Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:
Your dog wants to be by your side always. He has kisses for you. He’s the perfect cuddle buddy. He’s always excited to see you. He wants you to take him everywhere you go. But is it love? Or is it just that you’re the one who puts the food in his bowl? It wasn’t an easy question to answer, but Dr. Gregory Berns was dedicated to finding out. So dedicated, that he and his team took the time to … Read more
Thelazia callipaeda is a parasitic eye worm that can cause blindness if left untreated. Although it’s been spreading across Europe, it has only recently been declared a “significant threat” in the United Kingdom, where 3 dogs have been diagnosed with the worm since last year. All 3 dogs had recently visited other European countries where the worm is more common. The parasite is transmitted by flies and can live inside the eyes of dogs, cats, foxes, and humans. Symptoms of infection … Read more
We’ve seen several cat cafés open their doors for business, but the world has been long overdue for a canine counterpart. A place where dog people can sip coffee and chat with pals in the company of our beloved pooches. The wait is almost over, dog lovers! New York City is getting a truly dog-friendly café, expected to open in December of this year! Father-daughter team Coppy and Logan Holtzman are opening Boris and Horton in New York’s East Village. … Read more
In the autumn of 2017 Mexico City was hit with an earthquake that shook the city at a magnitude of 7.1. It was the deadliest earthquake to hit the area since 1985, and it crumbled buildings, broke families, and took 217 human lives. Many people lost homes, loved ones and property, and others were left confused, without utilities and a long way from normal life. But the people of Mexico City came together in an amazing way, and wasted no … Read more
Your dog is part of the family, so why wouldn’t you want to include them in your family vacation? Finding a hotel that accepts dogs can be difficult, so we’ve found the 7 best hotel chains that will welcome your canine companion. Not every location of these chains accepts pets, and each hotel might have its own fees or size / breed restrictions, so it’s best to call the location you want to visit ahead of time. Keep in mind … Read more
Over 100 animals are now safe, thanks to police who seized them and brought them to safety. In Atlanta Georgia, the Fulton County police received a tip that a possible mill operation was being held in a commercial building. There, they found 60 dogs, 53 lizards, a rabbit, and a piranha being held in filthy, neglectful conditions. Officers spent all day rescuing each and every one of the animals, taking the Bulldog mixes to the Fulton County Animal Shelter. … Read more
Dogs are incredibly intuitive and aware of their surroundings. They know when their person is sad and can pick up on stress when their household is in chaos. Some people believe that dogs can predict when someone is going to die or can see spirits. Below are some of the other amazing things dogs can sense, for one reason or another. 1. Earthquakes Records as far back as ancient Greece tell of dogs fleeing the city of Helice before a … Read more
Did you know that some dogs are more sensitive to temperature than others? No two dogs will react to heat or cold the same. Brachycephalic breeds, like pugs, are more likely to overheat faster than other dogs. Likewise, smaller dogs are more sensitive to cold, and your tiny Chihuahua won’t want to play in the snow as long as your Bernese Mountain Dog. Pup Alert is a new device that can keep dogs safe from extreme heat or extreme cold … Read more
We all like to take our dogs with use on outings, but it can be confusing trying to figure out where they are welcome. Beware of “dog friendly” lists online. While doing research, I found many companies that other sites claim are dog friendly, are not! For example, one site even claimed Bed, Bath, & Beyond had special dog shopping carts. I contacted the company and they had no idea what I was talking about regarding the carts, and said … Read more
The beginning of Genesis’ life was marred by severe neglect. The beautiful Bloodhound spent up to 22 hours a day trapped in her crate without any attention or chance at socialization. Her poor treatment caused Genesis to develop heartworm disease and behaviorial issues including kennel aggression. When she arrived at Dog Saver Animal Rescue in Washington, Missouri she was extremely thin and her spirit was broken. Genesis’ rescuers began the difficult task of returning her to health – in … Read more
