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Family Dog “Arrested” For The Brutal Slaying Of Holly The Elf

A New Mexico family is struggling to regain their holiday spirit after a friend was murdered at the paws of one of their own. Holly the Christmas Elf was a yearly visitor to the home of San Juan County undersheriff, Shane Ferrari. On the morning of December 2, Ferrari discovered Holly’s dismembered body by the doggy door – a known hangout of Josie Ferrari a.k.a “The Mutt”. The evidence led the lawman to the horrifying discovery that the murder was … Read more

Do Dogs Play Favorites When It Comes To Their Humans?

Feed them, love them, and give them somewhere safe to call home, and you’re on your way to your dog’s good side. But the question on every dog owner’s mind is, “Does my dog love me more than everyone else?” Parents say they don’t have favorite family members, but that neutral stance doesn’t necessarily apply to the dog. If your dog seems to gravitate more toward one family member than anyone else, there’s a good chance they’ve picked their favorite … Read more

Shelter Compiles Exact Reasons For Huge Spike In Surrenders After Christmas

Last year, the Dogs Trust rehoming centers in Glasgow and West Calder, Scotland received 703 calls from pet owners looking to surrender their dogs in the weeks immediately following the holidays. Staff members fielded excuses such as “I got him as a secret Santa present” and “She wags her tail far too much.” The owners were clearly unmoved by the rescue’s slogan “A dog is for life, not just for Christmas.” Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest canine rescue organization with a … Read more

Blind Dog Learns To Face Her Fears Thanks To Her Special Needs Sister

Sometimes all you need to face your fear is a good friend by your side. That’s the lesson Alexa Fiala learned when she decided to bring a second dog into her home. As a veterinarian, Fiala didn’t hesitate when a breeder told her there was a blind puppy in need of a family. The breeder couldn’t sell the dog due to her disability, and Fiala agreed to welcome the blind dog named Dunder into the family. https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ6zKONBu4C/?taken-by=dunderthedog Dunder was her … Read more

12 Fabulous Gifts For The Chihuahua Lover On Your List

Chihuahuas are known for their intellience, sass, and fierce loyalty to their humans. It’s no wonder they are one of the most popular breeds in America! If you are lucky enough to have a Chi-mom on your shopping list, she likely shares many of the same wonderful traits as her favorite breed. Make her holiday special with one of these 15 fabulously adorable gifts.   1. Chihuahua Print Socks, $6.99 or Mix & match any 5 socks for $25 Who doesn’t … Read more

15 Perfect Gifts For The Lab Lover On Your List

Loyal, smart, happy-go-lucky Labrador Retrievers are hard not to love, and it's really no wonder that they're America's most popular dog breed! There's a good chance you have a Lab fanatic in your life, and if you've been wondering what to get them this holiday season, look no further. Below, you'll find 12 gifts to suit any personality for everyone who's crazy about Labs, Lab mixes, and anything that barks! 1. Lab USA Ceramic Star Ornament, $9.99. This product feeds 3 ... Read more

Golden Retriever Serves As Flower Girl At Her Pawrents’ Wedding

Briana and Kevin Schaefer consider their 4-year-old Golden Retriever, Norah their daughter – or dog-ter if you prefer. When it came to planning their November 4 wedding, there was never any doubt that Norah would be included somehow. “The bond we have with Norah is special, she’s our fur baby,” Briana told The Knot. The couple decided that the golden cutie would serve as their flower girl, complete with a wreath of flowers draped around her neck. Norah behaved like a … Read more

Man Makes 1300 Mile Roadtrip To Reunite Missing Dog With His Mom

On December 5, Zach Holt and a very lucky dog named Zimba began a 1300 mile roadtrip from Ridgeley, Maryland to Wichita, Kansas. Waiting at the end of that long journey was Zimba’s human, Ikea Mosley. Although ecstatic that the lost dog she had been searching for was safe, the single mother was unable to take the necessary time off work to retrieve him. It all began last month when Mosley’s boyfriend left Kansas for a visit to Maryland with … Read more

