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Veteran With PTSD Claims Service Dog Contributed To Anxiety

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

Photo Series Gets Creative With Cones To Get Shelter Dogs Adopted

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

Humane Society Of Central Texas Needs Fosters & Adopters NOW!

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

Therapy Dogs Tie The Knot At Children’s Hospital

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

Dog Demands Dip With His Chip

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

How To Teach Your Shetland Sheepdog To Sit & Stay

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

How To Teach Your Jack Russell Terrier To Sit & Stay

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

How To Teach Your Schnauzer To Sit & Stay

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

4 Things To Do When Your Jack Russell Terrier Is Stressed

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

4 Things To Do When Your Schnauzer Is Stressed

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

Top 3 Health Concerns For Your Yorkie

Yorkshire Terriers have quite a few health issues that can cost a pretty penny at the vet. Before adding one to your household, be sure you are able to take care of one financially, should any of these issues arise. Pet health insurance is also a great idea for this breed. Whether you have a Yorkie already, or are thinking of adding one to your family, you should be aware of the common medical issues. The following are the top … Read more

Top 3 Health Concerns For Your Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus, like all small dogs, have quite a few health problems. Some are unavoidable because they are caused by their size and shape. Others are genetic, which means choosing a good breeder may help you avoid large veterinary bills and heartache down the road. Whether you have a Shih Tzu already, or are thinking of adding one to your family, you should be aware of the common medical issues. The following are the top three health concerns for your … Read more

How To Teach Your Pit Bull To Sit & Stay

A sit-stay can be very useful for any Pit Bull owner, regardless of whether yours is just a family pet or a future obedience champion. It can help you get nice pictures, sure, but it really can save your Pitty’s life. For example, a properly trained sit-stay can stop your Pitty from bolting out your front door or chasing the cat into the street. It also teaches self-control, which will make teaching behaviors such as “leave-it” much easier. The following … Read more

4 Things To Do When Your Shetland Sheepdog Is Stressed

Now that you know how to tell when your Shetland Sheepdog is stressed, anxious or fearful about something or someone, it’s time to learn what to do in those situations. Shelties are a sensitive breed – how you handle it will affect whether your Sheltie gets over her fears or anxiety, stays the same or gets worse. If it gets worse, it can lead to fear biting, so you need to make sure you know how to handle it. Here … Read more

Boy With Autism Gets “Pug-tastic” Birthday Surprise Thanks To Kind Strangers

As Andrew Vaughan’s 14th birthday approached, he told his sister McKenna he did not want a party. Andrew is autistic and he feared no one would come out to celebrate with him. Knowing how much her brother adores Pugs, McKenna set out to plan the most “Pug-tastic” surprise party ever. With the help of social media and lots of local Pug parents, Andrew’s 14th birthday turned out to be a smashing success! McKenna created a public event on Facebook, inviting anyone … Read more

7 Dog Breeds That Are More Prone To Cancer

Cancer. It’s one of the scariest words any pet owner could hear in relation to their beloved fur child. Unfortunately, some dog breeds are far more likely to get cancer than others. Any dog owner should be vigilant about their dog’s health, but owners of dog breeds on this list should be aware of any symptoms that could point to cancer, since early detection is crucial for any hope of successful treatment. Here are 7 dog breeds that are more … Read more

Soul Survivor Of A Dog Fight Operation Learns To Love Again

When Elvira was found, she was the only survivor of a horrific scene. Surrounding the pup were the decaying bodies of dogs who had been victims of the nightmare. Elvira was alive, but barely hanging on. The emaciated pup was taken to a shelter, but they knew they didn’t have the proper resources to care for the dog who so desperately needed a second chance. So, they reached out to Dogs Deserve Better, a rescue that is dedicated to the … Read more

How To Teach Your Husky To Sit & Stay

Stay is one of those behaviors that is so useful for any dog to have, but can also be tricky to train. Especially for a Siberian Husky, who loves to run and pretty much go where they please. However, a sit stay is not just a nice thing to have to get a beautiful photograph, it is handy in a variety of situations. For example, it can prevent your Husky from bolting out your front door when you open it. … Read more

