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Should Your Dog Become Vegetarian? The Answer May Surprise You.

Plant-based diets are getting increasing attention in the media as more Americans decide to reduce or eliminate consumption of meat. Although vegetarianism has remained at a fairly constant 5-8% of all Americans, meat production has decreased by 400 million animals from 2007 to 2015. Documentaries like What the Health have inspired people to go vegan, avoiding foods from animal sources all together for a number of reasons, including environmental impact, animal welfare, overall health, and weight loss or maintenance. The … Read more

First Blind Man To Complete NYC Half Marathon Finishes Race With The Help Of 3 Guide Dogs

Here’s proof that anything is possible if you have a dog by your side. Thomas Panek is 48 years old, and president and CEO of Guiding Eyes for the Blind, which provides trained service dogs for the blind. He made history by becoming the first blind man to complete the New York City Half-Marathon. Panek was able to finish the race with the help of three guide dogs: Gus, Waffle, and Westley. The New York Half Marathon runs 13.1 miles … Read more

Dad Trains Family Dog to Supervise His Sister’s Homework

Add one more task to a dog’s resume: homework enforcer. A father in South West China was fed up with his daughter using her smartphone instead of doing her homework, so he came up with a creative solution to keep her on track. The dad trained the family dog to supervise the girl while she attended to her studies. A dog did what? A video depicts the hilarious and adorable relationship between one white dog and his sister. A family … Read more

Your destructive chewer will LOVE this new ultra-durable peanut butter dog bone

Finally, a safe, ultra-durable chew toy that will keep your dog busy for hours! Our powerchewers here at the iHeartDogs office have been testing the Love To Chew ™ YumBones for a few weeks now, and our we’re pretty impressed with how they are holding up! The genius part of these ultra-durable, nylon bone is the mini flavor pockets – perfect for spreading peanut butter inside. This flavor boost gives this already tantalizing chew an irresistible flavor for your pup. And if … Read more

Hero Puppy Takes Rattlesnake Bite To Protect His Mom

Todd, a Golden Retriever puppy in Anthem, Arizona, is being called a hero by his mom for jumping in front of her to take a rattlesnake bite to his face that was intended for her leg. The incident happened on Friday, June 29 as Paula Godwin was hiking with her dogs. On her Facebook page, Godwin said: “So this morning [I] was up bright and early to go on a hike on 7th street [and] Carefree. It was a beautiful morning … Read more

Boy Sells Rocks To Care For Adopted Beagle With “Broken Heart”

From the beginning, 9-year-old Lex had his heart set on a puppy of his own. He had already bought a leash, bowls, and a bed for his yet-to-be-bought puppy using money earned from his business, Lex’s Lucky Rocks. He wasn’t at all interested in rescuing a dog until he met Rocksy. Lex’s dad, Andrew, was at an Amish farm in their area buying eggs when they spotted the little dog. She was a 3-year-old Beagle with no name. She was … Read more

8 Amazingly Cute Toy Dog Breeds Ready To Sit On Your Lap

Yorkshire Terrier and small toy dog breeds sitting together

The Toy breeds are some of the most popular dogs around the world. It’s easy to see why: they’re small, affectionate and were generally bred for the sole purpose of human companionship. They come with all sorts of different looks and personalities to fit your needs and are fun, easy to care for, and loyal companions. #1 – Yorkshire Terrier This tiny terrier was originally bred to hunt rats in clothing mills, but they’ve developed into one of the most … Read more

Dog Who Spent His Entire Life In Chains Visits The Ocean For The First Time

Herschel spent the first five years of his life chained in a lonely backyard. His teeth were worn down from attempting to chew himself free. After his rescue, the gorgeous German Shepherd was adopted twice, but returned both times. It seems his heartbreaking start to life left behind some emotional damage. Luckily, things were about to turn around for Herschel in a big way!   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Teddy Bear Herschel (@teddybearherschel) on … Read more

