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Bay Waters Are Being Contaminated By Excess Dog Poop Following Hurricane Irma

Following Hurricane Irma, the waters of Tampa Bay have begun to contain high amounts of feces. According to environmental scientist Andy Lykens in a story by ABC Action News, natural disasters cause waters to rise onto the shore, washing over everything on it. That includes… “Dog poop,” Lykens says in the story. “That’s a really big problem. That introduces nitrogen into the water and fecal matter into the water. That’s a reason why beaches get shut down.” He adds, “When you get … Read more

6 Amazing Ways Dogs Can Help Those Suffering From Depression

Are you currently stuck in the mental black hole that is depression? Do you worry that your life is never going to get better and that you will never feel normal again? Maybe the words “happy” and “fun” have lost all meaning in your life. Perhaps your life has become a charade of pretending to the world that you’re okay when you actually feel empty inside. The good news is that it is possible to feel normal again. The better … Read more

20 Silly Laws About Dogs

The world has changed a lot in the last hundred years. Usually, laws are updated to reflect current living conditions, but sometimes nobody notices silly laws that don’t make a lot of sense in today’s world. Of course, some places like to make mountains out of molehills, so some of these laws may be more recent. We found these on the internet and not a law library, so it’s hard to say how current or misunderstood these laws may be. … Read more

After A Tricky Rescue, This Formerly Feral Dog Becomes A Beloved Family Member

No Kill Kern is a rescue in the Bakersfield, CA area, and the name says it all – they’re a no-kill facility. Because of their no-kill reputation, they’re relied upon by locals to do everything they can to help dogs in need, and frequently receive calls about strays. With one of those calls began the story of Queen, who had a long road to travel before she found home. It can be difficult for a human rescuer to earn the … Read more

Photographer Captures Pug Personalities In “Pugs And Kisses” Series

Photographer Casey Christopher has done so much work for shelter pets, you may already be familiar with her name. She has a soft spot for “unadoptable” pets, ones that are looked over and passed by again and again by adopters for reasons like age, disability, or breed. Her work has been featured on iHeartCats (twice!), but this time, Casey’s focus was on Pugs in her newest project, “Pugs And Kisses”! Casey will often reach out to rescues and offer to photograph … Read more

10 Things People With Service Dogs Want You To Know

Most people have only the vaguest idea of the powerful connection between a service dog and its handler. They don’t realize how distracting and potentially dangerous it can be to interfere with that relationship. As dog lovers, it is difficult to resist the urge to run up and pet every furry cutie we encounter, but when it comes to service dogs, they are more than just pets, they are their handlers’ lifelines. https://www.instagram.com/p/B036rRlgxDS/ People with service dogs wish every member … Read more

Dogs Anxiously Awaited Their Human Brother’s Arrival, And Just Look At Them Now

Sometimes we choose our dogs. Sometimes, our dogs choose us. Other times, though, families like this happen, and you know it could only be fate that brought you together! Brego and Nami were already a family when their mom began to get a little bigger around the middle. Whether they knew it or not, these sweet Weimaraners were about to get a new addition to their little family! A post shared by Brego, Nami & our little Jedi (@frametheweim) on … Read more

7 Reasons Dogs Behave Aggressively Toward Other Dogs

Inter-dog aggression is normal and acceptable among wild dogs. It serves many important purposes from establishing pack heirarchy, to defending offspring and self preservation. To your dog, displaying aggressive body language, growling, snarling, and even snapping at another pup makes perfect social sense in certain situations.   In most cases, two dogs can work out their differences without escalating to a fight, but if your dog’s aggressive reactions are frequent, extreme, and irrational, it is time to consult a trainer … Read more

Dog Hopes Someone Can See Her Beauty And Give Her The Happily Ever After She Deserves

Some of us have hearts that break hardest for dogs who are different, but not everyone looking for a dog feels that way. But time and again they’re passed over for the more “adoptable” dogs at shelters even though they’re the ones who need a kind heart to open to them the most. Dogs like Sid. According to The Dodo, Sid was a stray who was taken to Fort Worth Animal Care and Control with a young pup and a … Read more

