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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
How do you like to spend the July Fourth holiday? Cookouts are fun and lots of people love watching fireworks. However, these beautiful displays terrify many animals, especially dogs. So, to help soothe the stress for their residents, one Phoenix, Arizona shelter invited volunteers to stay with their pups on the holiday. The results were heart-melting. Offering Solace to Anxious Pups Last year, the folks at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control started a new program for their cats … Read more
It’s not always immediately obvious why a service dog provides aid to their handler. Sometimes a blind person needs a guide dog to navigate the world. Other times, dogs support humans with difficulty hearing, PTSD, or seizures. These well-trained dogs go everywhere with their humans. In fact, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), bans public places from discriminating against people with disabilities. Unfortunately, one Utah restaurant didn’t get the memo. An Unpleasant Situation Several residents of Ogden, Utah, shared the … Read more
We recently sent a team out to the amazing New Leash On Life pet shelter and clinic in Lebanon, Tennessee with boxes of donations that YOU, our supporters provided through your iHeartDogs.com (and iHeartCats.com!) purchases. Just to clarify, in case you’re new here (welcome!) – every item you purchase from iHeartDogs.com provides a donation. New Leash On Life is a valuable resource to their community and an amazing example for shelters all over. The facility is the only one in … Read more
Have you ever heard of a service dog for a dog? We hadn’t either until we learned about an inspiring father and son pair. Now, the two reside in a shelter in New Jersey. This duo has an unbelievable bond. They exhibit a loving relationship like one between a human and their service dog. Meet Buddy and Big Daddy Buddy, a blind two-year-old boxer mix, relies on an unusual support system to help him navigate the world. His father, a … Read more
Consider this scary statistic…according to the rescue group Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest (RAGOM), an estimated 10 million dogs are slaughtered and consumed every year in China. Even more frightening, the majority of the murdered dogs were pets stolen from their homes or retired breeding dogs. Thankfully, volunteers and rescuers are fighting back. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Retrieve a Golden (@retrieveagolden) on Mar 9, 2019 at 9:11am PST These Dogs Need … Read more
What is the coolest thing you ever found while on a walk? For some, it’s a twenty-dollar bill or a lost mitten. One Florida hiker made an incredible discovery on a recent journey. A dog went missing three weeks earlier and her humans could not find her anywhere. Luckily, the hiker heard her on a recent expedition through a remote area of forest in Florida and discovered this scared, lost girl. View this post on Instagram A … Read more
Some people go the extra mile to be kind to others. We love this story of a goodhearted veterinarian who taught a young girl the importance of compassion. When a South African woman put out a call on her local Facebook group to treat her daughter’s toy dog, she was delighted with the results. Can Anyone Help a Dog In Need? The story begins with a Facebook post. Amanda Le Roux of Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, wrote in a private … 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. Nina came to the Kentucky Humane Society (KHS) from the Ohio County (KY) Animal Shelter in late January on transport thanks to a grant from GreaterGood.org funded by the iHeartDogs.com community! https://www.facebook.com/kyhumane/photos/a.149748843723/10157171600283724/?type=3&theater Upon arrival, Nina had a bad case of heartworm. Despite this, Nina is a happy, sweet pup who loves … 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. “Connecticut in December is COLD! The dogs felt the same way! The Rescue Rebuild team headed to New London, CT to help winterize the dog houses at Safe Futures. Safe Futures’priority is always to keep the pet with their person. The therapeutic benefits of the human-animal bond are undeniable. When a person … Read more
Warning: this is a tale of severe neglect. Despite the traumatic subject, there is a happy ending for an inspiring, brave, and fierce Chihuahua named Mia. This sweet girl survived unimaginable neglect and cruelty from her human. Thankfully, this dog received treatment before something irreversible happened. One Tough Pup The employees at the San Jose Animal Care Center were shocked to meet Mia. Her human brought her to their clinic in dire straits. Emaciated and weak, the tiny dog appeared … Read more
Say hello to Maggie. She is a ridiculously cute Shihtzu/Poodle/Chihuahua mix. Maggie lives in Long Island, New York. Her hobbies include playing with her family and smelling blooming flowers in the spring. And when her mom and grandpa aren’t looking, Maggie can get into a bit of harmless mischief. Meet Maggie View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maggie 🐾❤ (@magstermoomoo) on Mar 23, 2019 at 4:08pm PDT Maggie lives with her mom, Eunice, and her extended … Read more
