Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:
Whether you’re a gardener or enjoy having fresh flowers in your house, if you live with animals, you should be aware of the plants around them. Make sure that any vegetation they may come in contact with – whether in your yard, on a walk, or in a vase – is non-toxic to them. Here are 14 common plants that are toxic to dogs, based on information provided by the ASPCA. The list below is by no means exhaustive, and you can view … Read more
As big and menacing as they may look, Great Danes tend to be Nervous Nellies on the inside. These gentle giants are prone to separation anxiety and obsessive behaviors like licking and chewing at their skin. For this reason, Danes are one of the most common breeds that can have acral lick granulomas – chronic, self-inflicted areas of hair loss and reddened skin. Lick granulomas are different from hot spots in that they persist even after treatment for the original … Read more
Jim Brakewood Jr. might look like kind of a scary dude. At 6’2”, loaded with muscles, long, wild hair and a beard a to match, he cuts a pretty imposing figure. It’s as if a Viking decided he wasn’t ready for Valhalla just yet and decided to pay Instagram a visit instead. He has a soft spot for dogs, though. In particular, his Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Amora. Jim has seen war. In two tours in Iraq he has been in battle, … Read more
For Morgan Rath, high school graduation was a day she thought she might never see. She suffers from severe anxiety and depression which began her Freshman year. Her symptoms led to panic attacks and a brief hospitalization, but a chance encounter with a stray dog helped turn that all around. Morgan rescued Paisley from the streets of Emerson, Georgia. In return, Paisley rescued her right back! Last month the pair crossed the stage together to accept Morgan’s diploma. Morgan was … Read more
Warning: Video contains graphic content that may be disturbing to some viewers. Carmen Cesta is the owner of Carm’s Dog House, a dog grooming and daycare facility with a dedicated clientele. The company operates out of one location and several mobile grooming buses, which provides convenient services for the dogs they work with. Despite what seemed like normal business, the evening of May 23rd brought a scathing review from one of their customers. The customer stated that his family’s dog, … Read more
If you have ever road-tripped along the east coast, chances are you have gassed up at a Wawa. This week the chain’s iconic name took on a brand new meaning for one special dog. On Wednesday afternoon, the handsome Pit Bull mix was abandoned in a crate with a bag of food and a piece of cardboard for shade outside a Wawa in Valrico, Florida. Customers rushing towards the soothing air conditioning of the store found him sitting in … Read more
Two years ago in May 2015, the di Bartolo family suffered a loss they will never forget. Cali, their beloved Rhodesian Ridgeback, was stolen from their home in Long Island, New York. They never thought they would see their favorite girl again, but last week something very remarkable happened. A dog was found wandering around alone at a New Jersey Turnpike rest stop. She was emaciated, bleeding and in dire need of medical care. She was taken to Broken Promises … Read more
Lawmakers across the United States have long struggled with the issue of breed specific legislation (BSL). Their primary goal is to protect the people in their communities, but studies have shown that banning specific breeds has not improved dog bite statistics. Many states are revising their existing laws to protect dogs from being labeled “dangerous” or facing discrimination in shelters based solely on their breed. This past Friday, Governor John Carney signed House Bill 13, making Delaware the 22nd US … Read more
We all know that obesity is dangerous for both humans and dogs alike. Getting a dog that needs to be walked every day can be a great way to start an exercise routine that will benefit both of you. But keep in mind, if you like jogging with your pooch or having them run next to your bike, you might be causing more harm than good (depending on the dog). Below are 5 safety tips for exercising with your dog to help you both … Read more