Free Spirited Rescue Dog Steals The Show At Crufts Agility Two Years Running

Remember Kratu, the adorable Romanian rescue dog from the 2018 Crufts Dog Show agility course? He stole hearts around the world when he gleefully bounded through the obstacles at his own pace and in his own signature pattern. The scruffy pup even ran to the sidelines several times during his performance to greet onlookers. His epic fail made him an instant internet superstar. Kratu returned to Crufts for the 2019 showcase, and let’s just say this very good boy is refreshingly … Read more

Abandoned 130-Pound Saint Bernard Finally Finds Forever Home

Cosmo licks Jayne's face

Gather round for a heartwarming tale of a dog who started with a tough lot in life and ended up with his happily ever after. This is the story of a 130-pound Saint Bernard finally finding his forever home. Humble beginnings Cosmo the Saint Bernard was born in Nebraska in a breeder’s home. For unknown reasons, the breeder gave Cosmo away to the Hearts United for Animals shelter. (We’re shocked too. Who could resist Cosmo’s face? He’s an absolute doll). Even … Read more

Rescue Pup Overcomes a Difficult Past and Gets the Fresh Start He Deserves

Golden Retriever Bobby with sliced face

Trigger warning: a pup was harmed in this story. If you can’t stand the thought of a dog in pain, skip to the end of this story to see a thriving pooch. A Golden Retriever overcame the odds after sick pranksters sliced the puppy’s mouth to look like The Joker from the film Batman: The Dark Knight.  The six-month-old dog, named Bobby, was left in dire straits. Rescuers in South Korea found the dog with her mouth tied with rope and wounds … Read more

Man Rushes Into Raging Fire When His Dog Needs Help

Jose Guzman displayed heroism and blind love when he ran into his burning house to rescue his beloved two year old pitty, Gabbana. The dangerous and dramatic rescue was caught on video by the landlord’s son-in-law, Adam Guzman and published by KUSI in San Diego. Devoted father and family man, Jose was attending a barbeque with his fiancé and their three daughters nearby at the home of his parents. He noticed the smoke and fire and decided to go see … Read more

Formerly Abused Dog Gets A New Home & A Job With Florida Sheriff’s Office

iHeartDogs initially passed on bringing you the story of Chance, a Florida Cur Dog found with his muzzle taped shut. The images were graphic and the story was infuriating. But just a few short days after his rescue, Chance’s future is looking bright! He is recovering from his injuries, and has found his forever home with one of his rescuers, Deputy Richard Castellon of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Not only will Chance accompany his new dad to work, he … Read more

No Snowman Is Safe From Stella The Frosty Assassin

Stella is an English Labrador with a remarkable zest for life. Her hobbies include rolling in mud, diving into leaf piles, and when winter rolls around, destroying snowmen. Stella just so happens to live in Maine where there is no shortage of fresh powder. If you live in the Pine Tree State, you may be tempted to sculpt your own snowperson, but be forewarned: Stella the Frosty Assassin is out there, and she’s hungry for carrot noses! Depending on the … Read more

Incredible Siberian Husky Saves Her Human’s Life Three Times

We often say things like “my dog rescued me,” but Stephanie Herfel’s dog, Sierra, really did – and not just once – three different times! Stephanie Herfel took in her son’s Siberian Husky when he was deployed with the Air Force in 2011. Sierra was only 9-months-old and at the time Stephanie had no idea she’d be a life saver. They became fast friends and together the two moved from California to Wisconsin in 2013. Soon after the move was … Read more

Do Dogs Dream? Science Says Yes!

Take a minute to stop and locate your dog. What is he doing? The answer is most likely sleeping. According to the National Sleep Foundation, pups spend between 12-14 hours sleeping each day. And puppies can sleep up to 20 hours a day. While they are snoozing, some dogs whimper, twitch, or bark leaving their humans wondering, do dogs dream? Well, according to science, the answer is an overwhelming yes. What’s the Deal With Dreaming Dogs? For humans, dreams are typically … Read more

Resilient Dog Survives Life on a Clothesline, Now Lives on the Couch!

