Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:
We all know that mold and humans don’t mix well. No one should ever live in moldy conditions as they pose a major health risk. But can this fungus harm our dogs as well? A story out of Kansas City, Missouri, got us thinking about the harmful implications for our dogs. So, we decided to learn more about the dangers of mold and how they affect dogs. One Dog’s Story Lana Becerra and her dog discovered they both have an … Read more
There was a time when dogs were thought to be completely color blind, unable to see anything but shades of grey. While their range is limited compared to the spectrum we see, our pups do perceive color. Basically, dogs are able to distinguish between yellows, blues, and violets; but cannot distinguish between reds, greens, and oranges. These colors appear somewhere on their yellow to blue spectrum. A new study conducted by Italian researchers at the University of Bari’s Department of Veterinary Medicine … Read more
UPDATE: Leialoha is home for good! She’s a foster fail and living in Hawaii with her new family. You can follow her on Instagram: @LuckyLeialoha! Original Post: The beaches of Oahu, Hawaii are a paradise, but for this unfortunate pup, the sun-soaked sands were nearly her grave. A passerby on the beach spotted a machete-wielding man burying this poor dog alive in broad daylight, and immediately contacted PAWS of Hawaii. Thanks to his lack of hesitation, the pup lived to … Read more
We just love new technology – especially when it benefits our pups. Self-driving cars – who would have ever thought? A phone that makes calls by voice command? We don’t even think twice about how improvements like these have affected our lives. But, we recently came across something that astounded us. A Labrador mix named Tai turns, backs up, lays down and comes without any visual or audio cues. All thanks to a vest. Wait – what? Earlier this week, … Read more
Residents of Athens, Alabama recently started noticing an increase in the number of dogs tied up outside homes. And they weren’t going to be quiet about it. Even legislators got involved and tried to do something about this inhumane practice. Unfortunately, after they passed legislation banning it, some dogs still needed help. That’s where the North Alabama Animal Warriors came into the picture. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10210897743039750&set=g.2041726012763896&type=1&theater&ifg=1 No More Tethers Animal rights activists in Athens explained to city legislators that leaving a dog … Read more
A breeder with a history of troubling accusations recently became the subject of an investigation by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Authorities claim the Double G Kennels were the breeding ground for an extremely contagious canine disease. Even more distressing, the disease can be spread from dogs to humans. An Unsettling History The dismal news stories date back two years. In 2017, authorities found two emaciated dogs at the Double G Kennels, a commercial breeding facility (sometimes … Read more
Can Your Senior Begin ‘Acting Like a Puppy Again’?! We have a saying here at iHeartDogs. We created it because we started hearing the same thing over and over again when it came to our canine joint supplement product. It goes something like this. A customer with an older dog tries our Advanced Hip & Joint chews. They usually have tried a product before, but they either didn’t see results, or their dog refused to eat it. They try our … Read more
In the late days of her life, the American Staffordshire Terrier behaved like any other senior dog. She loved a good snooze. The sweet dog spent time with her family and nibbling on treats. Her favorite toy was a raccoon. This dog showed no signs of the difficult obstacles she overcame. Layla, the Survivor Before being rescued, Layla lived in Virginia. Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick kept her as part of his dogfighting ring called Bad Newz Kennels. In 2007, … Read more
If you’re confused about the FDA’s announcement linking dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) to grain-free diets, you’re not alone! According to an iHeartDogs poll taken by 4,000 people, roughly 50% of owners currently using grain-free are planning on switching, while the other 50% are sticking with grain-free. Here’s 7 things you need to know about the FDA’s announcement in order to make the best decision for your dog: 👉 1) DON’T RELY ONLY ON SUMMARIES AND OPINIONS, READ THE ACTUAL REPORT FROM … Read more
Stop for a minute and think. Who did you last kiss? Was it your partner or was it your pup? A new survey found more than half of people with dogs kiss their pups more than their partners. Actually, we are surprised the stat isn’t higher. Who doesn’t enjoy smothering their dog with love? The Findings Recently, dog treat company Riley’s Organics conducted a survey to find out how much TLC people give their pups. Riley’s surveyed individuals across the … Read more
