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Can Science Explain Why Dogs Are Willing To Risk Their Lives For Us?

They drag us from burning buildings, alert us to medical emergencies, battle intruders, and even take bullets for us, but what is it that motivates dogs to risk their own lives for humans? Love? Gratitude? Preservation of the life they hold dear? All of these things may play a role, but recent research suggests it comes down to empathy. The canine species seem to have emotions so closely linked to our own that they are willing to make the ultimate … Read more

Shelter’s Longest Resident Gets His Chance To Shine

Kelly Duer is coordinating a study of foster care for medium and large dogs, sponsored by Maddie’s Fund, an organization working to make ALL shelters no-kill. Last month, as part of Kelly’s study, she visited the Ventura County Animal Shelter and took some of their long-stay dogs overnight in her hotel room to give them a break from the shelter. Here, Kelly met Mugzy. Mugzy is the shelter’s longest resident. He’s a 9 year old pit bull, and has been … Read more

15 Common Plants That Are Safe For Dogs To Be Around

Our dogs can have minds of their own! Pups love to explore and investigate, so it’s important to make sure that any plants they can access are non-toxic, even if they choose to give them a nibble. Whether you’re a gardner or enjoy having fresh flowers in your house, make sure that any vegetation that your canine may come in contact with – whether in your yard or in a vase on your table – is non-toxic to them. Here are 15 common plants that are … Read more

7 Reasons You Should Be Giving Your Dog Bone Broth

While pet parents of senior dogs may have heard about the benefits of bone broth, the fact is, this comforting concoction can improve health for pups of all ages. This simple addition to your dog’s diet can really make a difference in their overall well-being! Below you’ll find 7 reasons why you should be giving your dog delicious, nutritious bone broth. 1. Helps with digestion. A well-rounded broth helps support your pooches’ gut health. Stress, poor diet, and bacterial overgrowth can … Read more

They Thought This Dog Was Untrainable–Until They Learned To Speak His Language

Dogs are smart, we all know that. But sometimes, a dog just needs someone to take the time to understand them better. This is especially true when it comes to those dogs living the lonely shelter life. Meet Caleb: a beautiful GSD that just needed someone to better speak his language. When Caleb first arrived at the Dogs Trust shelter in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, manager Sandra Foulds–along with other shelter staff–soon realized the issue: “When Caleb first arrived, we thought that his lack … Read more

A New Approach To Pet Adoption Saves Resources & Lives

As the former Operations Director for the Pennsylvania SPCA, Angela Marcus knows better than most what happens when an animal ends up in a shelter. About 2.6 million animals are euthanized in shelters every year, but their lives aren’t lost because of a lack of compassion. Shelters across the country simply don’t have the money, space, or time to save every animal. After a long career in animal welfare, Angela was ready to push the system toward change. For years, Angela … Read more

New City Law Makes Microchipping Mandatory & Puts Limits On Breeding

Pet parents in Dallas, Texas are about to see a change in what’s considered to be responsible pet ownership. The Dallas City Council voted on Wednesday to pass a law ordering mandatory microchips for dogs and cats and limited breeding. A department of Dallas Animal Services will enforce the new laws to ensure that pet owners comply. The change is brought on in hopes of reducing the number of stray animals roaming city streets and to relieve pressure from overfilled shelters. Neighborhood … Read more

Couple Lives Large In A Tiny House With 5 Rescue Dogs

Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell’s big, furry family isn’t exactly ordinary, and their unconventional living arrangement has led to a popular blog and successful book. In 2003, Kerri and her husband, Dale, built a small cabin on several acres of land in the Ozark Mountains. Their plan was to use the small space as a temporary arrangement before they built a larger property and converted the cabin into an office and guest home. But when the recession hit, the married couple was forced to … Read more