If you want a job done right, you gotta hire the best. The folks at Boise State University know this, and that’s why they have Kohl, an 8-year-old black lab as their official tee-retriever! Because who better to fetch than a retriever? Cowboy Kohl is the most recent dog employed by Boise State’s Broncos to fetch the kickoff tee from the field. He took up the post last year after Zee, the previous tee-dog, retired after 6 years with the … Read more
Obesity is as big of a problem for our pets as it is for us. They can suffer from many of the same weight-related issues that we do that can reduce their length and quality of life. So you know you need to watch your dog’s weight to help them stay healthy and happy. What if your dog starts gaining weight and you aren’t sure why? If you haven’t changed their diet, the next thing to look at is their … Read more
New genetic research has shown some surprising connections in the ways dog breeds are related to each other. Genetic information from 1346 dogs representing 161 breeds was compiled over 20 years to put together a new “family tree” showing what dog breeds are related to each other and how closely they are related. Almost all of the dog breeds fell into 23 groups, or clades. Each clade, while grouped by genetic similarities, also shared similar characteristics within the breeds represented in … Read more
Dr. Michel Selmer, DVM, CTCVMP, is a true believer in the power of food. Also known as “The Caring Vet,” Dr. Selmer is a Certified Veterinary Food Therapist (CVFT) who uses principles from Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) to treat his patients. Here’s what he had to say about the impact of diet on your dog’s life. In the words of Dr. Selmer: If you were to take away all of my other tools as a veterinarian — all other modalities, … Read more
Meet Frida, a Labrador Retriever in the Mexican Navy’s (SEMAR) Canine Unit. So far in her career, she has rescued 53 people, including 12 survivors from the recent earthquake in Oaxaca. ¡Frida al rescate!: la perrita que salva vidas. Es una leyenda en la @SEMAR_mx https://t.co/LLO11pJAWn pic.twitter.com/XP69KHwxwE — La Silla Rota (@lasillarota) September 14, 2017 “Frieda to the rescue! The dog that saves lives. She is a legend in SEMAR.” She was recently recognized by the news show A Primera … Read more
Almost overnight the internet has fallen in love with these two gorgeous girls! 18-month-old Jennie and her Great Dane Echo just walked into internet fame – and stylishly, in sunglasses! Like any happy mom, Marion Dwyer took to sharing photos of her daughter, Jennie and dog, Echo with family and friends on Facebook. The media caught sight of a video of the two walking down the street wearing sunglasses and it has since been shared millions of times! The spectacle … Read more
Most people looking for a dog want a breed that’s easy to live with. Easily trained breeds typically fall under this description. While all dogs can be trained, there are some that are easier than others. All dogs are individuals, of course, so this list is a broad generalization of which breeds are usually fairly easy to train basic obedience and house manners. If you’re looking for a breed for advanced and competition obedience, these are some of the easiest … Read more
With his umbilical cord wrapped three times around his neck, Johnny was born with Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy. The lack of oxygen to his brain caused permanent damage, and breathing complications make it impossible for him to sit up for too long. With no control over his upper or lower extremities, Johnny suffers painful muscle spasms and spends his life lying in bed. Despite his disabilities, Johnny has always been aware of his surroundings. The frontal lobe of his brain is … Read more
Jason Hensley and Kym Rose of Oceanway, Florida are eternally grateful to their dog, Chase, for waking them up at 5 am on Monday, September 11. Flood waters caused by Hurricane Irma had entered the house and were nearly as high as baby Jude’s bassinet when Chase jumped on the bed soaking wet. Rose told First Coast News: “I was sleeping right here, Jude was sleeping in his bassinet, his swing. Chase ran and jumped on the bed, it startled … Read more
Some dogs live for Spring; they love digging in the garden alongside their human. More accurately, some dogs love to dig after their human has painstakingly planted a stunning array of flowers. Some well known flowers can be deadly for the dogs if they’re consumed. If any of these flowers are eaten by the dog, contact the vet or local animal hospital immediately. Autumn Crocus Otherwise known as Meadow Saffron these little beauties are poisonous from their colorful buds to … Read more
Which dogs breeds have the most tendency to be drama queens (or kings?) We put this question to our fans recently on Facebook, and you responded with no shortage of answers! The below list is a result of our own research and your votes, along with a few stories from our community users! Would you add any to our list? Tell us in the comments on Facebook. #10 – Pomeranians Community user FabiolaJM loves her “diva” Pomeranian Peluche – but … Read more
