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Family Makes Dying Dog’s Final Days Her Best Ever

Charlie was just a tiny puppy when Kevin Navid brought her home to his family. She made an instant impression, throwing up twice on his wife, Penny. But Charlie grew up to make her mark in other, more powerful ways. She sat by Penny’s side and licked her bald head as he battled breast cancer and underwent chemotherapy. “She knew something was going on, and she took care of my wife,” Kevin told WFAA-TV. Even despite her gentle, loving nature, the … Read more

When A Tornado Damaged This Shelter, Rescue Rebuild Saved The Day

One of the many wonderful charities iHeartDogs has paired with through our partnership with Greater Good is Rescue Rebuild, an animal shelter renovation program that recruits volunteers from all over the country to help shelters in need. They improve the lives of shelter animals and increase adoption rates by repairing and renovating dated, damaged and rundown facilities. One shelter in particular needed Rescue Rebuild’s help when an EF5 tornado with winds over 200 mph struck Guthrie, Oklahoma. An entire building at … Read more

Missing Dog Adopted By New Family Is Reunited With Her Original Owner

A heart-wrenching and eye-opening case involving a lost pooch sparked a viral debate via social media before finally reaching a happy conclusion this weekend. Little Rosemary – a 3.5 pound Chihuahua mix – is back in the loving arms of her original owner after a series of unfortunate events led to her being adopted out to a new family. Rosemary’s story began on April 4th when she went missing from the Cameron Park, CA home of her owner, Alec Nygard. … Read more

9 Modern Uses For Military Dogs

You’ve probably seen drug-sniffing dogs at the airport, and you may be vaguely aware that there are bomb-sniffing dogs working overseas, but did you know there are a variety of tasks military dogs are trained for? Some dogs are trained for only one purpose, but some are trained for 2 or more. Here are 9 types of modern military dogs. Single-Purpose Single-purpose dogs are trained to do one thing and do it well. #1 – Narcotics Detector Dog (NDD) Scent-detecting … Read more

How to Calm Your Dog During A Storm

Storms can be a terrifying experience for many dogs, regardless of their age or breed. Consider that many humans are afraid of major storms and it shouldn’t come as a surprise that our dogs are too. Big, loud thunder, heavy rainfall, powerful winds… all of these are things that could easily frighten even the most stoic of canines. So how can we help our dogs feel more comfortable through a storm? There are a few different things we can try. #1 … Read more

United Airlines Employee Lets Dog Mom Know Her Baby Is Safe

United Airlines has been all over the news this week, but one dog mom is forever grateful for a particular employee who eased her worries as her family took a flight overseas. Ashley Cervantes, a military wife, was traveling from Texas to Hawaii because her husband was being relocated. They refused to take the trip without their beloved Boxer, Maya. The pup is too big to be allowed a ticket with the passengers on the airplane, so there was only … Read more

3 Signs Your French Bulldog is Overweight

French Bulldogs are so lovable, it’s easy to want to spoil them with lots of treats and extra food. But you could be literally killing your Frenchie with kindness. Overweight dogs are more likely to get serious health problems and not live as long. Since over half the dogs in the United States are obese (other parts of the world are also seeing rises in obesity, particularly the U.K. and Australia), your Frenchie may be too. The following are three signs … Read more

Top 3 Health Concerns For Your English Bulldog

Many a veterinarian has sadly joked that their English Bulldog patients paid for their vacation home. The breed has become so plagued with health issues due to ill-breeding, inbreeding, and genetic issues arising from the standard “look,” that last year scientists said cross-breeding was the only way the breed was going to be able to survive. If you are looking to add an English Bulldog to your family, take your time and choose very wisely from a top-notch breeder. If … Read more

Top 3 Health Concerns For Your Boston Terrier

Whether you are starting to look for a Boston of your own or already have one, it’s a good idea to know the common health problems you may encounter throughout your dog’s life. Since many of them are genetic, it’s definitely important to make sure any breeder you are considering has done the necessary tests. If you are rescuing, knowing these potential issues can help you know what to watch for in your new best friend so you can get … Read more