UPDATE: Former “Breeding Machine” Dog Gets A New Adoptive Dad

UPDATED 7/5/17: You may remember our mid-June Pet of the Week, Bonnie Bessie. This sweet girl escaped from a hell most of us could never imagine and found the love and devotion of rescuer, Christy Stevens. Six months later, BB has healed in body and soul. She lost 32 pounds, overcame diabetes and learned to trust humans. And now, we are happy to announce: She has found a loving adoptive dad and a forever home! This past March, Juan Calvillo … Read more

RECALL ALERT: Treats May Be Contaminated With Salmonella

Loving Pets of Cranbury, NJ issued a voluntary recall yesterday on a limited number of their dog treats due to potential contamination with Salmonella. Exposure to Salmonella bacteria can cause diarrhea, fever and vomiting in pets who ingest the affected products. Humans may also be affected after handling contaminated treats. So far there have been no reported cases of illness in people or pets.   What Caused the Recall? According to the company: “The possible Salmonella contamination was due to a single … Read more

7 All-Natural Ingredients To Help Calm Your Dog During a Thunderstorm

We all deal with stress from time to time, and our pets are no different. While some dogs are more anxious than others, most dogs will have at least one thing that causes them stress, whether it’s a thunderstorm, fireworks, a trip to the vet, or moving to a new house. There are prescription medications that can help, but you might want to start with something less prone to negative side effects first. Here are 7 natural ingredients known to … Read more

UPDATE: Missing Dog Is Found Only To Be Claimed By A Stranger

UPDATED: 6/16/17 The power of the media has helped a heartbroken family reunite with their missing dog, Lily just two days after their story aired on Denver 7 News. And when I say “the power of the media,” I mean that quite literally! Denver 7’s own Jason Gruenauer played detective after coverage of Lily’s story inspired an anonymous tip. A bit of legwork later and Gruenauer found himself hand delivering the lost dog back to her family!   It all … Read more

Hikers Meet Dog Who Turns Out To Be Quite The Tour Guide

A hiker had a friend join him on the trail on Ulleungdo Jukdo Road on the island of Ullenung-do, east of mainland South Korea. The images posted to Imgur by user MinimalResults have gone viral! The scenery is gorgeous, but that’s not why the internet is so interested in the photos – it’s the dog that follows the camera all over the island! The pup can be seen sniffing around a dirt trail that winds through tall, skinny trees… and … Read more

Terrified Dog Rescued From Meat Farm Has A Big Surprise

When rescuers with Humane Society International finally gained access to a dog meat farm in Wonju, South Korea, hundreds of dogs were living in deplorable conditions. They were trapped by an industry that cared only for profit, and without outside help, their desperate fates would have been sealed. But after working tirelessly to free the innocent animals destined for slaughter, HSI successfully rescued 200 dogs. Getting them out of the meat farm was the first step, but not the last. Of … Read more

Young Woman Sneaks Dog Into Hospital To Visit Grandmother

Shelby Hennick is a 21-year-old veterinary technician. She loves animals, and so does her grandmother, Dona. Unfortunately, Dona was hospitalized a few days ago following complications from one of the medications she was taking. Being very ill, she was unable to see her beloved canine companion, Patsy. Shelby’s mother knew that Dona was upset and told Shelby she should try to take Patsy in to see her. As we all know, animals are often the best medicine. My grandma is … Read more

Single? These Dog Breeds Are Most Likely To Score You A Date

We all know that puppies and adorable dogs make awesome wingmen when you are looking to pick up a date, but did you know certain breeds increase your odds of scoring? According to a survey of 1,000 singles conducted by Klooff, a mobile app for pet lovers, some dogs make a potential mate seem more attractive. Survey participants included male, female, gay and straight pet owners and non pet owners, with ages averaging between 18 and 33. For men, the survey … Read more

Man Hospitalized For 6 Months After Fire Finally Reunited With Best Friend

In December 2016, Gordon Wiggins suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation after his home caught on fire. Wiggins had been airlifted to the hospital and stayed there in recovery for 6 months. Also caught in the blaze was his beloved Pomeranian, Whisky. Antony Crowe, from NSW Fire and Rescue, was determined to see that Whisky got the care he needed both from the fire and while Wiggins was recovering. So he decided to take the dog in, nurse him back to … Read more