A charity organization called Animals Asia first started investigating the illegality of China’s dog meat trade in 2015. While there is no national law banning the industry that kills an expected 10 million dogs every year, there are laws defining how the industry should operate. Animals Asia started looking into how and where dog meat sellers and restaurants get their meat. What they found was enough to make a real difference for thousands of innocent animals. https://www.facebook.com/369643323198348/photos/p.663981797097831/663981797097831/?type=1&opaqueCursor=Abq2LfWskXjrvrK2x4g0C3a0Z-ITGw0bawaGU63eJZiRSWtECTb9XpA38AAjzCviSAO7QBWzhbXtH_YV1GhsvP5q90snq35tbl-fXiU6TD-j2hy5z800fns_CdX6rrjdLEY40YL0BK78URPOGrE3UOPYRhBp6CElONKlj5f_LrzPTxDx4ksX7xN_axw4_iKUBJqP6d5cKuE1sHl24y8W_hrmLxI02dJaMacFct7SDeYQ9TdcgYYWUNOX3sdKoP6X67AnonDAslgwoaksiRvTWMhr4Xw6wCEo3qs-c95rj1EYAJpoH4ZeASo3ZpuhDsQIzKS_TyXC-fx_1cr2H_AyupYx41hxmLP-mMoPjdPbFFbmOzx23IZxjydLV-oJ1eNtZzpHi2dJ0NP3E5hV_gsOpSMP&theater Investigators discovered that … Read more
Independence Day is coming, and although it should be a day of celebration, it’s one of the most dreaded holidays for pet owners. Even where fireworks are illegal, there always seems to be someone setting them off near home. The loud bangs and heavy vibrations can be frightening for our dogs, making it difficult to calm them down during the chaos. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to help ease their stress. #1 – Stay With Your Dog … Read more
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 Jackson! Jackson is a Husky mix who looks great for his age! At an impressive 16-years-old, this pup has a zest for life and even loves to play in short spurts. But the thing that will make you really fall in love with this senior sweetheart is his calm … Read more
The Hughes family is already known for their devotion to rescue dogs. Chris and Mariesa Hughes are the creative minds behind The Mr. Mo Project, a nonprofit that gives senior shelter dogs opportunities to live out their lives with loving families. They also earned internet fame last year when they built a custom bed big enough for them and their eight pups. There’s no limit to how far they’ll go to help a dog in need, and an aging pit … Read more
Providing proper nutrition may be the single most important thing you can do for your pet. Many of the most common illnesses in dogs and cats are directly connected to diet, including obesity, allergies, diabetes, and certain cancers. With so much riding on the foods our pets eat, iHeartDogs conducted a survey of approximately 1,700 of our readers to find out just how much faith they have in the diets they feed their beloved companions. The results were dismal, but … Read more
Service dogs are usually the best-behaved, friendliest, and most well-trained dogs you’ll ever meet. While that may make it extra tempting to run over and start petting them, there are certain things you should know about interacting with service dogs. They are, after all, there to provide a service to their owners, and you don’t want to interfere. With that in mind, here are 6 tips for interacting with service dogs. #1 – Never touch, pet, or give treats to … Read more
Deborah L. Hosler of Hosler’s Huskies in Michigan plead guilty to abandonment of animals, a felony that is punishable by up to four years in prison. For now, however, she was placed on a five year probation, ordered to pay a $2,500 fine and will complete 200 hours of community service. She is also prohibited from owning, possessing or caring for any animals during the five year period. Although she did plead guilty, we’d like to see a bit harsher … Read more
UPDATE: Dog flu is spreading. Cases have been confirmed in Texas, Louisiana, and Kentucky as well as Florida and Georgia. Check with your vet to see if dogs in your area may be affected. AVMA.org has more information and tips for prevention and control. Florida has confirmed 7 cases of dog flu – the first ever in the state. The flu is highly contagious, and there have been dozens of confirmed cases in just the last few weeks, many in participants after … Read more
On May 21, a volunteer dog walker for Henry County Humane Society spotted a small crate outside of an unfinished shelter currently being built. The new shelter is across the street from their older facility but since it isn’t yet occupied, nobody really knows how long the crate was there. Inside the tiny crate was a Labradoodle named Buddy, according to a note he had with him. It seems that Buddy was loved and cared for until recently when his … Read more
Michaelangelo Augustine, nicknamed “Mikey Gus” is just like any other German Shepherd. Just like any other dog, he loves to play, explore, and cuddle. He lives in Indiana with two other dogs, Temperance and Spartacus, and his human family. There is something different about Mikey Gus, though – he’s a miracle. A post shared by Amy Carkuff (@practicallyperfectineveryway_) on May 2, 2017 at 6:26am PDT Diagnosed at only 4 months old with dwarfism, Mikey Gus’ family was told to expect … Read more