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, Fella came to the Humane Society of Tulsa in December 2018 as part of an 87 dog hoarding case in Spavinaw, OK. In this particular situation 50 large dogs were living inside a single trailer, several puppies, and then a handful … Read more

Two Shelters Get Improvements Thanks to iHeartDogs Heroes!

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. Two shelters in one trip = a rewarding double build. Rescue Rebuild split both the crew and volunteers in half to help renovate shelters in Kentucky. This took quite a bit of juggling of both people and our one trailer of tools. Builds like this remind us why we do what we … Read more

A Safe Alternative to Rawhide Dogs Go Crazy For

Bully sticks are becoming more and more popular and with good reason. These long-lasting treats are loved by almost every dog and they’re full of benefits. Unlike rawhide, which is made with different chemicals and some unnatural ingredients, bully sticks are full of healthy perks. 5 Reasons Bully Sticks Are the #1 Most Popular Dog Chew Many owners are often turned off by bully sticks when they find out they are made from beef pizzle (penis). But rest assured, they … Read more

Dog-Loving Little Girl Fighting Brain Tumor Gets a Visit from Almost 40 Police K9s

We recently shared the story of Emma Mertens – a small girl in Wisconsin who is fighting cancer with the help of #TeamEmma. Emma absolutely LOVES dogs, and though she doesn’t have one of her own, she enjoys dog sitting for neighbors and spending time with pups whenever she can. When Emma became sick her parents asked neighbors to send letters from their dogs to put a smile on her face, and word spread quickly across social media. The outpouring … Read more

Puppy Mill Pup Mends Rescue Vet Worker’s Broken Heart

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. Zeek was born into a puppy mill situation. His momma had given birth to many litters. He and his brother were very underweight. For a Chihuahua being even slightly underweight is a big deal. Thankfully, House of Hope Rescue was able to get Zeek to a healthy weight with high-quality pet food … Read more

Artist’s Breathtaking Pics Remind Us To Appreciate The Little Moments With Our Dogs

It can be difficult to put into words just how much you love your dog. The pure joy they inject into our lives can elevate even the most everyday moments into something worth telling everybody about. Los Angeles based artist Yaoyao Ma Van As tells the story of her and her beloved pooch in incredible illustrations on Instagram. The cute, colorful pictures are guaranteed to give you warm, fuzzy feelings when you see yourself and your favorite companion in the … Read more

5 Unassuming Ways Your Dog Secretly Asks For Help

How do you know when your dog needs to go out? How do you know when your dog wants a belly rub? Domestic dogs have a way of communicating with their humans without making a sound. Not all requests are for treats or snuggles. Sometimes your dog is asking for help. These are the behaviors and signals to watch for when your dog needs more than just your love. In fact, research has been done to figure out what certain … Read more

Why Your Pup Should Avoid Potentially Deadly Chicken Bones

As hard as you try, at some point your dog will get his paws on human food. If he swiped some sweet potatoes or a piece of cheese, there’s not too much to worry about. But, as you know, some foods like chocolate and grapes are dangerous to your pup. So what do you do if your dog ate a chicken bone? You might think there’s no harm because dogs can eat shredded chicken and other meats without much concern. Think again.  … Read more

Tesla Announces First Safety Feature Meant For Your Dog

Good news, dog lovers! Your love for your dog is changing the world for the better. Accommodating pets is no longer limited to pet stores and parks. Restaurants, shops, and other businesses big and small are realizing that making it easier to take your dog everywhere is the key to our hearts – and wallets! Tesla has announced that it’s Model S, Model X, and Model 3 vehicles will come equipped with a feature called “dog mode,” which will allow … Read more