Pit Bull Ban Forces Woman To Give Up Her Service Dog

Yakima, Washington has had a ban on Pit Bulls for the past 30 years. The city’s breed specific legislation was voted to law in 1987 when a series of dog attacks involved dogs who fit the “Pit Bull” description. It’s been three decades since American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Bulldogs, and American Staffordshire Terriers haven’t been allowed within city limits, but time has done nothing to clarify what’s allowed and what isn’t. https://www.facebook.com/KOMONews/posts/1661697513898574 Dog owner Danika Denton … Read more

16 Awesome Gift Ideas For The Husky Lover In Your Life

There are some people who prefer small, calm, non-shedding lap dogs. And then there are those people who love Siberians Huskies! How could anybody not love the sassiness, style, and voice of the Husky? For the Husky lovers in your life, you have to find the perfect gift to match that Husky attitude, right? iHeartDogs has you covered this holiday season! Here are 18 awesome gift ideas for the Husky lovers in your life. #1 -   Off White Husky Print ... Read more

13 Gifts For Every Dachshund Lover In Your Life

‘Tis the season for scrambling to find the perfect gifts. On the bright side, you know exactly what to get the Doxie lovers on your list. Dachshunds have happy personalities that are the perfect remedy for any rainy day. Those who have a Dachshund (or two or three) always appreciate gifts that show off their favorite breed. Whether you have a friend who’s obsessed with Doxies or your entire family has been captivated by long bodies and puppy dog eyes, … Read more

12 Awesome Gifts For People Who Love German Shepherds!

Do you or someone you know love German Shepherd Dogs more than life itself? Well then, we have the perfect recommendations for you! Here are 12 awesome gifts for anyone who loves GSDs from the bottom of their heart. 1. German Shepherd Christmas Varsity Slouchy Hoodie, $49.99 – $53.99. The ugly Christmas sweater has evolved and this one is all about German Shepherds! 2. I Have Plans German Shepherd Slouchy Tee, $24.99 – $27.99. Those plans are probably brushing and getting hair … Read more

5 Signs You Love Your Dog More Than Your Family Members

We can all agree that we love our dogs like family, but do you prefer the company of your canine companions over your human family members? You may be afraid to admit this out loud, but for the record, we can totally relate! Dogs are our best friends, confidants, and furry family members, and their love and loyalty is unconditional and everlasting. They don’t judge, they’re always happy to see us, and they never, ever let us down – even … Read more

5 Quirky Things Dogs Do And Why They Do It

Dogs have lots of unusual behaviors that make us laugh. Sometimes it’s pretty easy to guess why they do what they do, but sometimes their behavior is baffling. You know why they jump all over you when you’ve been gone for too long, but why do they tilt their head at unusual sounds or chase their tail? Here are 5 quirky things dogs do and why they do them. #1 – Chase their tails   Why do dogs chase their … Read more

Shocking Discovery In Dog’s Stomach Reminds Us: Some Dogs Will Eat Anything!

Dovey is a 4-year-old Shar-Pei, and apparently, she has quite the appetite. When her family noticed that she was feeling ill, they took her to see her vet. Immediately, he realized something was wrong; he’d been caring for her since she was a puppy, and could tell that she’d lost a lot of weight in a short amount of time. When Dovey was taken into surgery, they could not believe what they found: not one, not two, but 21 pacifiers! … Read more

Dog Stows Away On UPS Truck After Driver Fails To Give Him A Treat

How far would your dog go for a snack? A Reddit user known as dickfromaccounting shared a photo of his Golden Retriever after the pooch crept onto a UPS truck in search of treats – and ended up getting a tour of the neighborhood instead! It turns out the busy deliveryman forgot to toss the dog his usual biscuit as he passed by, causing the golden haired menace to take matters into his own paws. In the image below, the guilty … Read more