With Los Angeles looking to become a no-kill city by the end of this year, Animal Services General Manager Brenda Barnette has proposed a plan to keep lost pets out of the shelters and from taking up needed space. On the surface, this sounds like a positive, but many pet owners are very concerned with the idea. Essentially, anyone that finds an animal in Los Angeles is encouraged to keep it and foster it for a month. Finders are asked to notify … Read more
A big-eared pooch named Tiny reached the conclusion of his harrowing rescue story just one week after he narrowly avoided euthanasia at a Philadelphia shelter. A couple read his incredible story and were reminded of their previous dog who was also rescued just before being put to sleep. They fell in love with Tiny’s goofy face, and together the three of them have embarked on their new lives together. It’s a heartwarming happy ending that almost never happened. Tiny found … Read more
You may have heard of dogs getting “bloat,” but do you know what it actually is? How about it’s mortality rate? What about warning signs and ways to prevent it? We hate thinking about our dogs getting sick, but in life, some things are inevitable. All we can do is try our best to prevent certain conditions and know warning signs for early detection and treatment. We are our dogs’ advocates, and when it comes to keeping them healthy, knowledge is power! Read … Read more
Fidget spinners are the country’s newest obsession, and it’s not just kids who are jumping on the bandwagon. People of all ages are catching fidget fever, and dogs never want to be left out. The human reaction to these ingenious plastic toys has been mostly positive, but dogs aren’t so sure. There’s something about fidget spinners that has canines cautiously confused. This pup goes for an intimidation factor when presented with the mysterious object. Too bad the puppy barks are more … Read more
Alpha is only 4-years-old, but the black Labrador Retriever is in high school already. He attends alongside his human companion, junior A.J. Schalk. When Alpha came to live with A.J. and his family at just 4-months-old, he had an important job to do. A.J. suffers from diabetes and Alpha is there to let him know when his blood sugar is getting too low. It’s a crucial task that can help save A.J.’s life. So when it came time for yearbook … Read more
Despite the increased news coverage, celebrity videos and updated laws relating to pets in hot cars, cases continue to pop up across the country. The issue may be that many people simply do not grasp the extremity of the heat and the speed at which life-threatening temperatures can be reached in a parked vehicle. One Imgur user decided to create a visual demonstration of the phenomenon using an egg and a frying pan. The first image shows a cracked … Read more
Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good, which funds its various charities. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible. A young Crawford County, Indiana dog named Buddy was abandoned in a particularly cruel manner. The family moved out, and left him locked in a chain-link pen in the blazing summer heat with no water or shade. A neighbor contacted River Valley Humane Society, and they began the process of saving Buddy. Seeing … Read more
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. Many owners are often turned off by bully sticks when they find out they are made from beef pizzle (penis). But rest assured, they are more valuable than you might imagine. Here’s 5 reasons they’re … Read more
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
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. GreaterGood.org partner, Pets for Patriots, helps military veterans adopt a new pet friend while giving the most overlooked shelter animals hope and a home. The project goal is simple: to fund as many veteran-pet adoptions across the country as possible, saving the lives of both person and pet. David is a Navy veteran … Read more
Emma Medeiros of Regina, Saskatchewan was letting her dogs out as usual on Tuesday when something completely unexpected happened. Had it not been for her diligence in checking what her pups are getting into, things may have ended up very differently. Pandora and Ophelia, her two dogs, were supposed to be enjoying a regular bathroom break when Ophelia stopped to eat some hot dogs on the ground. “It was super nice out so I decided to sit on the front patio while … Read more
As the Editor of iHeartDogs, I come across so many stories that make me feel something inside. Sometimes they are sweet, other times tragic, but when you find a story with a beautiful and happy ending that brings you to tears, it touches your soul. The story of Penni the dog is one of those stories. Penni is one of those dogs that you see in pictures and know that she is loved. But it wasn’t always this way for … Read more