Top 3 Health Concerns For Your Beagle

Beagles are generally one of the healthier breeds, not known for causing large vet bills throughout their lives. However, there are a few health concerns that owners or prospective owners of the breed should be aware of. Some of them can be avoided through proper breeding and testing of breeding dogs, so do your research and make sure any breeder you are considering has done their part to ensure healthy puppies. Knowing these top three health concerns for your Beagle is … Read more

Montreal’s Pit Bull Ban May Soon Spread To The Whole Province

A ban on pit bull type dogs in Montreal may soon be extended to the entire Canadian province of Quebec. The proposed law aims to protect the public from dangerous dogs, according to the province’s public safety minister, Martin Coiteux — despite massive public outcry and experts claiming it only victimizes dogs and their families.   Quebec’s largest city officially passed a ban last October — making it impossible to adopt pit bull type dogs from shelters and imposing harsh … Read more

Senior Dog Tossed From Car Now Lives A Spoiled, Loved Life

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.  Who could hurt this adorable face? Poor Leila was rescued after being thrown out — literally — like a piece of garbage. The senior pup was wrapped in a plastic bag, put in a box, then barbarically tossed from a moving car. A good Samaritan saw the box fly out of the car and heard … Read more

Loving Dog Dad Helps Handicapped Pups Get Rolling With Free Wheelchairs

Jason Parker and his Black Lab, Gunnar are best friends and hunting buddies. But that bond faced a crucial test when Gunnar was hit by a truck in 2014 and became dependent on a wheelchair. The generosity Parker experienced during the ordeal inspired him to develop a non-profit organization that provides mobility equipment to other pets in need. To date, the Gunnar’s Wheels Foundation has helped more than 100 dogs (plus cats, goats, pigs, rabbits, and a pet possum!) get … Read more

Newly Adopted Deaf Dog Knows The Sign For “I Love You” Thanks To Her New Mom

When families decide to add a dog to their lives, purebred puppies often outshine those that are abandoned, neglected, and abused. Rescue dogs wait days, months, and years for the chance to attract someone’s attention. And when the dog has special needs, their chances of being adopted are even worse. That was the bleak future a sweet pup named Mika was headed toward. Born Deaf, Mika ended up at a small rural shelter in Arkansas with little hope of being adopted. … Read more

Science Suggests Women Who Have Dogs Have Healthier Babies

dog with baby

Children and pets have always had a special bond, but a recent study shows their connection starts even earlier than you think. Growing up with pets teaches children empathy, confidence, and responsibility, and now science says babies even benefit from their furry friends in the womb. So if you’re debating whether to get a new dog or have a baby, why not both? After collecting data from 746 infants and their mothers, scientists have determined that women who have pets while … Read more

Dog Left Tied Outside In Pouring Rain Went Straight To Death Row

Pebbles must have been born under a dark cloud. Because bad luck seemed to follow her at every turn. But her darkest day was came when her former owner decided to tie her up outside a mall in Long Beach, California. “One of my volunteers found her outside tied up to the cart rack in the pouring rain,” Darlene Sears, founder of California-based rescue group Kitty Katchers, tells iHeartDogs. The drenched dog was coaxed into a car and, when Sears … Read more

Sweet Dog Pretends To Love The Tiny Bed His Mom Bought Him By Mistake

Seriously, how awesome are dogs? They’re so darn happy and grateful for every little thing! One especially sweet pup named Kenny has taken the internet by storm with his genuine efforts to cram his XL body onto the XS bed his mother accidentally purchased online! His human sister, Paeton posted several hilarious photos to Twitter earlier this week and people have not been able to get enough of kind-hearted Kenny! so my mom accidentally ordered an xs dog bed but … Read more