Certain Seasons Are Tougher On Your Dog’s Joints – Here’s What To Do

As the seasons transition from summer to fall, you may notice a substantial dip in temperature, depending on where you live. You may be saddened to know that the mild weather is coming to an end, or perhaps you’re relieved by the cool breezes that autumn brings. But as you prepare for the change in scenery, you should also think about how it impacts the health of your dog. Your pup may love frolicking in the leaves, or prancing through … Read more

Man Drives 2,800 Miles To Adopt A Disabled Puppy Mill Survivor

Before Jim Havlinek saw Nubz on Facebook, he was a perfectly content dog-dad of two. But there was something about the rescue pup, who lost his rear paws in a Missouri puppy mill, that he simply could not get out of his mind. A video of Nubz bravely conquering his physical therapy inspired him to fill out an adoption application. Havlinek was approved, so he hopped in his RV and made the 2,800 mile voyage from Oregon to Pennsylvania to … Read more

Ryan Gosling Remembers His Late Rescue Pup In The Sweetest Way

Having fame and fortune – or anything else – does not take away the sorrow after the loss of a furry friend. So when actor Ryan Gosling was a guest on The Ellen Show, he reminisced, with a bit of sadness, about his late, beloved dog, George. Ellen, who’s also an animal lover, pointed out how Gosling wore a T-shirt as a tribute to the pup when he hosted the season premier of Saturday Night Live.   George, who passed away … Read more

Are Dog Dental Treats A Rip Off Or Serious Science?

While your pup is no fan of his toothbrush, he’s not immune to the negative health effects of plaque and tartar. Brushing your dog’s teeth on a daily basis is the gold standard when it comes to canine healthcare, but in reality, veterinarians know that doesn’t always happen. Convincing a rowdy puppy or anxious senior dog to sit still while you prod their mouth with bristles is a lot to ask, and pet owners are always looking for a better … Read more

Coroner’s Report On Fatal “Pit Bull” Attack Concludes That Breed Was Not A Factor

Last year, a horrific and fatal dog attack made international headlines and led to controversial breed-specific legislation in Quebec, Montreal, and several other Canadian municipalities. Media reports identified the offending dog as a Pit Bull, but DNA results showed it was actually 87.5% American Staffordshire Terrier. This week, the Quebec coroner’s office released its report on the attack, concluding that the dog’s poor treatment and lack of socialization – not its breed – likely accounted for its aggressive behavior. Christine … Read more

Rescue Turns Blind Former Stray Into Healthy, Happy Dog

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.  Even Chance Pit Bull Rescue in St. Louis is just one of the many shelters that benefit from food donations through iHeartDogs and Rescue Bank. Good nutrition is important, especially for shelter dogs like Orion:   “We don’t know Orion’s backstory, except that someone found his as a stray, and that he desperately … Read more

5 Surprising Ways Your Dog Can Read Your Mind

While your dog has probably mastered “sit” and “stay,” his best trick is something he didn’t need to be taught. Dog owners are the first to say they share a special bond with their pets, and part of that relationship is due to a dog’s ability to pick up on emotional cues. They’re capable of empathy, and when combined with their incredible sense of smell and natural intuition, it can sometimes feel like they’re reading your mind. Here are a … Read more

Another Major City Takes Big Steps Toward More Humane Animal Treatment

After eight months of community meetings and two surveys, residents in San Antonio, TX have made their voices heard. City council members voted on Thursday to continue with the current Animal Care Services (ACS) strategic plan and add a few new ordinances related to animal welfare. https://www.facebook.com/SanAntonioACS/photos/a.424984842572.209387.297356532572/10156083441887573/?type=3&theater The biggest change in the local law addresses the common problem of using chains to tether dogs. According to the new regulation, it’s now illegal to use any kind of chain to tie … Read more

What Natural Ingredients Can I Give A Dog With Itchy Skin?

