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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

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

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

The Critical Thing About Your Dog’s Mouth That Most Owners Don’t Know

Do you ever think about how important your dog’s mouth is? He uses it for so much more than just eating, it’s an important tool in his day-to-day life and the way he explores his environment! There are sticks to be gnawed and ropes to be pulled, and a whole world of things to be licked and chewed, picked up, and torn apart – and he does all these things with his mouth! Dental disease is a serious threat to … Read more

Is Your Dog Sleeping More Lately? This Could Be Why

It’s common knowledge that cats love to nap, and the fact is, dogs do too! Believe it or not, dogs tend to spend about 12-14 hours a day sleeping … and even more for puppies and seniors! However, too many Z’s can be a sign of an underlying problem. So, how do you know how much sleep is too much for your dog? The quickest and simplest answer is this: you know your dog best, so trust your instincts. You may … Read more

The Reason Why Dogs Slow Down In Cold Weather

The chill of fall can be a welcome change after a long, hot summer, but for dogs with arthritis, cold weather can lead to increased pain and stiffness. Scientific studies indicate that 20 percent of middle-aged dogs and 90 percent of older dogs have osteoarthritis in at least one joint. Factors such as genetics, excess weight and prior injuries further increase your dog’s risk of painful degenerative joint problems. Our canine companions are known for their stoic nature. They seem to … Read more

Report Finds That Around 80% Of Online Ads For Pets Are Scams

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has released a new report which states that it’s almost impossible to search for a puppy online without coming across at least one scam. In fact, according to the report: “Experts believe at least 80% of the sponsored advertising links that appear in an internet search for pets may be fraudulent.” While anybody can fall into this scam, the people who are most likely to fall for it are those in their 20s and 30s. People … Read more

New State Law Could Fine Pet Owners $300 For Unleashed Dogs

An Illinois alderman is hoping stricter ordinances about tethers and leashes will keep pets safer and happier. Alderman John Beck recognized a widespread concern for animal welfare when a dog that wasn’t on a leash ran up and attacked another dog in his ward. It’s a situation that dog owners see far too often, but emergency vet bills haven’t deterred owners from allowing their dogs to roam freely. Animal advocates stress the importance of leashes while explaining an unleashed dog’s … Read more

Virgin Rail “Platform Pawtroller” Gets His Own Virgin Uniform

Jake has been a regular visitor and “Platform Pawtroller” at the Staffordshire Railway Station with his owner, Neil McNamera for nine years. He loves watching the trains roll in and out of the station so much that they visit every day so Jake can greet passengers and staff, wagging his tail and barking as they arrive! Jake’s favorite train service, Virgin Rail, now considers him a part of their family, and to make it official, gifted him with his own … Read more

Dog Owner Posts Message To Neighbor Who Thinks Pit Bulls Are “Vicious”

Pit Bull owners are used to facing unfair discrimination and negativity based on society’s misguided belief that their dogs are aggressive fighters. The breed in general battles the “mean dog” stereotype on a daily basis, but one dog owner took to Imgur to send a message about breed discrimination.   Imgur user FreeTimeResults decided to send their neighbor a very public message about the way he viewed their dog. They wrote, “When you first met my dog, you pretended to … Read more

6 Tips For Changing Your Dog To A New Food

There are several reasons you may want or need to change your dog’s diet throughout his lifetime. Whether your pooch has developed an aversion or allergy to his current diet, the time has come to switch from adult to senior food, or you simply feel that an upgrade is in order, there are certain steps you should take to ensure that the process does not upset your pup’s delicate digestive system. While some dogs seem to have steel traps for stomachs, … Read more

Woman Who Claimed To Have “Life-Threatening Allergy To Dogs” Removed From Flight

A video is making it’s way around the internet showing a woman being forcibly removed from a Southwest Airlines flight after refusing to deplane when asked. The woman claimed to be life-threateningly allergic to dogs, and asked to have an allergy shot administered as there were two dogs in the cabin of the plane (one of which was an emotional-support animal.) Staff explained to the woman that the shot could not be given on board, and she would have to … Read more