Scientifically Proven Ways To Show Your Dogs How Much You Love Them

Scientific research has helped us understand the complex thoughts and emotions our beloved dogs are capable of. They may feel, interpret and express love differently than humans, but they definitely understand the sentiment. Dr. Brian Hare is an associate professor of evolutionary anthropology at Duke University and founder of the Duke Canine Cognition Center. When asked by People Pets whether dogs realize how much we love them, he answered: “Yes, your dog knows how much you love him! Dogs and … Read more

18 Awesome Gift Ideas For The Pit Bull Lover In Your Life

Pit bull is a term that we have learned to associate with many different things. It's this umbrella term that is used to describe the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and sometimes even the American Bulldog. And regardless of the unfair things we hear people say about pit bull type dogs, we know that it's the owner, not the dogs, who are the ones that are mean. So for those of us who have had the ... Read more

Should I Worry About Cleaning My Dog’s Anal Glands?

Maybe you’ve noticed that your dog’s behind has been noticeably smelly. Perhaps you’ve seen your dog scooting. You may have even heard that the area needs some cleaning on a regular basis. Should you be concerned that his or her anal glands need to be expressed? We at iHeartDogs asked Dr. Michel Selmer, DVM, CTCVMP, about if and when we should consult a vet. Also known as “The Caring Vet,” Dr. Selmer is a Certified Veterinary Food Therapist (CVFT) who uses principles … Read more

Top 10 Gifts For Women Who Love Dogs

For women who adore dogs, certain gifts are just going to be more meaningful to them than others. We’d venture to say that for this special lady gifts that do double duty by also giving back are going to mean a whole lot more to her. She’ll probably love knowing that the gifts you’ve picked out for her have helped pups and individuals in need! We’re pretty sure that any of the following top 10 gifts for women who love … Read more

Why Dogs Love To Chew Your Stuff

It is extremely frustrating to come home and find a favorite hat, scarf or pair of shoes chewed beyond recognition. Worse still, this behavior can be a hazard to your pup’s health. Colin Tennant, chairman of the U.K. Canine and Feline Behaviour Association, has spent 30 years studying the behavioral motivations of dogs. He offers some interesting and relatable reasons for their love of chewing human items. “Chewing, for a dog, is like a human opening a door and looking … Read more

How To Help Your Dog Recover From Past Trauma

If you have an extremely fearful or reactive dog, especially one who was adopted, you may often wish you could ask, “What happened to you before you came into my life?” Unfortunately, our dogs can’t tell us what happened to them, so we may never know for sure why they act the way they do. The good news is that it is possible to help your dog recover to some degree from past trauma. Your dog will probably always be … Read more

The Best Gifts for Someone Who Loves Dogs

For someone who loves dogs, certain gifts are just going to be more meaningful than others. We’d venture to say that for dog-loving people, gifts that do double duty by also helping people and/or pets in need are going to mean a whole lot more. They’ll probably love knowing that the gifts you’ve picked out for them have helped dogs and individuals in need! Whether it’s your sibling, bestie, or the mail man, we’re sure they’ll appreciate the following gift … Read more

Do Dogs Remember Their Previous Owners?

If you’ve ever had a rescue dog, you’ve probably wondered if your dog remembers their previous owner. Dog memory doesn’t work the same as human memory, and it’s impossible to know for sure how much of what types of things dogs do remember throughout their lives. Still, there is evidence to suggest that dogs can remember previous owners, particularly if their experience with that owner was strikingly good or terribly abusive. Humans have “episodic memory,” which helps us understand past … Read more

Can Dogs Sense “Bad” People?

