Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:
One in three dogs will become lost at some point in their lives. The ones lucky enough to reunite with their families often have a good Samaritan to thank. But not everyone knows what to do. Here’s how to recognize when a dog needs your assistance, and how to help them find their way home again. Recognizing The Different Kinds Of Lost Dog You may be wondering how to tell if a dog is really lost. After all, some people … Read more
Did you watch HBO’s limited series about the disaster at Chernobyl? This show captivated the attention of millions of viewers. The series did an excellent job telling the story of how the people and the city were impacted. The results were catastrophic. We couldn’t help but wonder what happened to the dogs. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pomeranians Margarita📍🇻🇪 (@pomeranians_mgta) on Jun 9, 2019 at 4:04pm PDT Start From the Beginning In April … Read more
Having live plants in your home not only adds beauty and a nature to your interior, it can make your home a healthier environment. Plants purify the air inside your house as they take in CO2 and “breathe” out pure oxygen. What many dog moms don’t realize is that many houseplants are toxic to dogs. In an effort to make your home more inviting and healthy, you could be introducing a toxin to your fur baby. We know you don’t … Read more
We recently brought you a story about a homeless puppy that was found abandoned on a La-Z-Boy armchair on the side of the road. The sweet boy waited in his human’s discarded chair, patiently looking out for a human that would not return. Of course, the story quickly went viral because of the heartlessness of the act and the adorable animal. When the folks at La-Z-Boy heard what happened to the dog, they wanted to help. So sit back in … Read more
Some dogs suffer through serious neglect. The stories are hard to hear and even more painful to imagine. This is one of those tough stories. Cala started out with a rough lot in life. Thankfully, a rescue group found her before it was too late. It took lots of hard work, but Cala made a stunning turnaround. Surviving Abuse Cala lived near San Jose, Costa Rica. Cala’s human, a mechanic, kept her as a guard dog. However, according to The Dodo, … Read more
Some dogs struggle, spending years of their lives waiting for a forever home. One Lab Mix named Moose traveled across states to find the perfect human to call his own. But then, it happened. Moose finally found love and his forever home. Unfortunately, forever would end too soon for this loving lab. As he sat vigil, the fate of the beautiful boy was once again in question. Rough Beginnings Moose started his life in difficult circumstances. In 2017, someone found … Read more
Some people are full of goodness. They nurture and care for those in need. This is the story of one woman who gave her love and compassion to a dog in the last hours of his life. After suffering through tremendous illness, this dog needed peace. He found the right woman to carry him toward the Rainbow Bridge. Battling Through Disease Watson was staying at an emergency vet for constant care. A college student found him alone in a Philadelphia … Read more
What does your perfect vacation look like? For some of us, it’s the beach. For others, it’s a major metropolitan getaway. But have you ever considered a trip that includes puppies? One Bali resort makes this dream a reality for its travelers. They have puppy therapy twice a week. Sign us up! View this post on Instagram Yesss… we are puppy lovers 🐶 Join our “Puppy Therapy” every Tuesday and Thursday and spend your afternoon playing around … Read more
Last week, June 21st marked the twenty-first annual Take Your Dog to Work Day. Many companies held events for their employees and their pups. One tech giant took it to a paw-some extreme. Amazon employees took advantage of this pawfectly special day. Employees at Amazon’s Seattle headquarters registered more than 7,000 dogs to attend the event. 7 – 0 – 0 – 0!! View this post on Instagram It’s mini Friyay! From left to right we have … Read more
As the saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. One U.S. Marine and his service dog reflected this adage beautifully. Three years apart did not diminish their bond. And when they were reunited, the pair showed just how much love grew between them while they worked together. This is the story of two American heroes. Partners Protecting the United States Marine Sgt. Jacob Varela and Atilla the German Sheppard’s story started in 2014. The Marines paired the two together … Read more
