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University Suspends Frat for Unthinkable Treatment of Dog

Hofstra 1

In the video, you hear a stern voice shout, “Go!” It’s hard to watch what comes next. A young man grabbed a Cavalier King Charles spaniel puppy around the waist. Then, he and another man held the puppy upside over a silver keg and forced him to drink. Meanwhile, college-aged boys looked on and cheered. Inexcusable actions We know that alcohol and dogs do not mix, but some students at Hofstra University in New York ignored the potentially harmful consequences. … Read more

This Dog’s Recovery From Malnourished To Thriving Was Amazing

Penelope 1

Beware: you’re about to read about a dog who overcame extreme malnourishment and staggering odds. Despite that, this is a tale of perseverance and strength. Penelope the Shepard Mix, is a fighter and survivor. A dog in need When schoolchildren saw Penelope staggering around the streets. The sick pup scared them. She was disfigured, gaunt, and abandoned. She looked so bad, the children thought of her as a monster. Soon after she was spotted, the Jason Heigl Foundation was called and they … Read more

Her Breeder Didn’t Want Her But She Got Rescued and Beat the Odds

When breeders are faced with a problematic puppy they have a standard solution. Buyers don’t pay top dollar for “defective” pure breeds so breeders get rid of imperfect puppies. This usually means that they are euthanized. When a Neapolitan Mastiff puppy named Willow was born with Swimmer’s Syndrome her breeder considered her a problem that needed a solution. Screenshot PAWsitive on Rumble What is Swimmer’s Syndrome? Swimmer’s Syndrome, also known as flat pup and turtle pup syndrome, is a rare … Read more

Dad Brushed A Mountain Of Fur Off His Fluffy Dog

Sammie Fur 1

Does your dog shed? Trick question. We know all dogs do. But we bet you haven’t seen a dog lose fur like this Samoyed. This energetic, playful pup had seemingly endless amounts of hair. His dad used his pup’s calm demeanor as an opportunity to rid of him of the excess fluff. Furry beauties Samoyeds are known for their thick, all-white coats. They look like a fluffy, smiley version of a polar bear. They were bred to work in Siberia … Read more

High-Risk Shelter Pleads for Help for Young Pup. Now He’s Safe at Home!

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 a grant from GreaterGood.org funded by the iHeartDogs.com community, dogs like Jeff are given a second chance through transport by the Shelter Transport Animal Rescue Team (START). “The pleas were going around. A great dog, Jeff, was in danger at the tiny rural Delano, CA. Animal Shelter. A personal one … Read more

Under All Those Mats Is A Sweet Smile

When PETA workers first came upon this small creature wiggling around in a small kennel housed in a dark, dingy hallway they weren’t quite sure what to make of him. His fur was so severely matted that his size and shape were hard to decipher. Without a set of eyes that seemed happy to see the rescue crew, they’d probably not have been able to tell which end was front and which was back. Screenshot, PETA They learned that his … Read more

Woman Abandons Terrified Pups With Trash When Evicted

Moving is stressful for everyone, and an eviction is even worse. But, that doesn’t offer an excuse to abandon your canine friends when you vacate the premises. Unfortunately, one Calfornia woman decided an eviction notification was justification for leaving her pups behind. Dogs in distress The Barstow, California, resident was evicted from her home. In her haste to leave, she left garbage bags filled with trash and unwanted clothes on the curb for the morning garbage pickup. But that wasn’t … Read more

Cupid, Draw Back Your Bow: Boy and Rescue Pup Adopted on Same Day

After seven years of being a stepfather, the day had finally arrived. Thomas Banzhof was able to officially adopt his stepson, Gabe, 10. “From the start he [Thomas] and Gabe instantly bonded,” Jessica, Gabe’s mother, said. “That was his son…the adoption just sealed the deal.” “I was just thinking, ‘Wow, he’s officially my father,’” Gabe said. “The judge asked my son, ‘Is this what you want?’ And he said, ‘Absolutely,’” Jessica stated. “Then she asked him why and he said, … Read more