Unadoptable Dog Becomes Ohio’s First Pit Bull Police K9

When Leonard arrived at the Union County Humane Society in Ohio, the staff were concerned about his chances for adoption. Not only is he a Pit Bull-type dog, he also displayed “very high hunt, ball, and possessiveness drives.” Luckily, shelter director, Jim Alloway recognized Leonard’s potential. He has an extensive background with police dogs and saw that those very behaviors could make Leonard an ideal candidate for narcotics work! Leonard is a dog that came to us about 7 months … Read more

Do Pet Owners Have The Right To Call Themselves Parents?

Not long ago, an article entitled, “Pets Are Not Children, So Stop Calling Them That” appeared on The Cut. The post garnered 929 comments directly to the page, not to mention the countless readers who weighed in on the issue via social media. While many expressed their ability to understand both sides of the argument, the majority of responses drew clear battle lines between the two poles of opinion. We live in a world where the definition of “parent” has … Read more

The Crazy Looking, Safer Alternative to a Tennis Ball That Dogs Are Going Nuts Over

Fetch! Go get it! Bring it back! If you have a dog, you’ve exclaimed one or all of these phrases at some point. Dogs love to play, and we love our dogs. So it’s only natural that we want to interact with and exercise our pups as often as we can. I’ve always been a fan of tennis balls. They bounce. They roll. And my dogs seem to like them. But if your dogs are like mine, you’ve been witness … Read more

Senior Dog Makes Miraculous Recovery After Being Shot In The Face

Polo is a sweet, gentle 12-year-old black Labrador Retriever with an amazing story to tell. According to Greenwood Village Police Department, Polo was home when a burglar broke into her family’s home. Instead of leaving the poor girl alone, the perpetrator shot her in the face. Polo’s recovery is nothing short of a miracle. She was rushed to VRCC Emergency Hospital around 9:00am on Tuesday, May 17th. There, she was treated for her extensive wounds. The bullet completely shattered her jaw, … Read more

Life Is A Lot Sweeter For This Dog Who Once Lived In A Crate

While we like to think every dog has her day, some have to make the most of just a moment. For Chloe, that moment came four years ago, when police officers paid a visit to a house in Lyndhurst, Ohio. They found Chloe, among four dogs languishing inside crates, likely spending most of their days there. The officers would free them all from their crates. But Chloe wasn’t the kind of dog to let even a moment pass her by. … Read more

If Your Dog Is Over the Age of 7, You Should Seriously Consider This Supplement

Sadly research has emerged with an alarming finding: 4 out of 5 dogs over the age of 8 are suffering from some kind of joint pain. And while we humans have the ability to reach for pain meds and talk to our doctor about symptoms, are precious pups do not. In fact, dogs are quite good at keeping their pain a secret. Why do dogs hide it? As pack animals, not showing their suffering has clear survival benefits. The ancestors of modern dogs … Read more

Study Proves That Our Dogs Can “Talk” To Us

If you happen to have any friends or family members that aren’t quite as enthusiastic about the canine kind as you are, they may think it’s silly when you talk to your dog or interpret what he or she is “saying.” But as it turns out, we humans really are pretty proficient at decoding what are dogs are trying to tell us! According to a story by Daily Mail, our four-legged friends know how to talk to us – especially the … Read more

Loyal Dog Sat Vigil For Two Weeks Refusing To Leave Her Dead Friend’s Side

Hope For Paws is an organization in Los Angeles, CA that is committed to helping as many homeless animals as they can. They save dogs who are injured and starving and give them second chances at life. They’ve seen countless cases of canine heartbreak, and the story of a homeless pit bull who sat vigil over her dead friend’s body is especially poignant. The dog, later named Cassandra, was first found by railroad maintenance workers. She hadn’t left the side … Read more

