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You Can’t Adopt Every Shelter Animal, But You Can Do This Instead

As animal lovers, it’s a rare day when we don’t experience a sinking heart at the thought of all the pets in shelters waiting for a home and that many of those loving, adoptable animals will be put down before really getting a chance. Don’t we all wish we could adopt just one more pet (and after that, just one more) to save them from suffering in a cold shelter and later a needless death? Since one person can’t individually … Read more

6 Signs Your Dog Is Secretly Living With Pain

Dogs can be in pain for a variety of reasons, be it injury or illness. While sudden injuries are likely to get our attention right away, little tweaks might go unnoticed for months. Some symptoms are easily identified, such as difficulty moving, lameness, or refusing to jump or go up and down stairs. But dogs are very stoic animals and hide their pain very well, so it’s important that we learn to recognize even the most subtle signs of pain.  … Read more

10 Foods That Could Harm Your Dog

You love to spoil your dog. Who doesn’t? Whether you feed your dog a home-cooked diet or you just like to share your food scraps with them, it’s important to know which foods can be harmful for your dog. You probably already know some of these, but I’ll bet you don’t know all of them! Here are 10 foods you didn’t know could hurt your pup and what to do if your dog eats something they shouldn’t. #1 – Peaches, … Read more

Little Huskies Have Their Howl Down

Huskies have an adorable howl, which at times can sound plaintive, or argumentative, or just whiny. We’re not sure why they do it – but they seem to get a kick out of it. What do you think the huskies in this video are doing? Do you think these pups are whining at mama husky? She has a retort for them, if that’s the case. It doesn’t seem like they’re going to get their way. It could be a howling … Read more

8 Reasons To Adopt Your Next Dog

All dogs have the capacity to be incredibly loving companions, no matter their age, breed or background. When you are ready to bring home another furry family member, why not consider adoption? Approximately 3.9 million dogs enter American shelters each year, and each one deserves to experience the comfort and safety of a forever home. Here are eight fabulous reasons to adopt a shelter dog – or two! 1. The Choices Are Endless   There is a common misconception that … Read more

12 Dog Breeds That Will Guard You With Their Life

When it comes to protecting your home, there are several types of dogs. Some are alert barkers, meaning they will let you know anytime anything moves outside that is “not supposed to be there.” Others will bark when someone knocks at the door, rings your bell, etc. Then there are guardian dogs. These breeds will not only let you know there is someone around, they will do something about it. This list mentions the 10 breeds that take guarding your … Read more

12 Most Snuggly Dog Breeds

We love dogs for their varied personalities, and some are a bit more on the snuggly side! While dogs of any breed can be cuddle bugs, certain ones can have extra-affectionate tendencies. This is sure to stir up some controversy, but here we go! Leave a comment with any other breeds you think should be on this list! 🙂 1. Skye Terrier This compact canine isn’t the typical terrier type.  Give this dog his daily walk and he will be content to … Read more

13 Healthy “People Foods” You Can Give Your Dog

There are plenty of “people foods” we’d love to share with our dogs, but some are much healthier than others. In fact, some foods are even toxic to our dogs. But fear not, there are certain human snacks that can actually benefit our four-legged friends. To see what they are, check out this list! (As always, practice moderation and check with your vet before making any dietary changes.) #1 – Peanut Butter   Peanut Butter is one of the best … Read more

Dying Rescue Dog Spends His Last Days Like A Superhero

Naliyah Kaya was not looking to add another dog to her family in 2015 when she first met Zeus, a 3-year-old Mastiff mix. She and her husband already had 2 large dogs – Jasper, a Shepherd mix, and Captain, a Catahoula. She was volunteering as a photographer at an adoption event when Zeus chose her. At the event, Zeus was extremely nervous. He was shaking, pacing, and dragging another volunteer around when he was on leash. Kaya was sitting on … Read more

Dog Day Care Temporarily Closes After Dog Flu “Apocalypse”

The owners of Woof! Orlando, a doggy day care that also offers boarding and grooming, have decided to voluntarily close for a few days in order to sanitize and disinfect every square inch of the facility after an outbreak of dog flu last Thursday. That day, co-owner Michelle Olds received confirmation that a dog that had visited the facility had the dog flu. It spread quickly through the facility, eventually spreading to more than two dozen dogs. She said: “We describe … Read more

6 Signs You Seriously Love & Understand Dogs

Very few humans can resist the pure, overwhelming cuteness of a newborn puppy, but there is a big difference between enjoying dogs and loving dogs. The wonderful people who truly love and understand dogs accept the bad with the good, prioritize their pups’ physical and emotional health, and respect them as the individuals that they are. Above all else, they know that the love of a dog is a gift that they should constantly strive to be worthy of. Here … Read more

Veteran Overcomes Nightmares & Panic Attacks Thanks To Her Service 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.  “Without Pets & Vets, I would not have Gunner. In the short time I’ve had Gunner, I have had no nightmares and can sleep though the night. I have been able to stop taking two medications. Plus, I was able to go outside my comfort zone and go to the Canine Good Citizenship … Read more

Study Shows That Dogs Prefer Certain Genres Of Music (You’ll Be Surprised!)

