Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:
When you adopt a dog, it’s a great idea to know what kind of friend is going to fit into your lifestyle. The list below is for the most high energy dog breeds based on breed genetics. If you’re a dedicated couch potato, these are not your breeds! (Is that you? Check out: 15 Dog Breeds That Love To Be Lazy!) But if you’re looking for a jogging buddy, a playmate, and a best friend: any of the dogs on … Read more
These dogs are getting a second chance – and it started exactly when these photos were taken. These pictures capture the incredible moment in time where a sad story came to an end and a better, brighter future began. For a dog who has had to endure a life of abuse, a rescuer is a hero, a savior, and a best friend all rolled into one. Yesterday’s sad dog chained up and laying in the dirt will have a warm … Read more
If you’re not living under a rock, you’ve likely seen your friends on social media posting their own photos as part of the “10 Year Challenge.” This “challenge” calls on people to share their profile photos from 10 years apart, often their first and their most recent side-by-side, to compare how they’ve aged. But once again, the internet has found that anything can be made better with dogs! iHeartDogs recently challenged our friends on Facebook to show us how their … Read more
Airedale Terrier Major Concerns: Hip dysplasia, cancer, urologic conditions Lifespan: 12 years Average Size of Female: 22.05 inches (56 cm)–22.83 inches (58 cm) Occasionally Seen: Hip dysplasia, dermatitis Average Size of Male: 22.83 inches (58 cm)–24.02 inches (61 cm) Minor Concerns: Gastric torsion (bloat) Brief History of the Airedale Terrier The Airedale terrier sprang from Yorkshire’s Aire river valley, just a stone’s throw from the edge of Scotland. The wetlands there were home to the Otterhound, a tall, rough-coated breed named … 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. “Herky is a 2-year-old male Terrier mix who entered the municipal shelter in Jefferson County, TN on November 3, 2018. An owner who said she had too many dogs surrendered Herky. “At 20 pounds, he would ordinarily have flown out of the shelter in a quick adoption. The shelter was in a … 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. “Landed in Thailand! Since Rescue Rebuild typically travels across the United States, builds that are in different countries are even more spectacular and unique… this one especially! “Soi Dog Foundation is fighting the Asian dog meat trade and looking to improve the welfare of dogs and cats in Asia, resulting in better … 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. “Lacey Lou was used as a breeding dog and terribly neglected. Someone took her in and contacted Divine Canine Rescue after she found Lacey Lou being given away as a breeding dog on the streets. “Thanks to high quality donated pet food from GreaterGood.org’s Rescue Bank program, Lacey Lou got her health … Read more
There’s nothing quite like the greeting of a dog after a long, hard day. There’s something about that wagging tail and wiggly butt that just melts away the stress! However, as our dogs age many of us have noticed an alarming change: they no longer get up and rush to greet us at the door. It’s not that they don’t want to. The reality is they might be suffering from a common condition that prevents many pups from behaving like … Read more
IKEA is getting some very positive publicity from dog lovers. The massive Swedish furniture and homegoods chain has locations all over the globe, including Catania, Italy where this story takes place. Shopper Martine Taccia recently visited the store on a rainy afternoon. As she perused the displays she came upon two stray dogs lounging on the rugs. It seems the staff have taken to inviting the pups inside to stay warm and dry. Taccia quickly pulled out her phone to record … Read more
Logan is described as “playful and spunky.” He’s a 9-month-old foster pup with big ears and beautiful, expressive eyes. Logan came to Rescued Hearts Northwest just before Christmas. They knew that Logan wouldn’t grow to see adulthood – he was born with Pulmonic Valve Dysplasia, a heart condition that will probably only allow him a few more months to live. The foster who took him in understood that she would be fostering him for the rest of his life. Ideally, … Read more
Jessica Bell is a Canadian photographer and an experienced dog trainer. Although it is extremely challenging, her passion is capturing photos of dogs in action. Recently, she rounded up some of her friends and their multi-talented pups for a unique shoot. The dogs are all involved in canine sports including obedience, disc, and agility competitions. To showcase their incredible athleticism, she coated them in colorful powder and snapped images as they ran, leapt and played. The concept was inspired by equine photographer, Andrea … Read more
When the time comes to say goodbye, all dog parents hope their pets peacefully pass away after a long, happy life. The unfortunate reality, however, is senior dogs and dogs suffering from illness or injury most often rely on their owners to know when it’s time to cross the Rainbow Bridge. Choosing to end a life—a life you’ve cherished as part of the family—is an impossibly difficult decision, but preventing suffering is your biggest concern. No one wants their best … Read more
Florida authorities were recently tasked with handling an extremely tragic hoarding case in Highlands County. A former animal control officer is being charged with 72 counts of animal cruelty after several pets were found in unsafe, unhealthy conditions in her home. The animals have been removed, and those that were healthy enough to be adopted have already found new homes! A few of the dogs have even found families with the rescuers who helped save them from their nightmare. Highlands … Read more
We all want the best for our pets, but life sometimes gets in the way. When there is a sudden illness or accident, it can leave us facing large vet bills we weren’t expecting. A job loss can make it hard to feed ourselves and our beloved pets, and having to move can leave you wondering how you’re going to take your pets with you. Luckily, there are resources out there to help you through hard times. So if you’re … Read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Toledo, United States.