Georgia Deputy Rescues Abandoned Puppy During Eviction

People have been known to leave behind some pretty shocking scenes when they flee an eviction. There have been tales of people repossessing homes and finding all kinds of left behind belongings, illegal items, and homes maliciously destroyed with wiring and plumbing pulled out of the walls. You’d be hard put to find something authorities haven’t seen. Deputy Kyle Knortz got a surprise when he was summoned to a home in Lilburn, Georgia to oversee an eviction. He accompanied the … Read more

Country Crooner Says Goodbye To His Beloved Senior Dog

“If my dear ol’ dog never got old, if my family farm never got sold, if another bad joke never got told…” So goes Alan Jackson’s 2002 hit, “That’d Be Alright.” Although the country star did not write the song, the lyrics proved fitting this past week as Jackson and his family said goodbye to their dog, Opie – a 15 1/2-year-old Westie. The singer posted a tribute to Facebook on Friday with a photo of Opie riding in a … Read more

Homeless Man Takes His Dog On Cross-Country Bike Trip For Vets & Their Pets

For Harold Palmquist, home is wherever he and his dog, Daisy, lay their heads at night. After serving in the Air Force during the Gulf War, Harold found himself on a slippery slope toward homelessness. He knew a shelter was his only option, but after making inquiries, he learned Daisy wouldn’t be able to join him. That’s when he heard about Vets & Their Pets. This nonprofit organization provides military veterans with the support they need to take care of … Read more

5 Ways To Tell If Your Dog Is Bonded To You

If you recently adopted a dog, you might be wondering whether or not they’re already bonded to you. Some dogs may be so grateful to be adopted that they’ll bond to you almost immediately. Other dogs are shy or may have had a rough life prior to meeting you, so they may take a little longer to warm up. Here are 5 signs that your dog is bonded to you. #1 – They don’t try to race out the door … Read more

6 All-Natural Ingredients To Help Calm An Anxious Dog

We all deal with stress from time to time, and our pets are no different. While some dogs are more anxious than others, most dogs will have at least one thing that causes them stress, whether it’s a trip to the vet, fireworks, or moving to a new house. There are medications that can help, but you might want to start with something a little milder first. Here are 6 natural ingredients known to help calm anxious dogs. (As always, consult … Read more

Abandoned Bonded Brothers Find A Loving Forever Home

What goes through the mind of a dog when he or she is surrendered to a shelter? Chances are it is a combination of fear, heartbreak and confusion. Twin German Shepherd mixes, Apollo and Adonis found themselves in a high-kill Texas shelter back in April with only each other for comfort. Likely given up by their owner for being heartworm positive, they were terrified and cowering at the back of their kennel when New York-based A-Team ELITE Rescue swooped in. … Read more

UPS Driver’s Selfie With Dogs Goes Viral

I guess we can forget about the old stigma of postman vs. dog. Doniel Kidd is a UPS driver in Athens, Louisiana who really, really loves dogs. So much, in fact, that he’s become pretty well acquainted with the ones who live on his route. One resident, Staci Burns tells NBC 10 that her red Australian Shepherd (seen going in for kisses in the video below) had a habit of running off when she was younger. She says that once, … Read more

Paralyzed Puppy Found With Pellet In Spine Has An Unbreakable Spirit

Danali is a special needs girl whose resilience and joyous spirit brightens the day of anyone she meets! At only 8-months-old, this Boxer mix has endured more trauma than any pup should. When she was just 4-months-old, she was found pulling herself down a traffic-filled street with her back legs dragging behind her.   Luckily, she was found by a good Samaritan who took her to the vet. There, they discovered that she had a pellet lodged in her spine, which … Read more