Itchy, irritated skin is one of the most common problems dogs face. To keep them comfortable and healthy, veterinarians recommend a combination of proper nutrition and sometimes natural supplements. In a market saturated with thousands of products promising dramatic results, how do you know which supplements will actually deliver on their claims and give you the most bang for your buck? The very first thing you should do when considering a particular supplement is review the ingredients list. The following … Read more

Lost Therapy Dog Reunited With Owner After Las Vegas Tragedy

A city desperate for the smallest spark of hope has a reason to rejoice today. Reed Cowan, a reporter for News 3 Las Vegas, has been diligently following the story of Ryan Needham and his service dog, Roulette. Rou went missing during the mass shootings Sunday night at the Route 91 Country Music Festival. Needham and his fiancé refused to return home to California without their beloved pup, and now they won’t have to, because Rou has been found! Cowan … Read more

Rescue Dog’s Tongue Earns Her A Place In The Guinness Book Of World Records!

If you have a Saint Bernard you know just how slobbery these gentle giants can be, but imagine raising Mochi, whose above-average tongue was just added to the Guinness Book of World Records! Mochi is a rescue whose tongue measures at 7.31 inches long. If that doesn’t sound impressive, think of it another way: from snout to tip, it’s about as long as a medium banana; it’s almost twice as long as the average human tongue; and it’s even longer … Read more

What Is Droopy Eye In Dogs?

What is Droopy Eye? Horner’s syndrome refers to a nervous system disorder affecting the eye. The pupils will be small, the eyelid partially closed, and the 3rd eyelid will be elevated and protruding slightly. While not serious on its own, Horner’s syndrome may indicate problems with the nervous system. “Droopy eye” is a condition in which the nerves to a dog’s eye have been inflamed or damaged. This leads to a number of highly identifiable characteristics that veterinarians refer to … Read more

Dog Collars: The Potential Danger That All Dog Owners Must Be Made Aware Of

When Stephanie Stafford pulled into her driveway, she knew immediately that something wasn’t right. Her four dogs, Sheriff, Cal-e, Booker, and foster dog Chance, were not bouncing at the window like usual. There was no greeting at all. What happened next is a truly horrifying nightmare for any dog owner (warning: graphic story). Stafford rushed into her house. Sheriff and Chance were laying in a crate, fine. But nothing could prepare her for what she found next: Cal-e and Booker … Read more

Officials Retire Police Dog So He Can Stay With Fallen Officer’s Family

3-year-old Belgian Malinois, Ike, was the canine partner of Sergeant Mike Pershall until the officer was killed by a suspected drunk driver on August 22. Under normal circumstances, the dog would be assigned to a new handler and continue his service to the city of Modesto, CA. But on Tuesday, officials agreed that these are not normal circumstances, and Ike should be retired from the department and remain with Pershall’s wife and two children. Pershall was off duty when he … Read more

Badly Injured Dog Finds Help and New Home After Being Dumped In State Park

Park rangers in Apache Junction, AZ got a surprise last week when a dog mysteriously showed up outside of the ranger station in Lost Dutchman State Park. The dog appeared to be an Australian Cattle Dog mix, and he also appeared to be in a lot of pain. Both of his front legs were broken, and he was very clearly frightened. April Loew, the ranger who found him told ABCNews, “His tail was tucked under, he was literally shaking. He … Read more

Veteran Could Not Afford To Eat Until This Charity Stepped In

Tracy is a Kansas resident who served in the US Army Reserves and separated as a Staff Sargeant E-6. She served in Desert Storm/Desert Shield and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal among other citations. When Tracy found GreaterGood.org partner, Feed Our Vets, she was going hungry waiting for service connect benefits and was in crisis in a big way.   Tracy had to give away her dog because she couldn’t afford to feed him anymore. She receives just … Read more

This State’s Shelters Will Waive Adoption Fees For Veterans On Veteran’s Day

November 11, 2017 will mark the 99th anniversary of the American holiday known as Veteran’s Day, which was originally set to commemorate the end of World War I. This week, Illinois Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza announced that animal shelters across the state will honor their veterans by waiving adoption fees on all available dogs and cats for servicemen and women on Saturday, November 11. Congratulations to this special senior pup on finding a home today! We couldn’t be happier for you … Read more

