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Shelter Dog Slims Down To Half Her Size With Help From Her New Mom

Lori, now Lucy, was having a hard time finding a home at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington in Virginia. After several months, and even with a sponsor who paid for her adoption fee, Lucy was still homeless. She was a pretty heavy girl at 26 lbs. – the average Chihuahua only weighs about 5 lbs. On top of that, she had some social anxiety issues and was given treats to help her calm down. Though the treats helped her … Read more

Girl Says Goodbye To The Senior Dog She Grew Up With In Sweet Video

Making the decision and knowing when it’s time to help your dog pass is never easy. It’s often the bravest, most un-selfish choice some of us will ever have to make. To make things a little easier many people choose to give their dogs bucket lists, or a last special day. Our dogs don’t really care if they’re married before they leave us, or want to be made honorary fire dog. But these things help ease the pain for us … Read more

5 Things Our Dogs Would Tell Us If They Could

At one time or another, we’ve all wished our dogs could just open up and tell us what’s going on in their mysterious little minds. Chances are most pups have a message or two they’d like to pass on to the humans in their lives, as well. (More walks, less baths!) But above all else, your dog wants you to know these 5 things. 1. “Prevention Is Key To Keeping Me Happy & Healthy” As a former veterinary technician, I … Read more

Curious About Nose Work? Here Are Some Tips To Get Started!

It’s tons of fun, will keep your dog active, and takes only a second to learn! One of the best things about nose work is, unlike other dog sports, it requires little obedience training and relies on your dog’s naturally strong sense of smell. Any dog can participate, and once your dog knows there’s treats to be had, he’s likely to jump in nose-first! Benefits Of Nose Work Nose work is a great way to keep your dog entertained indoors … Read more

What Are The Best Ways To Give Your Dog Bone Broth Powder?

give bone broth powder to your dog

From stronger joints to better gut health, there’s a long list of reasons why pet parents are feeding their dogs bone broth.  The downside of feeding your dog healthy, homemade bone broth is that dedicated dog owners don’t always have hours on hand to prepare this healthful elixir. Making bone broth is a labor of love, but sometimes, it’s okay if that labor doesn’t take up so much of your time. That’s where bone broth powder comes in. This powdery … Read more

3 Ways To Take Advantage Of “National Train Your Dog” Month This January

In 2010 the Association of Professional Dog Trainers named January National Train Your Dog Month. The campaign is designed to bring awareness to the importance of dog socialization and training. The APDT selected January because of the large number of puppies purchased and adopted at the holidays. The New Year is also an excellent time for those with older dogs to make training a priority. For 2019, the APDT is focusing on everyday manners with their Canine Life and Social Skills program. Interested … Read more

Official State Dogs Of The U.S.

There are several issues that divide the citizens of the United States, but one thing that seems to unify us all is dogs. It’s a little surprising that in a country full of dog lovers, only 12 of the 50 states have named an official state dog. In fact, there were no dogs as state symbols until the 1960s, and several were named after 2000! Learn a little more about the breeds who have been named as state dogs below. Is … Read more

Man Hopes That His Heartbreak Over Late Dog Can Serve As A Warning To Others

After a tragic accident led to his dog’s death, Ryan Brand is determined to spread an important message about the dangers of suffocation for dogs. Brand took to Facebook to tell a heartbreaking story about his beloved dog of eight years, Hippo. According to his post, Brand came home from work one day expecting his best friend to give him a warm welcome. Instead, he came home to find that Hippo had suffocated after getting his head stuck inside a … Read more

PETITION- Military Dog Families Destroyed By New United Flight Pet Regulations

Last May, iHeartDogs reported on the new PetSafe pet transportation policies set forth by United Airlines. After several incidents, the airline revamped their protocols and announced they would no longer accept reservations for “snub-nosed” or “strong-jawed” dog breeds. They also limited travel crates to a maximum height of 30 inches, effectively preventing large dogs of any breed from traveling with United. Although the new regulations were created to keep pets safe, they caused unfortunate collateral damage. The brave men and women of … Read more