This Ingenious, Insanely Durable Bone Will Keep Your Dog Safely Entertained for Hours

Finally, a safe, ultra-durable chew toy that will keep your dog busy for hours! We’ve been testing the Love To Chew™ YumBone here at the iHeartDogs office for a few weeks now, and our pups are pretty impressed. The genius part of these ultra-durable, nylon bone is the mini flavor pockets – perfect for spreading inside peanut butter. This flavor boost gives this already tantalizing chew an irresistible flavor for your pup. And if you have a heavy chewer, fear … Read more

Iditarod Start Reignites Debate About Sled Dog Welfare

The Iditarod kicked off last weekend in Anchorage, Alaska, and as it does every year, it’s gotten sports enthusiasts and animal activists at odds. The Iditarod Sled Dog Race has been held annually since 1973 and covers 938 miles between Anchorage and Nome, Alaska. It’s said that the race is meant to commemorate the 1925 serum run to Nome, in which 20 mushers and 150 dogs responded to a call for help when a diphtheria outbreak overtook the settlement. Every … Read more

Heartwarming Photos Capture Dog’s Love-Filled Final Days

There are so many things about losing a beloved dog that makes the process so incredibly difficult. Knowing that the time is coming and being unable to stop it can leave you feeling totally helpless. The extreme pressure of making such a big decision for your pet. And most of all, knowing you’ll never get to see their face again. It all adds up into one of the most heartbreaking events in a dog lover’s life. Sarah Beth Ernhart understands … Read more

New Orleans Shelter Gets a Huge Rebuild In Just One 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. “Rescue Rebuild headed to New Orleans, Louisiana where the weather was in our favor. The team spent the week preparing for our Hartz volunteers to join us for an afternoon packed with projects at the Jefferson Parish Eastbank Animal Shelter. Our 50 volunteers walked off the bus ready to work! The Rescue … Read more

UPDATE: Sham Rescue Under Investigation for Animal Abuse, Money Scams, and Breeding Dogs for Profit

UPDATE 7/2020: RSO and ATR have both shut down, but unfortunately, that does not mean the Millers are out of business. Their newest business appears under yet another name and seems to have the same shady practices that their other organizations did. Furthermore – they seem to enjoy writing snarky, rude responses to concerned people who leave negative reviews of their business on Google. Those looking to adopt in the Portland area should beware. Original Post: Warning – this story … Read more

5 Red Flag Smells To Look Out For

It’s no secret your dog has an uncanny sense of smell, but did you know your vet also has a well-trained sniffer? When checking out a canine patient, veterinarians utilize four of their five senses. They visually examine your pooch from head-to-toe, listen to the heart with their stethoscope, palpate for lumps and bumps, and yes, even sniff for tell-tale odors. Here are five red-flag smells to look (smell) for with your pup: 1. Skin Infections Dogs do not sweat … Read more

Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?

There’s nothing like a fresh, ripe tomato in the summer. Your dog thinks so, too – his big, begging eyes say it all. But what our dog thinks is delicious isn’t always healthy. So we have to ask ourselves if what tastes good for them is really good for them. Can dogs eat tomatoes? Tomatoes are one of the top reasons people get into gardening at home! It’s incredible what you can do with a tomato. Pureed, it’s a sauce. Sliced, … Read more

Deaf, Blind Dog’s Incredible Spirit Inspires Children Who Are “Different”

John Gray is well known for his work in broadcasting. As a news anchor he’s covered some of the biggest stories of our time and won several awards for his work in television. Now he and his special pal, Keller, are winning hearts together. While volunteering at his local shelter when he met Keller, a 4-month-old double merle Australian Shepherd. Like other double merle dogs Keller is completely blind and deaf. He was abandoned near a railroad track and left … Read more