Updated: 7/22/19 Since late last year, pet parents have been anxiously following the reports by the FDA that grain-free foods may be causing a spike in cases of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs that are not normally predisposed to the disease. On June 27th, the FDA released a more detailed, but still frustratingly uncertain report about these incidents. While a large percentage the foods are grain-free, we still don’t yet know the actual cause of the spike in reports, as … Read more
It’s not uncommon for the family dog to feel jealous when a new baby invades their turf. But a Massachusetts pooch named Mortimer took his baby blues to a whole new level. Mort’s humans brought him to the vet after the 3-year-old pooch began vomiting and refusing meals. An X-ray revealed the source of his tummy troubles: 19 baby pacifiers! Luckily for Mortimer, Dr. Doug Brum at Angell Animal Medical Center was able to remove the pacifiers using an endoscope … Read more
Hilary Hughes lost her beloved dog Patsy earlier this year. Patsy’s remains were laid to rest at Brynford Pet Cemetery, and she was memorialized with a sweet memorial headstone. Wanting to be near Patsy for all eternity, Hughes made a special request of her family. When she died, she wished to have her remains interned alongside Patsy. Hilary passed away in May at the age of 79 and her husband, Gethin Hughes, made sure her wish was fulfilled. He contacted … Read more
Sharon Norton is an Animal Control officer in Brookhaven, Mississippi. Despite the nature of her job, she is still shocked by some of the heartless acts she witnesses. Her recent rescue of an abandoned puppy cowering in a broken armchair certainly fits that bill. Norton took to Facebook to express her feelings towards the pup’s former owner. “To the person that dumped this chair, your puppy was waiting for you to come back, slowly starving to death because it was … Read more
Imagine this: you endure a horrific car crash. Thankfully, you manage to survive the disaster. But something is not right. Your beloved dog went missing in the chaotic aftermath of the crash. Sounds pretty awful, right? For one California woman this horrible scenario became reality. But in the end, she finally found her missing pup, but you won’t believe where. A Reunion Fit for a Princess Two months ago, a seven-year-old Terrier-mix named Princess and her mother survived a serious … Read more
A cancer diagnosis requires tests. Lots of tests. Oncologists use highly-expensive methods to diagnose lung cancer in humans. Now, there might be a way to detect the disease by tapping their local Beagle community. Yes, a new study found Beagles can recognize the disease by scent. Medical Breakthrough A study from the American Osteopathic Association says Beagles’ incredible sense of smell can identify the specific biomarkers of the disease. These dogs are so accurate that researchers believe this discovery could … Read more
This year an estimated 6 million dogs will be diagnosed with cancer. According to the Veterinary Cancer Society, it is the leading cause of death in canines, especially those over the age of 10. Instead of waiting for a diagnosis and then battling the symptoms, researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine are taking a more proactive approach. On Thursday, May 2 they administered the first doses of a vaccine intended to prevent canine cancers from developing. … Read more
Sometimes breakups end with hurtful words and the division of assets. This story takes the tale of a split up to a new extreme. When a California woman broke up with her boyfriend, she never thought he would go so far as to take her puppy. Unfortunately, she was wrong. Thankfully, this story has a happy ending. View this post on Instagram Ella, a 5-month-Old Pomeranian puppy, has been returned to her owner after being reportedly stolen from … Read more
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This contest may prove that. Every year Sonoma & Marin Counties in Petaluma, California host The World’s Ugliest Dog competition. It celebrates pups that may not win an award for traditional beauty but are, nevertheless, still beautiful in our book. It’s all for fun and raises awareness for our beloved four-legged friends. Now, get ready for a face that some say only a mother could love. View this post … Read more
A cancer diagnosis requires tests. Lots of tests. Oncologists use highly-expensive methods to diagnose lung cancer in humans. Now, there might be a way to detect the disease by tapping their local Beagle community. Yes, a new study found Beagles can recognize the disease by scent. Medical Breakthrough A study from the American Osteopathic Association says Beagles’ incredible sense of smell can identify the specific biomarkers of the disease. These dogs are so accurate that researchers believe this discovery could … Read more