Photos Of Huge Irish Wolfhounds Are Going Viral

There are plenty of great reasons to love an Irish Wolfhound, but no matter how charming or sweet your Irish Wolfhound is, the first thing anyone is going to notice about him is his size! These dogs were bred to be big – originally, they were meant to be wolf-hunting dogs. As in, they could take on wolves! Nowadays people are more likely to choose them for companionship than a hunting partner, but their incredible size still keeps them among … Read more

Deputy’s Small Act Of Kindness Makes A Difference For Injured Dog

A small act of kindness can go a long way. This particular act of kindness has traveled around the world via internet since the photo went viral last month. Florida resident Carlos Irizzary was walking his dog when he spotted an Osceola County Sheriff’s Deputy sitting on the ground next to an injured pup. The dog was struck by a car and left by the roadside when Deputy Josh Fiorelli found her. She was scraped up, had a dislocated leg, … Read more

5 Ways To Tell If Your Dog Is Bonded To You

If you recently adopted a dog, you might be wondering if they’re bonded to you. Some dogs may be so grateful to be adopted that they’ll bond to you almost immediately. Other dogs are shy or may have had a rough life prior to meeting you, so they may take a little longer to warm up. Even if your dog doesn’t seem bonded to you yet, don’t fret – humans and dogs have created strong, long-lasting bonds for centuries, and … Read more

This Is How Your Dog Chooses Their Favorite Person

You would think that a dog’s favorite person would be whoever gives them the most food and attention, right? While that is often the case, it’s not always that simple. Maybe you have a friend or family member that your dog loves so much they would knock you over to get to them. Why is that? It turns out that there are several factors that can influence your dog’s decision about who their favorite person is. Here are a few … Read more

5 Puppies Who Look Nothing Like Their Adult Version

Puppies change constantly as they’re growing up, but sometimes the changes are more dramatic than others. Here’s a list of some breeds that look nothing like their adult versions when they start out as pups! #1 – Shetland Sheepdog Puppy Before the thick double coat grows in, the Sheltie puppy looks more inclined to play than to herd. Shetland Sheepdog Adult This herding breed as an adult, stands between 13-16 inches tall and can weigh as much as 30 pounds. #2 … Read more

10 Dog Breeds That Are Incredibly Stubborn

All dogs can be stubborn, especially when they know they have their humans wrapped around their little paws. Although all breed combinations have the potential for willfulness, some breeds turn it into an art form! If you think you’ve got a headstrong hound, a difficult dog or a pigheaded pooch, read on to see if your pup made our list of the top 10 most stubborn breeds. 1. Beagle Beagles were bred to be hunting dogs, meaning it is hardwired … Read more

“Cuddlegrams” Give Your Valentine A Visit From A Furry Bundle Of Love!

Valentine’s Day is coming up, and if you’re looking for a unique gift you know your partner will love, we found it for you! Some shelters give their pets a break from the noisy kennel environment by offering “cuddlegrams” on Valentine’s Day! You can book a sweet cuddle session for your special someone with a shelter pet who would like nothing more than to be loved on! Of course there are those who think that it’s mean to take a … Read more

These Sweet Tweets From Your Dog Will Brighten Your Day, Everyday!

There’s times we know for sure what our dogs are thinking, like when we try to quietly open a container and he comes running – he’s thinking “FOOD!” Or when he’s barking at squirrels through the window – depending on your dog, he could be thinking “FRIEND!” or “GET AWAY FROM MY HOUSE!” But there are other moments, like when he lays down next to you and sighs, or when he’s just quiet, wide awake, sitting. We wonder what he’s … Read more

Canine Star Of “A Dog’s Way Home” Was Hand-Picked From A Tennessee Shelter

The filmmakers of A Dog’s Way Home had two very specific requirements for their canine star. She had to be a Pit Bull mix as in the novel by W. Bruce Cameron, and she had to be a rescue pup. Cameron and his wife discovered the perfect pooch in a Tennessee shelter. Despite her rough start, 2-year-old Shelby had everything they were looking for to play the lead role of “Bella”. “Shelby is absolutely extraordinary in our movie,” Actress Bryce … Read more

Get A Glimpse Inside The Dog-Friendliest Workplace You’ve Ever Seen!