The internet is littered with anecdotes of people whose dogs knew somebody was bad news before they did. Is there any truth to claims that dogs can sense “bad” people? The short answer is yes, but only up to a point. Studies have shown that dogs notice people who are unkind to their owners and hold a grudge against them. In one study, dogs were reluctant to take treats from somebody who refused to help their owner open a container. … Read more

Strep Zoo Outbreak Forces Animal Shelter To Temporarily Close Its Doors

After a heartbreaking few days at the Lexington Humane Society, animal rescuers are hoping to control an outbreak of Streptococcus zooepedemicus. More commonly called Strep zoo, the deadly bacterial infection found in certain species of animal causes a sudden fever, lethargy, shallow breathing, and bloody discharges from the nose and mouth. The disease moves fast, and it’s been known to turn fatal in as little as 24 hours after first symptoms appear. So far, three dogs at the Lexington Humane … Read more

FINAL UPDATE: Sweet Senior Dog Finds A Loving Home To Spend His Last Holiday Season

Richmond Animal League in Virginia is hoping to find a special senior dog a home for what might be his last holiday season. Griswold is eight years old and was recently diagnosed with lymphoma. Chemotherapy is usually the recommended treatment for this common canine cancer, but a long-term solution doesn’t seem likely due to the severity of Griswold’s condition. The ailing Beagle also suffers from chronic dry eye and is recovering from a skin condition. Despite his medical condition, Griswold is … Read more

6 Ways To Improve Your Dog’s Health And Happiness

Wagging tails and slobbery kisses are always signs of a happy and healthy pup. You want that tail to wag as often as possible, but deciphering your dog’s specific needs isn’t always easy. They can’t tell you what they want, and you haven’t quite mastered those doggy mind-reading skills. If you’re worried your dog isn’t feeling as good as he should, there are steps you can take to improve their quality of life. Here are a few easy ideas that … Read more

RECALL ALERT: All-Natural Pet Food Gets Recalled

In a December 8th, 2017 announcement on Dog Food Advisor, raw food brand Darwin’s Natural Pet Food has issued its first recall listed on the site. The company is committed to selling whole, all-natural pet food, explaining on its website that the benefits of raw food diets include shinier coats, better energy, and relief from allergies. Unfortunately, no company is error-proof, and the following lots of food have been recalled due to possible Salmonella contamination: Natural Selections Turkey Meals for … Read more

Grieving Pet Parents Start Group To Provide Support Before, During, And After Pet Loss

In February of 2012, Kathryn Jennings and her family were becoming overwhelmed by the stress of managing the chronic or terminal health conditions of their 3 Miniature Schnauzers: Pookie Poo, Hallie Boo, and Sallie Lou. Kathryn knew her family needed emotional support during this trying time as they continued to make difficult decisions regarding their beloved pets’ care and found that nothing appropriate existed. Kathryn decided she needed to create a place where families like hers could get the support they … Read more

Special Needs Puppy Passes Miraculous Milestones, Thanks To Her Cat-Rescuing Foster Mom

On November 28, a very special puppy celebrated the latest in a series of extraordinary milestones. Her name is Sasha, and on that joyous day, she celebrated her 12 week birthday. For most puppies, turning three months old is a given, something taken for granted. But for Sasha – who was born with hydrocephalus, a cleft lip and cleft palate – each day is a gift.   From her very first day on earth, Sasha has been in the capable … Read more

13 Ways To Keep Your Dog Busy When You’re Stuck Indoors

Winter is rapidly approaching. In fact, for some areas of the world, it’s already here! Whether you are snowed in, housebound due to chilly rain, or simply feeling under the weather, these 13 activities will keep your pooch entertained when heading outside isn’t an option. 1. Play nosework games. Nosework is a wonderful bonding exercise and a fun alternative to basic fetch – plus your dog gets delicious snacks as a reward! If your pooch is new to nosework, you’ll … Read more

Emaciated “Grumpy Face” Dog Recovers With Healthy Food Provided By iHeartDogs Customers

Every purchase from the iHeartDogs store provides supports programs like GreaterGood’s RescueBank, providing healthy meals to rescues and shelters across the country. The following is a success story made possible from your support! – Sir Gideon was not always the distinguished, burly pooch he is today. He was found chained to an abandoned porch, weighing in at a death-defying 14 pounds. The photo below shows the emaciated Pit Bull mix a week after his rescue. At that point, he had … Read more

