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Pit Bull Advocate & Former MMA Fighter Rehabs Animal Shelters In Need

Gordon Shell is a man willing to fight for what he believes in – literally. The former MMA fighter and bodybuilder is a big softy when it comes to dogs – but a terrifying force of nature when it comes to animal abusers. Aside from his mission to end dog fighting, Shell has initiated a shelter rehabilitation project to improve living conditions for shelter pets and increase their chances of adoption. In 2012, Shell famously challenged former NFL player and … Read more

7-Year-Old With Cancer Finally Gets The Puppy She Wished For From Santa

Cancer is something that no one should have to go through, especially a child. So 7-year-old Makaela Mongo’s mom wanted to bring joy and companionship into her little girl’s life – in the form of a puppy. Since it’s the most magical time of year, they wanted to grant Makaela’s wish for Christmas, and decided that Santa himself should present her with the family’s new addition! Carman Richison, Mikaela’s mom, had planned to take her daughter to get some Christmas pictures taken at Rosecrans Picture … Read more

3 Great Ways To Strengthen Your Bond With Your Rottweiler

Like all relationships, the love you have for your Rottweiler takes work. It’s not always easy (remember those potty training days?) and sometimes your Rottie is probably not very happy with you (remember when you left him with that sitter while you went on vacation?). But for all those bad days, there are many more wonderful ones that make it well worth those bumps in the road. If lately you have been worried you have had more bad days than … Read more

3 Great Ways To Strengthen Your Bond With Your Golden Retriever

Your Golden Retriever gives you everything – unconditional love, companionship, and no judgement when you finish off a box of cookies in one sitting. For all these reasons and more, it’s only natural that you want to make sure you are giving him just as much in return. Wondering what else you could do to strengthen your relationship? The following are 3 great ways to strengthen your bond with your Golden Retriever. #1 – Learn Your Golden Retriever’s Language What better … Read more

5 Signs Your Shih Tzu is Stressed

Shih Tzus are an affectionate and outgoing breed. However, they can definitely get stressed and anxious about the world around them. Being an effective dog parent includes knowing when your Shih Tzu is nervous or fearful, so you can help them to relax. The following are 5 signs that your Shih Tzu is stressed: Image Source: Kevin Long Via Flickr #1 – Whining If your Shih Tzu is stressed, he may whine. Usually the whining is paired with pacing if ... Read more

3 Great Ways To Strengthen Your Bond With Your Shih Tzu

All dog owners want a close relationship with their dog. Shih Tzus make it easy with their affectionate nature, but there are things you can do to help make that bond even stronger. A close bond means your dog will be more likely to listen to you and will feel happier about life in general. And you’ll feel better knowing your dog is happy when they are with you. The following are 3 great ways to strengthen your bond with … Read more

Middle Schooler Runs Off The School Bus To Save His Dog From A House Fire

We have all heard the stories of heroic dogs coming to the aid of their humans during medical emergencies, dangerous situations and disasters. On the morning of December 2 a 14-year-old boy proved that a person’s devotion to their pet can be just as strong when he raced to the aid of his dog Zach during a fire at their home. Mike Assi of Phoenix, Arizona had just boarded the bus when he saw smoke pouring from his house. His … Read more

The Trendy New Kind of Dog Treat Yorkies Go Nuts For

Let’s be honest. Half the reason we give our Yorkies treats is the joy it gives us as owners. Am I right? 🙂 And after all, how could one resist such eyes… Let’s Be Honest. Most Dog Treats Are Junk Food for Dogs. Why is this? There are two main reasons: 1.  Just like humans, dogs like junk! Fat, salt, and sugar taste great and keep us coming back for more. 2. Grains, fat, and other fillers are cheaper for dog treat … Read more

The Trendy New Kind of Dog Treat Chihuahuas Go Nuts For

dog walking service

Let’s be honest. Half the reason we give our Chihuahuas treats is the joy it gives us as owners. Am I right? 🙂 And after all, how could one resist such eyes… Let’s Be Honest. Most Dog Treats Are Junk Food for Dogs. Why is this? There are two main reasons: 1.  Just like humans, dogs like junk! Fat, salt, and sugar taste great and keep us coming back for more. 2. Grains, fat, and other fillers are cheaper for dog treat … Read more

The Trendy New Kind of Dog Treat German Shepherds Go Nuts For

Let’s be honest. Half the reason we give our German Shepherds treats is the joy it gives us as owners. Am I right? 🙂 And after all, how could one resist such eyes… Let’s Be Honest. Most Dog Treats Are Junk Food for Dogs. Why is this? There are two main reasons: 1.  Just like humans, dogs like junk! Fat, salt, and sugar taste great and keep us coming back for more. 2. Grains, fat, and other fillers are cheaper for dog … Read more

