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Disabled Rescue Dog Helps Injured Pastor Heal His Body & Soul

On the morning of June 2, Pastor Jon Cavnar was in a head-on collision on his way to work. His injuries were extensive, landing the once-active father in a wheelchair. Like many survivors, Cavnar began to suffer from depression. Doctors were unsure whether or not they could save his leg and he found himself facing an uncertain future. That’s when his wife, Alexis suggested bringing a dog into the family. Enter Tankerbelle – a very special rescue pooch from the … Read more

Saved From Death Row, This Pup Wears His Emotions All Over His Face

4-year-old rescue dog, Bacon earned himself the nickname “Old Man Bacon” due to his temperamental attitutude and crabby nature. The unique-looking pooch’s story began on the streets of Tampa, Florida where he was picked up by animal control. Bacon was adopted out and returned twice with the owners citing behavioral issues. Eventually he found himself on the euthanasia list.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Bacon (@thebaconator) on Sep 4, 2018 at 10:24am PDT Luckily, local rescue … Read more

Pastor and Parishioners Rescue Four-Legged Flood Victims

A North Carolina pastor and two of his parishioners set out Friday afternoon to help victims of Hurricane Florence. Although they initially intended to locate humans stranded by floodwaters, they ended up finding cats and dogs in need. In a now-viral video, the trio of rescuers are seen saving two stranded dogs and a pair of water-logged kittens. Matthew Drake is the pastor at Richlands United Pentecostal Church in Jacksonville, NC – an area devastated by this week’s storm. Drake … Read more

Rebuilding And Beautifying Texas Shelter Helps Adoption Rates!

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.  City of Temple Animal Shelter had been looking for new ways to beautify their shelter and make it more inviting to prospective adopters. Studies have shown that the brighter and more relaxing a shelter is, the better adoption rate they will have, which is the ultimate goal. Rescue Rebuild made their way to … Read more

Great Dane Who Was Almost Euthanized 4 Years Ago Has Happy Family

Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good Charities, which helps support various charitable organizations. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible.  “My husband and I have tried to help animals in need since 1998. At times it becomes a little overwhelming how many need help; let alone how expensive it is to get them the help and food that they need. “On December 19, 2014, we received word about a Great … Read more

After Being Abandoned Twice Terminally Ill Rescue Dog Is Living His Best Life

Parker may only have a few months to live, but his friends, family, and even complete strangers are making sure those few months are the best he’s ever had. Helping Hand For Animals and S&B Kountry Kennel in Iowa are working together to bring this rescue dog the love and happiness he desperately deserves. His life hasn’t always been easy, but he’s happier than ever as he works his way through a bucket list made especially for him. https://www.facebook.com/1642315379362493/photos/a.1642334329360598/2155187604741932/?type=3&theater At … Read more

Reporter Interrupts Live Newscast To Help Rescue Dog From Hurricane Flood Waters

Reporter, Julie Wilson was recording a Facebook Live video in the hurricane-ravaged town of New Bern, North Carolina on Friday when she found herself caught up in the rescue effort. As Wilson waded through knee-deep water, she came across a woman named Tasha who said her daughter’s injured therapy dog was still inside her flooding house.   TO THE RESCUE: ABC station reporter interrupts live stream to rescue dog chest deep in the flooded streets of New Bern, North Carolina. After … Read more

People Pull Together To Help Pets In Hurricane Florence’s Path

When faced with something as devastating and dangerous as a hurricane, people will come together in amazing ways to help each other through it. And pets are definitely not excluded. On the East Coast, people in areas affected by Hurricane Florence have come through for their shelters in a big way. Saving Grace NC had already taken in several dogs from coastal-area shelters that needed to be evacuated. But they didn’t want their pets to ride out the storm huddled … Read more

8 Things You Should Know About Service Dog Etiquette

Service dogs are becoming a more common sight, which is great news for both dogs and the people who need them! More people with disabilites are finding friends to help make everyday tasks easier. And many dogs thrive when given a job to do. It’s a win-win! Do you know what to do when you see a service dog? Most of us know not to pet a service dog no matter how irrisistible he may be, but there’s other things … Read more

House Passes Official Dog & Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act

While countries including China, South Korea, and Thailand are notorious for slaughtering dogs and cats for the purpose of consumption, most Americans are surprised to learn the issue also hits close to home. There is evidence of an underground market for the sale and purchase of dog and cat meat in the U.S., and until recently, 44 states allowed individuals to kill pets and sell the meat as food. Thanks to a rare bipartisan cooperation, that practice is on its … Read more