A few weeks ago we told you about a truly terrifying story. Deputies in Florida’s Hernando County arrested a man charged with animal cruelty. Witnesses rushed to the rescue of the Pit Bull after watching him dragged behind a truck in Central Florida. Now the man will serve time for his crime. Justice for Ollie It was a horrific scene, but there was one small silver lining. Jan Harwood, the owner of Nature Coast Animal Wellness and Surgical Center, witnessed … 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. Mya came into rescue at 14 months old. She was holding her rear leg up and not using it. Mya is a deaf ACD, yet you wouldn’t know it unless someone told you. She has had two surgeries, and while she can mostly use her leg, she still has times that she … Read more
Some people go the extra mile to be kind to others. We love this story of a goodhearted veterinarian who taught a young girl the importance of compassion. When a South African woman put out a call on her local Facebook group to treat her daughter’s toy dog, she was delighted with the results. Can Anyone Help a Dog In Need? The story begins with a Facebook post. Amanda Le Roux of Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, wrote in a private … Read more
Indiana is home to family farms, orchards, wineries, and friendly communities. You’d never guess that an active animal fighting ring was alive and well within some of Indiana’s quaintest counties but unfortunately, that was the case until very recently. The Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) received a tip about a suspected fighting operation in Morgan and Owen counties. They launched an investigation and found two properties housing animals that are suspected of being abused and used in illegal fighting and gambling … Read more
If you’re anything like me, you want to take your dog with you wherever you go. One man decided to do just that when he planned an epic long-distance hike. Kyle Rohrig organized an 83-day trek through Florida. He wanted a companion for his travels and he had the perfect one at home. But there was a catch. His dog is blind. Two Long Distance Hikers Rohrig and Katana, an eight-year-old Shiba Inu, hiked many trails together before their Florida … Read more
Most people can’t say they created a nation-wide campaign to raise money for a good cause. It’s not easy to motivate strangers to donate their hard-earned funds. But one Ohio boy didn’t let the odds deter him. He decided to raise money for something he is very passionate about — police dogs. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brady’s K9 Fund (@bradysk9fund) on May 13, 2019 at 5:48pm PDT It Started With a TV Show … Read more
When you think of a police dog, what comes to mind? For many, it is a German Shepherd sniffing for drugs, or a Belgian Malinois standing guard next to an officer of the law. One North Carolina Sheriff’s office wanted to employ service dogs, but they decided to go about it a different way. They turned to adoption to find their dogs. A Brilliant Idea The story begins with two dogs on the verge of euthanasia. The Pit Bulls, named … Read more
Most of the time, when dogs are caught red-handed stealing something, chewing something they shouldn’t, or doing some form of mischief, they either run away, or give you that sweet apologetic look that you just can’t resist. They know they’re guilty, so they either flee or they ask forgiveness. And with those cute puppy-dog eyes and that sorry face, we just can’t stay mad at them. But the dog in the video below is different. Harley Quinn, a.k.a. HQ, was … Read more
It was supposed to be a family Memorial Day Weekend beach vacation. The family, loaded in the car with their lovable dog, were ready for a weekend of fun in the sun. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned. The Williams family trip to Topsail Beach quickly changed from a fun getaway to a survival story. It Happened In An Instant The Williams family lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Over the holiday weekend, they packed up their car and set … Read more
What’s better than graduating from college? How about earning your degree with your best friend by your side? Especially when your friend is a lovable golden retriever named Chief. This was a reality for one University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) student as she and her service dog walked across the graduation stage together, receiving a diploma and some well deserved applause. Partners In Studies Erica Haschert and her service dog Chief graduate together today at @umbc . Chief went … Read more
Who do you turn to in times of emotional distress? For many of us, our dogs are a bottomless source of love and support. One funeral home in Southwestern Virginia was inspired by a dog’s love. They decided to hire a golden Labrador as a grief therapy dog. A Brilliant Idea Oakey’s Funeral Service is a well-established business in Roanoke, Virginia. The funeral home opened its doors in 1866. Now, Oakey’s is using a canine to support its clientele through … Read more
California animal control workers uncovered a stunning case of cruelty. More than 130 malnourished dogs were living in horrible unhealthy conditions at an Orange County, California home. Thankfully, they moved quickly to remedy the grizzly scene. A Horrifying Discovery An anonymous caller tipped off the authorities. Something wasn’t right inside the large home within the gated community. So, animal control arrived quickly. They wore hazmat suits while they removed dogs from a home in Orange, California. Authorities red-tagged [deemed … Read more
Toledo, United States.