Millions of pet owners leave the TV, iPod, or some form of background noise playing to help sooth their dogs when they are not home. But have you ever wondered whether or not they prefer a specific genre? Researchers in Scotland have! They played five different types of music to a group of shelter dogs and assessed their physiological and behavioral responses to see which they found most relaxing. The genres included soft rock, Motown, pop, reggae and classical. The Scottish SPCA … Read more

Dog Abandoned In Yard For 3 Months Is Finally In Safe Hands

Nino, a dog in Memphis, Tennessee, was left alone in a back yard for as long as 3 months with no food or water. After he was arrested and charged with animal cruelty, 27-year-old Kellen Jones, told police that he couldn’t afford to care for his dog since he had been out of a job. Alexis Pugh, the director of Memphis Animal Services, said: “The owner told [the officer] he’d been away three months. He’d made no arrangements to have the … Read more

Veterinarian Shares 12 Powerful Superfoods For Dogs

Superfoods are foods that are naturally nutrient-rich and therefore are especially beneficial for your dog’s health. But what exactly are superfoods for dogs? Dr. Ernie Ward, member of Petplan Veterinary Advisory Board gave us the following 12 superfoods for your dog. As with any nutritional change, talk your vet before adding these foods into your dog’s diet. #1 – Apples (without the seeds) This full-of-fiber food helps to clean your dog’s teeth while he chomps and can even freshen their breath. #2 … Read more

How This Simple Key Necklace Started a Movement And Is Saving The Lives of Shelter Dogs

Why are so many pets euthanized in shelters? The answer is simple: it’s a problem of supply and demand. In many areas, such as Southern California, the supply of shelter pets is high, leading to overcrowding in underfunded animal shelters. Because the demand for shelter pets is not high enough in these areas, euthanasia is very common. This is tragic, because these are perfectly good pets with many years of love left to give. A Simple Solution to a Complex … Read more

The Easiest Way to Start Your Dog on a Raw Diet

If you’re the type of pet parent who reads the ingredients list of your pup’s food to make sure you know and understand exactly what’s in it then you’ve no doubt heard about the growing movement towards raw feeding through social media channels or through the media, such as via the viral documentary Pet Fooled. Once rejected by seemingly all vets, a raw diet is now gaining acceptance in wholistic veterinarian circles. It makes sense – a raw diet is what … Read more

Prepare To Fall In Love With Cletus The Stylish Special Needs Dog

Eight months ago, a very special dog arrived at Best Friends Animal Society (BFAS) in Los Angeles. The odd looking chocolate Chihuahua mix was found wandering the city streets. Best Friends staff estimate that the dog they named Cletus is about two-years-old. He was born different from other pups with a crooked nose, a massive overbite, and fused joints that cause him to walk with a signature shuffling gait. A post shared by Love Bug (@cletusspuckler_spucklercletus) on Feb 6, 2017 … Read more

Fear Aggression In Dogs And How To Help

Did you know that there are 21 different types of aggression in dogs? Fear aggression is the most common form, even though many people mistake it for dominance aggression. Each form of aggression must be treated differently – the tools and techniques used to help a dog with dominance aggression will almost always make a dog with fear aggression worse.  So what is fear aggression? How can you tell if your dog has it? Are dogs adopted from shelters more likely … Read more

Veteran Overcomes Challenges With His Service Dog By His Side

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.  Army veteran Roy was matched up with Forest by Pets & Vets. The pup has helped him adjust to civilian life, and it changed him for the better.  Roy said: “Since being partnered with Forest, I have experienced a decrease in my anger outbursts in public. My focus is more on him and … Read more

Is It Safe For My Dog To Chew Sticks?