Dogs protect their handlers in warzones and in law enforcement. Pups are known to stand up for their human family in the face of a threat. But what about a dog that has no connection to a human? One homeless Pit Bull didn’t need an emotional attachment to save someone. When he saw a woman under attack, he rescued her. Unfortunately, he paid the price. Warning: graphic images ahead. A True Hero A stray Pit Bull lived in of Baldwin, … Read more
What started out as a holiday weekend for a man traveling with his dog, ended in a war of words between him and an airline. A reporter attempted to travel with his dog to Washington, DC for the Fourth of July. He ran into some trouble with the airline when it came time to check in for his flight. It seems as though the confrontation got lost in translation. But, thankfully, there was a happy ending for all. Super … Read more
Humans aren’t the only creatures that dogs form bonds with. Their love knows no bounds! We’ve seen dogs who love horses, and ducks and cats – it only makes sense that somewhere out there there’s a pup who loves pigs! The Webb family probably didn’t mean to have a house full of animals when they took in their first – but isn’t that how it always happens? Kookie, a mini-pig, joined the family as a little piglet, and wiggled her … Read more
The United Kingdom’s Parliament approved a new bill to protect some of their most vulnerable inhabitants from harm. The new law is aimed at keeping animals safe. The Parliament also increased potential prison sentences. Three cheers to the UK! Law of the Land The new Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill has a harsh sentence for people who harm animals. Convicted criminals could face up to five years in jail, instead of the current penalty of six months. The Bill reserves the … Read more
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. Thanks to help from a grant from GreaterGood.org, funded by the iHeartDogs.com community, Brandywine Valley SPCA transported a total of 171 animals from at-risk areas to Pennsylvania and Delaware where they were adopted into new families quickly. One such animal was Isabella. Isabella was transported with her sister Rihanna by Felines & … Read more
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. Thanks to help from a grant from GreaterGood.org, funded by the iHeartDogs.com community, Brandywine Valley SPCA transported a total of 171 animals from at-risk areas to Pennsylvania and Delaware where they were adopted into new families quickly. One such animal was Rihanna. Rihanna was transported along with her sister, Isabella, by Felines … Read more
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. Wishbone’s owners tied him to a fence with little water and left him for dead. Two weeks passed before the police found him. Poor Wishbone was in the shelter for a month before Dogs Are Deserving Rescue knew he was there. The day they pulled him, they didn’t think he would make … Read more
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. From Rescue Rebuild: “The Rescue Rebuild team headed to Wayne, Michigan, to help assist with a big change at First Step, whose mission is to eliminate both domestic and sexual violence and to provide comprehensive services to individuals and families impacted by these crimes. Many shelters are not pet-friendly, so owners are … Read more
Dogs help humans in all sorts of ways. They support troops with PTSD, work in law enforcement, and aid those with medical needs. But did you know dogs help protect endangered species? We didn’t until we learned about a fantastic organization called Animals Saving Animals that opened our eyes to a number of ways dogs are making a difference. A Global Effort Dogs are excellent conservation aids because of the same traits that make them appealing to law enforcement. Canines … Read more
We love stories about service dogs aiding their humans. But this relationship blew us away. A woman and her dog climbed the highest mountain in Washington state. And the climbers believe this summit with a service dog to be the first one on record. Impressive is an understatement in describing this pup and his mom. An Inspirational Pair Elizabeth Briggs lives in Colorado with her medical alert dog, Loki. Before this trek in Washington, the two had climbed 57 of … Read more
We have heard lots of wild stories about dogs eating things that are not food. Often, people say puppies eat their shoes and gnaw on furniture. We have never heard a story like this one before. An Ohio dog mistook something very hard and crunchy for food. Luckily, the pup suffered only short term consequences. One Hungry Pooch Meet Finnegan. This four-year-old Golden Retriever lives in Wellington, Ohio. He recently got into a spot of trouble after a family barbecue. … Read more