Army Private Reuinited With Dog After “Friend” Gave Him Away

Army Pvt. Katelyn Gallagher loves her dog, Buck. The 5- year-old Bloodhound was a part of her life for many years, but when she left for a 9-month training program she had to leave him behind in the care of a friend. It turns out, however, that this friend wasn’t much of a friend at all. When Gallagher returned in December while on leave from the program, she was astonished to find that this “friend” had given Buck away to … Read more

Outbreak Of Asian Dog Flu Hits Los Angeles County

Veterinarians across Los Angeles County are staying vigilant and warning dog parents to take precautions against an outbreak of the H3N2 flu strain. At this time, the flu is contained to 34 infected dogs saved last month by a San Fernando Valley rescue group that brings dogs from China to the United States. According to Los Angeles Animal Services, the sick dogs have been quarantined, and eight others have been exposed. #Recap15Jan2016 Dog Flu: New Strain of Canine Influenza Virus Detected … Read more

Older Shelter Dogs Get Their Chance To Shine At ‘Senior Prom’

senior dog prom

Take a stroll through an average adoption event and you’ll coo over cute puppies and enjoy the energized entertainment of countless young dogs. They’re all looking for homes, but there’s one doggie demographic missing from the bunch. Senior dogs six years and up are often overlooked in crowded shelters where younger, more playful pups take center stage. Older dogs typically wait longer to be adopted and spend their golden years in kennels—and that’s if they aren’t euthanized first. Shelters all … Read more

Dog Likely Used As Alligator Bait Is All About Snuggles Now

The way Sweet Honey Brown craves the warmth of her favorite human’s bed, the snuggles of her stuffed toys — not to mention the bacon smoothies specially prepared for her —  tells the story of a dog who loves the softer things in life. But the wound in her back, as well as the fact that a piece of her nose is missing, tells another kind of story.   The people who ended up giving Sweet Honey Brown a home … Read more

16 Paw-some Pup Puns To Make You LOL

Looking for a good ice breaker to use next time you’re at the dog park? See a cute pup and want to say hi? These dog jokes and puns are im-paw-sible to resist! Keep them in your pocket for the next time you’re out and want to make peoples’ eyes roll-over! Almost guaranteed to make your friends laugh, groan, or just stop inviting you out!   Why should you be careful when it rains cats and dogs? You might step … Read more

“Dangerous” Dog’s Death Sentence Stands Despite Pardon From Governor

An unprecedented case is making headlines and raising questions about dangerous dog laws. The fate of a 4-year-old Husky named Dakota remains undetermined as officials grapple with how to handle a gubernatorial pardon. Legal experts view the struggle as a sign that dogs are beginning to be treated less like property – as they are largely seen in the eyes of the law – and more like the sentient beings science has proven them to be. Many factors have stalled … Read more

Shelter Pups Find Treats & Forever Homes At Doggy Easter Egg Hunt

Imagine a lovely spring afternoon watching dozens of adoptable shelter dogs dressed in their Easter best as they joyously sniff for treat-filled pastel eggs. Sound like a great way to spend a Saturday? The Austin Animal Center thinks so, too! Due to the rousing success of last year’s Easter Egg Hunt, they’ve decided to make it an annual event, and this year promises to be even better – and cuter! The festivities begin at 11 AM on Saturday April 15 … Read more

This Therapy Dog Accidentally Became The Star Of Fur Con

dog goes to fur con

When Cheryl Wassus heard that the Motor City Furry Convention was coming to her home town, she made a logical assumption. Her dog, Link, is a trained therapy dog, and the pair is used to attending animal-related events. In fact, they are active advocates for an organization called Pets for Vets, the same charity Fur Con was raising money for. The organization works to connect veterans with service dogs, and it made sense that “fur con” meant a convention for fellow dog … Read more

5 Causes For Lameness In Dogs

Almost all dog owners have had a dog start limping at one time or another. Although alarming at first, it’s not always cause for panic. There are probably thousands of reasons your dog may suddenly come up lame. Some are certainly more problematic than others, but generally speaking you will often need only a single veterinary visit to find the diagnosis. Lameness can and does happen in dogs of every age, breed, size and degree of health, so don’t be … Read more

At What Age Should I Begin Giving My St. Bernard a Joint Supplement?

