Page 611 – iHeartDogs.com

Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:

Learn More

This Huge Litter Of Puppies Was Saved From An Underground Cave

What started as a mama dog wanting to protect her pups turned into an emergency situation for the Michigan Humane Society. A litter of puppies was found in an underground tunnel in someone’s backyard. The mother dog dug the tunnel herself, most likely to keep her babies safe from the impending weather. But when the weather service issued a flood warning for the area, their underground haven soon turned into a potential death trap.   After being alerted of the … Read more

3 Heartfelt Ways To Remember a Beloved Pet

Saying goodbye to someone you love is one of the hardest things that you will ever deal with in life. And that’s not just for humans, but also for our furry family members. Losing a dog many times leaves an irreplaceable hole in our heart, regardless of all the memories that you have of times cherished together. But thankfully there are ways to commemorate, and even honor our best friends. Above all, it’s important to remember them for who they were and the endless … Read more

4 Tips For Introducing Your Rescue Dog To New People

Is your rescue dog shy or anxious about meeting new people? Dogs that weren’t properly socialized as puppies may be extremely fearful when meeting strangers. The good news is that it’s rarely too late to start socialization with your dog. The key is to introduce your dog to people slowly with lots of positive reinforcement. With that in mind, here are 4 tips for introducing your rescue dog to new people.   #1 – Use a leash If you’re expecting … Read more

Family Mourns A “Very Good Girl” In Touching Online Tribute

Losing a dog is never easy, and the best way to honor their memory is to celebrate their life. Stella was found abandoned in a box on the side of the road. It was snowing, and she and her siblings had been left to die. There wasn’t much hope for the tiny black puppy, but miraculously, Stella was one of two babies to survive. Imgur user Chozlogs took the puppy in, and they grew together to form a tight bond. … Read more

Teddy Bear Look-a-Like Dog Is Stealing Hearts Online

If you’re ever in the Philippines and see a small, fuzzy bear walking around at the end of a leash, you may need to stop and take a closer look. You’re probably looking at one of the internet’s favorite dogs—a three-year-old Chow Chow named Chowder. Chowder’s owners have always known their fluffy pup to be extra adorable, and they decided to give the dog his own social media accounts to share the love. https://www.facebook.com/chowderthebeardog/photos/a.1063393513749192.1073741828.1062095750545635/1067278750027335/?type=3&theater It didn’t take long for his … Read more

Dog Busts Out Of Shelter To Find Woman Who Gave Him Treats

The quickest way to a dog’s heart? His stomach. This is true for many dogs, but especially Ted. Ted is a half German Shepherd, half Akita mix who found himself in the Northwest Territories SPCA shelter in Canada earlier this year. Like many other shelter pets, Ted was afraid of his new surroundings, confused, and scared of the staff. Ted met Abbey, a volunteer, on the second day of his stay at the shelter. Abbey’s shift duties included trying to … Read more

Woman Leaves Hilarious List Of Rules For Her Dog-Sitting Nephew

Is there anything more stressful than trusting your furbabies to another human? Children can call or text if there is a problem, but our dogs are entirely at the mercy of their caretakers! While leaving a list of Do’s & Don’ts can help ensure peace of mind, Tommy Rivers’ aunt may have taken it a bit too far! Clearly uneasy about leaving her precious pup Pepper in Tommy’s hands, she created a very detailed list of expectations – and restrictions … Read more

Is Your Dog A Picky Eater? Try These 6 Tips & Tricks!

When it comes to food, there are two types of dogs: those who live to eat and those who eat to live. If your pooch lives to eat, pickiness is definitely not a problem in your household! But for dogs who aren’t motivated by food, convincing them to eat a healthy, well-rounded diet can be quite a challenge. A dog’s eating personality is usually established early on, so it is best to insist on a strict feeding routine right from the … Read more

Dog Found In Trash Comforts Foster Mom During Chemo

In May, a tiny Chihuahua was found on the side of a Lewiston, Maine road in a pile of discarded trash. A news story about his plight caught the attention of Laurie Marcotte. She fell in love with the pitiful pooch – named Motto by his rescuers – and contacted the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society to become his foster mom. Marcotte nursed Motto’s wounded soul, and in return, he provided constant love and support as she underwent chemotherapy. Motto was … Read more

3 Ways Dog Food Companies Are Lying To You

It should come as no surprise to our readers that pet food companies are not the most trusted institutions in the world. In a recent survey performed by the research team here at iHeartDogs, we found that only 6.9% of respondents trust that major market pet food brands are delivering quality, safe pet food products for their dogs. In addition, only 17% of consumers think that pet food manufacturers do a good job of educating consumers about pet nutrition. While … Read more