The Trendy New Kind of Dog Treat Dachshunds Go Nuts For

Let’s be honest. Half the reason we give our dachshunds treats is the joy it gives us as owners. Am I right? 🙂 And after all, how could one resist such eyes… Let’s Be Honest. Most Dog Treats Are Junk Food for Dogs. Why is this? There are two main reasons: 1.  Just like humans, dogs like junk! Fat, salt, and sugar taste great and keep us coming back for more. 2. Grains, fat, and other fillers are cheaper for dog … Read more

3 Ways To Make Winter Better For You And Your Dog

They say that winter is “the most wonderful time of the year.” There are nights spent by the fire and days spent finding the best shopping deals, but for a dog owner, there can be a lot of headaches that come with the winter season. After talking with the iHeartDogs team, we came up with three easy solutions to what we see as three of the biggest struggles dog owners face in the wintertime. 1. Your Dog Isn’t Staying Active … Read more

Lost Dog Sneaks Into Police Cruiser & Gets A Ride Home

When Deputy Hammell left his patrol car open and running on a chilly winter evening, he had no idea there’d be a surprise guest in the passenger seat when he returned! Hammell, an officer with the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office in California, was investigating a suspicious vehicle around one in the morning. He kept his car running so it stayed nice and toasty, leaving the driver’s side door ajar. That’s when Ruger, a Black Lab who’d been lost, found a safe place to warm up! Hammell returned … Read more

4 Reason to Consider Switching to Freeze Dried Raw Treats

Why Are Freeze Dried Raw Treats Becoming So Popular? Raw freeze dried treats aren’t necessarily new (some brands like Stewarts Pro-Treat have been have been around for many years), but they’ve only recently begun gaining major traction among dog parents. About 6 months ago, we decided to look into why they are becoming so popular. Here’s 4 reasons we found: #1: The Freeze Drying Process Itself Preserves with No Chemicals First of all, lets define what exactly the freeze drying process is. … Read more

14 Dogs Rescued From The Korean Meat Trade Will Start New Lives In The US

On Sunday evening 14 travel-weary dogs from South Korea arrived At Dulles International Airport. They were rescued from deplorable conditions and certain death at an illegal dog meat farm in Jeonju. Their 2-day journey to freedom – and the new lives that come next – were made possible by the combined efforts of Humane Society International and the Richmond SPCA.   Korean officials were tipped off by neighbors about the illegal dog meat operation and it has since been shut down. … Read more

Adopted Dog Becomes Comfort Canine For Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatments

Sometimes an adoption match is so perfect that it’s as if it was meant to be. That was the case when Mandy Weikert met Lady – a silly, outgoing Pit Bull mix – at BARCS Animal Shelter in Baltimore, MD. Not only are they the prefect match; together, Weikert and Lady care for and comfort the patients at FHL Blood and Cancer Specialists where Weikert works as a nurse. Who remembers Mandy and Chris, the couple who first adopted hospice dog … Read more

Why Are Freeze-Dried Raw Treats Becoming So Popular?

Ok admit it. The real reason we give our dogs treats is the dopamine rush we get ourselves. Am I right? There’s nothing quite like seeing my husky’s bright blue eyes light up, as she sits pretty and motionless, just waiting for her delectable morsel to be dispensed. So What’s The Big Deal with Freeze Dried, Raw Treats? First of all, lets define what exactly the freeze drying process is. When a food is freeze dried, first it’s flash frozen … Read more

“Perfect Angel” Senior Pup Wants Nothing More Than To Find A Home For The Holidays

Sweet senior gal Zaney is a staff favorite at LifeLine’s Dekalb County Animal Services in Atlanta. She’s gentle, low-maintenance and is always ready with a tail wag and a Pibble grin when visitors stop by her kennel. The problem is, she’s been in that kennel far too long.  As much as they will miss her, Zaney’s friends want nothing more than to see her adopted into a loving home in time for the holidays. A photo posted by LifeLine Animal … Read more

3 Great Ways to Strengthen Your Bond With Your Yorkie

Anyone that owns a Yorkshire Terrier knows how much joy and companionship they provide. They are amazing for keeping us company, warming our laps and hearts with their cute expressions and sweet dispositions. No matter how deep your affections run for your Yorkie, there are always things you can do to make your bond even stronger and ensure that your dog feels just as strongly about you as you do her. The following are 3 great ways to help strengthen … Read more

3 Tips To Teach Your Pit Bull To Come When Called

Pit Bulls are smart dogs that love to please, which usually makes training easy. But teaching your Pitty to come when called has unique challenges that can make it frustrating. Often, we inadvertently poison our own training efforts when it comes to this behavior. Your Pitty may not come to you simply because the behavior hasn’t been taught correctly. If you’re struggling, try these 3 secrets to getting your Pit Bull to come when called. #1 – Don’t Call Your … Read more

3 Tips To Teach Your Dachshund To Come When Called

Dachshunds can be hard to teach a solid recall to because they have an independent streak. Many owners get frustrated by what seems to be a complete lack of concern on their Doxie’s part when they hear their owner calling. In reality, most Doxies don’t come simply because the cue hasn’t been reinforced enough or they don’t understand what it means. If you are having trouble, try these 3 secrets to getting your Doxie to come when called. #1 – … Read more