4 Festive St. Patrick’s Day Ideas to Celebrate Your Irish Pride

St. Patrick’s Day is quickly approaching, and even if you don’t have any Irish heritage, it’s always fun to put on something green and celebrate. And what better way to display your “Irish Pride” than to spoil yourself, and your pup, with a little St. Patty’s Day fun.   1. No Pinch for You! Be fashionably fabulous with a super comfy St. Patrick’s Day t-shirt from iHeartDogs.com. You’ll be decked out in green AND feed 7 shelter dogs with your purchase. … Read more

Athlete Thanks Dog Who Saved Her Life By Training Pup For Service

What do you do to show your gratitude to the dog who saved your life and gave you back your confidence? What gesture could ever be enough? Sgt. Christy Gardener didn’t know how to pay it all back to her dog – so she decided to pay it forward. Christy lost both her legs while serving overseas with the U.S. Army. Like many of our servicemen and women, Christy faced extreme mental anguish when she returned home, and often considered … Read more

German Debt Collector Sells Family’s Beloved Pug on eBay

What would you do if someone attempted to sell your dog on eBay? What would you do if they succeeded? This may sound like an episode of the Twilight Zone, but one German family lived through this trying ordeal. You read that right. When they fell behind on their debts, a German official collected and then sold the family’s beloved Pug on eBay. Tell Me More The story takes place in Ahlen, a northwestern German city. When a family fell behind on … Read more

Science Explains How Your Dog REALLY Feels About You

Attempting to understand the emotional lives of dogs has been a hot topic of scientific study for centuries. In the 1600s, the French philosopher, Rene Descartes compared animals to living machines, incapable of feeling pain or emotion. Thankfully, science has progressed a long way since the 1600s. These advances have allowed us to delve deeper into the mystery of canine consciousness. We now know that dogs possess all the same complex brain structures humans do – including those responsible for … Read more

Woman Rescues Starving Dog Left to Die on Streets

Get your tissues ready. You won’t be able to read this story and without a tear coming to your eye. This is the tale of a young woman in Argentina who rescued a starving dog left to die on the streets. If you are heartbroken at the thought of a dog going hungry, have no fear, this story has a happy ending. The Hero of Our Story Meet Hercules. This picture was taken before his journey of rehabilitation began. It … Read more

5 Warning Signs You May Have the Wrong Dog Sitter

At some point, you may be required to leave the joy of your life with a dog sitter. You try to get referrals and read reviews, but how can you be sure this stranger will love and care for your dog the way you do? Eventually, you have to take the leap. But have you ever returned home from a trip and wondered if your dog sitter really did all that you paid him for? There is a lot of … Read more

Neglected, Abused Malamute Makes Incredible Recovery!

Even for a dog who had spent his whole life outdoors on a chain, Odin was in very, very bad shape. He was found on a property owned by dog breeders who had neglected Odin and several other dogs. When rescuers first saw him, he wasn’t even recognizable as an Alaskan Malamute. Instead of a fluffy, black and white dog, Odin was grey, nearly hairless, and skinny to the point that his skin was hanging off his frame. Rescuers took … Read more

7-Year-Old Girl Facing Serious Illness Asks for Letters From Dogs

The Mertens family is going through a rough time, but they’re getting by with a little help from their furriest friends from all over the world! Emma Mertens is 7-years-old, and is described as a kind, big-hearted girl. She’s playful, happy, loves her family, and she loves, loves, LOVES dogs! The Mertens family doesn’t have a dog in their home, but Emma enjoys dog-sitting for friends and neighbors. In late January Emma was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, an … Read more

Left Behind to Eat Garbage, George Finds His Forever Home Thanks to iHeartDogs Customers!