5 Reasons To Add Protein Toppers To Your Dog’s Food

Raw freeze dried dog food toppers aren’t necessarily new, but have only recently begun gaining major traction among dog parents. Recently we decided to look into why they are becoming so popular. Here’s 5 reasons we found: #1: Most Dry & Wet Dog Food Contain Surprisingly Low Amounts of Protein Have you ever looked at the list of ingredients on your dog’s food? Odds are, a protein source is listed as the first ingredient. However, many pet parents are surprised to … Read more

10 Tips To Help Your Exuberant Dog Interact With Other Pups

Dogs are social creatures who often enjoy making new four-legged friends. In fact, some pups enjoy these interactions so much that their over-excitement comes off as being hyper, or even slightly aggressive. (Not sure if your dog is being territorial or just overeager? Check out Is Your Dog Aggressive Or Exuberant? Here’s How To Tell.) If your find that your companion is on the exuberant side, his “love too hard” nature may result in lunging, leash-pulling, or unwelcome roughhousing, leading to sore arms for … Read more

Clever Dog Wins At “The Floor Is Lava” Game

We all played it as kids, without anyone really knowing who came up with it or where we learned it – but everyone did it. The Floor Is Lava game is making a comeback on social media with teens and young adults challenging each other to avoid the “lava” in ridiculous, almost impossible situations with often hilarious results. The game is supposed to be ongoing, with no real winner. Just a for-fun challenge. Somebody should have told Blaze that. No … Read more

After Nine Months In The Wilderness, This Senior Dog Made It Home

Darwin and Cindy Cameron took their 12-year-old Chesapeake Retriever named Mo on a hunting trip in September. As a retired hunting dog, Mo was most often found enjoying the comfort of the camper during these expeditions. But one day, she got curious and set out on her own in search of Darwin. When her owners discovered her missing, they spent the next nine months hoping for her safe return. This dog spent 9 months lost in the Idaho mountains. Here’s … Read more

Study Shows Your Dog Can Hold A Grudge Against Those Who Have Done You Wrong

While we’d all like to believe that our dogs would stand up for us if we were physically attacked by somebody, new research shows that our dogs will at least remember anybody who has been mean to us – so much so that they’ll refuse to take treats from the “mean” person! In a new study in Neuroscience and Biobehavioural Reviews, researchers had dog owners act out a scene while their dog watched. The dog owners would pretend to struggle with … Read more

Dog Racing “Death Camp” Is Finally Getting Shut Down

The Canidrome, a racetrack in Macau, China, is infamous for its widespread abuse of hundreds of racing greyhounds. Described as “hell on Earth” by an update on a Change.org petition, the arena houses up to 800 Greyhounds at a time. The dogs are kept in cramped cages, dwelling in a basement of darkness with no air conditioning and intense humidity, according to Dogs Today Magazine. The article also states that the pups are forced to race even if they’re sick or injured. After … Read more

12 Seasonal Fruits & Veggies To Share With Your Dog This Summer

It’s that time of year when we start thinking about fresh fruits and veggies – the best the spring and summer have to offer. You may even be wondering which of these healthy snacks you can share with your dog. “Any of these ingredients individually are great as treats in small amounts, or can make up a balanced diet when properly formulated into a complete recipe,” says Dr. Oscar E Chavez BVetMed MRCVS MBA, licensed veterinarian and Chief Medical Officer for JustFoodForDogs®. … Read more

16 Retiring K-9 Officers Are Honored In An Official Ceremony

Law enforcement officers in Ecuador take the hard work and dedication of their K-9 partners very seriously. When it was time for 16 of the force’s four-legged officers to retire and enjoy their golden years in peaceful bliss, they held a formal ceremony in order to honor them for their remarkable service. The pooches maintained their professional demeanor as everyone took a moment to pray for the pups who had fallen in the line of duty. Afterward, they were walked … Read more

5 Tips For Leaving Your Dog In Someone Else’s Care

As much as we wish we could take our furry family members with us everywhere, occasionally it is necessary to leave them behind. Maybe you’re traveling for business or flying overseas. Maybe you’re going on vacation or a cruise. Sometimes your dog just can’t come on the trip. Still, whether it’s with a trusted friend or family member, at a “pet hotel,” or with a highly-recommended (or at least well-researched) pet sitter, there are several things you can do to … Read more