10 Best Cancer Preventing Foods For Your Dog

We know it by many names and fear it by them all. Cancer. The word alone has the power to conjure up deep and dark feelings in those of us whose lives have been impacted by it, which is most of us. Statistics show that the majority of American families have relatives who have been diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately, our canine family members are at risk in high numbers as well. Stats vary largely depending on breed, but overall between … Read more

Malnourished Puppy Found Living in the Walls of Bank Robber’s Home Gets a Chance to Thrive

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. FurEver Pawz Rescue saved Sammy 2 Tone from the shelter after being confiscated in a hoarding case. His owner robbed a bank, and after being caught, authorities discovered 35 dogs living in his home in deplorable conditions. Neighbors said they had no clue the guy even had dogs. It took animal control … Read more

Update: Terminally Ill Man’s Dying Wish Is For His Rescue Dogs To Find Forever Homes

Mr Richards Rescue Dogs

We all want what’s best for our beloved fur babies. But what if you were told you were dying? Who would take care of them? Would they be loved? A San Antonio man is facing these unthinkable questions. His dying wish…to find permanent homes for the remaining 11 of his 27 rescue dogs. A generous benefactor Two years ago,  Richard Ewers, 71, began taking in stray or abandoned pups. Last year when Mr. Richard, as he is known by his … Read more

Terminally Ill Senior Rescue Dogs Get the Gift of Forever After

Everyone deserves to experience their final days in peace surrounded by those they love. Lifeline Animal Project in Atlanta gives senior dogs with terminal diagnoses the opportunity to do that by connecting them with a “fospice” parent that will love and care for them for the rest of their lives. How it Works Lifeline has a number of shelters in Atlanta. They connect volunteers willing to provide foster hospice care to resident senior dogs in need. Lifeline takes care of … Read more

Dog Survives Harrowing Journey After Being Dragged By Truck

Florida Dog Dragged

Deputies in Florida’s Hernando County are searching for a man charged with animal cruelty. Witnesses rushed to the rescue of a dog after watching him dragged behind a truck in Central Florida. Although it was an absolutely awful scenario, there was one small silver lining. Jan Harwood, the owner of Nature Coast Animal Wellness and Surgical Center, was one of the bystanders that witnessed the Pit Bull being dragged by a rope around his neck. Harwood knew just where to take … Read more

If Your Dog Constantly Licks Its Paws, Make Sure To Do This Every Day

Chewing of the toes and paws is a common behavior among dogs. While some degree of biting and licking is normal, dogs with red, swollen paws or chronic saliva staining likely have an underlying medical problem. How to Know If Your Dog’s Licking & Chewing is a Problem There are several reasons a dog may chew their paws such as dry skin, wounds, growths, irritants like burrs or ticks, anxiety and allergic skin disease. Whatever the cause of the irritation, paw-chewing … Read more

Pup Makes An Amazing Recovery After Being Left For Dead On the Highway

Nike Dog from Kentucky

What started out as a disturbing story of neglect is moving toward a happily ever after for a dog abandoned in Kentucky. “[Nike] was left along the side of a road with a bag of food and his toys and he’s only about 8-months old, 8-9 months old and he was hit by a car,” HART Animal Rescue representative Shari Wyenandt said. Once found in Kentucky, rescuers transferred to the dog to the care of HART, located in Cincinnati, Ohio. … Read more

PetCo Promised To “Turn Their Backs On Artificial Ingredients” – So Why Didn’t They?

“Bye Bye Bad Stuff: At Petco, we have set the new standard in nutrition by eliminating all dog and cat food and treats that contain artificial ingredients*.” This bold promise is featured on Petco’s website at the top of their new Better Nutrition page. Unfortunately, the company’s claims are not entirely true. The above statement ends in a conspicuous asterisk – as do the in-store banners and all other references to the company’s new “no artificial ingredients” policy announced November 13, 2018. … Read more

Amazing Woman Gives Up Everything To Save Hundreds Of Abandoned Pups

Sebahat Hanifeoglu, a resident of Kastamonu, Turkey, has given up everything to help the homeless pups in her city. Her journey started when she first saw the hundreds of homeless pups roaming the streets. Some of them showed signs of abuse, and almost all of them showed signs of starvation. Sebahat Hanifeoglu, a resident from Kastamonu, Turkey, spends her days assisting the homeless pups in her city. (Photo by Sebahat Hanifeoglu) You see, in Kastamonu, Turkey, it isn’t unusual for “dog … Read more