After Being Re-Homed Several Times, This Puppy’s New Mom Discovers Her Amazing Talent

We know our dogs are smart, but sometimes, we underestimate them – which just gives them the chance to surprise us, and they do again and again! Some of you may think you’ve seen everything dogs have to offer and there are no surprises left. To you I say: hold on to your hat! You haven’t seen anything until you’ve seen Penny Loggins! Penny comes from humble beginnings. As a young puppy, Penny was found wandering around a local park … Read more

Hurricane Irma Evacuee Attempts To Locate Missing Dog With Billboards

As Hurricane Irma approached her home in Fort Lauderdale, Forida, Karen Calcano and her deaf senior dog Geordie evacuated to Raleigh, North Carolina to take shelter with family. Sadly, on September 14, Geordie escaped from the Riverside community in Northeast Raleigh. Heartbroken and fearful for Geordie’s life, Calcano has hired a pet tracker, placed a billboard ad, and offered a $3,500 reward. An update on the search for a Hurricane Irma evacuee’s missing deaf dog in Raleigh. . . . … Read more

16 Dog-Inspired Manicures That You’ll Love

For dog lovers, sometimes it’s fun to show off our love for the canine kind. And if you like to have pretty nails and want to get creative, then why not try a dog-inspired manicure! You could go as simple as finding a polish to match the color of your dog’s coat. Or, you could take things a step further and try one of these fun ideas. There’s lots to choose from, whether you like lots of color, subtle paw … Read more

Service Dog and Veteran Grow Stronger Together

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.  US Army SSG Christopher served in Iraq in the Military Police. He conducted a multitude of missions and was severely injured by shrapnel in Samarra during a firefight when an RPG hit the door of his Humvee. Chris has mobility issues and vertigo from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as well as anxiety … Read more

How Much Of What You Say Can Your Dog REALLY Understand?

It’s no secret that bonded dogs and humans understand each other in ways that others can’t. You know your dog’s mannerisms better than anyone, and your pup can probably pick up on your emotions faster than the humans in your life. But have you ever wondered how much your companion really understands when you’re talking to her? If you’re a pet parent who’s head-over-heels in love with your pooch, you probably engage in full-on conversations with her. Oftentimes, her reactions … Read more

Signs Your Dog’s Body is Aging Too Fast

Smiling Senior Dog on Grass

I had an eye opening conversation recently with a friend that really enlightened my perspective on the aging process in dogs. It went like this: ME: Is my dog aging too fast?(I was totally skeptical when my friend dropped this one on me but I was intrigued). Aging too fast – as in faster than they should? “Yes.” He went on to explain it like this. FRIEND: Have you ever seen a human that looked way older than they were? What about mentally, … Read more

You Won’t Believe How This Clever Puppy Kept Himself Safe During A House Fire

It’s every pet parent’s worst nightmare: you find out your house has gone up in flames, and you know that your beloved companions are still inside. One family from Apex, North Carolina experienced this terrifying scenario. The family’s dog and puppy were trapped inside their home after it caught on fire. Firefighters were able to rescue the older pooch, but the pup was no where to be found. Then, something amazing happened. Watch the news story below: Once the flames … Read more

After Proposing To His Bride-To-Be, Man Pops Question To Pup

This guy proposed to two different girls on the same day, and it’s so much sweeter than it sounds! Ryan Balfour decided it was time to pop the question to his girlfriend, Darion Getzinger. The two met 8 years ago in high school, and according to Darion, it was love at first sight, “…a scraggly haired kid with hockey track pants and a plaid backpack walked into my math class and I said to myself ‘that’s the boy I’m going … Read more

Improved Project Paws® Omega Select Chews – What You Need to Know!

omega 3-6-9

You may have noticed our Project Paws® Omega-3 Select chews have been out of stock for some time now. We’d like to apologize for any inconvenience and tell you that it was for a really good reason! We’ve been working on the recipe in order to make our omega chews even better and we believe we really hit it out of the park with what we’ve come up with. Introducing our improved Project Paws® Omega 3-6-9 Select Chews! With the … Read more

Dog Dental Treats – Are They Worth The Price?