Onyx and Starlet went through hell together. Rescuers promised to keep them together. They were able to maintain that vow when they found the pair a forever home. Thousands of applicants contacted Foxy and the Hounds wanting to take in the Mastiffs. After a rigorous screening, the shelter found the perfect spot for the duo. View this post on Instagram I know everyone is anxious for us to get Starlet and Onyx adopted. We have a very thorough adoption … Read more
The international community is rejoicing. South Korean authorities shut down a well-known dog meat marketplace. Surprisingly, it was the actions of local vendors and authorities that made the closing of one of the largest dog meat markets in South Korea possible. What a fantastic way to work together! Infamous Slaughterhouse Humane Society International (HSI) made the announcement in early July. Apparently, Gupo Market, located in Busan, South Korea has quite the reputation. Animal rights organizations say it’s a“notorious” dog meat … Read more
Service dogs provide invaluable support to the humans they help. Sometimes, they guide those with visual impairments. Other times they assist people with difficulty walking. And for some, service dogs provide emotional aid. This is especially important to those who protected the United States’ freedom: our veteran soldiers. An American Hero Nicholas “Nic” Day served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 13 years, including four deployments overseas. That time spent defending the United States left a lasting impact on Nic, … Read more
UPDATE: 07/05/2019 After more than 40 people were diagnosed with a multidrug-resistant strain of Salmonella, Pet Supplies Plus has recalled its pig ear treats in 33 states. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are investigating how contaminated pig ear dog treats may be connected to human cases of Salmonella. The consumer advisory bulletin said the retailer recalled bulk pig ears supplied to over 400 stores in 33 states: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, … Read more
Potential adopters tend to enter animal shelters with some idea of their perfect pup. However, according to psychologists at Indiana University Bloomington, their final decision is often based on only a few specific traits. The discrepancy between what a person says they want and what they actually choose is referred to as the stated–revealed preference gap. It is the basis for Dr. Samantha Cohen’s research on the adoption process. The Problem Currently, 13% of adopted dogs end up back at … Read more
45 people in 13 different states have come down with a multi drug-resistant strain of Salmonella. 12 have been hospitalized, but as yet there have been no deaths. A link was made to pig ear dog treats after 34 people reported having contact with a dog prior to getting sick. Officials from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development gathered pig ear dog treats from retail locations where ill people reported buying the products. The exact outbreak strain was … Read more
As we all know, dogs are good-natured, loving creatures. They don’t seek out to harm humans. Nothing exemplifies this more than the recent experience of a French man. He was assaulted and his assailant attempted to use his dog as a weapon. But the calm, loving canine refused to be part of the nefarious act. An Unthinkable Crime A 29-year-old Frenchman named Thomas Berredjem delivers newspapers in Castelsarrasin, France. It’s unclear why, but one day he endured an awful attack. During … Read more
This story truly took our breath away. It’s about a truly heartwarming reunion. After years apart a dog has finally reunited with his humans thanks to the help of some Good Samaritans and a microchip. Set your disbelief aside and get ready to hear about a pup that finally, finally, finally made his way home. Almost Too Good To Be True Take a journey with us to Lafayette, Louisiana. In early July, a man named Tyler discovered a homeless dog. … Read more
You can almost hear the music in the background. Dun dun…dun dun! Thank you Steven Spielberg for terrifying beachgoers throughout the years with the 1970’s hit Jaws. Seeing a shark near the shore would be so frightening, you wouldn’t want to be anywhere near the water. But for these lucky pups, a close encounter with an apex predator ended with the feisty fish turning tail and swimming for open water. Dogs -1. Shark – 0. While splashing around in the … Read more
One in three dogs will become lost at some point in their lives. The ones lucky enough to reunite with their families often have a good Samaritan to thank. But not everyone knows what to do. Here’s how to recognize when a dog needs your assistance, and how to help them find their way home again. Recognizing The Different Kinds Of Lost Dog You may be wondering how to tell if a dog is really lost. After all, some people … Read more