We love K9 officers for their bravery, hard work, talent, and dashingly good looks (no one can resist a pup in uniform, right?). When K9 Haro of the Macedonia Police Department in Ohio was asked to help find a child’s hearing aid, he proved his commitment to helping the community in all ways, big and small! https://www.facebook.com/MacedoniaPoliceDepartment/photos/a.395606527217442.1073741832.374051656039596/1225541077557312/?type=3&theater After a student lost the very expensive and very important hearing aid at recess, staff searched the playground for the flesh-colored device but it … Read more
When it comes to anxious and excitable dogs, we often don’t know the direct cause. Just like people, some dogs suffer from anxiety disorders. Unlike people, dogs can’t really go to talk therapy or try many different medications. Since we often don’t know what causes the issues, however irrational it may seem, we sometimes have to get creative when it comes to helping our dogs find relief. Whether your dog is afraid of fireworks, has separation anxiety, or is just … Read more
So many people don’t see the faces of their pets when they’re surrendered. Once they turn their back on their former-friend, that’s the end of the story for them, and there are little to no consequences. But what about the poor animal they’ve left behind? For them, the loneliness, confusion and fear is the start of a new reality that they had no choice in. The video below recently went viral – and with good reason. The look on this … Read more
Many dogs arrive at animal shelters after years of abuse or a lifetime on the streets. That kind of neglect can cause many severe health problems, which may in turn affect the dog’s personality and their ability to get adopted. Have you ever considered the importance of a bath and maybe a haircut for a dog that’s been neglected for so long? Dog breeds that have continuously-growing hair tend to suffer the worst consequences from years of neglect. Their hair … Read more
Although dietary supplements can be beneficial at any stage of life, many people don’t start thinking about giving them to their pets until they reach their senior years. This is the time when we are reminded of their mortality as we notice signs of arthritis and that telltale gray muzzle. With so many products on the market making different promises, it’s hard to know which ones are safe, let alone helpful for your senior pooch. Dr. Marty Becker has been … Read more
Nobody wants to see their furry friends in pain. Sometimes when it’s something like a minor ache or cough, it can be temping to reach into the medicine cabinet and give your dog the same pain relievers you’d take instead of dragging him all the way to the vet. As easy as it seems to be, you could be taking a bigger risk with your dog’s health than you realize. Although we’re all flesh and blood, a dog’s body is not the same, and human … Read more
Staff members at the Atlanta Humane Society recently discovered a pair of unexpected visitors in their play yard. Sophia and Rose had clearly been dumped over the fence. They were abandoned, but safe and unharmed. AHS had them checked out by a veterinarian and placed them in separate kennels to undergo medical treatment. Rose is a sprightly chocolate Chihuahua of about 8-years-old. She’s an old gal, but healthy and happy as can be. Poor Sophia, on the other hand, is … Read more
Dolly Dentz of Phoenix, Arizona adores her Terrier mixes, Fluffy and Boots. The dogs were a gift from her son, Bob and they are excellent company for the independent 90-year-old. Sadly, Fluffy and Boots have been spending most of their time at Bob’s house these days due to a neighbor’s complaints about their alleged barking. In fact, Dentz is facing up to 6 months in jail on misdemeanor charges in the case! “I’m heartbroken,” Dentz told ABC 15. “It’s almost … Read more
A newscaster in Moscow, Russia was giving a live report when she heard a strange sound coming from underneath her desk. The woman’s eyes widened when she saw the unwanted intruder, but like a true professional, she continued on with her story. Refusing to be ignored, the wannabe news anchor – a boisterous Black Lab – popped up and placed his paws on the desk as if preparing to deliver some important breaking news! After her initial panic, the journalist … Read more
Lima, Peru is a major Latin American metropolis overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It harbors a large population of stray dogs that wander the city throughout the day in search of food. Sadly, many are subject to injuries, often due to being hit by cars. Sara Moran has devoted her life – and her home – to creating a safe haven for these injured and paralyzed pups. Moran calls the refuge “Milagros Perrunos” which translates to Doglike Miracles. All of the … Read more