Woman Surrenders “Stray Dog” Near Death, Then is Arrested for Neglect

A Florida woman turned a “stray” over to her local shelter. The poor baby was absolutely emaciated. Bones protruding, dull eyes, weak, and probably near death. She turned the dog in, having done her civic duty, and went about her busy day. Image: WFLA 8/YouTube The staff at the Humane Society in Sarasota took a first step in attempting to identify the pup. Imagine their surprise when they found that the dog was indeed microchipped and the listed owner was … Read more

Firefighters Rescue Puppy From Texas Storm Drain

The city of Elgin, Texas is experiencing flash floods, but firefighters were busy with a different kind of rescue earlier this week. A small puppy was on a walk with his owner Monday evening when he fell into an open storm drain. The rescue by local firefighters was caught on video, and features James Daniel Lopez climbing into the tight spot to retrieve the bewildered, but otherwise uninjured pup. With so much going on in their town, firefighter Lopez and … Read more

Dog Finds New Life After Abusers Do The Unthinkable

There is evil in this world. No one will ever know who ripped Da Hei’s paws completely off. No one will ever know how it was done, or most bewilderingly, why. The 7-year-old Siberian Husky would not understand even if he were given these answers. He would only know, then as he does now, that someone hurt him, excruciatingly, and that he could not make it stop. That it seemed to go on forever, and that his only choice was … Read more

Family’s Missing Dog Is Found Listed on Craigslist

pug lying on floor

Two heartbreaking weeks went by for a family in Lake Los Angeles, California, until they heard a word about their missing dog. The Norris family was shocked to learn their beloved three-year-old Pug Ted was listed for sale on CraigsList. “It’s my dog, it’s my family. My kids want their dog back. My sons ask every day, ‘when’s he coming back?’ It just breaks my heart that I don’t know when he is coming home,” Samantha Norris told KTLA. Up … Read more

These Illustrations Perfectly Depict How You Feel When You Rescue A Dog

Rescuing a dog from an animal shelter is a life changing experience. From the moment you find each other, there is a tidal wave of emotions including a bit of apprehension about what’s to come. Opening your home and heart to a being who may have had a rough start sometimes leads to a shaky beginning for your new life together. As you get to know one another, though, you fill each other up in equal measure with love. Both … Read more

Sundowners Syndrome In Dogs: Is Your Senior Dog Suffering At Night?

Does your senior dog seem confused or restless in the evening? Maybe she paces the floor or clings to your side as night approaches? These symptoms may be signs of sundowners syndrome. The condition was first seen in patients with dementia when caregivers noticed worsening confusion and irritability after sunset. While there is no cure, you can help your dog cope with the symptoms of sundowning. What Is Sundowners Syndrome In Dogs? More than 50% of dogs over the age … Read more

New Jersey Shelter Ignores Major Law In Treatment Of These Helpless Pups

Charges of animal cruelty and official mismanagement have been filed against two men for violations against state laws governing euthanasia at animal shelters in New Jersey. A total of 236 cats and 93 dogs were killed at Hamilton Township Animal Shelter prior to the required 7-day holding period. What the State Law Requires The laws regarding animal adoption and euthanasia in New Jersey are very clear. You don’t need a law degree to interpret the very simple and straight forward … Read more

My Old Dog is “ALAPA!”

What On Earth is ALAPA? 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 formula, and the first … Read more

“My 10 year old golden hikes 4 miles a day, LOVES these turmeric joint chews”

There’s nothing worse than watching a dog you’ve loved their entire life begin to suffer from joint pain. As pet parents, we want to do all we can to relieve the aches and pains of our senior pups. That’s why we were so inspired when Malcolm sent us this story of his almost 11 year old golden retriever: “I have a 10 1/2 year old Golden Retriever who hikes 4-5 miles with us every day. He chases our 20-month old … Read more

You Won’t Believe How Happy This Pup Is After Being Dumped in the Trash

Khan, a brave senior pup from Turkey, endured a living nightmare after being beaten and left for dead near a stream by a group of disgusting individuals. After torturing the pup and throwing him next to a pile of trash, Khan desperately attempted to flee…but he was paralyzed. Yes, those sick individuals paralyzed this innocent boy. Khan, the brave pup who was rescued after being dumped, beaten, and left for dead. (Screenshot, YouTube/Viktor Larkhill) Khan’s Second Chance at Life When help … Read more

Is The FDA Doing Enough To Keep Euthanasia Drugs Out Of Your Dog’s Food?