The Hyatt Regency in Orlando, Florida is proud to be a pet-friendly hotel, but they took hospitality to a whole new level in the wake of Hurricane Irma. With thousands of displaced families seeking shelter from the damage and catastrophic flooding this past weekend, Hyatt opened their doors to nearly 900 four-legged friends! A post shared by MK Marasco (@mkmarascophotography) on Sep 11, 2017 at 1:25pm PDT Their typical pet policy involves a $150 cleaning fee and restricted access to … Read more
Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and German Shepherds are the first breeds that come to mind when you think about service dogs, but they’re not the only kinds of canines trained to work. Smaller breeds, like Chihuahuas, Miniature Poodles, Shih Tzus, and terrier mixes also excel in the working world. They might not fit the preconceived image of what a service dog should be, but to their owners, these pint-sized dogs offer invaluable assistance. Here are a few of the jobs small … Read more
Age creeps up on all of us, even our dogs. The signs can be subtle and easily missed while we go about our daily lives. However, being aware of and paying attention to the signs of aging in your dog could help you catch health issues early, which may make treatment easier and less expensive–not to mention save your dog discomfort. Brent Lotz, a vet assistant at Berry Hill Vet Clinic in Oregon City, Oregon, gave us 11 things to watch out for … Read more
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. The Golden Retriever Club of Greater Los Angeles Rescue is one of the shelters that benefits from your donations through Greater Good’s Rescue Bank. They shared with us this story about Tahoe, a dog whose life was changed because of your help. “In a car versus dog battle, the dog usually comes out … Read more
Spectrum Plants in Australia’s Gold Coast isn’t your everyday, garden-variety garden center. Along with the plants on the property, you’ll also find several farm animals, including lambs, chickens, guinea pigs, and a formerly stray Boxer dog named Treasure. Wes Trevor, who owns Spectrum Plants, recently received a new litter of teeny pink piglets, but the babies arrived muddy and sunburnt, in overall poor shape. He knew they’d need some extra care to regain their health, but luckily, it wasn’t a … Read more
Surveillance video of a Texas man abandoning his sister’s “uncontrollable” dog by the side of the road has led to a momentous animal cruelty arrest. The cameras were installed by the Dallas Marshall’s Office in an effort to crack down on animal cruelty in the Dowdy Ferry area, known as a common dumping ground for unwanted pets. This is the first incident of animal cruelty captured by the cameras that has led to an arrest. The suspect, Gorge Spears, … Read more
Crammed into kennels and raised with minimal human contact, hundreds of thousands of puppies and dogs suffer because of puppy mills. They operate all across the country, but one state has set out to make an official stand against the cruelty of the puppy mill industry. Walk into any pet store that sells animals, and there’s a good chance those puppies with the big price tags were born and raised in puppy mills. Puppy mill owners make their profits by … Read more
Update: Roxy’s original owner was never found, but after a short time with a foster, Roxy found a new home with people who love her! https://www.facebook.com/SPCAFRIENDS/posts/10154840033131790?__xts__[0]=68.ARB6HSJCd2Z3GRboqoucAMBoRdE6XE0yv4VMxSWGGrmQWHkCLsefZiYPQTn1MyXicx616MYKCZek5Bo0JxXLv1Q2lXtrInpEV7_fFHDYiKe_ovAzZeE4B3EGPNfMa0bJqzY9M6PVyshebEbMFDtfgzR8Cn3dM5ETJVns2pNJQ1ee_2eMTiFs8ooZhtdHY___PYiWqDvuFft5y94KNHYaN6B8R2ZfFG4UiH6ApV4qE6w4NmkkSIFpwEmdh2ZE-nwNcTtHnz5shbPc0KWtx5fgbllZ9xVRkmj22LOluv_zhrBDcJPEzPSLpgTzh2jvOYBUDUnrT5Vtexhi_8RL9Q&__tn__=-R ASPCA Auckland is asking the public for information after a Jack Russell Terrier was found running around shops near Uxbridge in Howick. The small white dog was found wearing a green collar with a tag attached that reads: “Hi my name is Roxy my owner can’t look after me can you?” A member of the public … Read more
Does your dog get “the zoomies” after relieving herself? Maybe she looks like she’s practicing a touchdown dance. Whatever the case, why does your dog get so excited after she poops? It turns out, there are many possible explanations for this funny behavior. Here are the 4 most likely reasons your dog races away from her poop as if it’s on fire. #1 – She feels rewarded One of the best ways to potty train a dog is to reward … Read more
