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Collie Puppy With A ‘Ruff’ Past Wins Puppy Bowl

Duncan the 9-month-old Rough Collie is a true inspiration for humans and dogs alike. When he was only a few weeks old, he was in an unfortunate situation. He was one of about 130 animals that were rescued from a business in Solon, Maine. The poor animals were in rough shape and they all needed urgent care. Now, Duncan has moved on from his difficult past to become the star of the 2020 Puppy Bowl!  What Happened to Duncan? Not … Read more

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #15

In This Issue

● Coronavirus In Dogs
● The Trouble With Dry Kibble
● Therapy Pups In Training
● Senior Dog Training Tips
● Why Dogs Eat Grass
● DIY Valentine Cookies For Dogs

Dog Lover Rents Billboard To Share A Special Message With His Dog

Our dogs deserve the best every day. But on their birthdays, we like to make it even more special. They might not understand what a birthday is, but they sure love all the special attention and delicious treats. However, fitness celebrity Maxx Chewning decided to go all out for his dog’s 1st birthday. Not only did he record an adorable adventure with his pup, Dood, but he even bought a special billboard to honor his best friend’s big day! Dood’s … Read more

5-Star Chef Turns Leftovers Into Food For Shelter Dogs

Chef J Gourmet is head chef at the five-star Hotel Fairmont in Abu Dhabi. Concerned about the global food waste issue, he came up with a wonderful way to re-purpose the hotel’s unused food. Instead of sending it to rot in a landfill, Chef J Gourmet turns it into dog food for the area’s strays! Doggy Bag Initiative The program is called the Doggy Bag Initiative. After each meal, the restaurant staff collects the leftover food in large trash bags. … Read more

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

Hugs are such an essential part of the way human beings show affection for one another. So naturally, we’ve extended that physical gesture to the dogs we love too. It seems simple and logical enough, but some scientists and ethicists debate whether dogs want to have arms wrapped around them and faces pressed into their fur. So which is it? Have cynical researchers completely missed the point or are we dog huggers in total denial? Let’s look at both sides … Read more

5 Mistakes Most Owners Make (And 1 You Probably Are Too)

Whether you’re new to raising a dog or if you’ve been doing it for years, you’ve probably made plenty of mistakes. A dog is so much more than just a cute companion because they have a lot of specific needs. Many dog lovers make the same mistakes as they raise their pups, but it’s never too late to make a change for the better. It’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them as you get to know your dog. … Read more

Naughty Panda Cubs Give Worker A Run For Her Money

By Chesney McDonald Contributor at Animal Channel Clearing leaves is a monotonous and tiring task as it is. And if we know anything abut baby Panda’s, it’s that they are notoriously clumsy, mischievous and just seem to want to have fun. Their curiosity and playful nature cause them to create havoc for anyone who may be in charge of them. Nanny Mei, I guess that’s you! Mei is a keeper at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The … Read more

Don’t Panic! Coronavirus: Here’s What You Need To Know

You’ve likely heard about Coronavirus by now. It can be more than a little scary when a virus like this seems to spread so quickly, but as dog lovers, many of us immediately turn our thoughts to our pups at times like these. Especially if you’re familiar with the phrase, “Canine Coronavirus.” “Can my dog get Coronavirus?” Or worse, “Can I give my dog Coronavirus?” First and foremost: don’t panic. What is Coronavirus? Though people are largely referring to the … Read more

“Wheelie Pup” Is Rescued After Getting Stuck In A Tire

Puppies are extremely curious and often get themselves into trouble without meaning to. However, when the Riverside County Animal Services received a call about a puppy stuck in a tire, they had never heard anything like it. A poor 3-month-old Australian Cattle Dog from California had put her head through a wheel, and she couldn’t seem to squirm out of it. Rescuing the Pup Animal services tried to use oil to lubricate the pup’s neck to get her free, but … Read more

Officer “Arrests” Shelter Dogs And Takes Them For A Ride

Twice a month, senior police officer, Aundrea Holiday visits the Heritage Humane Society in Williamsburg, Virginia. She arrives bright and early, loads an adoptable pooch into her cruiser, and spends the morning patrolling for potential adopters. The program is called Dog For A Day, and it has been extremely successful since its inception last February. “All of the adoptable pets that she [Officer Holiday] has taken out in 2019 have been adopted out,” Jennifer LaFountain, a volunteer and community engagement … Read more