This Couple’s Dog Adoption Tradition Redefines Relationship Goals

Relationship goals have hit a new high – the rest of us can go home now. Gifts on first, second and third wedding anniversaries are traditionally meant to be paper, cotton and leather-made gifts. This couple has eschewed traditional gifts for something even better – dogs! Neydi and Carlos Romero have been married for three years, and the young couple has marked every anniversary so far with a new addition to their family! They both love dogs, and together have … Read more

5 Best Ways To Travel Safely On Public Transit With Your Dog

Taking your dog to the vet or on a special trip to the dog park gets a lot more complicated when you don’t own a car. Having a vehicle isn’t a requirement of having a pet, and countless dog owners rely on public transportation to get them and their pups from place to place. Whether it’s a bus, train, or subway, taking your pet to places outside of walking distance doesn’t have to be a stressful endeavor. If you follow … Read more

Thanks To You, These Shelter Pets Get Their Own Place To Play

Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good, which helps support various charities like Rescue Rebuild. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible.  Adoption rates increase by as much as 25% when animals have dedicated areas to run and play. This allows pets to be themselves as they wait for their forever homes, showing potential adopters their happy, relaxed, and playful sides!    These areas were a huge part of Rescue Rebuild’s latest … Read more

Officers Use Cheetos & Belly Rubs To Negotiate With Fugitive Dog On The Run

The officers of the Sioux Falls, South Dakota Police Department are not only animal lovers, they also have a flair for comedy! A Facebook post describing a “standoff” between the SFPD and a “four-legged canine suspect” has received over 5,000 likes and laughs since it appeared Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred the previous day when the dog – “who refused to identify herself” – ran loose through a busy roadway, nearly causing several accidents.   The pup defied direct orders from … Read more

4 Ways To Reduce Anxiety In Your Dog While You’re Away

dog walking service

This article is brought to you by the wonderful folks at Wag! The Dog Walking App  One of the most stressful aspects of dog ownership is ensuring that they stay happy and healthy during the times you cannot be together. Whether you are saddled with a demanding work schedule, planning a vacation, or dealing with an unexpected emergency, you want to know that your dog is safe and content in your absence. Many dogs experience some level of separation anxiety … Read more

5 Signs Your Rescue Dog May Have Come From An Abusive Home

Have you ever wondered if your rescue dog was abused before they became part of your family? Maybe they jump at every small sound or cower if you raise your hand or pick up the newspaper. While it’s usually impossible to know for sure what sort of situation your dog lived in previously, there are some signs that could indicate a history of abuse. Here are 5 signs that your dog may have come from an abusive home. #1 – … Read more

Missing Dog Returns Home As Reporter Is Interviewing Family

A Georgia family got an unexpected, but very welcome surprise while local news cameras rolled this Fourth of July. Will Rumley was discussing the family’s missing dog, Judo with a reporter when the pooch reappeared at the door! Rumley recently lost his wife and the mother of his two young sons to a brain tumor. Judo’s return marked a much-needed moment of joy for the grieving family. “The dog wasn’t scratching at the door or anything like that… And there he is!” … Read more

FDA: Evanger’s Can’t Donate Recalled Dog Food To Shelters

Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Co. was the subject of a massive recall of several flavors of their canned dog food earlier this year after 5 dogs got sick from consuming it. One of the dogs eventually died. Subsequent testing showed that several lots of Evanger’s dog food were contaminated with pentobarbital, one of the ingredients used in pet euthanasia. RELATED: The Complete Dog Food Guide: Nutrition, Ingredients, Feeding & How to Choose Evanger’s spot checked random cans from the … Read more

2 Teens Honored For Saving The Life Of A Puppy Abandoned In The Woods

13-year-old Sam Rice and 14-year-old Brady Thebeau were recognized by the Leicester, MA Police Department this week for rescuing a Pit Bull puppy abandoned in the woods. The dog was left in a plastic crate with a bag of dry food and a single can of wet food. After a logger located him, young Sam and Brady took it upon themselves to bring the pup home, bathe him, wash his crate and feed him. The boys have named their new … Read more

Big Dog Rides Train In Suitcase Because Only Pets In Carriers Are Allowed

We’ve told you before about New York City’s ban on dogs who won’t fit in bags – and the clever way dog parents are getting around it. They’ve shown time and time again that where there’s a will, there’s a way! The most handsome boy in this car is riding in style. Don’t be alarmed by the head in this bag. We assume the rest of the dog is in there and he doesn’t look like he’s uncomfortable, even in … Read more

Nervous Dog & Anxious Veteran Find Comfort And Calm In Each Other

Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good, which helps support various charities like Pets for Patriots. 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.   … Read more