Warning: this article may invoke intense feelings of jealousy.  Welcome to Kurgo, a company that has one of the dog-friendliest offices out there! This dog supply manufacturer, owned by brothers Kitter and Gordie Spater, is based in Salisbury, Massachusetts. The company designs and sells toys and gear for outdoorsy, adventurous pups and their owners.   “We try to model our brand off brands like L.L. Bean and Patagonia, but for the pet industry…We want to gain customers for a lifetime,” said … Read more

8 Potentially Deadly Diseases You Can Get From Your Dog

When your dog gets ill, do you worry about catching it? Dr. Kathryn Primm, DVM, owner and practicing veterinarian of Applebrook Animal Hospital shares eight diseases you and your dog can give each other. #1 – Rabies Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. The virus is secreted in saliva. It is usually transmitted to people and animals by a bite from an infected animal. So if an animal is suspected of having … Read more

Turn Staying Indoors Into Cozy Fun For You And Your Dog This Winter

Just because the temperature drops doesn’t mean the fun has to end! iHeartDogs has plenty of indoor activities and cozy cuddling options for you and your dog during the colder time of year. Stock up on warm clothes and rich, delicious coffee for you and lots of tempting treats and attention-grabbing toys for your pup before the cold creeps in. We’ve got everything you need! For You: Coffee for a Cause There’s nothing like a hot cup of coffee on … Read more

Australian Shepherd Health Problems, Lifespan, Temperament & Maintenance

Australian Shepherd Average Size of Male: Weight: 50.71 pounds (23 kg)–63.93 pounds (29 kg) Height: 20.08 inches (51 cm)–22.83 inches (58 cm) Average Size of Female: Weight: 30.86 pounds (14 kg)–63.93 pounds (29 kg) Height: 18.11 inches (46 cm)–20.87 inches (53 cm) Lifespan: 12 years–18 years Major Concerns: Cataracts – blocks light in eye’s iris; coloboma – missing area of the eye’s iris; collie eye anomaly (CEA) – open pits in the eye; canine hip dysplasia – femur does not properly … Read more

5 Incredible Things Dogs Can Sense Before They Happen

Dogs are incredibly intuitive and aware of their surroundings. They know when their person is sad and can pick up on stress when their household is in chaos. Some people believe that dogs can predict when someone is going to die or can see spirits. Below are some of the other amazing things dogs can sense, for one reason or another. 1. Earthquakes Records as far back as ancient Greece tells of dogs fleeing the city of Helice before a … Read more

Why Does My Dog Growl At Some People And Not Others?

Dogs are always alert when someone new arrives on the scene. Your dog notices new people immediately, but sometimes he growls at them and sometimes he doesn’t. His growl might indicate aggression, defensiveness or just plain anxiety. Why does he have different reactions to people? Does he know something about them that you don’t? No one can sum up all dogs’ reactions and definitely, each case is unique, but we can look at the way dogs perceive their world and … Read more

Trucker Drives 2,300 Miles To Reunite 8-Year-Old Cancer Patient With His Dog

8-year-old Perryn Miller of Wilmington, NC was in Utah enjoying the holidays when the nagging headaches he’d been suffering grew worse. A trip to the E.R. revealed the devastating truth: Perryn has stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Surgery was performed to remove the tumor, but doctors say he will also need several months of chemotherapy and radiation. The Miller family – who also lost their home to Hurricane Florence last year – decided to stay in … Read more