Everyone knows dogs love to chew on sticks, and seeing your pup dash away and proudly trot back with a prized tree limb in his mouth is always adorable. But when your dog starts using sticks as everyday chew toys, you might have a problem. Sticks are around the same size and shape as bones, and your pup’s instincts make those natural chew toys seem like a tasty treat. It’s common for dogs to want to chew on sticks, but … Read more

Woman Fosters Deaf, Dying Dog To Make Sure Her Best Days Are Still Ahead Of Her

When Jessica Miller first saw Grandma Dot at the LifeLine Animal Project in Atlanta, Georgia and heard her story, she “was in tears thinking about her staying there for the remainder of her life.” Grandma Dot is a deaf elderly Pit Bull who is dog-reactive and has heartworm and untreatable lymphoma. Dot had been at the shelter since February, but after her lymphoma diagnosis, the staff beefed up their efforts to find a foster home for Dot so she could know … 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

Parvo In Dogs – 5 Things Dog Owners Need To Know

Most pup parents, especially those who’ve adopted puppies, have heard of the dreaded Parvovirus aka Parvo in dogs ( parvo for short). Even if you don’t know much about how it spreads or what the symptoms look like, you probably know that the illness is highly contagious and can be fatal. Luckily, there are preventative measures you can take, and early diagnosis may have a more promising prognosis than you previously thought. We here at iHeartDogs got in touch with … Read more

Veteran Buys A Plane Just So He Can Save Pets From High-Kill Shelters

Army Veteran Paul Steklenski knew he wanted to save as many rescue dogs as possible, and that meant thinking outside the box. After rescuing a homeless pup named Tessa, the former tank operator and current IT expert saw first-hand the positive difference he could make in the lives of innocent animals. He was determined to help by transporting animals from high-kill shelters in the south to no-kill shelters, and he came up with a creative solution for a limiting logistical … Read more

If Your Dog Only Learns One Command, It Should Be This

Each dog parent has the personal choice to decide on the level of training their pup receives. Depending on their temperament and lifestyle, full obedience training may not be a priority, but trainers and behaviorists agree that there is one command that all dogs should master. The “come” or callback command helps empower you to keep your pup safe. It could end up being the one thing that prevents your dog from getting lost, injured, or worse. You may be … Read more

Mom Ogles Adorable Puppy On Patio… Then Realizes What It Really Is

We all make silly mistakes, and once in awhile, it ends in a rousing round of laughter (sometimes for years to come!). This is the case in the story below, and thanks to social media, we’re able to be in on this joke! According to Scary Mommy, Hannah Murphy was out to eat with her mom when something caught her eye. “My mother was giggling at this and told me to ‘take a look at that adorable dachshund, he’s sleeping,’” … Read more

Shelter Dog Is Prime Suspect In The Case Of The Fuzzy Purple Hippo

The saga of Hank and his Fuzzy Purple Hippo has taken social media by storm thanks to some brilliant marketing from Wisconsin’s Fox Valley Humane Association. Hank is a burly chocolate lab with a serious crush on his favorite purple stuffie. When the hippo in question suffered near-fatal injuries, the eyes of the law – and the world – fell upon Hank as the prime suspect. Read on for the full details of this epic crime drama. It all began with … Read more

From a Puppy Farm To a Real Home

“I was living at a puppy farm where I was born. I can’t remember my mummy as I was taken from her very early. Then the men there found that I was very small for my breed (I am a Shih Tzu) and had a bent front leg, so I was separated from all the other puppies and they said I was no good for breeding. One day, along came a van from some kennels and they took me and … Read more

3 Early Signs of Aggression In Dogs

Aggression is a natural behavior in canids, especially in wild animals, but is generally unnecessary and even dangerous in domesticated dogs. Unfortunately, most dog owners don’t recognize the early signs of aggression in dogs. In fact, most professional dog trainers don’t get hired on until the aggression is extreme and the dog has bitten someone already. But there are ways to prevent your dog’s aggression from escalating and these tips will help you identify early indicators. #1 – Growling Growling … Read more

6 Fun Ways to Stimulate Your Pup’s Mind Through Play

Dogs never stop playing! From puppyhood straight on through their golden years, they exercise their bodies and strengthen their minds by romping, chewing, leaping and fetching. Lifelong play ensures that dogs stay fit and healthy while staving off boredom, mischief and premature aging. To keep your best friend fur-ever young at heart – and mind – try these 6 fun toys, puzzles and DIY games! 1. Treat Balls Treat dispensing balls like the Brain Ball by Project Play available in our store … Read more

5 Tips To Teach Your Dog To Love Swimming

Most dogs are natural swimmers, but some dip a paw in the water and say, “No thanks! Not for me!” If you are frequently in or around water, you want to make sure your dog knows how to swim for safety reasons. Wouldn’t it be great if they learned to love swimming? It may take a little bit of time and a lot of patience, but most dogs can be taught to love swimming. Please keep in mind that some … Read more

Second Chance Movement™ – The Key To Giving Shelter Pets a Second Chance At Life

Shop Second Chance Movement™ Every Second Chance Movement™ purchase funds the transportation of shelter animals from overcrowded, high-kill shelters to no-kill shelters where there is high demand for pets. Your support unlocks a second chance for these animals and truly provides the key to a new life!   Plenty of shelters throughout America have more demand for pets than they have animals, yet in other parts of the country there are shelters overrun with animals and not enough funding to keep … Read more

Bike-Riding Couple Finds Puppy On Highway – Now She’s Their “Roadie”!