This Weird Looking Toy Will Be Your Dog’s Best Friend on a Rainy Day

Has your pup ever been frustrated by boredom on a rainy day? Or maybe you didn’t quite have enough time for a long walk, and they need to burn some energy? If so, the concept of canine nose work is something you and your pup will love. What Is Nose Work? The term “nose work” was created to define the professional canine scent detection training activity translated to pet dogs. It’s an easy-to-learn, fun activity to engage in with your … Read more

Woman Wakes Up To Strange ‘Dog’ In Her Bedroom

Bonnie Moriarty recently had the shock of her life when she thought she heard her pets fighting in the middle of the night. She woke up ready to break up a fight between her cat and dog but came face-to-face with a coyote! Her cat, spooked by the creature, came running into her bedroom with a large shadow following it. At first, Bonnie thought it was her dog, but quickly realized what it was! She believes the coyote was lured … Read more

With Her Service Dog, Veteran Can Follow Her Dream Of Becoming A Doctor

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.  US Army Veteran Freedom served as a combat medic, and was diagnosed with severe PTSD as the result of service-related events. Freedom received a service dog through Patriot PAWS. Because of her severe disabilities, she believed that her dream of attending medical school and becoming a doctor would never come to pass. … Read more

10 Dog Breeds That Make Great Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs can perform a number of jobs – some visit the sick in hospitals, or the elderly in homes. Others sit quietly while being read to by children. But they all have something in common – they brighten the day of everyone they meet! We know any dog can put a smile on a human face, but therapy work requires more of a dog than to just be a dog. Therapy dogs must be able to be calm, affectionate, … Read more

Looking For An Apartment Dog? These 8 Breeds Love The City

apartment dog

The bustling streets, glistening lights, being able to get your favorite take-out at two in the morning—there’s something about the city that has your heart. There’s a lot to love, but tiny apartments pose specific challenges for pup parents. Finding a place that accepts pets is your first hurdle, and then there’s everything that comes with having a dog in a small space. You need to think about how your dog is going to exercise, where they’ll go to the … Read more

10 Dog Breeds That Make Great Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs can perform a number of jobs – some visit the sick in hospitals, or the elderly in homes. Others sit quietly while being read to by children. But they all have something in common – they brighten the day of everyone they meet! We know any dog can put a smile on a human face, but therapy work requires more of a dog than to just be a dog. Therapy dogs must be able to be calm, affectionate, … Read more

The Adorable “Snoot Challenge” May Benefit Your Pup

If you’ve been on Instagram recently, you’ve probably seen adorable photos of dogs (and other animals) participating in the “snoot challenge.” The snoot challenge involves a dog poking their nose into a shape created by their human’s fingers. 12,000 dogs have participated in the challenge on Instagram. More than just cute, the snoot challenge may benefit dogs that are trained to do it.   View this post on Instagram   I’m so goood at sticking ma nose in👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻 already #thesnootchallenge #snootchallenge … Read more

This Girl Brought Home A $5 Foot Long, It Wasn’t What Mom Was Expecting

There’s always a measure of creativity that goes into caring for a dog, and 21-year-old Kelsey Johnstone needed to call on that creativity sooner than expected. Kelsey’s mom wasn’t exactly on board with the idea of adopting another dog. The family already had a beloved dog named Oliver, but Kelsey was determined to get Oliver a new furry sibling. All she needed was mom’s permission. When a sign outside an animal shelter gave her the perfect idea, she couldn’t pass … Read more

Golden Retriever Serves As Mayor In Small Town, And Even Has Dog Deputies!

The town of Idyllwild, California is nestled within the San Jacinto Mountains. There are hiking trails, quaint neighborhood streets, and best of all, a dog serving as mayor. The residents are full of town pride, and the tight-knit community elected Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller II in a landslide election in 2014. Mayor Max has been faithfully serving his town ever since, and the people of Idyllwild wouldn’t have it any other way. https://www.facebook.com/mayor.max.3/photos/a.863700170346395/1650727294977008/?type=3&theater The story of how a town elected a … Read more

The End-Of-Life Option That All Pet Parents Should Consider

Helping your pet cross the Rainbow Bridge is an excruciating experience that many people cannot even bear to think about until the moment arrives. Although it hurts, planning ahead can help alleviate some of the stress and allow you to make an informed decision when your head is clear. One important option to consider is whether you would like to schedule a home euthanasia. Some veterinarians offer house calls for their patients, but appointments can be hard to come by due to … Read more