Did you watch HBO’s limited series about the disaster at Chernobyl? This show captivated the attention of millions of viewers. The series did an excellent job telling the story of how the people and the city were impacted. The results were catastrophic. We couldn’t help but wonder what happened to the dogs. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pomeranians Margarita📍🇻🇪 (@pomeranians_mgta) on Jun 9, 2019 at 4:04pm PDT Start From the Beginning In April … Read more
Having live plants in your home not only adds beauty and a nature to your interior, it can make your home a healthier environment. Plants purify the air inside your house as they take in CO2 and “breathe” out pure oxygen. What many dog moms don’t realize is that many houseplants are toxic to dogs. In an effort to make your home more inviting and healthy, you could be introducing a toxin to your fur baby. We know you don’t … Read more
We recently brought you a story about a homeless puppy that was found abandoned on a La-Z-Boy armchair on the side of the road. The sweet boy waited in his human’s discarded chair, patiently looking out for a human that would not return. Of course, the story quickly went viral because of the heartlessness of the act and the adorable animal. When the folks at La-Z-Boy heard what happened to the dog, they wanted to help. So sit back in … Read more
Some dogs suffer through serious neglect. The stories are hard to hear and even more painful to imagine. This is one of those tough stories. Cala started out with a rough lot in life. Thankfully, a rescue group found her before it was too late. It took lots of hard work, but Cala made a stunning turnaround. Surviving Abuse Cala lived near San Jose, Costa Rica. Cala’s human, a mechanic, kept her as a guard dog. However, according to The Dodo, … Read more
Some dogs struggle, spending years of their lives waiting for a forever home. One Lab Mix named Moose traveled across states to find the perfect human to call his own. But then, it happened. Moose finally found love and his forever home. Unfortunately, forever would end too soon for this loving lab. As he sat vigil, the fate of the beautiful boy was once again in question. Rough Beginnings Moose started his life in difficult circumstances. In 2017, someone found … Read more
Some people are full of goodness. They nurture and care for those in need. This is the story of one woman who gave her love and compassion to a dog in the last hours of his life. After suffering through tremendous illness, this dog needed peace. He found the right woman to carry him toward the Rainbow Bridge. Battling Through Disease Watson was staying at an emergency vet for constant care. A college student found him alone in a Philadelphia … Read more
What does your perfect vacation look like? For some of us, it’s the beach. For others, it’s a major metropolitan getaway. But have you ever considered a trip that includes puppies? One Bali resort makes this dream a reality for its travelers. They have puppy therapy twice a week. Sign us up! View this post on Instagram Yesss… we are puppy lovers 🐶 Join our “Puppy Therapy” every Tuesday and Thursday and spend your afternoon playing around … Read more
Last week, June 21st marked the twenty-first annual Take Your Dog to Work Day. Many companies held events for their employees and their pups. One tech giant took it to a paw-some extreme. Amazon employees took advantage of this pawfectly special day. Employees at Amazon’s Seattle headquarters registered more than 7,000 dogs to attend the event. 7 – 0 – 0 – 0!! View this post on Instagram It’s mini Friyay! From left to right we have … Read more
As the saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. One U.S. Marine and his service dog reflected this adage beautifully. Three years apart did not diminish their bond. And when they were reunited, the pair showed just how much love grew between them while they worked together. This is the story of two American heroes. Partners Protecting the United States Marine Sgt. Jacob Varela and Atilla the German Sheppard’s story started in 2014. The Marines paired the two together … Read more
Updated: 7/22/19 Since late last year, pet parents have been anxiously following the reports by the FDA that grain-free foods may be causing a spike in cases of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs that are not normally predisposed to the disease. On June 27th, the FDA released a more detailed, but still frustratingly uncertain report about these incidents. While a large percentage the foods are grain-free, we still don’t yet know the actual cause of the spike in reports, as … Read more