Volunteers Work Tirelessly To Improve A Shelter For Homeless Pets

Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good, which helps support various charities like Rescue Rebuild. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible. Flint Humane Society, located in Vienna, Georgia, had the same issues that most rural shelters have—limited space and resources. In particular, they had no safe, warm place for puppies. Once they reached out to Rescue Rebuild, the organization immediately knew that this build was right up their alley. With fifteen volunteers … Read more

Dog Who Was Almost Too Matted To Move Gets A Haircut & A Forever Home

Back in January, a good Samaritan noticed a pup who was ducked behind a pallet of bricks at a building site in Hemel Hempstead, UK. The trembling Shih Tzu was soaking wet and suffering from mats and infections that were so extensive, it hurt her to move, let alone be pet.   But despite her trauma, this poor girl’s luck was about to turn around. She was taken to the RSPCA’s Southridge Animal Centre, where she was given new hope … Read more

Police Smash Car Window To Save Dog From 100 + Degree Heat

When the summer sun is shining and the windows are closed, it only takes a few minutes for a hot car to turn deadly. While most pet owners recognize the dangers associated with leaving animals in locked cars, too many don’t understand exactly how serious the situation is. That was the case in Boynton Beach, Florida when a concerned passerby found a pit bull locked in a hot car. https://www.facebook.com/boyntonbeachpolice/photos/pcb.10155048539828096/10155048536723096/?type=3&theater   Police learned after the fact that the owner was … Read more

How YOU Helped A Shelter Battle Parvo Outbreaks & Protect Their Dogs

Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good, which helps support various charities like Rescue Rebuild. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible. Canine parvovirus is an extremely contagious disease that can be spread from direct or indirect contact with an infected dog’s feces or  through contact on infected topsoil. This disease is so aggressive that the mortality rate can be higher than 90%, particularly in puppies.   Shelters struggle with parvo and … Read more

How Bone Broth Can Promote A Healthy Appetite In Sick Dogs

Providing nourishment is the most basic level of care we provide to our pets. When illness causes them to stop eating we can feel utterly helpless. Delicious, nutrient-packed bone broth for dogs is the perfect tool to restore a healthy appetite and help your dog return to his or her best self! Chicken soup may be the ultimate comfort food for humans, but for dogs it is definitely bone broth! This all-natural superfood has been around for hundreds of years … Read more

Mom-To-Be Is Told NOT To Get A Puppy, But It Leads To A Lifelong Friendship!

When one expectant mom was advised not to get a puppy around the same time she welcomed a baby home, she didn’t listen… and a bond formed that cannot be broken! Imgur user adderly admits that she told her pregnant sister it may not be a good idea to get a puppy just before having a baby. But the soon-to-be mom adopted the pup anyway, and 10 years later, her daughter and dog are inseparable! The poster chronicled the heartwarming friendship between … Read more

Watch This Dog’s Hilarious Reaction To Being On A Bike Ride!

Dogs are helpful creatures. It seems to be in their nature to want to lend a paw or brighten your day. The internet is littered with stories about dogs eager to help, saving lives and assisting with chores. Twitter user @doodlewhale saw a small pup doing a new trick when he was out and about earlier this week. It looks as though this little guy is trying to help his friend pedal the bicycle they’re riding – TRYING. His little legs … Read more

Two Dogs Die Of Heat Stroke While Boarding At Pet Resort

July in Tampa, Florida brings temperatures over one hundred degrees. Lucky Dog Day Care and Resort supposedly requires the dogs in their care to be brought inside by 11 AM. But that did not happen this past Saturday during the busy Fourth of July weekend. As a result, a four-year-old French Bulldog named Porscia passed away after being found in the facility’s outdoor area around 12:15 PM. The cause of death: heat stroke. Porscia’s body temperature was 109 degrees.   … Read more

Puppy Found In Airport Bathroom As Owner Flees Abusive Relationship

A three month old puppy was found in the bathroom of a Las Vegas airport earlier this week, abandoned by an owner who felt she had no other options. A hastily written note left with the dog told a sad story about the domestic abuse both she and her pup were leaving behind them. The owner, fleeing a violent relationship, was unable to board a plane with her pet, and leaving the dog with her former boyfriend was not a … Read more

Army Veteran Finds A Loving Companion By Saving A Shelter Dog

Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good, which funds various charities including Pets & Vets. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible. Thanks to a grant recently awarded to Pets & Vets from iHeartDogs.com, the organization is able to continue their important mission of providing a second chance for both our returning veterans and needy shelter dogs. These animals can make excellent companions, but might not have that chance, and our … Read more