Veteran Struggles Until He Is Reunited With His Missing Pit Bull

Social media is overflowing with stories of missing dogs. Isn’t it nice to hear some good news every once in a while? We especially love it when one of our service members has a story with a happy ending! This happy ending happened in the heartland of America and it’s pretty incredible. A veteran in Kileen, Texas was heartbroken after his Pit Bull was lost. Hades went missing back on October 21st when he left his yard to play with … Read more

Elated Golden Retriever’s Discovers His Favorite Toy Survived the Australian Fire

So many lives and property were lost in the recent fires in Australia. Unfortunately, one of those homes belonged to the family of OJ the Golden Retriever. Luckily, OJ and his family survived the fire, but they found that everything they owned had been destroyed. Well, almost everything. Amongst all the destruction, there was one important item that remained, proving that the little things in life can go a long way. After returning to their home for the first time, … Read more

New Law Could Mean Tax Break For People Adopting From Shelters

Anyone with a rescue dog will be quick to tell you how much a rescue has changed their life. Giving second chances to disadvantaged dogs is a reward in itself, not to mention the love and appreciation rescued pups give us. Yet while millions of dogs live in shelters, a large portion of dog people continue to buy designer or purebred dogs from breeders. The trend is in decline, but the issue remains. At least some lawmakers are working to … Read more

This Forlorn Pup Can’t Bear His Toy Separation Anxiety

If you have a dog (or more than one) at home, odds are you’ve witnessed some of the seemingly bizarre tactics they employ to get back misplaced toys. For example, my childhood dog once insisted I let him outside just so he could retrieve a rawhide he left by the door the day before. Claire Cummings from Basingstoke, England happened upon such a situation while driving. First, she noticed a lone stuffed pig on the sidewalk. Then she saw a … Read more

Top 5 Ways Your Dog Reads Your Emotions

Dogs have a remarkable ability to sense our emotions. Some people say they know us better than we know ourselves, and science backs up that theory. The slightest increase in blood pressure alerts them when our stress level is rising, while a quick glance at our facial expression lets them know whether we are happy or angry. Our dogs can even influence our emotions just by gazing into our eyes. How do they tune into our innermost feelings? And how … Read more

Shelter Dog Has Special Unicorn Sleepover Party

For years, Sox the 11-year-old shelter dog has been in and out of the North Fork Animal Welfare League. She had been with the same family for nearly 8 years, but now, she’s all alone. She’s the sweetest pup, but she is often overlooked because of her age. However, volunteer Valerie Sanks from Rocky Point, New York knows how special Sox really is. So, she decided to give Sox her very own unicorn-themed sleepover party! Sox’s History There’s still a … Read more

Blind, Deaf Dog Provides Full-Time Comfort To Other Rescues

When people underestimate the challenges that come with raising a disabled shelter dog, and the dogs are usually the ones who end up suffering. Dogs with special needs who are just as capable of providing love may end up returning to shelters after their adoptions for a variety of reasons, all unfair to the pups. All it takes to love a disabled rescue is time and commitment. One incredible animal rights activist understands that, and she was more than willing … Read more

Dog In Wheelchair Adopted By Man With Similar Paralysis

Since 2014, Bandit has been with the Gwinnett Jail Dogs Program, dreaming of finding a forever home. This program allows select inmates to help foster and train dogs rescued from kill shelters. Bandit bonded with many people in the program, but his special needs made it difficult to find a home. He had been adopted and returned at least 3 times because he was just too much work, but finally, that bad luck came to an end! Bandit first became … Read more

16 Most Challenging Dog Breeds That Are Full Of Love

All dogs need love, attention, and training – but some dog breeds need a little more than others. Every dog breed has its strengths and weaknesses. That doesn’t make any particular breed less loveable, but these 10 dog breeds may need a lot more patience and obedience training than others. These breeds tend to be intelligent, independent, and stubborn, making then the least obedient dog breeds. Successfully training one of these breeds should win you an award! #1 – Afghan Hound … Read more

Study Shows That YOU Are Making Your Dog Jealous

It’s official, your dog can succumb to the green-eyed monster called jealousy. It’s not in your head pup parents, your dog can experience feelings of jealousy when your world is not currently revolving around them. A new UC San Diego study on canine behavior proves that your dog not only makes you the center of their universe, but they also display jealous behaviors when you give other furry friend’s attention. We’ll dive into the details of this canine study so … Read more

8 Things You Do That Really Annoy Your Dog

When we think about our dogs and annoying behaviors, we are usually thinking about how our dogs annoy us. Perhaps it’s high time that we do some personal reflection. After all, humans can be annoying, too. If our dogs could talk, we’re sure they’d tell us a long list of ways that we aggravate, annoy and trouble them. We took a dive into human behavior to reveal some highly annoying habits of dog Moms and Dads.  Avoid these behaviors to … Read more