3 Benefits Of Doggy Daycare

You’re probably hearing more and more about doggy daycare. It seems that every city seems to have at least two or three options available, either at a facility or run by professional trainers at their homes. Doggy daycare might seem a bit imposing at first, but it really isn’t as risky as you might think. As long as you know your dog and how they interact with other pooches, you’ll be able to find the perfect solution for your doggy … Read more

Bronx Veteran Reunited With Stolen Service Dog

On Mother’s Day weekend just last month, Robert Lebron and his puppy, Mala, were returning from a walk when they were suddenly attacked by two men. Surveillance video shows one man kicking Robert down a small set of stairs leading from the stoop of his home, and following him as he falls out of frame. Robert, unsure if they were armed and not willing to risk serious injury to himself or Mala, refused to fight back. During the scuffle, he … Read more

Innovative Shelter Rescues Homeless Humans & Pets

Professional journalist Glenn Greenwald of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, saw something special between the city’s homeless dogs and humans. To share with the world what he could so clearly see, he produced two short films showcasing the tenderness and attention that homeless humans are able to give to the stray and sick animals they live with. In doing this, he came up with a unique idea. Along with his husband, David Miranda, a new type of animal shelter was born: a shelter … Read more

Family Finds Out Shelter Is Full & Drives 16 Hours To Adopt Dog

Joyce had been in the Front Street Animal Shelter in Sacramento, CA for about two months. She sat and watched as countless families passed her by for other dogs at the shelter. Despite the adoptions that were happening, Front Street was becoming too full. As with most shelters that become overcrowded, there are two options for the animals: adoption or humane euthanasia. Hoping for the former, the shelter posted on Facebook to let everyone know that all adoption fees during … Read more

Family Spends Final Day With The Dog They’ll Never Forget

GIR came into AngryKitten66‘s life without warning. The Imgur user’s sister “got him as a fat puppy” and recruited her to help convince their parents to keep him. The siblings must have done a good job, because GIR – named for the robot dog in Invader ZIM –  spent 14 well-loved years with their family. Knowing that he was in pain, they decided to help their beloved companion cross the Rainbow Bridge. Today the time came to say goodbye, but not before … Read more

How Healthy Are Your Dog’s Teeth? Find Out Now.

Dental health plays a major role in a dog’s overall wellness. Unfortunately, certain breeds are predisposed to painful, disease-causing conditions of the teeth and gums. Without treatment and prevention, dental issues can cause pain, foul breath, inflammation and infections resulting in tooth loss. Worst of all, life-threatening heart, liver and kidney disease can develop. Find out now how healthy your dog’s teeth are:   powered by Typeform  

Tom Hardy Grieves For His Dog Best Friend In Touching Tribute

Tom Hardy and his dog, Woodstock, have been best buddies since the day the English actor found the 10-week-old puppy terrified on the side of a highway. That dramatic rescue eventually turned into a life-long bond. Hardy and Woodstock’s relationship has been a well-documented love story, with the dog frequently showing up on the red carpet and on film sets to keep his best friend company. Woodstock was named TIME Magazine’s #73 most influential animal, and the public has loved … Read more

UPDATE: Best Boyfriend Award Goes To The Guy Who Gave His Girlfriend And Her Dog Matching Gifts

Nick and Cassandra have been friends for years, and when they started dating in 2016, Nick knew he wouldn’t be the only man in his girlfriend’s life. A white ball of fluff named Lucky stole Cassandra’s heart 15 years ago. As the first dog Cassandra has ever had, Lucky is an irreplaceable part of her life. She told iHeartdogs, “As a military kid, I had a lot of trouble making friends and begged my parents to get me a dog … Read more

Clumsy, Lovable Dog Just Needs Someone To Depend On

Every week, iHeartDogs will feature a new shelter dog in need of a loving forever home. These amazing animals remind us that homeless pets everywhere have extraordinary stories and deserve a second chance.  Meet Spot!   Spot, a 6-year-old Pittie mix, is having a hard time finding his new forever home. The pup was brought to the shelter after his beloved human passed away, and because he’s visually impaired and has been through a lot of changes, he’s having a hard time connecting with … Read more