How Bone Broth Helps Dogs’ Digestive Health

Bone broth has often been called “soul food” – much like Grandma’s chicken soup on a cold day or a big bowl of steamy mac and cheese that makes you feel warm and fuzzy before the regret hits and you go pay for it at the gym. But bone broth is more than just a feel-good food for your dog. Bone broth can also help your dog maintain a healthy digestive system, which is extra-important for your dog’s overall health. … Read more

Dog Abandoned At Gas Station With Note Around Her Neck Gets A Second Chance

The red tag tied to the young dog’s collar read, “Hello, my name is Miah. I am housebroken and homeless. Please help me. Thanks so much.” Her former owner(s) left her tied up at a truck stop in the blazing Avondale, Arizona heat. Melissa Gable with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control says the mixed breed dog is playful, friendly and only about a year old. Miah has also had basic obedience training – she sits and shakes on command. POOR PUP! Miah was … Read more

Dog Alerts Hospital Staff To His Owner’s Seizures

A dog named Thorr demonstrated the remarkable bond that develops between service animals and their humans this weekend when he alerted hospital personnel to his owner’s repeated seizures. Thorr’s main responsibility is to help Erik Lamont Skousen, who suffers from cerebral palsy, with balance and mobility. But doctors and nurses say that the dog rushed from Skousen’s room at Sitka Hospital in Alaska on at least three occasions seeking help for his seizing master. “The dog ran up, nudged me … Read more

What Does It Mean When A Dog Is Fear Aggressive?

Dogs that bark, growl, lunge or show their teeth are often labeled as “mean,” “aggressive,” and even “unadoptable” in a shelter setting. These behaviors are common responses to fear and can result in them being abandoned or euthanized rather than receiving the attention and behavioral therapy they truly need. Understanding fear aggression and the reasons behind it can help protect everyone – including the dog. Fear-based aggression can result from a lack of socialization during critical developmental stages in a … Read more

Music Loving Pup Crashes Orchestra Performance

The Vienna Chamber Orchestra was in the midst of playing Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony No.4 at the 31st International Izmir festival in Ephesus, Turkey when an unexpected guest performer entered via stage right. The adorable dog casually strolled onto the outdoor stage to the laughter and applause of audience members. After taking a moment to appreciate the beautiful music, the pup curled up next to a very amused violin player. The festival organizer told CNN that the dog stayed on stage for about … Read more

Ingredient Splitting: The Dirty Little Trick Dog Food Companies Pull On Us

It feels like we can’t go a day in the pet industry without talking about what we feed our pets. Whether we are discussing the quality of the ingredients, recalls, which protein is best, where products are sourced, etc., there is a common theme – it’s all about quality of food for our best friends. But money is also a factor – how much can you are your willing to pay for your food, and are you getting the quality … Read more

Woman Battles Fire & Smoke To Save Her Dog From Engulfed RV

Cassandra Alaire of Atlanta awoke Wednesday morning to a terrifying scene. Her bedroom was engulfed in rapidly spreading flames. After attempting to distinguish the fire, she fled, but soon rushed back in when she realized her dog, Little – who had been sleeping by her side – did not followed her out. Alaire’s boyfriend happened to be walking their other pup at the time and did not witness the ordeal.   Realizing that Little’s escape route was now blocked by … Read more

Prevent An Accident: Know The Potential Danger Of Marrow Bones For Dogs

If you’re a pup parent, you may already know that different types of bones can pose a threat to your pooch. Chunks of rawhide can get stuck in their throat, and leftover meat bones are never recommended, as they can splinter when chewed. But did you know that marrow bones, with their tough exteriors and soft insides, can also be dangerous? The round bones are hard to chew through but dogs indulging in the marrow like to scrape every morsel … Read more

City Bands Together To Reunite Homeless Man With His Dog

Brett Nicholls became homeless 18 months ago. He suffers from spinal nerve disc compression and has been unable to hold a job. His 15-year-old dog, Molly is his constant companion, remaining faithfully by his side through thick and thin ever since she was a tiny puppy. But in the late hours of Saturday night, Molly went missing. With the help of Nicholls’ community members – both online and off – the two “best mates” have not only been reunited, they … Read more

State Bill Is Aimed To Protect Dogs From Being Neglected & Left In The Heat

It’s always a good day when we hear that lawmakers have the well-being of our pets in mind! Legislators in Rhode Island have sent Governor Gina Reymondo a bill that makes responsible dog ownership law. House bill 5326 proposes using standards for sheltering and feeding set by a safety scale developed at Tufts University. The easy-to-use scale would determine when it would be necessary to get dogs out of the heat. Special consideration is made for dogs who are obese … Read more