Canine dental treats have become very popular. The reason? Concerned pup parents want to keep their dog’s teeth clean and healthy. Dogs love them! Dental chews claim to supplement dog’s dental care by cleaning teeth, freshening breath, and helping to reduce plaque buildup and tartar. And you pay for that promise: some dental treats are more than $2 each. If you are feeding your dog one a day that’s $730 a year in just chews. But do these dental treats actually … Read more

3 Great Ways To Help Your Chubby Dog Drop Some Pounds

Pup parents love to spoil their dogs, and sometimes, that means too many treats… and a little extra weight gain! And since the only thing more important than their happiness is their health (which results in overall happiness, of course!), we try to help them stay fit so they can live the longest, fullest lives possible. We at iHeartDogs asked Dr. Michel Selmer, DVM, CTCVMP, for some pointers on how to get chubby pups to trim down. Also known as “The … Read more

Animal Lovers Line Up For Annual “Blessing Of The Pets” Ceremony

We love our pets like family, so for those who believe in an afterlife – whether it be Heaven, or a peaceful paradise beyond the Rainbow Bridge – we hope that after they pass, we’ll one day see them again. That’s why pet parents were happy to line up to participate in the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land‘s annual “Blessing of the Pets” ceremony. https://www.facebook.com/franciscanmonastery/photos/pcb.1682896738388477/1682893308388820/?type=3&theater   The annual event, held at the friary in Washington, D.C., takes place just before … Read more

Think Your Dog is Getting Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Their Food? Think Again.

With the endless stream of dog food recalls we’ve witnessed over the years, it comes as no surprise that consumers are just not trusting pet food companies as they used to. Contaminated food and poisonous ingredients are some of the top concerns. Adding another layer to the problem, some important ingredients claimed in the ingredients list of your pup’s food are very likely to be completely inaccurate. Which particular nutrient is this? Omega-3 fatty acids.  A majority of dog food … Read more

Rescue Refuses To Give Dog Back To Family After She Escapes From The Yard

In Oregon, a family is fighting just to get their dog back. The Mayberry’s adopted Olly, a Shepherd mix, from All Terrier Rescue Hunter’s Crossing just a few months ago. Now, they’re terrified that they’ll never see her again. This week, the pup managed to escape from their fenced-in yard through some tricky maneuvering. “We think she jumped on the chair and over the fence,” said owner Kate Mayberry in a story by KGW.   When a good Samaritan found … Read more

Dog Who Delayed Trains In Bay Area Now Up For Adoption

Update: Bart has been adopted! Oakland Animal Services made the announcement about a month after taking Bart in! https://www.facebook.com/OAKAnimalServices/photos/a.99703643643/10157284425808644/?type=3&theater   Original Story: This week, San Francisco train commuters may have been running late, but it was all for the sake of saving a dog! Just after 8 am, the Bay Area Rapid Transport train, or BART, came to a stop when an energetic Pit Bull somehow found his way on the tracks. But rather than cooperate with the police and … Read more

146 Pound Dog Gets Healthy With His New Forever Family & Is Happier Than Ever

At 146 pounds, a chocolate Labrador named Shiloh was twice the average size for his breed. A lifetime of being fed oversized meals and a Lab’s natural urgency to eat everything in sight forced this fun-loving family pet into a sedentary lifestyle. He lost his zeal for playing fetch and couldn’t walk more than a few dozen feet without having to stop and rest. At seven years old, his life expectancy was drastically shortened, and he needed an immediate change. … Read more