China Announces New One-Dog Policy

China’s controversial one-child policy began to officially phase out two years ago, but a city in the eastern Chinese province of Shandong is now known for its extreme regulations over dog ownership. Starting this week, residents of Quindao face serious consequences if they’re caught with more than one dog in their household. This one-dog policy was introduced as a way to raise awareness about responsible dog ownership and to reduce the number of dog attacks. Officials have reported that families … Read more

5 Must-Know Tips for Taking Care of Your Dog’s Paws

lotion for dog paws

Good dog paw care plays a role in the overall health of your furry best friend. Taking care of canine feet is just as important as maintaining your own foot health. While dog paws are tough, they’re every bit as vulnerable as human feet, and like ours, they need to be taken care of and pampered. Paws take a beating every day, from carrying the weight of the body to treading over harsh surfaces. They require grooming and maintenance to … Read more

Sitter Gets Creative To Cheer Up Pup While Dog Dad’s Away

Millie lives with her best friend, and she loves him very dearly. So much so that when he had to leave for an extended business trip and she was left with his daughter, Carolann, she was beyond upset. To say that Millie was devastated might be an understatement. Carolann has told Metro UK that Millie has been looking all over for her dad and doesn’t seem to understand that he’s not coming back just yet. “Whenever someone came into the … Read more

This Puppy Flunked Out Of The Police Force, But Now He Has The Best New Job

After being fired from the force, it didn’t take long for Gavel the German Shepherd to find a sweet new job. The Queensland Police Service in Brisbane, Australia was training Gavel to be a police dog, but they decided to pull him out of the 16-month training program. The reason why he was fired? He was just too friendly. https://www.facebook.com/QldGovernor/photos/a.283510101839781.1073741828.281586725365452/539157769608345/?type=3&theater Gavin wasn’t interested in chasing down bad guys. Instead, he wanted all the cuddles he could get. The sociable pup … Read more

Because Of You, This Veteran Was Matched With Her New Best Friend!

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.  Melani J. is a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served nearly 10 years from April 25, 2006. Deployed twice, she was stationed in Oman and Afghanistan and worked in Human Resources Management. She was the Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of Casualty Operations, which processed reports, ensured timely next of kin … Read more

15 Dog Breeds That Love To Sleep

  Looking for that special buddy that will sleep in with you each morning? Or maybe one that likes long afternoon naps? Here are 15 breeds that seem to enjoy sleeping more than other breeds. #1 – Bulldog Not much to say here, we all know these guys are lazy and love their naps. They might be the best choice for a snuggle buddy, as long as you don’t mind the snoring. #2 – Shih Tzu This little dog has no problem … Read more

Dog Meat Festival Set To Continue Despite Ban

Despite a recent ban on restaurants, street vendors, and market traders from selling dog meat at the yearly Lychee and Dog Meat Festival in southern China, the event appears poised to continue on unimpeded. A highly popular restaurant, Yulin No.1 Crispy Dog Meat Restaurant, is said to be operating business as usual since the ban was reported. The ban, set to prohibit the sale of dog meat in central Yulin from June 15-23, the height of the festival, is supposed … Read more

7 Dog Breeds With Sensitive Souls

When we call a dog “sensitive,” we don’t mean it in a bad way. We’re just talking about dogs that are a little bit more emotionally delicate than others. Some dogs handle mild punishment very well, while others crumble apart at so much as a dirty look. This just means they’re very sensitive toward their owners, which is usually a good thing! If you’re looking for a dog that’s very receptive to your emotions, look no further than this list! … Read more

Is your dog suffering from allergies? Find out now.