This Might Be the Best Way to Entertain a Bored Dog on a Rainy Day

  How to Keep Your Dog Busy on a Rainy or Snowy Day If your dog is like mine, they are not at all fans of inclement weather! The moment the rain starts, my dog’s personality changes and she becomes restless. If the rain lasts long enough, she begins to act depressed, moping around, begging me for something to do (or better yet, something to eat!) About 6 months ago, I discovered a tactic that forever changed our activities when … Read more

Look Down On Your Dog from Above. If You See This Shape, They Could Die Years Too Young

Obesity in dogs is a very serious problem, and it’s rates are increasing daily. It’s estimated that roughly half of all dogs in the United States alone are obese – that’s 35 million dogs! Obesity can cause many illnesses such as diabetes and even worsen joint and back problems. Obesity is also one of the most common reasons injuries occur in our dogs. Most importantly, obesity leads to an increase in many diseases, including cancer, and can rob years off … Read more

Estimated 450 German Shepherds Rescued From Nightmare Hoarding Situation

Hundreds of German Shepherd dogs are being pulled from an extreme hoarding and puppy mill situation in Southern Georgia. Animal advocate groups in Montgomery County, Georgia have been calling for action against the owner of these properties for some time. They accused the breeder of keeping over 200 dogs in deplorable conditions on her land in Higgstown, Georgia. But when she began moving dogs to another property in Candler County, neighbors began to complain about the constant barking, yelping, and … Read more

7 Ways Having A Dog Improves Your Overall Health

Dogs can be trained to open doors and provide support during epileptic episodes, but even without those skills, dogs naturally improve the health and well-being of the people who love them. Adopting a dog into your life, or even volunteering to spend time with rescue dogs, opens you up to surprising health benefits. From mental and emotional well-being to your physical strength and energy, dogs can improve nearly all aspects of what it means to be healthy. Here are a … Read more

NYC Bans Dogs On Subway Unless They Fit In A Bag. Dog Owners Did Not Disappoint.

In NYC, canine companions are only allowed on the subway if they’re safely stowed in carriers. While the rule is clear, it does not specify a size limit on said dogs. Lucky for this Husky, his dad has a giant tote for such occasions, as well as the muscle and willingness to carry the sizable pooch around. According to Bored Panda, CBS producer Alex Romano snapped the photo, which has given many people a chuckle. And as it turns out, this guy isn’t the … Read more

The Top American Dog Names Of 2018 & What To Expect For 2019

Choosing a name for your dog is about so much more than finding something that looks good on his tag. This is the name you’re going to find a million nicknames for. It says everything anyone needs to know about your dog – and often, it says a lot about you, too! The top names for dogs haven’t changed much in the last few years. There’s a few classics mixed in with the pop culture references, but the trends say … Read more

After Losing Their Home, A Rescue Dog Helps His Family Move Forward

No matter how hard we try, life doesn’t always go as planned. That was the reality for Robert and his faithful rescue dog Meaty when they suddenly found themselves homeless. When Robert and his partner first adopted Meaty from Front Street Animal Shelter in Oakland, CA, they were happy with a roof over their heads and great plans for their future. They fell in love with Meaty at first sight, and Robert knew he’d do everything possible to make his … Read more

The 10 Most Cuddly Dog Breeds

While we all love to cuddle our dogs, there are some who are more receptive to it than others – and some that just put up with it because they know it makes us happy! Then there are certain breeds whose crazy soft fur, sweet personalities, and snuggable faces are just irresistible when it comes to giving hugs. Whether they love to give cuddles, take cuddles, or both, these pups have that “it” factor when it comes to cuddling. So … Read more

After Small Dog Is Carried off by a Coyote, The Neighbor’s Rottweiler Springs Into Action

You’re about to see one of the most watched and shared videos we’ve ever posted. The following video was taken by a security camera. Despite living in an area with no prior reported Coyote activity, this owner’s dog was in a fight for it’s life after being left alone for 5 minutes outside. At 7 in the morning, Trixxie (a chi-weenie) was attacked and carried off by a Coyote. The poor little dog would’ve lost her life if not for … Read more