Sir Patrick Stewart has accomplished a lot in his life. He has over 150 acting credits to his name. He was granted a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II. He carried the torch as part of the opening ceremony of the Olympics in 2012. But of all his accomplishments and honors, he says that fostering Pit Bulls has been one of the best things he’s ever done. Stewart and wife, singer Sunny Ozell, welcomed their newest foster, Lenny, into their home … Read more
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. It was colder than usual that December in Steger, Illinois. Bayla’s owner abandoned her in atrocious condition behind a veterinarian’s office. Wearing a tattered, knotted leash around her neck, Bayla was emaciated, had double ear infections, and infected, open puncture wounds and torn skin around her face, ears, neck, legs, and back. … 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. Oscar was picked up as a stray by the local dog warden. He was terrified and aggressive. Oscar didn’t understand that people were trying to help him. He would lash out at everyone. Oscar found his forever home with a loving family who will spoil him rotten. He has learned that people … Read more
Camping can be a great way to vacation and take the along your furry best friend. You get a break from the urban jungle and your dog gets to smells all those fun new things, roll in stuff, fetch sticks and play in the water. But camping can also be hazardous if you are not prepared. David Wright, Resident Trainer for Zingy (the “uber of dog walking”) and Founder of iWorkDogs Dog Training Co., shared with us his 12 camping safety tips … Read more
Late June marks the start of a cruel event in Yulin, a city in the Guangxi province of China. Every year, an estimated 10,000 dogs are consumed at the Yulin “Lychee and Dog Meat” festival. While many dogs suffer from this unthinkable fate, one man managed to save one of the dogs. This is the incredibly sad, but hopeful, story. The Chilling Discovery Twitter user Xingyi Danielle recounted the sad, unfortunate tale. She lives in Singapore, but her dad works … Read more
Onyx and Starlet went through hell together. Now rescuers have promised to keep them together. Last month the pair of gentle Mastiffs were involved in a terrifying police chase through the streets of Los Angeles. The suspect was driving a stolen motor home with the innocent dogs along for the ride. Millions watched in horror as the life-threatening chase was broadcast on live TV. At one point, Starlet leapt from the speeding vehicle through a broken window. Miraculously, she suffered … Read more
June 21, 2019 marks the start of the 10th annual Yulin “Lychee and Dog Meat” festival. Tucked away in a remote corner of the country, Yulin, China was virtually unknown to the rest of the world before this yearly “celebration” began. Animal rights activists, celebrities, and average citizens the world over have spoken out against the festival, yet it continues to this day. How did the heartbreaking practice begin? What does the festival represent to its participants? And most importantly, … Read more
Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good Charities, which helps support various charities. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible. Sissy is an adorable French Bulldog/Terrier mix. Someone surrendered her to Anderson County Humane Society. Sissy exhibited significant fear issues, particularly around men, so thanks to a grant from GreaterGood.org funded by the iHeartDogs.com community, she arrived on transport to the Kentucky Humane Society (KHS), which has a behavioral rehabilitation program … Read more
United States servicemen and women risk their lives and leave their families to protect this nation. Unfortunately, sometimes they return home with injuries from service. Thankfully, there is some relief for our warriors. This is the story of one serviceman and the dog that came to his aid. An American Hero Erick Scott served in the Army National Guard and Army for sixteen years. He traveled to Iraq on behalf of the United States. His time abroad was not easy. … Read more
Who doesn’t need a good laugh? This video delivers. A sweet puppy ‘talks’ to his mom and we can’t stop laughing, watching him try to communicate. Get to know this adorable, lovable, Husky baby. And if you fall in love as we did, you can follow this guy on his Instagram account. View this post on Instagram Sundayz A post shared by Ramsey (@ramseythehusky_) on Feb 8, 2015 at 9:01am PST Say Hello to Ramsey Kayla, Ramsey … Read more
Pups have an uncanny ability to get what they want from their people. And when we say “pups,” we don’t just mean puppies! With one look they can garner great sympathy, eliciting favor and treat distribution with alarming frequency. Turns out, that “look” is evolutionary and developed exactly for the purpose of winning human hearts. That’s right. Puppy dog eyes are real, specific to dogs, and backed by illuminating new research. The Research The study was published by the Proceedings … Read more
