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One simple alternative to the horrible practice of euthanasia in overcrowded shelters

There is a terrible pet population problem in the United States, but it’s not what you’d think. The population issue is more of a population distribution problem. In high pet population areas, resources for stray or abandoned animals are often limited, leading to euthanasia for millions of innocent dogs and cats a year. However, some shelters are mostly empty as they are located in areas that tend to have fewer strays and unplanned litters. In these locations, there are plenty of families … Read more

This Method For Emptying High-Kill Shelters Is Saving Lives Across The U.S.

It’s no secret that there is a pet population problem in the United States. The sad truth is that resources for homeless animals are limited, leading to euthanasia for millions of dogs and cats a year – at no fault of their own. While some shelters overcrowd quickly due to overpopulation and lack of resources, others are mostly bare as they are located in areas that tend to have fewer strays and unplanned litters. What’s more, in some places, there’s no … Read more

The Most Impactful Way to Save Lives

Many shelters euthanize adoptable, loving pets each day just because there isn’t enough room for them. Overcrowded, underfunded shelters are faced with the problem of too many pets and not enough demand. Whereas, in other parts of the country there is too much demand. Families are left waiting for their local shelters and rescues to have new pets available for adoption. This is a depressing dilemma for any animal lover to learn about. Yet, there is one straightforward, impactful way … Read more

Photographer Does Adorable Newborn Photo Shoot For Foster Puppies, World Melts

Kelly Frankenburg specializes in newborn and infant photography at her home-based studio, 11 Sixteen Photography, in Richmond, Virginia. Usually those newborns are human, but when she started fostering a rescued Chihuahua and her 3 puppies, she knew a photo shoot was in order. Frankenburg and her family recently started fostering for Richmond Animal Care And Control. When she brought mama Paris and her three 2-week-old puppies home to foster, she knew she wanted to take professional pictures of them to help … Read more

The 10 Dog Breeds That Give The Most Affection

#1 – Labrador Retriever No surprise that this breed made this list. Labrador retrievers are known for their sweet, loving disposition. No wonder they make sure great service dogs. #2 – Golden Retriever Also known for its loving nature, the golden retriever is commonly used for therapy work due its friendly attitude toward everyone, even strangers. Photo Credit: @AndrewMorrell via Flickr #3 – Bedlington Terrier While terriers are often thought of as independent, this high energy breed has a real soft side. They … Read more

The 100 Best U.S. Cities For Pups And Their Parents

When dogs are part of your family, they play a huge role in where you consider living. Whether it’s finding a pup-friendly apartment or a city with pooch perks, pet lovers know that they’ll only be happy at home if their dog is, too. If you’re thinking about relocating, you may be doing some research on pet-friendly places. Or perhaps you already live in one of them – and don’t even know it! Whether it’s time to pack or explore … 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 … Read more

Mail Carrier Caught Taking A Break To Pet Pups

We’ve all heard the old myth about dogs and mailmen, but one Texas dog dad is helping to bust that misconception wide open! Aaron Hernandez has five happy-go-lucky Labradors – four yellow and one black. While perusing his CCTV home security footage, he noticed that a new mailman had taken over his neighborhood. To his delight, Hernandez observed the heartwarming bond the postal worker forged with his beloved pups! He decided to share the adorable footage with the world and tweeted … Read more

Canine Influenza: Things All Dog Owners Should Know

News of canine influenza has been spreading – much like the the virus itself. It’s causing quite the stir among dog owners, but is the illness really as big as all the hype? Are we panicking over nothing? Should we panic MORE? Dr. Kathryn Primm is a trusted veterinarian and owner of Applebrook Animal Hospital in Ootelwah, Tennesee. She has contributed hundreds of articles to iHeartDogs and iHeartCats answering common (and not so common) questions about our pets and has … Read more

Dog Dies After Playing With Popular Brand Pet Toy

Warning: video below contains image that may be difficult for some to see.  Toys are a great way to keep your dog stimulated, their mind active, and they make exercise fun. However, a story from 2015 has recently been making its rounds on social media, causing dog owners to second-guess their toy purchases. This particular story hits close to home for many pet lovers, because it could happen to any of us and it could happen in an instant. In … Read more