Much like humans, our St. Bernard’s joints wear down over time. As proactive pet parents, we want to do everything in our power to ensure our dog’s joints stay healthy and our dog’s stay active for as long as possible. It goes without saying that proper diet and exercise are absolutely vital for the health of your St. Bernard’s joints. In addition, many veterinarians recommend supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine & chondroitin as a preventative measure, and as a way of supporting … Read more

At What Age Should I Begin Giving My Rottweiler a Joint Supplement?

Much like humans, our Rottweiler’s joints wear down over time. As proactive pet parents, we want to do everything in our power to ensure our dog’s joints stay healthy and our dog’s stay active for as long as possible. It goes without saying that proper diet and exercise are absolutely vital for the health of your Rottweiler’s joints. In addition, many veterinarians recommend supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine & chondroitin as a preventative measure, and as a way of supporting the health … Read more

At What Age Should I Begin Giving My Pit Bull a Joint Supplement?

Much like humans, our Pit Bull’s joints wear down over time. As proactive pet parents, we want to do everything in our power to ensure our dog’s joints stay healthy and our dog’s stay active for as long as possible. It goes without saying that proper diet and exercise are absolutely vital for the health of your Pit Bull’s joints. In addition, many veterinarians recommend supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine & chondroitin as a preventative measure, and as a way of supporting … Read more

At What Age Should I Begin Giving My Newfoundland a Joint Supplement?

Much like humans, our Newfoundland’s joints wear down over time. As proactive pet parents, we want to do everything in our power to ensure our dog’s joints stay healthy and our dog’s stay active for as long as possible. It goes without saying that proper diet and exercise are absolutely vital for the health of your Newfoundland’s joints. In addition, many veterinarians recommend supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine & chondroitin as a preventative measure, and as a way of supporting the health … Read more

At What Age Should I Begin Giving My Mastiff a Joint Supplement?

Much like humans, our Mastiff’s joints wear down over time. As proactive pet parents, we want to do everything in our power to ensure our dog’s joints stay healthy and our dog’s stay active for as long as possible. It goes without saying that proper diet and exercise are absolutely vital for the health of your Mastiff’s joints. In addition, many veterinarians recommend supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine & chondroitin as a preventative measure, and as a way of supporting the health … Read more

At What Age Should I Begin Giving My Lab a Joint Supplement?

Much like humans, our Lab’s joints wear down over time. As proactive pet parents, we want to do everything in our power to ensure our dog’s joints stay healthy and our dog’s stay active for as long as possible. It goes without saying that proper diet and exercise are absolutely vital for the health of your Lab’s joints. In addition, many veterinarians recommend supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine & chondroitin as a preventative measure, and as a way of supporting the health … Read more

At What Age Should I Begin Giving My Great Dane a Joint Supplement?

Much like humans, our Great Dane’s joints wear down over time. As proactive pet parents, we want to do everything in our power to ensure our dog’s joints stay healthy and our dog’s stay active for as long as possible. It goes without saying that proper diet and exercise are absolutely vital for the health of your Great Dane’s joints. In addition, many veterinarians recommend supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine & chondroitin as a preventative measure, and as a way of supporting … Read more

At What Age Should I Begin Giving My Golden Retriever a Joint Supplement?

Much like humans, our Golden Retriever’s joints wear down over time. As proactive pet parents, we want to do everything in our power to ensure our dog’s joints stay healthy and our dog’s stay active for as long as possible. It goes without saying that proper diet and exercise are absolutely vital for the health of your Golden Retriever’s joints. In addition, many veterinarians recommend supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine & chondroitin as a preventative measure, and as a way of supporting … Read more

At What Age Should I Begin Giving My Dachshund a Joint Supplement?