UPDATE: Dog Abandoned With Note By Owner Facing Homelessness Is Still Waiting

Scroll down for update. “Please take care of Sky. She is 6 years old and friendly. I couldn’t take care of her, I became homeless and couldn’t feed her. She is not sick just hungry, very friendly. Please find her a home. Please.” These gut-wrenching words were found in a note attached to an abandoned dog’s harness last week. The terrier mix was discovered roaming free on the Delaware Humane Association‘s property. Sky wore a spiked leather harness that hung awkwardly on … Read more

89-Year-Old Woman Has Knitted 450 Blankets & Sweaters For Shelter Dogs

Shelter volunteers come in many forms. Some walk dogs, others help match adopters with the perfect pet, and some – like Maisie Green – use their talents to provide a little extra comfort to animals in need. At 89-years-young, Maisie has managed to knit approximately 450 cozy blankets and sweaters for the pups awaiting forever homes at the Dogs Trust Basildon shelter.   View this post on Instagram   Local dog lover Maisie Green aged 89 years hand knits blankets … Read more

Outside Dog Surrendered, Spends First Birthday Indoors With Loving Family

Before Bobby was even a year old he was already living his life outdoors. Instead of being a treasured pet he was kept mainly for breeding purposes. Bobby hadn’t been indoors since he was a pup, he had no dog house and no access to clean water or good food. As the colder winter months approached, it became an urgent matter to get Bobby off his chain and indoors. His owners loved him and realized they couldn’t care for him … Read more

A Little Turf & Elbow Grease Turn This Parking Lot Into A Play Area!

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. “Drinking lots of water was crucial to getting through this build! Summers sure get hot and humid in Nashville, TN. “Metro Animal Care & Control (MACC) was in desperate need of a play yard for their energetic pups. It is crucial for these shelter animals to be able to have an energy … Read more

This Super Creative Idea Is Helping Senior Shelter Pups Find Loving Homes

  Casey Elise is a professional photographer and lifelong animal lover. She began volunteering at the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter in 2014, and found that her camera skills drastically increased the adoption rates of the dogs and cats she photographed. Her latest project is designed to show the sweet, silly and utterly adorable sides of some of the senior pups currently awaiting their forever homes.   Elise happily photographs any and all animals at the West LA shelter, as … Read more

This Veteran Needed A Buddy To Help Him Get Through His Day

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. “Derek was a seaman in the Navy/Coast Guard and deployed in San Diego, CA. He approached Pets for Vets looking for a companion animal. Derek suffered from PTSD and occasionally had anxiety in public places. He believed a dog might help him relax and be a ‘buddy’ who could keep him company. … Read more

Why More Workplaces Should Be Dog-Friendly

Dog lovers already know the presence of a pet can reduce stress at home. Research has shown they reduce the stress hormone cortisol and help lower blood pressure. Virginia Commonwealth University performed a study to see if the same held true in the workplace. They found that employees with access to dogs maintained lower levels of cortisol than their dog-free coworkers. Dogs in the workplace may also increase productivity, improve morale and motivate employees. “It’s definitely good for the work atmosphere … Read more

Read This Veteran’s Firsthand Account Of How His Canine Companion Changed His Life

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. “Hello, my name is Chuck G. I was in the Marine Corp. from 1967 to 1971. I was a second-place finisher in the Southeast-Asian War Games. “When I came home, I had spine damage, eyesight damage and years later found out I was suffering from PTSD. “My therapist at the VA recommended … Read more

New Illinois Law Makes Pet Owners Responsible For Their Dogs’ Actions

In 2017, a 10-year-old Yorkie named Buddy was attacked by an off-leash dog in Hanover Park in Illinois. Buddy’s injuries were so severe, he didn’t survive. His owners were devastated. Their grief was intensified when they learned the dog that attacked their small senior pup was one with a known history of aggression. They couldn’t understand how the dog’s owners could let the dog run loose when they knew the risks. It wasn’t the dog’s fault, it was the failure … Read more