If you have a rescue pet, it’s likely that you believe in love at first sight. You know the feeling of meeting a pet that fits into your family so well that it could only be fate. Motorcycle enthusiast and IMGUR user heyemilie was on a trip with her boyfriend, headed North through South Carolina, when they picked up an unusual hitchhiker. The tiny pup wandered into the road, coming within feet of their tires on the highway.   The … Read more

Stuffed Toy Helps Rescue Dog Mourn The Loss Of His Lamb BFF

In 2015 two very special animals came into Janell Jensen’s life. The Idaho native has a soft spot for differently-abled pets, so when a neighbor found a three-pound Chihuahua on a busy road, she brought him straight to Janell. Within months, the lifelong animal lover also found herself caring for a special needs lamb. Paddy the dog and Lily the lamb shared an immediate bond, but sadly their beautiful friendship would be short-lived.   When Paddy arrived, he was underweight … Read more

The Staircase To A Hilltop Shelter Was Washing Away, Until One Charity Stepped In

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.  Rescue Rebuild headed to the home of country music and the Grand Ole Opry: Nashville, Tennessee! The Nashville Humane Association had been struggling with water issues and erosion for years. And not just a little bit of water – full-on flooding!   The property sits in the middle of a large hill, and … Read more

Woman Makes Dog Sit In Hot Car, Claims Abuse When Cop Tells Her To Do The Same

Every year, hundreds of dogs die in hot vehicles. On a 90 degree day in (the ironically named) Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, and Shelly Nicholas’ dog almost became a statistic. Nicholas claims that she only left the dog for 10 minutes while she, her daughter, and her boyfriend shopped at a Bullocks supermarket. When she returned, police officers were waiting to confront her. What happened next has animal lovers cheering and Nicholas alleging police misconduct. The officers presented Nicholas … Read more

This Movie Theater Is Now Offering Dog-Friendly Screenings

Have you ever wished you could bring your pup to the movies with you? Now you can (if you live in England, anyway!) Picturehouse Central in London is now offering dog-friendly screenings about every six weeks. The company is even looking at expanding the screenings to their other locations. Our tails are wagging! Dog-friendly screenings are back! Bring your best friend to see My Life As A Courgette this Sunday 12pm. A screening for well behaved dogs and humans. 🐶🎬 #woof … Read more

New Findings On Behavior Testing May Save Thousands Of Shelter Dogs From Euthanasia

For many years, shelters have been using behavioral assessments to determine which dogs can be adopted and which dogs get euthanized for being suspected of aggressive behavior. New research indicates that the two most popular tests are little better than chance at predicting which dogs will be aggressive once they’re out of the stressful shelter environment and into happy homes. Occasionally, this results in aggressive dogs finding their way into homes. More often, this leads to dogs who might be perfectly … Read more

Another Way That Dogs Benefit Your Health, Especially As You Age

A healthy level of activity is important at all ages, but when we reach late adulthood, it becomes imperitive for staving off obesity, diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. English researchers from the University of East Anglia and the Centre for Diet and Activity Research at the University of Cambridge designed a study to find out if dog ownership provided significant motivation for older adults to exercise. They found that owning or walking a dog was one of the most effective … Read more

Family Throws “Bye Bye Party” To Celebrate Dying Foster Dog’s Life

Sometimes a story comes along that is equal parts sweetness and heartbreak. Peanut’s tale is one of tragedy, loss, redemption, and the transformative power of human kindness. The 10-year-old Jack Russell Terrier mix recently found herself back at Save-A-Pet, the Illinois shelter she was adopted from two years ago. Her adopter passed away and a relative took Peanut in, but was not able to provide adequate care.   Peanut returned to Save-A-Pet with severe dental disease, a potentially cancerous tumor … Read more

Couple Adopts Double Amputee Rescue Dog Who Continues To Love Life

When Thunder was found by animal control officers from Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center (TJO), it was obvious the Toy Poodle was suffering from serious owner neglect. The shelter received a call from a concerned citizen who was worried about Thunder and two other dogs being kept at a Springfield, MA property. That phone call saved Thunder’s life. https://www.facebook.com/413ANIMALS/photos/pcb.10155571335149518/10155571334999518/?type=3&theater The injured and neglected dog was transported to the shelter’s veterinary center where Dr. Lauren Atkins fought to … Read more