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. When his owners moved, they abandoned George and left him outside to fend for himself. He took refuge in a small area of trees in between subdivisions. George was so scared that no one could approach him, and he would only eat on garbage days or when a nearby home would put … Read more

Enthusiastic Dog Hysterically Fails His Service Dog Training Test

For some pups, service work is too good to be true. Enter Ryker, a German Shepard who thinks service training is as thrilling as Christmas morning. A viral video from the Double H Canine Training Academy in Louisville, Kentucky, shows the enthusiastic dog failing his training test in a hilarious way. The video description pretty much says it all, “Every dog has a purpose 🙂. Clearly, Ryker’s purpose is not to be a service dog. Check out this video documenting … Read more

Constant Panting Could Be A Sign Of A Serious Problem

It seems to most of us that our dogs constantly have their mouths open, panting. We notice that it seems to be louder or more obvious after running or playing, but other than that we may not give it much thought. However, knowing why your dog pants is an important key to reading your dog in order to identify health and emotional states. Every dog owner should be paying attention to their dog’s “panting habits.” It could save their life. … Read more

10 Reasons to Fall in Love with a Dog Person

We all joke about not dating someone who our dog doesn’t like, but there is some truth in these words. When someone else enters the picture that does not understand why our dog comes first (or even a close second), it can cause problems. Falling in love with someone who is a dog lover can avoid a lot of fights, heartaches, and frustration.   #1 – Willing to Share the Bed A mutual dog lover will be more likely to not mind sharing … Read more

10 Reasons Mutts RULE

National Mutt Day is celebrated July 31st and December 2nd, but we say everyday is a good day to celebrate mutts! Or mixed-breed, All-American, and/or hybrid dogs. Whatever you call your furry best friend with mysterious background, we have the 10 reasons they RULE. #1 – Unique Can’t tell your neighbor’s four yellow labs apart? No one can say that about your mutt! Each and every one is unique and special. #2 – Less Risk Purebreds have a lot of health issues that stem … Read more

8 Fun Ways to Get Fit With Your Fur Baby

The statistics are a little scary. In 2017, a survey from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that 56% of dogs in the US are overweight or obese. You love your pups and don’t want to put them at risk of disease, so you’ve got to keep them active. Why not join in the fun? Your dog isn’t the only one who needs exercise. Try one of these eight different ways to get fit with your dog.   Fun. … Read more

City Photographer Gives Up Everything To Live In The Country With Hundreds Of Dogs

Would you give up everything you own – your home, your career, your lifestyle – for your dog? Russian photographer Daria Pushkareva did exactly that, but for the chance to save hundreds of dogs. Pushkareva once worked in entertainment, lending her talents to produce films, television shows, and a full-length feature. For six years she worked long hours with little off-time, pushing herself to exhaustion to succeed in her career. The stress and busy days drove her to find something … Read more

Step-By-Step: How To Be A Dog In 21 Hilarious Illustrations

If you’ve been thinking about a career change, now’s a great time to consider becoming a dog. It’s the good life. Lisa Swerling & Ralph Lazar, the New York Times bestselling authors and artists behind the creative studio Last Lemon, have created a simple and funny user-driven guide for “How To Be A Dog”. Dog owners, experts and dogs themselves submit ideas from around the world, and if the Last Lemon team likes the concepts (i.e. if they are funny … Read more

Service Dog Sully Meets Hero Pilot Captain Sully

Sully the service dog has been a busy boy since his last assignment ended. Sully came into the service of former President George H.W. Bush shortly after the passing of his wife and first lady, Barbara Bush. Sully was trained by America’s Vet Dogs and spent the last few months of H.W.’s life with him. It’s said that he and the former president were very closely bonded. When his friend died, a photo of Sully resting near the flag-draped casket … Read more

Is Drinking Toilet Water Safe for Your Dog?

Unless you have a Teacup Yorkie or another small breed, you’ve probably experienced your pup quenching her thirst from the porcelain throne. It’s no secret dogs have some pretty unappetizing habits, and this one may take the cake. You may immediately ask yourself, ‘is toilet water safe for my dog’? It’s not ideal for your dog to drink from the toilet, but don’t fret if it happens.   Why Do Dogs Drink Toliet Water? Bathroom water is most certainly not … Read more