6 Ways To Make Life Easier On Your Senior Dog

We love our dogs more and more every day, so by the time they’re seniors, the bond is truly irreplaceable. We want to make sure they’re as happy and healthy as possible throughout their lives, and as they transition into becoming seniors, there are a few specific things we can do to make life easier on them. We had Dr. Michel Selmer, DVM, CTCVMP, weigh in on the subject. Also known as “The Caring Vet,” Dr. Selmer is a Certified Veterinary … Read more

New Research Shows A Surprising Possible Cause For Leash Aggression

Researchers at the University of Arizona (UA) may  have discovered a link between a hormone called vasopressin and leash aggression. Evan MacLean is an associate professor of anthropology and the director of the Arizona Canine Cognition Center in the UA School of Anthropology. He wanted to study why some dogs are aggressive toward others when they are out on a walk. According to MacLean: “Dog aggression is a huge problem. Thousands of people are hospitalized every year for dog bites, especially … Read more

Groomer Refuses To Give Dogs Back To Non-Paying Customer, Gets Window Smashed

Oklahoma City dog groomer Norma Poe, who owns All Paws Grooming by Norma, just wants to be paid for the work she did grooming 2 Schnauzers. The owner of Lola and Max has written bad checks to several other groomers in the area, and Poe didn’t want to be the next victim. When Poe refused to hand over Lola and Max to their owner until she paid the $170 owed for the current grooming and a past due balance, the … Read more

Neighborhood Kids Host Doggie Pool Party To Give Back To Dogs In Need

As summer came to a close, the pool in the Hampton Hall Community in Alpharetta, GA was all but deserted. It was almost time to close it up for the year, but the Sanchez family had an idea of how to have one more day of fun. Kim and Mike Sanchez, along with their kids Jack and Lily,  decided to host a doggie pool party. They wanted the event to benefit a good cause, and their dog Tucker was the … Read more

7 Breed Stereotypes That Need To Be Busted

Whether happy-go-lucky, enthusiastic, mellow, or mopey, dogs have personalities all their own. No two are the same, and yet every dog lover has heard about breed stereotypes. From “vicious” Pit Bulls to “dimwitted” Great Danes, few breeds have avoided being pegged with an unfair typecast. They’re dubbed aloof, yappy, or lazy, but breed isn’t the only defining factor in a dog’s personality. If you have any of these dogs, you know you can’t always believe what you hear. Here are … Read more

Volunteers Band Together To Rebuild Wildlife Rescue Center Following Hurricane

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.  In 2012, Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast of the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean leaving a wake of destruction behind it. Like so many others, Nature’s Rescue Wildlife Center in Barnegat, New Jersey, fell victim to Hurricane Sandy’s ferocious devastation. Entire trees were uprooted and strewn across the property, leaving the … Read more

America’s 15 Most Dog Friendly Restaurants

Cities like San Francisco, Denver and Chicago have long-standing reputations as pet-friendly destinations. Recently even more municipalities have passed legislation to allow doggy dining on restaurant patios. In honor of National Dog Week and the upcoming Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet Month in October, the online restaurant reservation service, Open Table has released their choices for the most dog-friendly eateries across the nation.   The 15 restaurants on this list go far above-and-beyond simply allowing pups on their patios. They feature decadent doggy menus, … Read more

Whether You Love Dogs May Be In Your DNA

It baffles us that there could be anyone out there who doesn’t like dogs, but they exist. THEM. Those who don’t melt at the sight of a wiggly tail and wet nose. Who come over to visit and ask if you can put your dog in another room and are never being invited over again. That’s the dog’s chair anyway. Get out. Related: Best Dog DNA Tests of 2023 These people may think we’re crazy for spending money on toys, … Read more

What Natural Supplements Can I Give A Dog With Itchy Skin?

Many of us are affected by the changing seasons, especially if it includes a sudden and drastic change in temperature. One of the most common symptoms we get is dry, itchy skin – and it can happen to our dogs, too! Our poor pups can’t slather on lotion or tell us that they’re uncomfortable, so it’s up to us to watch for the signs. Maybe you’ve noticed your dog excessively itching, or seen white flakes on their skin. Perhaps their … Read more