5 Ways To Help Your Dog Snore Less

You’re about to fall asleep with your pup curled up by your side, but all of a sudden, a huff, wheeze, and snore scares away those much-needed Z’s. Listening to your sleepy pup let out soft little snores is cute at first, but it soon loses its appeal when it starts to keep you up at night. As with humans, there are a number of reasons why dogs snore. Snub-nose dog breeds like Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Bulldogs are more … Read more

Shelter Puppy With Unusually Large Head Sparks DNA Debate

When a litter of four stray puppies arrived at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley (HSSV) in June, the staff instantly noticed that one of the pups was not like the others. While his three littermates bore the characteristics of mini Border Collie mixes, the pooch they named “Bighead” had short, chubby legs like a Basset Hound – and, you guessed it, a very big head! Lauren Gallagher works in the HSSV finance department and has fostered countless dogs for … Read more

This Bizarrely Accurate Quiz Matches Your Personality With a Shelter Dog

Here at iHeartDogs, we think there’s a dog out there for anyone who wants a companion. Maybe you’re a homebody who loves to hunker down. Maybe you’re more of an outdoor type who’s in search of an exercise buddy. Perhaps you’re somewhere in between. Whether you’re looking for a pooch that’s large, small, fluffy, short-haired, active, lazy, whatever, there’s a dog in a shelter who’d be perfect for you – you just have to find him or her. And that’s why … Read more

5 Strategies For When Your Dog Doesn’t Listen

Everyone wants their furry companion to be a well-mannered member of the family, but like people, dogs have minds of their own. Whether they’re 10 weeks or 10 years old, dogs respond to training and commands in different ways. Sometimes, their response is to not respond at all. Dogs that don’t listen aren’t necessarily defiant, disobedient, or dumb. They might be choosing not to listen to you on purpose, but they also might not know what you want from them. … Read more

Puppy Mill Surivor Turns Out To Be A Little Dog With A Big Heart

Today, Cheddar is a happy, playful, and well-loved pup living with his family near Honolulu, HI. His big eyes and floppy ears give him a carefree expression he never seems to shed, but the little dog’s life wasn’t always this good. In May 2016, the Hawaiian Humane Society got a tip from someone who had seen their neighbor throw what looked like a dog into a trashcan. The man in question was James Montgomery. In 2005, 64 dogs were taken … Read more

10 Pieces Of Evidence That Prove Your Dog Is Your REAL Best Friend

Everyone has that one go-to friend they can always call when they need an understanding ear or a shoulder to cry on. Maybe he or she was a college roommate or perhaps you’ve known each other since kindergarten. It’s a bond you cherish, but the human BFFs of the world are faced with some stiff competition. Two-legged companions just can’t compare to a furry, wagging package of pure loyalty and devotion! These 10 pieces of evidence prove beyond a resonable … Read more

This Dog Was Tossed Out Like Garbage, But Got A Second Chance With Your Help

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 September 2016 a citizen witnessed a small dog abandoned, discarded like trash on the street corner. What was described to the staff and volunteers at the rescue, is a woman pulled up to the corner with her car, got out of the car, took a blue basket out of the vehicle, laid … Read more

How This Key Bracelet 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

6 Simple Ways To Keep Your Dog Cool During The Hot Summer Months Without AC

The summer heat can be hard on everybody, especially if you don’t have air conditioning. Since dogs wear a fur coat year round and can only sweat through the pads of their feet, they are more prone to overheating than humans. Luckily, there are many things you can do to help your pooch beat the summer heat. Here are 6 simple ways to keep your dog cool during the hot summer months. #1 – Avoid mid-day walks If your dog … Read more

5 Reasons Playtime Is Vital For Your Dog’s Health, No Matter Their Age

Letting your dog indulge in a long game of fetch or a romp through the park may seem like it’s all fun and games, but doggy playtime is about a lot more than that. No matter what kind of play your pup likes to participate in, encouraging playtime will have a big impact on your canine friend’s overall health and well-being. Dogs of all ages benefit from daily play sessions. From puppies still learning to control their limbs to senior … Read more

The 12 Dog Breeds With The Highest Cost of Ownership

There are many things to consider when considering getting a new puppy. (we at iHeartDogs.com believe adoption is the best option!) Many of us are dead-set on certain breeds. Others aren’t quite sure. Regardless, cost is always a factor when deciding to add a dog to your home. There are many things that bring up the cost of the dog outside of the purchase price – and these include crates, toys, beds, kennels, food, and health issues. While health testing is … Read more

5 Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make When Socializing Your Dog