Photographer Hopes To Document Her Dog’s Recovery–But Captures Her Hardest Goodbye

When Jasmina Lozar Povše first saw Lilly in a shelter on a dog rescue mission in Croatia, she didn’t think she was ready to bring home a new dog. Jasmina had been suffering from debilitating asthma and allergies, barely able to get outside at times. She felt she couldn’t offer a quality life for Lilly. But when her friend returned to the shelter two weeks later and saw Lilly still there, Jasmina knew she had to take her home. Lilly … Read more

Every Little Thing Is New For Dog Who Was Born in A Cage

Everything is new. Not many dogs radiate that mantra quite like Irena. It’s obvious in every shining step she takes — whether it’s watching people play volleyball, thrilling as the ball soars high in the air.   Or the feeling of surf in her paws, as she runs along the shoreline.   “We go on walks and she is sniffing everything,” Mary-Chris Staples, who is fostering he r in Toronto, Canada, tells iHeartDogs. “Everything is brand new to her.”   All … Read more

Dog Meat Sales BANNED Just Before Yulin Festival In China

The efforts of millions of animal advocates is finally starting to pay off after years of exposing and opposing the horrors of the dog meat trade in some Asian countries. In particular, the annual Dog Meat Festival in Yulin, China — in which 10,000-15,000 dogs are tortured and slaughtered over 10 days — has come under heat. But the Duo Duo Project, which is dedicated to ending the dog meat trade in China, has just announced some news that’s about to change everything. According to an … Read more

Food Donations Help Abandoned Shelter Pup Get Adopted

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 as Buddy was in such bad shape after being left to the elements, staff immediately put him on a diet of high quality dog food donated by … Read more

2 Stray Dogs Become The “Highlight” Of Soldier’s Time Overseas

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.  Bruder and Fratello were born in Lebanon and are the two surviving puppies of a litter of seven. When their human – who’s a soldier – first arrived in Lebanon, Bruder and Fratello were a little over one month old; within six weeks, they were the only two left. Their soldier decided that … Read more

After A Life Spent In A Basement, This Rescue Dog Couldn’t Wait To See The Light

When rescuers from the Humane Society of the United States found B.B., she was tiny, afraid, and obviously mistreated. The small dog was owned by a puppy mill and had been used as a breeding machine for most of her life. A metal cage in the corner of a dark, dirty basement with no ventilation was the only home she ever knew. After gaining the dog’s trust, HSUS rescuers pulled her out of the cage. B.B. was timid and shy, … Read more

11 Stinkiest Dog Breeds

Bulldog Puppy Smelly

When you adopt a dog, you’re probably focused on their cute looks and lovable personality. But sooner or later, you’ll have to deal with the smell. Some dog breeds are extra smelly, but they’ll all have a stench at some point. So, it’s important to stay on top of your dog’s hygiene to tackle that smell before it worsens. The following 11 dogs are some of the stinkiest dog breeds out there. They all have charming personalities, but you cannot … Read more

Survey Shows Dog People Love Dogs More Than People

A recent poll by Rover, an online network of dog sitters and walkers, found some interesting results when it comes to the love dog owners have for their pups. Although it’s no surprise to us, the study gave evidence that the majority of dog owners like their dogs more than other people. Rover surveyed thousands of owners across the United States and found that 94% of them consider their dogs to be family members. Again, not totally surprising, but the … Read more

Dogs Reunited With Their Owners After Pet Resort Mixes Them Up

It’s hard to believe that you might not recognize your own dog, but there might be someone there to make you question yourself. That’s exactly what happened to Santoria Nesbit when she went to pick up her dog, Prince, from the Tampa Pet Resort and Spa. When she arrived to pick up Prince, she was given a dog she didn’t think was him. But despite her skepticism, the staff member of the Resort assured her that the dog was indeed … Read more

Woman Takes Dog On Epic Mother’s Day Road Trip To Visit His Birth Mama

Waylon the Old English Sheepdog came into Paige Moomey’s life in 2014 and quickly stole her heart as only a fur-kid can. They embarked on their life together in Chicago, Illinois where Paige is an editor for the online media platform, DOSE. This year, in honor of Mother’s Day, Paige decided it was time to help Waylon get back to his roots. The pair spent five and a half hours making their way to Georgetown, Kentucky so Waylon could reunite with … Read more

Shelter Volunteer Gives Mama Dog The Best Day Ever!