TSA Canine Meets The Son Of The 9/11 Hero He Was Named For

September 11, 2001 brought the world some of the most tragic scenes in recent history. Many families were broken, and many heroes stepped forward, willing to lay down their lives to search for survivors. One of those heroes was George Howard, a Port Authority police officer who was off-duty when the World Trade Center North Tower was attacked. He immediately leaped into action as a volunteer firefighter – one of the first to arrive on the scene that day to … Read more

How To Manage An Overprotective Dog

overprotective dog

You know the difference between someone trying to give you a hug versus a chokehold, but your overprotective dog isn’t willing to take the risk. When your friends come to visit, they can’t get close without your dog growling and barking. Your dog might even decide to bite. Being overprotective isn’t a behavioral trait to take lightly, and it’s time to do something about it. RELATED: The Best Online Dog Training Courses How Dogs Become Overprotective For most dogs, the … Read more

Could Your Dog’s Water Bowl Make Him Sick? Here’s What You Need To Know

Did you know that your dog’s water bowl could make him sick? There are actually several different ways you could be putting your dog’s health at risk with his water bowl. From the material the bowl is made from to how often you wash it, there are a lot of different ways your dog’s water bowl can affect his health. Here’s how. Infrequent washing If you’re like most dog owners, you just rinse and refill your dog’s water bowl once … Read more

The Way Dogs Choose Their Favorite Person May Surprise You

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

This Might Be The Best Coffee You’ve Ever Tasted, And Has an Awesome Twist Dog People Love

Need a reason to justify that next cup of coffee? Look no further. A new line of coffee called “Drink Coffee. Feed Dogs.” makes a striking promise: Every single cup you drink provides a meal for shelter dog. Teaming up with charity partners GreaterGood.org and RescueBank, iHeartDogs donates a full 25 meals to animal shelters with each bag sold, corresponding to one meal per cup of coffee (it’s a 12 oz. bag of beans). And if you think this is … Read more

These “Brothers From Another Mother” Have Been Waiting Over A Year For Their Forever Homes

Lover Boy and Colonel Snazzypants have been at LifeLine Animal Project‘s Dekalb County Shelter for 442 and 381 days respectively. Last year, during a stressful move to a new facility, staff members noticed the two dogs’ physical similarities and decided to see if they would make good roommates. The boys became fast friends and have been inseparable ever since! “These two were paired together because Lover Boy was one of the few remaining dogs after we held an event to … Read more

Dogs Are More Than Just Welcome At This Apartment Complex – They’re Required!

Depending on where you live, it can be difficult to find rental housing that accepts dogs. To solve this problem, Danish entrepreneur Niels Martin Viuff, decided to create apartments for pup-lovers only! The 18-unit complex is set to be built in the Frederikssund Municipality on the island of Zealand in eastern Denmark. Viuff came up with the idea for the dog-friendly apartments after learning of the need from local residents. “There is demand from some dog owners who are tired of there … Read more

Do You Look Like Your Dog? Side-By-Side Photos Compare Humans And Their Pets

They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery – but no one said we had to keep it between humans! Photographer Gerrard Gethings has recently released photos from a series comparing the appearance of owners with their dogs. It doesn’t surprise us too much that these people love their pets so much that they’ve adopted a little of their style – seems like a fantastic idea to us!   Gerrard Gethings grew up in rural Lancashire. Living near the … Read more

Dog With Grapefruit-Size Growth Hopes to Find a Loving Fospice Home

Pinto recently lost his family, ended up in a kill shelter, and was diagnosed with two different kinds of cancer. He also has a grapefruit-size mass protruding from his head. Despite these challenges, Pinto is one lucky pooch. Why, you ask? Because he has been rescued by the Mr. Mo Project, an incredible organization based in Clifton Park, New York. MMP founders, Chris and Mariesa Hughes vowed to provide Pinto with the very best veterinary care, no matter the cost. … Read more

Blue-Green Algae May Be Responsible For Liver Failure In Florida Dogs

Residents along the Florida coast have been dealing with some pretty awful algae this year. The problem has become especially bad near the St. Lucie river, where people say the dying algae “smells like death” and is causing respiratory issues, itchy eyes, runny noses, and nausea. The blue-green algae is so much of a nuisance that it has caused the closure of beaches and even local businesses. But humans aren’t the only ones who can be negatively affected by blue-green … Read more

5 Herbs To Help Soothe Your Dog’s Tummy Troubles

No one likes an upset tummy, and that includes your dog! While our four-legged friends can’t tell us if they have a belly ache, pet parents know when something isn’t right. Whether your pup vomits, has a bout of diarrhea, or just seems under the weather, loving pet parents will do just about anything to help. While you should consult with your vet if there are any noticeable changes in your dog’s health or habits (especially if they’re prolonged), sometimes … Read more

How Many Calories Does My Dog Need?