Much like humans, our Dachshund’s joints wear down over time. As proactive pet parents, we want to do everything in our power to ensure our dog’s joints stay healthy and our dog’s stay active for as long as possible. It goes without saying that proper diet and exercise are absolutely vital for the health of your Dachshund’s joints. In addition, many veterinarians recommend supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine & chondroitin as a preventative measure, and as a way of supporting the health … Read more

At What Age Should I Begin Giving My Boxer a Joint Supplement?

Much like humans, our Boxer’s joints wear down over time. As proactive pet parents, we want to do everything in our power to ensure our dog’s joints stay healthy and our dog’s stay active for as long as possible. It goes without saying that proper diet and exercise are absolutely vital for the health of your Boxer’s joints. In addition, many veterinarians recommend supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine & chondroitin as a preventative measure, and as a way of supporting the health … Read more

Taiwan Becomes First Asian Country To Ban Sale & Consumption Of Dog & Cat Meat

Taiwan has recently seen some changes geared towards the welfare of animals with many high-profile cases of torture causing public outrage. Even members of Taiwan’s armed forces have been caught abusing animals with little to no consequences. Thankfully, this has sparked some major changes for the country. The Animal Protection Act amendments approved by the Legislative Yuan prohibit and punish the sale, purchase or consumption of dog and cat meat. The fines for such acts range from NT$50,000 (~USD $1,630) to NT$2 … Read more

Escape Artist Dog Found Unharmed After Houdini-Like Performance

Going on vacation can be a stressful time, especially if you’re leaving your dog behind with a friend or at a boarding facility. Although we all do our best to ensure our pups are being left in good hands, accidents do happen and it can be difficult to deal with. Even under the best care, some dogs decide on their own that they’d rather go find their families. For a Great Pyrenees named General, this was much easier than any … Read more

At What Age Should I Begin Giving My German Shepherd a Joint Supplement?

Much like humans, our German Shepherd’s joints wear down over time. As proactive pet parents, we want to do everything in our power to ensure our dog’s joints stay healthy and our dog’s stay active for as long as possible. It goes without saying that proper diet and exercise are absolutely vital for the health of your German Shepherd’s joints. In addition, many veterinarians recommend supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine & chondroitin as a preventative measure, and as a way of supporting … Read more

Man’s Kind Gesture Sparks A Moving Memorial For Dog Killed In Stockholm Attack

Four people tragically lost their lives Friday April 7, 2017 in a vicious attack when a man drove a stolen truck into a crowd of people in Stockholm, Sweden. Since the incident, mourners have remembered those lost by creating lovely displays of flowers, candles and gifts at the site. But one little victim named Iggy was excluded from the memorial until loving dog dad, Markus Krantz, inadvertently started a movement. https://www.facebook.com/markus.krantz.7/posts/441014229570509 Krantz has five rescue dogs of his own. He … Read more

Lonely Dog Left Behind At Campground Finds A Whole New Family To Take Him Home

Red isn’t much of a morning dog. Sure, he loves it when his family — Zofie Rot and Andrew Revesz from Toronto, Canada —  take him along on their far-flung adventures. Hiking. Climbing. Even cycling. But mornings? “He loves camping and being outdoors, he’s just not a morning dog,” Revesz tells iHeartDogs. “I literally have to drag him out of bed — or the tent — to pee in the morning.” But it didn’t take long for Red to find … Read more

5 Ways To Soothe Your Dog’s Dry Skin

Itchy skin in dogs is often caused by simple dryness. Lack of moisture is an especially big problem during the winter months when there is virtually no humidity. While we can slather on lotion, the solution isn’t quite so simple for our furry BFF’s. In order to keep your dog’s skin healthy year round, pay close attention to these 5 moisturizing tips. 1. Bathing (but not over-bathing) While bathing with a well-balanced, vet-recommended shampoo can certainly help with many skin … Read more

