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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

Lost Senior Dog Survives 6 Weeks On Mountain Before Being Rescued By Hikers

14-year-old Chloe went missing near the base of Mt. Bross on August 10. When her family hadn’t seen her for a month, they had lost all hope of ever seeing her again. When Trinity Smith and Sean Nichols saw a post on 14ers.com about hikers who heard a dog barking on Mt. Bross, they decided to try to find and rescue the dog. It took 2 days and several attempts, but they were able to rescue Chloe and return her to … Read more

Blind, Deaf Puppy Born From Bad Breeding Finds Someone To Love Her

We’ve all heard the phrase “adopt, don’t shop” because we know good breeders are hard to find. As we humans have technology doing more and more for us, we’ve gone from breeding dogs for jobs to breeding them for appearances. But as we do this, we’ve caused them to have all kinds of problems. They look cute, but even just breathing or eating can be difficult for them. One of the more severe outcomes of irresponsible breeding is a double-merle. … Read more

3 Dogs Suddenly Fall Ill & One Of Them Dies After Visiting Local River

Last Saturday, Kinsey Perry and Larissa Parker were hanging out by the Guadalupe River south trail with their 5 dogs. About 45 minutes after they arrived, several of the dogs fell ill and one passed away. While the cause of death is not yet known, the women believe it was something in or near the water that made their dogs sick. Parker, the owner of the dog who died, said: “I think the biggest thing to take away from this is … Read more

One easy way to start raw today – Just add THIS

Feed your dog bone broth

Are you the type of pup-parent who scans the list of ingredients on your dog’s food to make sure you know exactly what’s in it? If so, we’ll bet that you’ve heard about the movement around raw feeding through social media groups or even mainstream media. For example the viral documentary Pet Fooled. A raw diet, once snubbed by almost every vet, is now gradually gaining acceptance in holistic veterinarian circles and beyond. The raw movement makes sense to a lot of … Read more

Every Day For A Year This Man Photographed His Dog–And You’re Gonna Love The Results!

Get your cameras and prepare to be inspired, camera-happy puppy parents! Andrew Knapp is a photographer and Instagrammer who has been travelling with his adorable Border Collie, Momo, for their project, Find Momo. A warning before you follow the link: you’ll start clicking and wonder where the time went! Andrew calls Momo his muse, and it’s easy to see why Momo inspires him! Those big puppy dog eyes just beg to be photographed! Momo has his own Instagram, where Andrew … Read more

5 Tips For Teaching Your Dog Impulse Control And Why It’s Important

For a dog, life is all about instant gratification. They gobble their food without chewing, push past people to get through doors, chase after cats without a second’s thought, and jump on every stranger they meet. They’re impatient and pushy, and those personality traits will get them into trouble. Whether you want your dog to keep his cool at the sound of the doorbell or resist the urge to chase passing cars, teaching impulse control is the first step in … Read more

Formerly Abused Pit Bull, Famous For Her Headbands, Wins Hero Dog Award

The beautiful white Pibble in the colorful array of bows, headbands and bonnets is almost unrecognizable from the pitiful, abused creature she was just 10 months ago. Abigail, decked out in a patriotic gown and a sparkly red version of her signature headband, became American Humane’s Emerging Hero Dog of the year on September 16. It is a well deserved honor for a dog whose face has become a symbol of hope and survival for Pit Bulls and victims of … Read more

Determined Search And Rescue Dog Saves Lives After Devastating Earthquake

Amidst the destruction and rubble left by an earthquake in Mexico City, a trained search and rescue dog is saving lives. A dog named Titan and his handler, Mauiricio Pantoja, were in Mexico City for a commemoration ceremony in remembrance of another earthquake that rattled Mexico 32 years earlier. The 8.0 quake on September 19, 1985 killed thousands of people, and the ceremony was organized to honor those who died alongside the rescue agencies that saved many others. El es … Read more

Dog Journeys From Texas To Arizona & Back Again In The Wake Of Hurricane Harvey

Natural disasters of Hurricane Harvey’s magnitude cause nearly as much chaos as they do property damage. Luckily for the animals of Houston, there have been countless volunteers working day and night to get them out of harm’s way and into the safety of shelters across the country. Due to the overcrowding and confusion left in Harvey’s wake, a pup named Katana has embarked on quite a journey – from Beaumont, Texas to Phoenix, Arizona and back to Texas again! Katana … Read more

Stunning Photos Capture The Ageless Souls Of Senior Dogs

When photographer Nancy LeVine‘s two dogs entered their senior years, she began to think about her own journey through life. “This was at a time when I had lived enough years to start imagining my own mortality. I entered a world of grace where bodies that had once expressed their vibrancy were now on a more fragile path,” she said. That’s when she realized something uniquely special about how our canine companions age. She explained: “I saw how the dog … Read more

10 Nutrients in Bone Broth That Are Beneficial To Dogs

Bone broth is often referred to as a “superfood,” “nutrient-dense food,” or even “nature’s multivitamin,” but what does all that really mean? Nutrient-dense foods are high in vital substances that provide nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life. These nutrients may include vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats. They also tend to be relatively low in calories despite their wealth of healthy substances. When you give your dog bone broth, you are providing an excellent … Read more

This Powerful Ingredient May Help Substantially With Your Dog’s Itchiness

There are few things more painful to watch than your beloved dog scratching herself to near death. Medically known as canine atopic dermatitis (CAD), dry, itchy skin can be a major issue for dogs. If left untreated, it can lead to lesions, hair loss, or bacterial infections. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a hypersensitivity to allergens. 3 Most Common Types of Canine Allergies Food Environmental Contact Allergies are a hypersensitive and damaging response of … Read more

Local Hotel Refuses To Accommodate Trainers & Their Service Dogs

Paws 4 Veterans is a nonprofit organization that rescues dogs from shelters, then has inmates train them to become service dogs for veterans. Trainers with the Florida-based organization were stranded in Monteagle, Tennessee Monday night due to some automotive issues. After spending 2 hours on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck, the 3 people with their service dogs wound up at American Eagle Inn, where the clerk refused to allow the group to stay at the hotel … Read more

Vintage Baseball Card Featuring A Scruffy Dog Breaks Records At Auction

What likely began as a tongue-in-cheek jab at a player has become one of the most sought-after baseball cards in history. The card features a little-known infielder with an adorable dog perched at his side. Art Whitney was a third baseman and shortstop for ten different baseball teams in six cities during the eleven-year span of his career from 1880 to 1891. In 1887, Whitney posed for an Old Judge tobacco card with a pooch named Midget. While he may … Read more