When the summer sun’s rays hit the earth it warms our skin. The mercury on the thermometer increases and it gets hot outside. As a result, walking barefoot on a sidewalk, black pavement or even sand can be unbearable. For our pups, the results can be even more severe. Unfortunately, one Washington family learned this the hard way. Painful Consequences A Golden Retriever experienced severe burns on his paws after walking on hot pavement in Washington state. According to the … Read more
Most stories and details of animal neglect, while shocking and totally unacceptable, fit a certain mold. We’ve all seen the images of dogs living in deplorable conditions. Rundown homes. Hoarder-like living conditions. People who appear to not truly care about dogs or anything for that matter. So sad, but not always surprising. But, this story truly shocked us. Ties to the Westminster Kennel Club A tipster called authorities in the quiet, rural town of Stockton, New Jersey to alert them … Read more
In the summer months temperatures typically soar. Humans want to take their dogs with them wherever they go, so the pups can enjoy the warm weather, too. Unfortunately, some people forget the higher temps and leave their dogs trapped inside boiling hot cars. In some states, Good Samaritan laws allow you to legally rescue dogs from the heat and almost certain death. The California Rule A popular Twitter account alerted its followers to a law in California that makes rescuing … Read more
PLEASE READ: We try hard to bring you great content – from the writing to the images and videos. But we don’t care if you read this story. We hope you do, but if nothing else, do yourself a favor and watch the video at the end. This is such a touching story. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll be thankful you did. This is Franky’s story. Sometimes we find our dogs when they need us most. And sometimes, our dogs … Read more
What is more adorable than a dog cuddling? We found the answer: a dog cuddling and playing with a stuffed animal. Recently, we went on a journey through videos and pictures of dogs playing with their best plush pals. These are some of our favorites. Why Stuffed Animals? According to Wag, some breeds (like Labs and Golden Retrievers) might be genetically predisposed to nurturing their toys. “[Some dogs] fall into that group as their predecessors were used for hunting and … Read more
Recently, animal shelters in California have noticed an uptick in Huskies being surrendered and even abandoned. Employees were surprised by the increase – so much so, that they decided to take a closer look. After considering a variety of factors, they suspected a television show may have been a key reason for the rise in pups. What show? “Game of Thrones”. Let’s explain. An Infatuation with Huskies In May, “Game of Thrones,” a popular Netflix series, concluded its eight-year run. … Read more
Did you watch Netflix’s “Dogs” series? If you love pups, this is a must watch. The first season had six episodes. It told stories of, as Netflix says, unconditional love between humans and their best friend. What could be better? A second season! And now Netflix wants viewers like you to tell them about your dogs. It’s time to bring the stories of more canines to television screens across the globe. Guess what?! Dogs is coming back for another … Read more
By all accounts drowning is a painful, terrifying, and horrific way to die. Unlike movie portrayals with flailing arms and cries for help, in reality it is typically a silent act. In an effort to survive, the body forces the vocal cords to spasm so that water cannot enter the lungs. This prevents the victim from calling for help or breathing, a fatal catch 22 that results in a slow descent into the depths and eventually, death. It’s unthinkable to … Read more
The 4th of July is a time for celebrating our independence with BBQ’s, iced cold drinks and fireworks. But why not celebrate your pup too? The Dog Bakery has an amazing offer designed especially for your furry friend. The Summer Barkbeque Box is packed full of sweets, treats and squeaks that your dog is going to love. This is a limited time offer, so order yours today. As an added bonus, iHeartDogs readers get over 30% off! Each fun-filled basket … Read more
When we heard about this 12-year-old boy’s “PAW-some” mission we couldn’t help but smile. A budding fashion designer from New Jersey dedicates his time to crafting stylish accessories for shelter dogs to help them get noticed. Talk about generous and giving! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Beaux and Paws (@sirdariusbrown) on Sep 12, 2018 at 4:19am PDT Meet Darius Sir Darius (aka Darius) developed a love for fashion at a young age. When … Read more