7 Things Your Deceased Pet Would Want You To Know

At iHeartDogs and iHeartCats we often write about coping with the loss of a beloved pet. We do this because we understand that saying goodbye is one of the hardest things you will ever have to do, and we hope that somehow our words can provide a bit of comfort. Having experienced the love and compassion of dogs and cats all my life, I believe they would want us to keep these 7 important messages close to our hearts after … Read more

Man Jumps Through Ice To Save His Dog’s Life

A Canadian TV news crew happened to be in the right place at the right time to see a brave man save his dog’s life. Duncan McIver was at a dog park near his home in St. Albert, Alberta where his dog, Cosmo, wandered out onto a frozen pond. When Cosmo fell through the thin ice, Duncan wasted no time at all jumping in after him. Duncan falls through the same spot, but is able to lift Cosmo up before climbing … Read more

Woman Gets Creative So Her Neighbor’s Dog Can Take A Closer Look Through The Fence

 This woman made her fence more “dog accessible” for her neighbor’s sweet German Shepherd! Jennifer Bowman shared this video to Facebook with the caption, “Got tired of the neighbors German shepherd jumping to peek over the fence so I made her a peeking spot. I think she likes it.” There’s two holes for the pup’s big brown eyes, and a larger hole that is the perfect size for her cute wet nose to poke through! The dog on the other … Read more

Treating Your Dog Like “Your Baby” Could Be The Reason You’re Broke – But It’s Totally Worth It

Dogs have lived alongside humans for thousands of years and they’ve generally had a specific function or job to do. Herding dogs, guard dogs, sled dogs, and hunting dogs all served the purpose of performing a necessary task first and being a beloved companion second. But as people have evolved, our need for dogs for their work has declined, although there are still plenty of working dogs today. Now, our dogs are most commonly our companions first and performance partners … Read more

After Rescuing An Abandoned Dog, This Officer Plans To Make Him A Member Of The Family

Police officers in Germantown, Wisconsin were notified of a dog tied up in a wooded area behind a local Pizza Hut. When they arrived, they found the pup alone and seemingly abandoned. Although what exactly happened isn’t clear, the police officers sent the pup off with the Washington County Humane Society. They’ve named the homeless dog Chance, hoping to give him a second chance at life. Fortunately, he didn’t have to wait very long to find a new forever home … Read more

Rescued Mama Dog Watched Her 10 Pups Get Adopted, Now It’s Her Turn

Beautiful Abigeal was discovered at a Miami construction site in September 2016. She had given birth to 10 puppies beneath a metal storage unit and was struggling to keep them alive. Although she was barely able to produce milk, this devoted mama refused to abandon her pups to save herself. Now that all 10 of her babies have been adopted into loving homes, Abi is hoping to find her own happy ending. No Paw Left Behind Rescue has been saving … Read more

9 Tips To Prepare You And Your Pets For An Emergency Evacuation

Nobody likes to imagine worst-case scenarios, but it is crucial to have a plan in case you have to evacuate with your pets during an emergency. Depending on where you live, you may need to be prepared for the possibilities of wildfires, flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, or earthquakes. Since there’s no way to expect the unexpected, here are 9 evacuation preparation tips to prepare you for anything nature may throw your way. #1 – Keep important paperwork in an accessible watertight … Read more

Ask A Vet: Should I Worry About My Boxer Going Under Anesthesia?

At some point during your Boxer’s life, he/she will need some type of surgery. Because of Boxers’ genetic predisposition to skin tumors, your dog will likely require more than one mass removal during his/her adulthood. There may be other times that your Boxer needs surgery. If it is not an emergency, one can question if the procedure is worth the risk. But just how risky is anesthesia for Boxers? The definition of anesthesia is a temporary loss of feeling or … Read more

From The Vet: 3 Hacks That Could Save Your Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are popular pets the world over. What’s not to love? They are super cute, fun, portable friends! Chihuahuas have their own unique personalities and as a breed they have some unique qualities too. If you love a Chihuahua, there are some important things you can do to make sure your furry friend lives long and well. Hack #1 – Cover Me with Love: Personal Protection Equipment Some of us are familiar with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that is required … Read more