6 Signs Your Dog Is Your Firstborn Child

Remember that beautiful moment when you brought home your first bundle of joy? The whole world seemed to change, become smaller, and begin to revolve around your sweet, innocent – dog. Even if you are now the proud parent of a tiny human or two, you’ll never forget your very first pup. The one that first taught you the joy of loving another creature more than you love yourself. Here are 6 signs your dog is your firstborn child… 1. Your … Read more

Family Spots Their Dog Online 6 Months After They Thought She Was Euthanized

2016 was a difficult year for Tawny Coates and her family. Tawny’s husband was sent to prison, they lost their home, and the family dog Zoey fell ill. The 10-year-old Boxer was suffering from seizures and had developed a tumor on her side that Tawny feared was cancerous. In November, the mother of three made the heart-wrenching decision to put Zoey to sleep. Too devastated to drive her to the vet, Tawny asked her father, Larry Coates to perform the … Read more

6 Ways To Make Bath Time More Enjoyable For Your Dog

Does your dog run and hide every time you tell them it’s bath time? Do they spend the entire bath trying to climb out of the tub? Do you wind up wetter than them by the end of it all? While some dogs will never like getting a bath, there are things you can do to help your dog adjust to the process so they at least tolerate it better. Here are 5 ways to make bath time more enjoyable … Read more

Creative K9 Statues Will Help Support Police Families & Homeless Pets

Over 100 dogs have appeared on the street in one of Chicago’s most upscale neighborhoods – and the community loves it! The fiberglass German Shepherds are there to raise awareness and support Chicago’s police and their families. The project, developed by the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and PAWS Chicago, is meant to memorialize the sacrifice made by officers who have lost their lives or been injured while serving their community and their families. A post shared by Jennifer Greenburg (@jjgreenburg) … Read more

Marine Veteran Turns To Social Media To Help Find His Lost Service Dog

Simon Flarity’s beloved service dog, Tito, has been missing since July 4th, when he was startled by some fireworks on a pier in Fairhope, Alabama. Flarity has had Tito, a Pit Bull, for 10 years. Tito is a service dog who helps Flarity deal with severe PTSD that’s a result of two deployments serving in Iraq in the US Marine Corps. On the morning of the 4th of July, Flarity and his fiancee took Tito out on a friend’s boat. … Read more

Firefighter Rescues Drowning Senior Dog & Reunites Him With His Human

According to Miami Beach firefighter Emilio Sanchez, jumping into Biscayne Bay to save an elderly dog is all in a day’s work. The Miami Beach Fire Department received a call about an animal in distress when beach-goers saw 12-year-old Junior struggling to stay afloat. The Shar-Pei/Rottweiler mix was barely paddling 25 yards from shore when Sanchez and his crew showed up. It didn’t take them long to think of a plan, and Sanchez stripped off his clothes and jumped in. … Read more

5 Strangers Volunteer To Trek Deep Into The Mountains To Save Injured Dog

When a dog was in distress and emergency personnel couldn’t help, five strangers joined together to save a life. It was an 18 kilometer (about 11 miles) round-trip hike through the wilderness, but the rescue came just in time for the Chocolate Lab named Louie. Janessa Walker and Louie are the best adventure buddies. Walker loves to take Louie, who belongs to her stepmom, Amanda McGregor, for hikes and walks, and a weekend trip through the Chilliwack mountains sounded like … Read more

Once-Paralyzed Dachshund Runs In Wiener National Race

The 22nd Annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Dog National Races were held on Saturday, July 22 and contained an unlikely contestant: a Dachshund who was dumped at a shelter in Riverside, California on New Year’s Eve in 2014 for being paralyzed. Luckily, the Los Angeles Dachshund Rescue gave Lady Bug another chance. After 4 months in a foster home, Lady Bug was brought to the California Animal Rehabilitation (CARE), where she started a months-long rehabilitation that involved physical therapy, acupuncture, and an underwater … Read more

Stray Puppy Who Was An “Unwanted Gift” Gets Rescued, Thanks To A Stranger

Do you know what to do when you see a dog in need of assistance? For those who have never been confronted with the situation before, it can be difficult when you find yourself there. You don’t want to frighten or injure the dog, but you don’t want to be bit by a scared pup or risk it running away before help arrives either. A successful rescue takes planning and a delicate hand. When a stranger saw a pup cowering … Read more