In 2017, Evanger’s Pet Food issued a voluntary recall on some of their canned diets after testing revealed they were contaminated with pentobarbital, an animal anesthetic and euthanasia drug. The findings came after five dogs fell ill, and one passed away. In early 2018, several dog food brands owned by the J.M. Smucker Company were also found to be contaminated with pentobarbital. While pet lovers were horrified and outraged, the Food & Drug Administration – whose job it is to ensure the … Read more

Man Willing to Sell Car and Lose Job to Save His Canine Friend

R&B musician Randy Etter knew something was wrong with his dog, Gemini, when the pup began vomiting. Also concerning was the rapid weight loss—from 95 to 70lbs—Gemini had experienced over a very short period of time. The culprit? An intestinal blockage caused by swallowing a plastic bottle top three weeks earlier while playing. The verdict? Dire. Gemini is going to die today if he doesn’t have surgery, the vet told Etter as they sat in the exam room. The price? … Read more

RSPCA Study Shows People are Adopting Dogs Based on Looks for Social Media “Likes”

What’s important to you when you’re looking to adopt a pet? Some of us want a pal who is going to keep up on our runs around the neighborhood. Others want a companion who will snuggle up on the couch with snacks while we binge watch our favorite series. We choose our dogs based on who barks and who doesn’t. Who sheds and sheds less. But there are those out there who have other priorities. It’s said that we should … Read more

National Dog Mom’s Day Is Just Around The Corner – How Will You Celebrate?

You don’t have to give birth to be a mom. Some people adopt. Others foster. Some even open their homes to the children of friends or family when tragedy strikes. And then there are those special ladies who devote all their motherly love to their canine fur kids. They are finally getting the recognition they deserve with the introduction of National Dog Mom’s Day! Saturday, May 11, 2019 marks the second annual celebration of this new holiday. It is set … Read more

28 Golden Retrievers Rescued From MA Breeder Were Living In “Deplorable Conditions”

Sweet Paws Rescue (SPR) in Essex, Massachusetts took in 28 Golden Retrievers liberated from “deplorable conditions”. Animal Control in Millis, MA have long been suspicious of the woman’s breeding practices, but an official investigation was not launched until February when the suspect brought a dead dog to a local emergency veterinary clinic. The breeder is facing four counts of felony animal cruelty in a separate case and “dozens of pending felony cruelty charges in this open and ongoing case,” according to … Read more

Cruelty on the Cliffs of Cornwall as Terrified Pup Is Thrown into the Sea

From the ancient Romans to modern vacationers seeking relaxation in a quiet corner of rural Britain, the mist-wreathed cliffs of Cornwall have always possessed a certain allure. It seems difficult to imagine such a beautiful setting the scene of anything needlessly mean or abusive. But looks can be deceiving. On this day, near the coastal town of Falmouth, there is no mist. Only a clear view far out across the English Channel and a young man perched on a rocky … Read more

This Brave Chihuahua Pup Literally Fell from the Sky

Meet Tony Hawk, the “Miracle Puppy”. In January 2019, this brave Chihuahua literally fell from the sky. At first, when construction workers in Austin, Texas heard Tony’s tiny cries for help, they thought the pup was trapped somewhere among their site’s debris. But as they started searching, they quickly realized their attention should be focused up – not down. Tony Hawk, a 6-month old Chihuahua puppy, recovers from his high-flying adventure with a hawk. (Photo by Austin Animal Center) Sure enough, flying … Read more

Adorable New Puppy Helps Mend Hearts Broken by Tragedy

When Miguel and Ada Rojas stepped out into the warmth of a South Florida morning, they had no idea what lay in store for them. Both nearing 90, the West Miami couple expected a slow, relaxing walk with their 3-year-old Chihuahua, Gucci. Beneath the rustling palms shading their path, cooled by a breeze fresh off the Atlantic, they had no reason to suspect that danger prowled nearby. But prowl it did, in the form of two stray dogs. There was … Read more

Big Blue Beauty Needs a Forever Home – Let’s Help Him Get It!