Shelter volunteers are often the unsung heroes of animal rescue. Thanks to their selflessness, dogs find a soft touch and a gentle voice in an otherwise frightening place. The simple act of an unscheduled visit for some cuddle time, an extra romp in the play yard, or an afternoon outing can make a world of difference when it comes to socialization and trust. One special volunteer devoted her day to making a mama dog named Maye feel like a Queen! … Read more

Hiker & Dog Found After 6 Days Lost In The Wilderness

A young woman and her dog are safe after six terrifying days in the Montana wilderness. 23-year-old Madeline Connelly and her dog Mogi became lost while hiking at Great Bear Wilderness near Glacier National Park on May 4. Family reported her missing that very night when she and Mogi failed to check in after what was meant to be a quick hike. Spring is in full swing in most of the United States, but in the Montana mountains, the nights are … Read more

JUST RELEASED: 100 Of The Worst Puppy Mills In The United States

Warning: Some of the images below are difficult to look at. You don’t need to tell an animal lover that puppy mills are horrific. They’re virtual torture chambers filled with cramped cages, filth, starvation, and disease. That’s why advocates are adamantly against purchasing from pet stores and online; these “puppy mill” dogs often make up their supply. Shelters, rescues, and even reputable breeders are the only way to go when it comes to adding a furry friend to the family. https://www.facebook.com/HSUSPuppyMills/photos/ms.c.eJxFztsNAzAIQ9GNKgzmkf0XqwoN~_T0yNwHdVJlWYgDrgwEhLOiOCyGMk6VvYQ3lF8CG5AWLjr5Fai8QFxwNlheIfhZ8~;~;g1FLuIBviCnD7hRunTkF3kNDaK6IWdhZqv74l6Q9iAZyksgFw4WqJZ~_m94CQbkC0NDRCs~-.bps.a.1453223301364625.1073741853.211466995540268/1453224144697874/?type=3&theater   … Read more

9 Things Our Dogs Need From Us The Most

  Our dogs are our family, and we always want to make sure that they have everything they need. Fundamental things like food, water, and shelter are a given, but what else is necessary to make our dogs’ lives the best they can be? Below are 9 things that our dogs need from us the most. Luckily, they bring so much to our lives, we enjoy keeping them happy and healthy! 1. Undivided Attention (at least some of the time) Our lives … Read more

Family’s Dog Loves Sitting On The Roof To Watch Life Go By

Huckleberry is a Golden Retriever with a number of hobbies. He loves treats and is always up for a game of fetch, but his favorite activity is watching the world go by from a lofty perch on the rooftop. According to a sign posted by his owners, the smart pup learned how to climb onto the roof from the backyard. While seeing a dog sitting on top of a house can be alarming, his humans ensure everyone he’s perfectly safe. After … Read more

Warning To Dog Parents: Lethal Frog Can Pose Extreme Risk To Pets

Dog parents in Florida are urged to keep an eye on what their pets put in their mouth. Several cane toads were seen around a neighborhood in Fort Meyers recently, and they pose an extreme risk to pets. The cane toad has poison glands that secrete a toxin through their skin that can cause death to animals and humans, but they are a significant threat to dogs, as dogs tend to explore their surroundings with their mouths. Irene Haines told … Read more

Ask A Vet: When Is My Dog Fully Grown?