5 Paw-fect Gifts For Every Dog Personality

We know – and love – how every single pooch has his or her own unique personality. However, most people can agree that their dog’s general disposition falls into one (or more) major categories. Shopping for your pup and considering his or her personality can be fun for you and Fido/Fifi! Is your canine companion strong and independent? Mellow and low-key? A little high-strung? (This article explains 5 major personality types in more detail.) No matter how your purebred or mutt … Read more

A Pawesome Act Of Fate Brings Transplant Patient And Her Donor Together

Some may say it’s coincidence, but the story of how two women connected to change each other’s lives sounds a lot like fate. Sue Reale of Oakland, California had always wanted to adopt a dog, but an unexpected medical emergency put her plans off track. She needed a new kidney, but the odds of finding a donor diminished with each passing day.   Her hopeful sister thought of the plan to start a Facebook campaign to find a match. Despite … Read more

Crooked-Faced Rescue Dog Hopes To Find A Home For The Holidays

Courtney Bellew, director of Special Needs Animal Rescue (SNARR) in White Plains, NY has devoted her life to saving the broken, sick, elderly and unwanted dogs of New York, New Jersey and beyond. When she learned about a special dog with facial deformities abandoned at a Tennessee home by his former owners, she knew that he was just the kind of challenge she lives for. The puppy’s name is Woody and his uniquely shaped face is not a sign of … Read more

Rescue Workers Pull Dog Trapped In Frozen Creek To Safety

The Swift Current Fire Department in Saskatchewan, Canada is reminding residents of the dangers of thin ice after an off-leash dog broke through the brittle covering on a frozen creek. Firefighters responded to a call from the dog’s owner and were able to rescue the pup. The dramatic scene was captured on video and posted to the SCFD Facebook page as a warning to parents and pet owners. “STAY OFF THE ICE!!” Fire Chief Dennis Pilon wrote. “Yesterday afternoon, our … Read more

Canine Caught Red-Pawed: Clears Out Kibble Container And Falls Into Food Coma

It’s really hard for some of us to stick to a diet this time of year. You may have overdone it at Thanksgiving (and are already making excuses to do it again at Christmas), but you can feel better knowing that you didn’t go so far as this dog did. Reddit user Sunstoned1 caught his Great Pyrenees dog, Jack, red-pawed after having eaten a day’s worth of food in one sitting. Jack managed to open the storage bin, help himself … Read more

High School Students Gift Their Mourning Teacher A Pawesome Surprise

A group of teenagers at Clements High School in Alabama knew their history teacher, Troy Rogers, was going through a rough time. With no children of their own, Rogers and his wife doted on their senior dog. The 11-year-old Golden Retriever was blind, and one day the dog disappeared. After weeks of desperate searching, Rogers was forced to face an unwelcome truth. It was presumed the ailing dog wandered off to find a quiet place to take his last breath, … Read more

The Top Dog Names Of 2017

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: the time when we find out which dog names were most popular! The humans at MyDogsName.com put together this informative infographic compiled from user searches on their site. It’s no surprise Bella snags the top spot for female pups once again. It first appeared in the top 10 in 2009 and has remained at number 1 ever since, thanks to the popularity of the Twilight movies! The list for males gets all shaken up, … Read more

Where is the Brite Bite Made and What Testing Has It Undergone?

Our Brite Bite Brushing Stick has been a huge success. The most wonderful thing about this is that it means many dog parents are taking charge of their pup’s dental health! We partnered with Brite Bite’s inventor to make an impact in this exact way and we could not be more pleased to find out just how many paw-rents are motivated to keep their dog’s dental hygiene in check. We thought we’d make some things about the Brite Bite clear, … Read more

How Do I Keep My Dog From Peeing On The Christmas Tree?