The CDC is investigating an outbreak of Campylobacter, a bacterial infection that is being linked to puppies bought in Petland stores. 39 cases of Campylobacter have been reported since September of 2016, most in Ohio and Florida, though people in Pennsylvania, Kansas, Tennesee, and Wisconsin have be infected as well. Nine people have been hospitalized but there have been no deaths reported. Of the 39 people infected, 12 were employees of Petland stores, and all others had either purchased a … Read more
When it comes to lap dogs, most people think of a dog that fits comfortably in the shape of your lap. Not too heavy, not taking up too much space, just fitting snugly right in. If you ask dogs, however, you’re going to get some different answers. Size doesn’t matter, these gentle giants say–because they want nothing more than to be big lap dogs. They’re ready to snuggle into your lap, or onto your entire couch, at the drop of … Read more
The most famous dog on the internet might be this adorable, empanada-loving thief. During an interview with a food vendor on a TV program in Chile, a very brave, very sneaky dog very carefully removed a treat from the grill – and NOBODY noticed. The smoothest of the smooth criminals, it would have been the perfect crime if not for the camera just barely catching him in the frame! You can watch the master at work in the clip below. … Read more
Your donations through iHeartDogs and iHeartCats have provided much needed support to groups in the areas affected by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. The impact has been incredible! We’ve been overwhelmed by your generosity, and we’re incredibly thankful to have the support of fantastic people like you! Greater Good is the same organization we partnered with to provide much needed food and supplies for shelter dogs. When disaster struck, we knew that they would do everything they could to make … Read more
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. Tishomingo Animal Shelter is a rural animal shelter located near Texoma Lake and about an hour north of the Texas border. All animal shelters have many struggles, but rural shelters have more than most. Due to location and community population, they don’t have as many potential adopters, donations, volunteers, and opportunities. So … Read more
Rescuing a homeless dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have. In order to provide the best care for your family’s new addition, it is important to determine their age – or at least an approximate range. Vaccination schedules, testing for common diseases like heartworms, and optimal diet are all dependent on age. Your veterinarian can assist you with this estimation and these five tips will help you narrow down your pup’s age range. 1. Study … Read more
Deanna Salas-Solano, a 58 year old woman from Colorado is suing Starbucks for injuries and the death of her dog. While ordering a grande hot tea through the drive thru window of a Starbucks in Denver, Solano claims that her dog, Alexander, was in her passenger seat as the employee handed the drink off. The lid was not put on properly and came loose, and as the drink spilled over the top, it caused second degree burns to her legs … Read more
Empty Nest Syndrome is all too real for millions of parents each fall as their college-age children head out into the world for the first time. One mom has apparently found an effective way to cope with her daughter’s absence – by converting the teen’s room into a stylish puppy pad for the family’s beloved dog! this is nina. and i love nina. A post shared by maddalena miniscalco (@maddiemini4) on Nov 23, 2016 at 3:12pm PST Maddie is a … Read more
Bretagne (pronounced Brittany), the last surviving search and rescue dog who worked at Ground Zero in New York City after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, passed away last year at the age of 16 1/2. Yesterday, she was honored with a statue in the Houston-area neighborhood she called home. It’s fitting that Bretagne’s statue was erected in Texas on the heels of Hurricane Harvey. Her longtime owner-handler, Denise Corliss, just spent two weeks working with her current search dog, Taser, searching … Read more
When your dog goes from standing still to a full-speed sprint, you’re dealing with a case of “the zoomies.” Look out for crazy eyes, a bent-over running posture, and repeated play bows (elbows down, butt up). Dogs with zoomies lose all control of their body and mind, and they race around you with no concern for what’s in front of them or what you say. If you’re worried your pup has suddenly gone mad, take a deep breath. Zoomies are … Read more
Despite the emergence of more and more pet-friendly shelters, attempts at preparation, and public service announcements, it never fails: with every natural disaster there’s an influx of surrendered and abandoned pets. Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control in Florida rescued around 40 pets before Hurricane Irma swept the area, and according to USA Today, “some were tied up, others were in pens or in enclosed yards, unable to escape.” Thanks to rescuers, these animals were brought to safety, but … Read more