Miss Flans, the Chiweenie, is a product of inbreeding. She came from a backyard breeder who has been breeding dogs who are siblings. As a result of careless breeding, Miss Flans suffers from multiple genetic abnormalities. Among other things she has albinism, a tongue too long for her snout, is partially blind, and she suffers from seizures. Her previous owners couldn’t handle her medical conditions. In fact, they had no idea that she was seizing and they just laughed at … Read more
Therapy dogs comfort humans struggling through emotional distress and difficult situations. They can help anyone from young children to seniors. A New Hampshire couple that breeds Labradors wanted to support individuals who deal with trauma and tragedy regularly: first responders. This is how they helped. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Officer Hank (@hank_the_lpd_comfort_dog) on Apr 25, 2019 at 4:02pm PDT Dogs With a Purpose Peggi and David Brogan from Boonefield Labradors decided to … Read more
How would you describe your ‘best day ever’? One service dog got a day off from his work assisting with the recovery of one special little girl. Thanks to BarkPost, and his tremendous support to his human, a Great Dane got to experience his very own “Best Day Ever.” Get the tissues handy, because this story is so beautiful it may bring a tear to your eye. The Power of a Support Dog To understand the impact George the Great … Read more
This story is truly heartbreaking. It starts with the loss of a beloved pup and it only gets worse from there. We wish we knew the person behind this story so we could send our condolences. This one will make your heart cry out to help. Loss on Top of Loss Saoirse Morgan found the anonymous note while walking along the streets of Toronto, Canada. She spotted a harrowing letter taped to a lamp post. The message caught her attention … Read more
Anyone in the position of caring for a dying dog wants to understand the process as best as possible. Knowing what to expect provides some comfort in an otherwise completely disorienting and uncomfortable time. When it comes time to make decisions about your dog’s end of life, knowledge is power. It’s important to understand that dying is a highly individualized experience. No two beings, human or canine, will experience it in a completely predictable way. Also, death is a process … Read more
The pain of losing a beloved pup is unbearable. The grief impacts everyone differently, often sending them for solace in many places. One man wanted to help his grieving girlfriend get a few moments of respite from the pain. The results were epic. Love at First Sight A man’s girlfriend suffered from the painful loss of her ten-year-old Beagle named B.B that sadly passed away due to a heart tumor. Devastation plagued her. The man wanted to ease her suffering … Read more
Over the years a number of notable men have donned the iconic cowl and cape of the legendary dark hero, Batman. Adam West, Michael Keaton, Christian Bale, and many others have made their mark and given us their own take on the caped crusader. Even Batdad has carved a place in our hearts. But not a single one has been as truly heroic as the Batman we’ve come to love the most – the one who fights for pups! https://www.facebook.com/Batman4Paws/photos/a.1820338854730344/2006761599421401/?type=3&theater … Read more
Breaking up is hard to do. Couples must agree on who gets what, often leading to disputes over anything from furniture to dishes. Things get far more complicated in custody cases, where couples must agree or let a judge decide how living beings will split their time between parents. The laws governing this process as it relates to human beings is quite clear but things get a bit murky when fur babies enter the equation. Jessica Sardina of Bangor, Maine … Read more
Taking care of dogs is a large responsibility. Having more than one increases the work. Anyone with a dog at home knows this to be true. When keeping a dog becomes overwhelming, the best thing to do is find your pup a safe place to live. One Florida woman had too many animals. Instead of caring for them, she simply let them go. Abandoned them. Well, more like “dumped” them. Awful! A Reckless Choice In early June, a woman brought … Read more
Valor is defined as boldness or determination in facing great danger, especially in battle; heroic courage; bravery. That word so perfectly describes every single first responder that gave their all, day in and day out, in the weeks following 9/11. Many that conducted search and rescue missions in the rubble that remained continue to feel the physical effects of their tireless efforts nearly 18 years later. Chronic pain, mobility limitations, and breathing difficulties are common. NYC firefighter and 9/11 first responder Paul … Read more
Toledo, United States.