Have you added a new dog to your family this year and you’re worried he’ll decide to “water” your Christmas tree? The good news is that most dogs who are well house-trained won’t suddenly decide that an indoor tree makes peeing inside acceptable. If you are still concerned or your dog has already proven himself untrustworthy around the tree, there are some steps you can take to keep your tree urine-free this Christmas. You might have success just picking one … Read more

5 Stocking Stuffers To Delight Your Pup & Brighten A Shelter Dog’s Holiday

‘Tis the season for giving, and your furry best friend deserves a top spot on your shopping list. Our noble pups ask nothing more from us than our love and affection – that’s why they deserve so much more. These 5 stocking stuffers will show your pooch how much you care and spread some joy to shelter dogs in need! For every toy you purchase from iHeartDogs, a durable toy – perfect for all sizes and breed mixes – will be donated … Read more

Watch Out For These Hidden Hazards This Holiday Season

The holidays are about family, friends, and food. Unfortunately, they are also a top time for visits to the emergency vet due to holiday hazards in the home. Sometimes bad things happen to good pets, but there are steps you can take to keep your fur children safe this holiday season. Here are the top 3 categories of hidden health hazards so that you can be better prepared to prevent disasters from striking. #1 – Decorations Christmas trees in particular … Read more

Kind Man Rescues “Amazon Girl” From The Jungle With Only Days Left To Live

David Foster is a busy man from the UK with a job that takes him all over the world, but first and foremost, he’s an animal lover. Although he enjoys the work he does, his real passion is bringing joy to shelter animals. David tells iHeartDogs, “All this travelling is boring, so I would go to local animal shelters wherever I may be and give a few toys or balls for their animals.” Eventually, David’s family and friends began giving … Read more

Woman’s Transformation From Wall Street Lawyer To Dog Rescue Warrior Saves Lives

Tania Isenstein was an unhappy Wall Street lawyer for many years. She wanted to find something more fulfilling, and the path she found led her to dedicate her life to dogs. She began boarding dogs who already had loving homes, fostering those who don’t, and leading the effort to save Puerto Rico’s street dogs, called “satos.” We were lucky enough to talk to Tania about her journey. Tania’s first steps out of Wall Street and toward dog rescue started with … Read more

This Dog’s Reaction To His First Snowfall Will Make Your Day

England’s east coast got its first taste of winter on Thursday. Traffic slowed and trains were delayed, but none of that mattered to a Cocker Spaniel named Truffle. Living with his parents in York, Truffle had never seen snow before. He’s a little pup with a big personality, and his first experience in the snow brought up a serious case of the snow zoomies. Little Truffle was so excited to see flakes falling from the sky and fresh powder on … Read more

6 Signs You’re Ready To Adopt Your First Rescue Dog

Raising a rescue dog is a rewarding experience, but it’s also a big commitment. Before you start adopting every rescue you see, sit back and think about what it really means to bring a dog into your life. It’s not like buying a new pair of shoes or even getting a new car. Adopting a rescue will change the dog’s life, and it’ll also change yours. Instead of rushing into it, make sure you can relate to these six statements … Read more

5 Fun Facts You Never Knew About Bloodhounds

With their massive layers of wrinkles, deep-set brown eyes, and “hang-dog” jowls, Bloodhounds look more like sleepy old men than energetic, life-saving heroes! But don’t let this ancient breed fool you, they are far from the lazy, porch-dwelling pups Hollywood often portrays them to be. While Bloodhounds are indeed gentle, affectionate family dogs, they also have the perfect anatomy and innate skill to do what no other breed can when it comes to nosework. The following 5 facts prove just … Read more

5 Ideas For Creating The Perfect Dog-Friendly Backyard

When your pup isn’t lounging on the couch or drooling on your bed pillows, they’re ready to have fun and be active. Indoor play means dodging end tables and hurdling over couches, but a dog’s backyard is their favorite place to blow off steam. You don’t need acres of outdoor space to create an area your dog will love. Even modestly-sized yards can meet all your dogs playtime requirements if you’re willing to get creative. Here are a few ideas … Read more