Introducing Fenway! This absolutely gorgeous guy has many special characteristics that make him a stand out but he’s got one notch on his collar that isn’t so great. We are hoping our community of dog lovers can help him shed the title. He is currently the longest term resident at OC Animal Care in Tustin, California. He’s been lovingly cared for at this shelter since January of 2018. It’s high time Fenway finds his forever home.   Enjoys Long Walks on … Read more

See the Life-Changing Transformation This Rescue Dog And Forever Father Made Together

Bringing a rescue dog into your life can be a transformative experience. Their homecoming means new responsibilities, fun, action, challenges, routines, and most of all, tons of love. For Eric O’Grey, adopting a rescue dog named Peety sparked a new beginning that lead to the manifestation of a completely different life. Life or Death In 2010, Eric was in terrible shape. He tipped the scales at 340 pounds. His 5’10” frame was overburdened and his health chart reflected that. Type … Read more

Man Who Dragged Dog Behind Scooter Put Behind Bars Thanks to Quick-Thinking Dog Lover

The day was playing out like any other day for Mission Texas resident, Melissa Janelle Torrez. It was a Friday afternoon and Torrez was getting ready to leave home. However, just as she was driving out of the neighborhood, Torrez was met with a very disturbing sight. Mario Cardona, her 59-year-old neighbor, was cruising nonchalantly down the road on his motorized scooter. Dragging behind the scooter was Cardona’s 10-month-old German Sheperd puppy, G2. (Photo by CBS 4 News Rio Grande … Read more

Deaf Man Adopts Suffering Deaf Rescue Puppy – You Have To See How They Communicate

Puppy Emerson’s life got off to a very rough start. He experienced a shelter, a rescue, seizures, treatment for a parvovirus infection, and the realization that he was deaf – all at around just 6 weeks old. Emerson beat the odds in every imaginable way, but he really hit the jackpot when he met his forever father, Nick Abbott. Abbott happened to see a Facebook post about Emerson from rescue group, NFR Maine. He immediately felt a connection to the … Read more

Officer Writes Stern Letter To K9 Who Damaged Patrol Car – See How the Dog Responds

After a long day at work, it’s typical to want to wind down and relax with something that melts away the stress of the day. A long bath, a cold drink, a good show. Police work is especially stressful and police dogs have to find other ways to wind down. One police dog in Post Falls, Idaho, recieved a severe reprimand from his Patrol Lieutenant after his preferred way to wind down was found out by his handler. To be … Read more

Senior Dogs Find New Hope In An Unexpected Place

The ASPCA reports that only about 25% of senior dogs get adopted from shelters. This statistic is heartbreaking. Rescue groups do all they can to find homes for shelter dogs but there is always more help needed. While volunteering at shelters, Russell Clothier noticed that senior dogs seemed to languish, and his heart told him to do something about it. Shep’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary was born as a result. The name was inspired by Clothier’s own senior dog, a rescue … Read more

Tiny Dog Does The Unthinkable To Save Family From Bear Attack

“My hero died saving me from a bear that came in my house. We lost a big part of our family. Heartbroken…,” wrote Tiffany Merrill on her Facebook post. Tiffany’s hero Pickles, her five-pound toy poodle. Pickle made the ultimate sacrifice in an attempt to save his family from a 150 – 200 hundred pound stray bear that wandered into the family’s home in the Black Mountains of North Carolina. Pickles – The Hero The little toy poodle made his … Read more

Nebraska Cellist Gets Surprising Reaction From Shelter Dogs

When Johann Bach composed his famous Cello Suites in the 18th century, he probably never anticipated that one day, thanks to the musical ability and caring heart of Cheryl Wallace, some of his most attentive fans would be dogs. As Wallace takes the stage—a simple chair in the center of the kennel—at the Town and Country Humane Society in Papillion, the barking swells to its crescendo. The arrival of a new person, after all, is cause for celebration. But after … Read more