Socialization is a key part of raising a happy and well-mannered canine citizen. From the time they’re puppies all the way through old age, dogs are continuously learning about the world around them. Without proper socialization, dogs can be unnecessarily stressed or fearful, and they need social interaction for both mental enrichment and physical exercise. Socializing your pup can be as simple as taking them on regular walks and introducing them to other dogs, but there’s also a wrong way … Read more

What Happens After You Unlock These Cages Will Make You Cry

dog in cage

Numerous dogs locked up in cages with more coming in daily, awaiting certain death – this is the reality for many shelters in the U.S. where there are too many stray and abandoned dogs for the amount of families able to adopt. These are healthy, hopeful dogs trapped behind cages, sentenced to death. Those cages are the last “home” they will know before being put down. They are euthanized for no other reason than there just wasn’t someone nearby able … Read more

Today Is National Spoil Your Dog Day

August 10 is National Spoil Your Dog Day! We here at iHeartDogs believe that every day is Spoil Your Dog Day, and since Americans spend more than $60 billion a year on their pets, we think most people agree with us. Still, spoiling your dog too much every day can lead to health and behavioral problems, so it’s never a bad idea to pull back on extra snacks and toys on most days, then splurge a little extra on August … Read more

The Single Easiest Way You Can Save Shelter Animals’ Lives

Puppies to be transported to loving homes

It’s a sad truth, but many pets are murdered every day simply for taking up space for too long in a shelter. These pets are adoptable, loving animals who just want to find a home. Meanwhile, in other parts of the country there are families waiting and waiting for their local shelter to have new pets available for adoption. We animal lovers don’t have to stand by the wayside, heartbroken that we can’t do anything. There is a particular way … Read more

The Super Simple Method That Will Help You Monitor Your Dog’s Dental Health

Learning about our pets’ health is a double-edged sword. The more we know about what could happen, the more we worry. But more importantly, this knowledge helps us take preventative measures to avoid illness and injury in the long run. One of the things we need to be cognizant of is our dog’s dental health. It may be easy to overlook, but the fact is, a lot of painful and dangerous issues can start right in your pup’s mouth. Many dogs … Read more

Why Does My Dog Ignore Me?

Every pup parent has been ignored when trying to give their dog commands. Maybe your companion won’t “sit” or “lie down,” especially when there are distractions. Perhaps your dog doesn’t listen to “come” (which can be dangerous, given the situation). You may be wondering why your dog’s obedience is inconsistent (or non-existent!), and what you can do about it. As it turns out, there are a couple reasons why your pup may be disregarding your commands, even if he’s eager … Read more

How The Solar Eclipse Might Affect Pets

It’s been all over the news lately just how important it is for you to wear special glasses to watch the upcoming total solar eclipse on August 21st. Regular sunglasses, even if you wear two pairs, are nowhere near strong enough to allow you to look directly at the sun without risking your vision. And it’s important to find solar eclipse glasses that have been certified – ripoff eclipse viewers could steal your vision permanently. But what about your dog? … Read more

7 Dog Breeds That Demand Your Undivided Attention

While every dog breeds needs human interaction, there are some that are a little bit more independent than others. Every dog is an individual, but certain dogs were bred to work alongside humans all day long, such as herding and hunting dogs, and others were used for solitary work, such as guard dogs. Many breeds do fine with regularly amounts of human love and attention, but some are a little bit more high-maintenance in this area. #1 – Australian Shepherd … Read more

What This Airplane Pilot is Doing In This Pic Will Blow Your Mind

Yes, there’s a puppy in that pilot’s lap and yes, they are in the air – but this is not just any flight. Although this plane has room to seat lots of people, it’s cargo is of a different, but precious, variety.  The pilot in this picture is transporting shelter pets from kill shelters to no-kill shelters in other areas of the country where loving families are waiting to adopt them. These pilots volunteer their time, expertise and airplanes to … Read more

Study Shows Pups Raised With “Tough Love” Make Better Guide Dogs

Researchers at The Seeing Eye training school in New Jersey have discovered that puppies whose mothers are less attentive tend to have more success as guide dog candidates. A seeing eye dog must be calm in the face of loud noises and ever-changing stimuli in order to help its master navigate the world. In a study of 98 puppies from birth to adulthood, those more intensely mothered tended to be more reactive and therefore less suited to guide dog work. The … Read more

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