There are several good reasons to know how many calories your dog needs each day. You don’t want to overfeed your dog – obesity can lead to several health problems for your pet. And you definitely don’t want to underfeed him, because that can cause issues for him too and leave him suffering from both hunger and a lack of energy. But finding the right number can be tricky, and it’s not as easy as that little chart on the back … Read more

5 Signs You’re Dealing With A Flea Infestation

dog has fleas

There’s only one “f” word that strikes fear into the hearts of all dog people: FLEAS. These blood-feasting insects are so tiny you can barely see them, but they wreak havoc on your home. If your dog has fleas, the bugs won’t stay on their unwilling host for long. It always starts with one, but soon enough, there are fleas in your carpet, couch, blankets, and even your bed. A flea infestation takes over your entire house, and your dog … Read more

What You Need To Know About Kidney Stones In Dogs

Nephroliths – or kidney stones – are hard clusters that develop inside the kidneys or urinary tract. While bladder stones are more common than kidney stones in dogs, both are formed when an accumlation of salts or minerals naturally found in the urine form into clumps. Kidney stones can range from a mild inconvenience to a medical emergency. Some dogs may not show any symptoms at all. Why do some dogs develop kidney stones? Kidney stones in dogs develop when … Read more

Do I Still Need To Worry About Fleas During Cooler Months?

Many people assume that fleas die off in the winter and it’s safe to stop your dog’s flea and tick preventative. But is it really safe to do that? Do you need to worry about fleas during cooler months? The surprising answer is that YES, you do still need to worry about them during cooler months, and it’s all about their life cycle. About the flea life cycle You may be surprised to learn that much of a flea’s life … Read more

UPDATE: Dog Found With Shoelace Embedded Into Neck Finds Hope With Houston Rescue

Some photos below are graphic. Scroll to the bottom to see what Gus looks like now!  When animal activist Rob Acuna and some friends saw a photo of a stray dog with a severely swollen head on Facebook, they knew they had to find him and help him. For over a year the dog had wandered in the area near a Southeast Houston apartment complex and had suffered unimaginable cruelty. They searched the area where he had been spotted for … Read more

Three-Legged Dog Helps Middle School Boy Conquer Bullies

Middle school isn’t the easiest stage in life, but for a boy named Carson, life at school was almost unbearable. Bullies harassed him in the hallways, and it didn’t take long for their hateful actions to take a toll on Carson’s emotional well-being. His confidence plummeted, and he started feeling anxious and depressed. It took all his courage to walk into school, and every day was a struggle. To try and help their son, Carson’s family sought every kind of … Read more

If Your Dog Is Lethargic, It’s Time To Figure Out Why

You know your dog better than anyone, but that doesn’t make it easy to know when she’s not feeling well. She can’t come out and tell you she’s ill, and that leaves you to worry and wonder when something seems “off.” Decreased activity is one of the most common symptoms of canine illness. Commonality, however, doesn’t make it easy to identify or interpret. If your dog is lethargic, there’s always a reason. The trick is knowing what that reason is. … Read more

Rescue Rebuild Helped This Shelter Play Area Become Parvo-Free

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.  The Grapevine Animal Shelter reached out to Rescue Rebuild looking for help. Their old play yards were grass, which is hard to maintain and had parvo exposure, a deadly virus that can stay in the soil for years. This meant that they had no place to let their dogs outside! They were desperate … Read more

This Golden Spent Her Life Unloved Until A Rescue Stepped In

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.  “Courtney lived her life in a pen. Little human attention, and being stuck outside by herself made for a horrible existence. When her owners moved they abandoned her, leaving her behind like a bag of trash. The new people who moved into the house tried to keep Courtney, but their German Shepherd … Read more

5 Ways You May Be Hurting Your Dog’s Feelings Without Even Knowing It

A Harvard psychologist recently declared that when dogs dream they are likely reliving their experiences with their humans. Those yips and kicks we see are their reactions to either pleasing us or annoying us in dreamland. For better or worse, our dogs’ entire lives revolve around us. If they do not get enough of our time or that time is marred by unwarranted punishments, it can leave lasting emotional scars. Dog owners usually make one of these 5 mistakes because … Read more