Got a puppy? Wonder just when he is going to stop growing? It’s a common question that veterinarians receive. When people adopt dogs from shelters and rescues as puppies, they usually do not know what breeds make up the dog. (the fact is, no one can guess with good accuracy either, see Think You Know A Pit Bull When You See it, So Did We….) People like to plan and even though it usually doesn’t matter because they already love … Read more

9 Ways We Confuse & Frustrate The Heck Out of Our Dogs

When we love our dogs like family, we sometimes forget that they don’t understand us quite like our human relatives. Sometimes we try to have full-on conversations with them or unknowingly send them body language signals that are interpreted differently in the animal kingdom. For these reasons, we’ve compiled a list of 9 common things that humans do that stress dogs out. If you’ve done any of these things, don’t worry–we all have! But by being more aware, we can try to communicate with our … Read more

Dog Found In A Trash Bag Gets The Ultimate Flight To Freedom

Not everyone pays close attention to the random flutterings of plastic bags at the dump. After all, how could anyone imagine the faint movement inside one of those bags wasn’t trash at all — but rather a living, breathing animal? But a woman in Costa Rica must have had an eye trained for tragedy when she spotted something squirming in a plastic bag at the communal dump. She opened it to find a 6-month-old puppy. That’s the moment the story of … Read more

Off-Duty Police Officer Rescues Dog From Fire

Cpl. Dante Ferrell is an Internal Affairs officer with the Durham, NC police department who went above and beyond while off the clock. While passing by a neighbor’s house on his lunch break yesterday he saw smoke pouring from the home, and sprung into action. Dante called the fire department, but when he saw the face of his neighbor’s Goldendoodle, Griffin, in a lower story window, he knew there was no time to waste. Immediately, he ran to the door … Read more

16 Fresh Foods That May Help Prevent Cancer In Dogs

We would do almost anything to keep our best friends with us just a bit longer. That’s the only fault they have–not living long enough. And while you cannot prevent the inevitable, you can help prolong your dog’s life by feeding him good foods. This includes fresh foods that are known to help prevent cancer, one of the leading causes of death in older dogs. In honor of Pet Cancer Awareness Month (May), we asked Rick Woodford, author of CHOW: Simple … Read more

Fun-Filled Dog Festival Raises Money For Pups In Need

Does a day packed with food trucks, photo booths and dozens of adorable dogs romping through a 4,000 square foot play area full of balls, pools, and toys sound like your idea of a good time? Then leash up your pooches and join Houston’s dog lovers as they celebrate the fifth annual Puppies for Breakfast event Saturday, May 13th from 10am – 3pm at Market Square Park! Official Date for 2017 Puppies for Breakfast Dog Fest is May 13th at Market … Read more

Dog Left Chained & Alone For 5 Years Learns To Love Again

Five years ago Treya’s owner was murdered. In that moment, her life was shattered along with her human’s. She was left to spend her days, nights, sweltering summers, and freezing winters chained beneath the porch of her abandoned home. Neighbors packed Treya’s makeshift shelter with hay for warmth and provided food, but without human contact, she slowly deteriorated to a state of fearfulness and distrust. At some point, the heavy chain that held her became wrapped around Treya’s right front … Read more

Ask A Vet: Why Does My Dog Always Stink Like He Needs A Bath?

Anyone who cuddles a dog knows that sometimes there are unpleasant aromas associated with them. We are all familiar with the terms “dog breath” and “smell like a dog.” Not all smells will be helped by bathing. Some of them come from actual health issues and it is important to know the difference because one needs a bath (or 3) and the others will require medical intervention. Odors that will respond to bathing are things like rolling in stinky stuff … Read more

Dog Who Had Given Up At Shelter Reaches Out For A Friend

Dogs often greet visitors to the shelter with yelps of hope, as they press up against the bars of their kennel. Pick me! Pick me! But everything about this dog at Baldwin Park Animal Care Center in Los Angeles suggested she would rather disappear. Even the card attached to her kennel could muster only this introduction: “I don’t have a name yet …”   When John Hwang spotted her during a visit last week, he saw a small dog who … Read more