Just in time for football season, State Farm’s newest ad features Green Bay Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers and linebacker Clay Matthews, but the real star of the commercial is the adorable dog, Rigsbee! If you follow Rodgers on Instagram, you may have caught his behind-the-scenes snap with Rigsbee back in June. A post shared by Aaron Rodgers (@aaronrodgers12) on Jun 19, 2017 at 7:34pm PDT The State Farm commercial, called “Together” takes Rodgers and Rigsbee through the happy memories they … Read more
Heartwrenching photos of imperiled animals, huddled survivors, and property destruction continue to surface as Hurricane Irma assaults Florida. One image seems to perfectly capture an often overlooked group affected by such disasters – first responders. The photo depicts an exhausted officer catching a quick nap on a cot. He has no blanket and only a thin towel for a pillow, but what he does have is his beloved partner by his side. The image, posted to Twitter by the Fort … Read more
Dogs are the kindest, gentlest creatures on the planet – it’s just one of the many qualities that make them so easy to love! Their friendly nature has made them man’s greatest companion from a time before recorded history, and they’ve been known to befriend all sorts of other creatures, big and small. This dog has even gone so far as to befriend the worms she meets on the street! Most of us forget about the tiny creatures or think … Read more
You do everything you can to show your dog how much you love them. Would you be surprised if I said you might be doing things that make your dog feel unloved without even realizing it? We all know life just gets in the way sometimes, but with a little bit of effort, your dog will finally realize and appreciate the full extent of your love for them. Here are 6 things you might be doing that can make your … Read more
It would be logical to assume that the states with the highest levels of human obesity would also have the highest rates of pet obesity. Banfield, a large national chain of veterinary hospitals, produced a report based on the animals they saw in their clinics in 2016 and determined that there was no such correlation between states with high amounts of human obesity and states with high levels of pet obesity. In fact, there was a little bit of a … Read more
When choosing a dog, it’s imperative to make sure that the breed you’re considering–or even the mix of breeds in the mutt you’d like to adopt–has traits that will blend with your lifestyle. Of course there are exceptions to every rule; like humans, every dog has its own unique personality. But in general, these 10 popular dog breeds need room to roam to live their happiest, healthiest lives. This list is by no means extensive, but if you live in an active household and … Read more
Even though many airlines dropped their pet fees in order to help Floridians evacuate the state with their pets ahead of Hurricane Irma, Matt Varga of Kendall, Florida was denied access to his flight because he didn’t have a carrier for his dog, Meeka. Varga had been to 10 different stores in order to try to buy a carrier, but they were all sold out. In 2006, Congress passed the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act, which requires federal evacuation plans … Read more
Elderly dogs and those that have special needs often get looked over in shelters, and many end up spending years waiting for somebody to love them. Howl of a Dog is a rescue in Romania dedicated to giving dogs that need a little extra care a genuine shot at life, showing people that they are just as lovable as any others! The video below is about one of the dogs who was fortunate enough to find his way to Howl … Read more
On the heels of Hurricane Harvey, with Hurricane Irma barreling toward Florida, and with the western United States ablaze in forest fires, it’s time to think about creating a disaster plan if you don’t already have one. You never know when an emergency may come knocking on your door, and a lack of preparation could force you to leave your pets behind or lose them during an evacuation. Here are 3 things to keep in mind while creating a disaster … Read more
The following photos are reprinted with permission from Rupert Fawcett. You can follow all the fun on his website and Facebook page. Enjoy!! #1 – Your dog come before anyone else, even the spouse #2 – You treat your dogs like kids…everything has to be fair #3 – You let the dogs have most of the bed…your spouse can sleep somewhere else right? #4 – Your schedule revolves around your dog #5 – The dogs get the best lounging places … Read more
Toledo, United States.