As pet parents, one of the hardest things is that our dogs can’t talk to us and tell us what is wrong, what is bothering them or what is making them very uncomfortable. Dogs have a tendency to “suffer in silence” until it becomes unbearable. By the time we see an issue, the condition can be elevated and require quite a bit more attention. Here at iHeartDogs our mission is to increase the quality of life of dogs everywhere so we’ve … Read more

Dogs Go Absolutely Nuts for These Natural Chews. (Just Don’t Ask What They’re Made Of!)

Bully sticks are becoming more and more popular and with good reason. These long-lasting treats are loved by almost every dog and they’re full of benefits. Unlike rawhide, which is made with different chemicals and some unnatural ingredients, bully sticks are full of healthy perks. 5 Reasons Bully Sticks Are the #1 Most Popular Dog Chew Many owners are often turned off by bully sticks when they find out they are made from beef pizzle (penis). But rest assured, they … Read more

10 Things That Could Be Shortening Your Dog’s Life

We try our best to keep our dogs as healthy and happy as we can, but it’s just not possible to know everything that can cause harm to them. Some things, however, are right under our noses and we may not even know it! Doing our best to keep them safe includes learning about the common things that can cause them harm. Often, we’re so focused on specific items that we might not be aware that actions can put them … Read more

9 Dog Breeds With The Least Health Issues

When it comes to choosing the right dog for you and your family, there are a lot of things to consider. Not only is there the process of selecting a breed that’s best suited for your lifestyle, but there’s also cost to consider. While healthy, purebred puppies are often a little pricier than your shelter dogs, they can become even more costly if they turn out to be unhealthy. There are several important things to look for – such as … Read more

3 Reasons To Teach Your Dog “Sit”

Teaching your dog to sit generally requires little effort and rarely the help of a professional trainer. Using your pup’s favorite treats, it’s probably one of the first behaviors you’ll easily teach. Although it seems so basic and boring, “sit” is actually one of the most helpful commands you can train. So even if you think teaching your dog to sit is one of the least impressive of tricks, make sure you don’t overlook its importance. #1 – Convenience Teaching … Read more

10 Things Only Rottweiler Owners Understand

The Rottweiler is a majestic breed – full of beauty, intelligence and a commanding presence. They also drool, shed and pass gas – a lot. Here are 10 things that only the owner of a rottie can truly understand about sharing your life with this dynamic breed. Have anything to add? Tell us in the comments! #1 – While Everyone Coos Over Your Neighbor’s New Lab, They Avoid Your Dog Like the Plague When You Are out on a Walk … Read more

UPDATE: Dog Living In Storm Drain Refuses To Be Captured

UPDATED 6/12/17: The elusive storm drain dog of Grande Prairie has been captured! Thanks to the combined efforts of Grand Prairie Animal Services, the Grand Prairie Streets Department and Duck Team 6, the shy pooch was pulled from the sewer at 6:30 AM on Saturday June 10. The Shepherd mix captured the attention of an entire Texas town and animal lovers all over the world when photos of her peaking out of the storm drain appeared on social media. Locals named … Read more

Is your dog suffering from allergies? Find out now.

As pet parents, one of the hardest things is that our dogs can’t talk to us and tell us what is wrong, what is bothering them or what is making them very uncomfortable. Dogs have a tendency to “suffer in silence” until it becomes unbearable. By the time we see an issue, the condition can be elevated and require quite a bit more attention. Here at iHeartDogs our mission is to increase the quality of life of dogs everywhere so we’ve … Read more

Leptospirosis Outbreak Continues To Spread

In February we reported on a nationwide story involving the potentially life-threatening bacterial infection, Leptospirosis. Lepto is carried by rats, wildlife and livestock, and generally spread through tainted standing water. Cases have been reported by veterinarians in Illinois, California, New Jersey and Arizona – where an additional case was recently reported. What is Canine Leptospirosis? Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Leptospira. Infection… Posted by Cedar County Veterinary Services on Tuesday, May 12, 2015   The infected … Read more