6 Reasons Why Dogs Pant

You’ve seen your dog pant. When you’re running around together, it’s not unusual for you both to be panting! We like to think it’s because they’re happy – and panting does look like a big happy smile, right? But for pups, panting is multi-purpose. Some dogs may even be panting for a reason that requires the attention of a vet. Knowing why dogs pant and paying attention can tip you off and help you take better care of your dog. … Read more

Utah Firefighter Gives Home To Dog Rescued From California Wildfire

A small act of kindness is even more amazing when it happens in the middle of chaos. Wildfires continue to wreak havoc in California and fire crews from other areas have travelled to join the effort. Firefighters from Draper City, Utah travelled over 800 miles to help fight the Mendocino Complex fire burning North of Santa Rosa, California. On August 12, while working contain the flames in the Potter Valley fire zone, the group spotted a German Shepherd huddled under … Read more

England Officially Bans Electric Shock Collars

Animal welfare groups and dog-loving politicians have been fighting for a decade to ban the use of shock collars in England. After a heated debate, they’ve finally achieved their goal. England’s government announced this week that the law will officially change to make the use of training dogs with shock collars illegal. The ban puts England in line with the rest of the UK as Wales and Scotland have already taken steps to put an end to this form of … Read more

Teenager Wakes From Coma After Visit From A Therapy Dog

On July 15, a devastating traffic accident in Delray Beach, FL put 19-year-old Farrah Fox into a deep coma. An off-duty officer ran a stop sign and plowed into the SUV Farrah was riding in. She suffered a traumatic brain injury, and there was nothing doctors or her family could do but wait. They waited five weeks with no change in Farrah’s condition, but then a therapy dog named Fergie came to visit. The seven-year-old Labradoodle frequently visits hospitals as … Read more

Atlanta Organization Helps Strays While Keeping Kids Out Of Gangs

The streets of Atlanta, GA are home to countless stray animals. There are dogs scrounging for food in dumpsters, feral cats struggling to survive, and former pets newly abandoned and afraid. At the same time, there’s a different kind of problem lurking in the shadows. Local gangs take over neighborhoods, and they’re always looking to recruit. Kids are pressured to take sides, teens are forced to join in, and innocent youth are beaten when they try to resist. Disabled veteran … Read more

Top 10 Dog Friendliest Cities of 2018

When it comes to choosing the top pet-friendly cities, we want more than just restaurants with dog-friendly patios and big dog parks. We’re thinking and dreaming bigger when it comes to our dogs. We want to live where our dogs can be healthy and happy, and treated like the kings and queens we always knew they were. WalletHub has put together their best dog-friendly cities list ever that really covers all the bases when it comes to the demands we … Read more

Why Do Some Dogs Shake?

Sometimes dogs shake with excitement upon seeing a favorite loved one. Other times their trembling is an involuntary response to environmental factors. While these causes are harmless, shaking can also be a symptom of certain genetic conditions or a sign of a serious illness. In order to determine if your dog’s shaking is a cause for concern, you must understand the many reasons that may account for it. Certain breeds are more prone to shaking. Ask any Chihuahua parent and … Read more

How To Help Keep Your Dog Calm In Public

Dog trainers hear it all the time: “My dog is great at home, but as soon as we get around other people/pets, his manners go out the window!” Keeping a dog calm and attentive in public goes against their natural instincts to explore and interact with their surroundings. Disruptive dogs can become well-mannered members of polite society, but it takes lots of practice and plenty of patience on the part of the owner. Why do some dogs act unruly in … Read more

Pittsburgh Hotel Owner Rescues Thousands Of Pets And Encourages Guests To Adopt!

Jonathan Plesset is a man who loves animals – and sharing his love of animals with the people who stay at his hotel! Years ago, Plesset and a friend got their aviation licenses and decided to use them to rescue animals by helping transport them to no-kill shelters where they were more likely to be adopted. Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team (PAART) was born with just two pilots – Jonathan Plesset and Brad Childs. Since then, PAART has become much … Read more

Mom Investigated By Child Services For Letting 8-Year-Old Walk The Dog Alone

This is not the kind of story iHeartDogs typically covers. In fact, it doesn’t have much to do with dogs at all. Rather, it is about society, families, and how something once considered mundane can now spark a legal battle. 8-year-old Dorothy Widen recently began taking her dog, Marshmallow for walks around the block in the upscale Chicago suburb of Wilmette, Illinois. Although Marshmallow is small enough for Dorothy to handle, and the pair walk in broad daylight, one neighbor … Read more