Service Dog and His Human Blow Audiences Away in N.J. High School’s ‘Wizard of Oz’

“Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore…” Maybe they weren’t in Kansas – or the enchanted World of Oz. Yet, the Hasbrouck Heights High School production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ still took the world by storm in a very magical way. Instead of the iconic little black Terrier that starred in the original (and many adaptions), the high school play instead starred a cream-colored golden retriever service dog as Toto, and his human, Erin Bischoff, as Dorothy. Gauge … Read more

The Doggy School Bus Takes Dogs On Play Dates Thanks To Kind Soul

If you thought you had your dream job, think again – because Arat Montoya most certainly has you beat! Based in West Linn (Portland, Oregon), Montoya offers a unique doggie daycare service. Every morning at about 7 AM, he picks up the pups for a day of outdoor fun while their humans work. At 2 PM, his furry friends board the doggie school bus again for drop-off back at home. Sure beats leaving them by their lonesome while you’re off … Read more

Cleveland Browns Superstar Holds Amazing Day For Doggies

Myles Garrett is a star defensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns and a proud pup papa. His affection for puppy Gohan is stealing hearts as easily as he steals possessions on the field. Garrett wants his “son” Gohan to “have lots of friends and good experiences” so he hosted a public puppy playdate at Canine Meadow in Kirtland, OH. Cue swoon! The star athlete is a favorite of the “Dawg Pound,” the monicker for the die-hard Browns fans that come … Read more

You Won’t Believe Where These Dogs Are Going On This Bus

If you thought you had your dream job, think again – because Arat Montoya most certainly has you beat! Based in West Linn (Portland, Oregon), Montoya offers a unique doggie daycare service. Every morning at about 7 AM, he picks up the pups for a day of outdoor fun while their humans work. At 2 PM, his furry friends board the doggie school bus again for drop-off back at home. Sure beats leaving them by their lonesome while you’re off … Read more

If Your Dog Sheds a Puppy Daily, They Probably Need This Nutrient In Their Diet

Does it feel like your pup sheds an entire dog’s worth of fur daily? If you can relate to the picture above, your dog might be experiencing excessive shedding. What’s Causing My Dog to Shed So Much During Warmer Months? While there are many possible root causes for heavy shedding, oftentimes diet is the main culprit. Despite the convenience of commercial dog food kibble, one of its major drawbacks lies the inability to retain the quality and potency of a vital nutrient: Omega Fatty … Read more

‘Unadoptable’ Pup Finds Surprising Job in Law Enforcement

Ghost, Washington's First Deaf K9 Unit

Ghost, one of the world’s cutest pups, was told he was ‘unadoptable’ because he is deaf. Instead of finding his forever home, he sat in a Florida shelter, where he’d been dumped. That is, until Swamp Haven – an animal rescue organization based in Florida – heard about him. With their assistance, Ghost was finally able to move into his temporary new home with other “down-on-their-luck” pups. Soon after, Swamp Haven called the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society in Washington to … Read more

US Army Servicewoman Rescues ‘Pirate’ After 7 Years in a Shelter

“Nobody ever asks to meet Pirate.” That is what an Oahu SPCA staffer told Jennifer Hoyt when she first visited the shelter’s longest running inhabitant, a senior mixed breed female called Pirate. Founded in 2009, the independently run shelter is dedicated to their “no kill” policy and for 7 years, Pirate lived there, a benefactor of that philosophy. Jennifer Hoyt was recently stationed in Hawaii as a member of the US Army and planned to spend some time volunteering at a … Read more

Heartbreaking Reason Why Shelter Pup Refused Let Go of His Beloved Bowl

Oliver and his beloved food bowl

Everyone knows of the Charles Dickens story, Oliver Twist. In an iconic scene, the title character approaches the workhouse cook and says, “Please, Sir, I want some more.” If pups could speak the human language, this is exactly what Oliver would be saying too! Oliver, the adorable pup featured in the picture above, was brought to the Memphis Animal Services shelter after he was found in someone’s backyard. The shelter staff instantly knew Oliver had once been a part of someone’s family, … Read more