Is Your Dog is Taking an NSAID? (Rimadyl, carprofen, Metacam) This Supplement Can Protect Their Liver

Is your dog taking any of the following NSAIDS (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)? carprofen (Novox or Rimadyl) firocoxib (Previcox) deracoxib (Deramaxx) meloxicam (Metacam ) If your answer is yes, your veterinarian will likely recommend S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAM-e) to help maintain proper liver function. SAM-e protects the liver from damage caused by regular use of NSAIDS and supports cell regeneration and helps counteract canine cognitive dysfunction. Related: 10 Best Liver Supplements for Dogs In addition to liver support, studies have also shown it’s ability … Read more

Woman Wakes Up To Find Intruder Snuggling With 120 Pound “Guard Dog”

Lynn Sarver of Waukesha, Wisconsin woke up bright and early on Tuesday ready to begin a New Year. But what started as an ordinary morning took a strange turn when she walked into the living room. There, snuggled up with her 120 pound Mastiff Benton, was a sleeping man! Sarver took a closer look to ensure the stranger was not her own son. “You know because he had dark hair and kind of the same size,” she told WISN News. Once … Read more

5 Reasons Sharing Your Bed With Your Dog Is Awesome

Most dog owners allow their dogs in the bed at night more often than they’d care to admit, but we’ve got some reasons why sharing your bed with your dog is beneficial. After all, dogs can certainly make the ultimate companions. So if you’re looking for the perfect excuse to let your pooch in your bed every night, check out this list! #1 – Dogs Relieve Anxiety Dogs are known to relieve anxiety in humans, as can be proven by … Read more

10 Things We Should Do For Our Dogs That They Can’t Do For Themselves

Dogs can learn to perform incredible tasks. Some safeguard our very lives by detecting explosives or alerting us to dangers in the home. But there are certain things our pups just cannot do without our help. When it comes to health and safety, they depend on us to make the best decisions on their behalf. Every pawrent should do the following 10 things for their dogs’ wellbeing because they do so much for us! 1. Watch their waistlines. Dogs cannot … Read more

5 Reasons Dogs Don’t Like Certain People

Getting on a dog’s good side might seem as easy as having a pocket full of treats and knowing the trick to a good belly rub, but our four-legged friends aren’t always easy to please. They’re quick to judge a person’s character, and there are some people they simply don’t like. It could be a specific person in the dog’s family, a friend of their owner’s, or a random person they meet on the street—but dogs know a foe when … Read more

Facebook Is Giving Away $100,000 To The World’s Most Amazing Dog!

You know you have the best dog in the world – and so do all your friends, family, co-workers, and total strangers on the internet. Facebook Watch and The Dodo are giving you an opportunity to prove it to the world and win $100,000 while you’re at it! Be aware – the competition is fierce (yet cute and cuddly!) These dogs sing, dance, skip and play. But even if your dog’s only talent is clearing the room, don’t be afraid … Read more

Hospice Care For Dogs: Is It The Right Choice For You & Your Pooch?

Hospice care for dogs is a relatively new concept. Sadly, the word hospice often carries a negative stigma. It reminds us of lonely, sterile rooms and the fear of impending death. In reality, hospice care can be a wonderful gift for terminally ill people and pets. Rather than focusing on invasive medical procedures, hospice provides physical and emotional comfort to end-of-life patients and their families. What is hospice care for dogs? Hospice care is based on the philosophy that people … Read more

Dog Who Spent 8 Years In A Shelter Celebrates Her First Christmas At Home!

Roxy was only two years old when she found herself in a shelter kennel. Shelter staff knew that as a Pit Bull breed she would have a tougher time finding a home than other dogs, but nobody expected her to spend nearly eight years there. Despite her long stay, Teckles Animal Sanctuary staff described Roxy as a fantastic, cheeky dog. “She can be a little nervous on occasion but with the bribe of a few sausages, she becomes very loving … Read more