Emaciated & Shunned By His Family, Mac Was Rescued Just In Time

Mac once had a loving family, but after five years as a valued pet, he was chained outside and forgotten. Not only was he shunned by the only family he’d ever known, Mac endured extreme heat in the summer and record lows throughout the Michigan winter. Two years later, he was emaciated and barely able to walk, but he managed to wag his tail and greet his saviors from Sanilac Scoopers Animal Rescue with hopeful affection.   Due to the … Read more

Woman Chartered A Plane, Flew Over 300 Pets To Safety From Hurricane Maria

  As disasters continue to strike in the Western Hemisphere, more and more heroes emerge, astounding us with their initiative and generous nature. Most recently, we’re charmed by hero Sali Gear and the shelter volunteers of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sali Gear grew up in the U.S Virgin Islands, and is co-owner of Island Dog Rescue in St. Croix. The organization works with shelters in the tiny Islands to move pets to shelters on the mainland, where they are more … Read more

Pup Abandoned In Airport Bathroom With Heartbreaking Note Has Been Adopted

You may remember the teensy-weensy Chihuahua pup whose story went viral after he was abandoned in an airport bathroom along with a note from his owner. While opinions about Chewy’s former mom – a self proclaimed victim of domestic abuse – varied, everyone ultimately wanted the same thing: a happy outcome for Chewy. Now, almost three months after his story garnered international attention, the tiny pup has gotten his fairytale ending. He’s been adopted!   “Hi! I’m Chewy! My owner … Read more

Shelter Manager Stays Behind To Protect Animals During Storms

While the world was focused on Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico during recent hurricanes, the tiny island of St. John went largely unnoticed. The most recent census puts the Caribbean island’s population at barely over 4,000 local residents, but when Hurricane Irma spewed Category 5 rain and wind and was followed closely by Hurricane Maria, everyone living on the 19-square-mile island was in danger. People were forced to evacuate, and countless pets were left to face the brunt of the … Read more

Dog Saved From Rubble Six Days After Earthquake In Mexico

Six days after the magnitude 7.1 earthquake shook Mexico, residents have a renewed hope that more survivors might be found. Their optimism comes after, despite debilitating odds, a dog was found alive buried by rubble. Rescuers from a Japanese search and rescue team discovered the white Schnauzer on Monday at the site of a collapsed apartment building in Mexico City. A video of the rescue shows rescuers pulling the dog out of the rubble and carefully carrying it to safety. … Read more

Beagle Puppy Teaches Rescued Dogs How To Trust Humans

Building trust with a dog who has never known real human affection can be difficult. It takes patience. More than anything, you have to know that a dog will only trust you when they’re ready – it can’t be rushed. Though she’s their newest rescue, this sweet Beagle has become an excellent ambassador for her humans! Little Serendipity (or “Seren” for short) was rescued from a pen at a market. She may have had some positive human interaction before, being … Read more

Harvey Dog Adoptions Postponed As Distemper Outbreak Hits NRG Arena In Houston

It’s been a rough few weeks for the pets of the Gulf Coast, and sadly, the hits keep coming. Hurricanes have paraded through the Atlantic, destroying homes and displacing people and animals alike. Families are still struggling to reunite with their pets, and volunteers have come together from all over the country to care for animals while they’re waiting to go home. The NRG Arena, which is usually used for events such as those during the Houston Livestock Show and … Read more

6 Methods For Safely Breaking Up A Dog Fight

Witnessing a fight between two dogs is a terrifying experience for any pawrent, especially if one or both of the dogs are your own. The first instinct tends to include screaming and rushing towards the brawlers, but excited behavior may only escalate the situation and put you at risk. Rather than reacting on impulse, you should first determine if it is safe and completely necessary to intervene. If you do decide to break it up, try one of the six … Read more