It’s not uncommon for the family dog to feel jealous when a new baby invades their turf. But a Massachusetts pooch named Mortimer took his baby blues to a whole new level. Mort’s humans brought him to the vet after the 3-year-old pooch began vomiting and refusing meals. An X-ray revealed the source of his tummy troubles: 19 baby pacifiers! Luckily for Mortimer, Dr. Doug Brum at Angell Animal Medical Center was able to remove the pacifiers using an endoscope … Read more
Hilary Hughes lost her beloved dog Patsy earlier this year. Patsy’s remains were laid to rest at Brynford Pet Cemetery, and she was memorialized with a sweet memorial headstone. Wanting to be near Patsy for all eternity, Hughes made a special request of her family. When she died, she wished to have her remains interned alongside Patsy. Hilary passed away in May at the age of 79 and her husband, Gethin Hughes, made sure her wish was fulfilled. He contacted … Read more
Sharon Norton is an Animal Control officer in Brookhaven, Mississippi. Despite the nature of her job, she is still shocked by some of the heartless acts she witnesses. Her recent rescue of an abandoned puppy cowering in a broken armchair certainly fits that bill. Norton took to Facebook to express her feelings towards the pup’s former owner. “To the person that dumped this chair, your puppy was waiting for you to come back, slowly starving to death because it was … Read more
Imagine this: you endure a horrific car crash. Thankfully, you manage to survive the disaster. But something is not right. Your beloved dog went missing in the chaotic aftermath of the crash. Sounds pretty awful, right? For one California woman this horrible scenario became reality. But in the end, she finally found her missing pup, but you won’t believe where. A Reunion Fit for a Princess Two months ago, a seven-year-old Terrier-mix named Princess and her mother survived a serious … Read more
A cancer diagnosis requires tests. Lots of tests. Oncologists use highly-expensive methods to diagnose lung cancer in humans. Now, there might be a way to detect the disease by tapping their local Beagle community. Yes, a new study found Beagles can recognize the disease by scent. Medical Breakthrough A study from the American Osteopathic Association says Beagles’ incredible sense of smell can identify the specific biomarkers of the disease. These dogs are so accurate that researchers believe this discovery could … Read more
This year an estimated 6 million dogs will be diagnosed with cancer. According to the Veterinary Cancer Society, it is the leading cause of death in canines, especially those over the age of 10. Instead of waiting for a diagnosis and then battling the symptoms, researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine are taking a more proactive approach. On Thursday, May 2 they administered the first doses of a vaccine intended to prevent canine cancers from developing. … Read more
Sometimes breakups end with hurtful words and the division of assets. This story takes the tale of a split up to a new extreme. When a California woman broke up with her boyfriend, she never thought he would go so far as to take her puppy. Unfortunately, she was wrong. Thankfully, this story has a happy ending. View this post on Instagram Ella, a 5-month-Old Pomeranian puppy, has been returned to her owner after being reportedly stolen from … Read more
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This contest may prove that. Every year Sonoma & Marin Counties in Petaluma, California host The World’s Ugliest Dog competition. It celebrates pups that may not win an award for traditional beauty but are, nevertheless, still beautiful in our book. It’s all for fun and raises awareness for our beloved four-legged friends. Now, get ready for a face that some say only a mother could love. View this post … Read more
A cancer diagnosis requires tests. Lots of tests. Oncologists use highly-expensive methods to diagnose lung cancer in humans. Now, there might be a way to detect the disease by tapping their local Beagle community. Yes, a new study found Beagles can recognize the disease by scent. Medical Breakthrough A study from the American Osteopathic Association says Beagles’ incredible sense of smell can identify the specific biomarkers of the disease. These dogs are so accurate that researchers believe this discovery could … Read more
Sir Patrick Stewart has accomplished a lot in his life. He has over 150 acting credits to his name. He was granted a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II. He carried the torch as part of the opening ceremony of the Olympics in 2012. But of all his accomplishments and honors, he says that fostering Pit Bulls has been one of the best things he’s ever done. Stewart and wife, singer Sunny Ozell, welcomed their newest foster, Lenny, into their home … Read more
Toledo, United States.