Lifeline, provides transport for dogs in risky situations to second chances elsewhere.  Thanks to customers like you, Animal Lifeline is able to make a difference for many dogs in need! Amos and Andy are just two of those dogs. On a rural farm in Tennessee, two skinny and malnourished sibling pups (now named Amos and Andy) were caught chasing the … Read more