10 Things Small Dog Lovers Will Understand

Ever heard, “Though she be but little, she is fierce!”? Shakespeare said that, and I think he was talking about dogs – maybe without knowing it. If you have a small dog then you know that size doesn’t really matter. In fact, small dogs have just as much spark, personality, and loyalty as their bigger canine counterparts – usually even more. For little pup devotees, you know what it’s like to have one of these peanuts at home. If you have … Read more

11 Things Only Big Dog Lovers Understand

They say there are two types of people: those that love big dogs and those that love little dogs. Okay, that’s probably an over-simplification. Most of us love all dogs, but most of us have a preference when it comes to size. For those of us that have a penchant for the bigger breeds, you’ve heard and seen it all before. Here are 11 things you can definitely relate to.   1. They start small, but they grow fast. Fast … Read more

11 Things Only Big Dog Lovers Understand

They say there are two types of people: those that love big dogs and those that love little dogs. Okay, that’s probably an over-simplification. Most of us love all dogs, but most of us have a preference when it comes to size. For those of us that have a penchant for the bigger breeds, you’ve heard and seen it all before. Here are 11 things you can definitely relate to.   1. They start small, but they grow fast. Fast … Read more

Can My Dog Get Coronavirus?

You’ve likely heard about Coronavirus by now. It can be more than a little scary when a virus like this seems to spread so quickly, but as dog lovers, many of us immediately turn our thoughts to our pups at times like these. Especially if you’re familiar with the phrase, “Canine Coronavirus.” “Can my dog get Coronavirus?” Or worse, “Can I give my dog Coronavirus?” First and foremost: don’t panic. What is Coronavirus? Though people are largely referring to the … Read more

5 Signs Your Dachshund Is Head Over Paws for You

We love dachshunds as if they were members of our families—because to us, they really are! We have a good feeling they love us, but it would be encouraging to know for sure. Sometimes it might feel like a one-sided relationship, but if your dachshund does these five things for you—consider it their way of saying, “I love you!” #1 – Playing and Roughhousing With You Ding ding, the match is on! If you’ve ever watched dogs playing at a … Read more

Couple Explores Nepal With Their Rescued Pup, Then Brings Him Home To The U.S.

nepal cover

Taylor and Drew Woodard set off on a year long adventure traveling around Nepal just last Spring. Though they had an idea that this would be a life changing trip, they gained more than they could have ever imagined. Taylor is an avid animal lover and would frequently ask their translator, Harry, to pull over at the sight of any kind of furry friend on the side of the road. Whether it was a dog, cat, or even an elephant, … Read more

Website Will Warn You About Sad Movie Scenes Involving Dogs

Did the film Marley & Me leave you emotionally scarred? Are you afraid to watch movies with doggie actors for fear they might face an untimely demise? You are not alone! On the website, DoesTheDogDie.com, viewers just like you crowd-source “emotional spoilers” for movies, TV, books, video games, and more. The website’s database currently has more than 4000 films and roughly 838 television series. Simply type in the title of the movie you plan to watch, and a list of comments … Read more

Adoptable Dog’s Own Daughter Serves As His Guide Dog

It happens to many of us: our parents who once gave us life and raised us now need us to take care of them. It’s the cycle of humanity. But apparently, that time occurs in the lives of some dogs too. A 2-year-old rescue pup named Pinky spends almost all of her time beside her biological dad, 5-year-old Flash. She doesn’t do this just because she loves him (though she does.) Pinky also serves as a guide dog for the … Read more

K9 For A Day: Shelter Dogs Go On Patrol

The hearts of police officers never cease to amaze us. Of course, their service and sacrifice don’t stop at the humans within their community. Their kindness and compassion often overflow into the four-legged friends that call their communities home. Another thing the boys and girls in blue are known for is their resourcefulness. No challenge is ever too big for them to find a creative solution! Mickey Won Their Hearts And Paved The Way The La Vista Police Department in … Read more

Pet Food Blessing Box Built To End Animal Hunger

While many of our furry friends get fed plenty of healthy dog food and tasty treats, that’s not the case for all animals. Every day, there are dogs that are starving. Sadly, there’s also many people that can’t afford enough food for their four-legged family members. So, Travis Combs of Kentucky decided that something had to be done about this situation. He wanted to make sure that all the hungry animals in his area were fed. Combs decided to build … Read more

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