Whether or not their dog has formal training, most pup parents would say that their canine companions ease their anxiety by providing joy and comfort. But for a Marine veteran named Stacey Thompson, her new service dog only contributed to her stress. Thompson suffers from PTSD after being raped by her sergeant while she served. After the ordeal, the wife and mother of three frequently travels to give motivational speeches. Following one of her events, a representative from Labs for Liberty, a non-profit … Read more
Erin Einbender is a photographer from Illinois – you might be familiar with her dog Rocco if you happen to be one of his almost 55,000 Instagram followers! Erin has been volunteering with One Tail at a Time Dog Rescue in Chicago since last October and has truly made a mark in the lives of some of the adoptable pets there with her photography project, “Cones of Fame.” “I realized I could use photography and my knowledge of social media … Read more
The Humane Society of Central Texas is in dire need of fosters and owners for their dogs. Although they normally receive 10-20 animals per day, they were inundated with 137 animals in the last week alone. The problem is that there isn’t enough room for everyone. Employees have not only seen a higher intake number, they’ve had less people claiming lost animals and fewer adoptions. According to the shelter’s Associate Executive Director April Plemons, “Normally, we say if you can come … Read more
Marriage is a big step, but these two couldn’t have been more ready. Hope and Hunter have been a pair since the two met through work at Children’s Mercy Hospital of Kansas City two years ago. As part of CMH’s Facility Dog program, they work as therapy dogs, helping patients relax and smile as they receive pats and cuddles. Its important work, and both do a fantastic job. Staff at the hospital wanted to give the dogs a nice, memorable … Read more
This dog is a picky eater. He knows what he likes and he is NOT willing to settle for anything else. When asked, “Do you want a chip?” he says it all with his eyes – NO. It’s loud and clear in just a glance. No, he doesn’t want a plain chip. He wants queso. There’s no hesitation when the chip comes back covered in gooey, cheesy goodness. He’ll crunch his chip happily so long as it’s hidden under a … Read more
Shetland Sheepdogs are intelligent dogs and are fairly easy to train. The hardest part of the sit and stay for a Sheltie is the stay. Whether they can’t bear the thought of you leaving them behind or because they want to chase anything that moves – it’s a challenge. But, teaching them a stay can really help you make sure they won’t bolt out your front door after a cat (or in countless other situations). It also helps teach self-control, … Read more
Jack Russell Terriers are intelligent dogs that are more than capable of learning a sit and stay. Of course, their intelligence also means you may have to negotiate with them to get them do what you want done – versus just doing what they feel like. When it comes to a sit and stay, it’s worth the effort as it can save your dog’s life – for example preventing him from bolting out the front door. It also helps teach … Read more
Teaching your Schnauzer how to sit and stay can be a challenge, but it’s a great behavior for any dog to learn – even if they are just the family pet. A sit-stay can keep your Schnauzer from bolting out the door or chasing a cat into the street. It also helps teach self-control, which can then make behaviors like “leave it” easier to teach. The following is a great way to teach stay that makes it easier on your … Read more
Now that you know how to tell when your Jack Russell Terrier is stressed, anxious or fearful about something or someone, it’s time to learn what to do in those situations. Why is this important? Because if you handle the situation correctly, she will learn to be confident and conquer her fears. Handle it incorrectly, however, and his fears or anxiety could stay the same or even get worse. If it gets worse, it can lead to fear biting. The … Read more
Now that you know how to tell when your Schnauzer is stressed, anxious or fearful about something or someone, it’s time to learn what to do in those situations. Handle him correctly, and he can learn to be confident and conquer his fears. Handle her incorrectly, and her fears or anxiety could stay the same or even get worse. If it gets worse, it can lead to fear biting. The following are four things to do when your Schnauzer is … Read more
Toledo, United States.