3 Tips To Teach Your Boxer To Come When Called

A solid recall is every dog owner’s dream, but getting one can feel like a nightmare.  This can be especially true with a lively Boxer that would rather keep playing then come see what you want. Unfortunately, a lot of the times we accidentally sabotage our training by making simple mistakes, like calling our Boxer to us only when we are getting ready to leave the dog park. Chances are, your Boxer has figured out that coming to you means … Read more

3 Tips To Teach Your German Shepherd Dog To Come When Called

Coming when called is something all dog owners want their dog to do and German Shepherd owners are definitely no exception. It’s not only convenient, but can be important for safety reasons. Unfortunately, come is a cue that is easily poisoned and hard to get right. Just because Shepherds are known for being intelligent and very trainable, this does not mean this will always come easily. If you are having trouble, try these 3 secrets to getting your German Shepherd … Read more

3 Tips To Teach Your Husky To Come When Called

Getting your Siberian Husky to come when called can be a challenge for Husky owners. It’s an important behavior, for obvious reasons, but it’s also a difficult one that many dog owners accidentally mess up. Chances are, you have actually done things that have caused your Husky to not want to come to you without realizing it (like scolding them for doing something wrong after coming to you). If your Husky doesn’t respond to your Come cue, try these 3 … Read more

Ask A Vet: Should My Dog Wear A Coat In Winter?

There are two camps of people in the world, dog people and… everyone else! I am only kidding, but there are people that think dogs are “only animals” and do not need all that we provide them with. For those people I have a thought: our dogs are not wolves and not even wild animals at all. We have taken them into human society and they have adapted to it. This process is domestication. Domestic pets, especially indoor dwelling ones … Read more

5 Tips to Prevent Your Golden Retriever From Pulling On The Leash

Golden Retrievers are the quintessential family dog. While fairly easy to train, their friendliness with other people and dogs can make them big pullers when it comes to walking on the leash – they just want to greet everyone! As nice as it is to have a dog that is friendly, being overly friendly can make walking a giant chore. And it can even lead to injury if you’re not careful. Luckily, there are some things you can do to work on … Read more

3 Things Your Pug Loves More Than Anything

Pugs are the center of their owners’ lives – and they pretty much demand that title. And who wouldn’t want to treat their Pug like royalty? These tenacious dogs have a way of capturing your heart that is beyond compare. Chances are, you spend every day trying to make your Pug as happy as they can be. Wondering what he might love the most? The following are 3 things almost every Pug loves more than anything. #1 – Food Pug dogs … Read more

What Every Boxer Parent Needs To Know About Cancer

The number one search phrase suggested by Google when you begin to type “Why are Boxers…” is not “Why are Boxers so cute/sweet/goofy?” Rather, it is “Why are Boxers so prone to cancer?” Cancer is the number one reported health issue in the breed with an estimated 38.5% of Boxers passing away from some form of the disease according to the UK Kennel Club. The reasons why Boxers are so prone to cancer are not fully known. Some veterinary scientists … Read more

What To Do If Your Adolescent Boxer Develops Acne

Much like human teens, short-haired breeds like Boxers, Bulldogs, and Rottweilers can develop acne during their adolescent phase. For dogs, adolescence hits around five to eight months of age and usually ends by their first birthday. During that time, they may experience painful, itchy breakouts that can lead to scarring and infection if not treated properly. Canine acne occurs when the hair follicles become irritated – typically on the chin, lips and around the whiskers in Boxers. Veterinarians believe that … Read more

This Heart Condition Is So Common In Boxers, It’s Actually Named For Them

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a life-threatening disease seen almost exclusively in Boxers, and is often referred to as Boxer cardiomyopathy. In ARVC, normal cardiac muscle is replaced by fibrous or fatty tissue, resulting in an irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia. The condition causes fainting, heart failure, and even sudden death. The ventricles are the heart’s main pumping chambers. When the powerful muscle tissue that makes up the ventricle is replaced with less-efficient fatty tissue, the electrical system of the heart … Read more

Great Dane Parents Need To Know About The Deadly Condition Called Bloat

40,000 – 60,000 dogs – mostly deep-chested giant breeds like Great Danes – suffer from gastric dilation, commonly known as bloat, each year. The condition advances rapidly and has a mortality rate as high as 33%. Bloat can result in deadly shock and tissue death in mere minutes, so it is vital that Great Dane parents understand exactly what it is and the signs and symptoms to watch out for. Bloat is the result of accumulation and swelling in the … Read more

This Painful Genetic Condition Could Cost Your Great Dane His Eyesight

Great Danes are among the dog breeds with a genetic predisposition for a hereditary disorder called entropion in which the eyelids “roll” inwards. It may sound rather harmless, but entropion causes the tiny hairs along the lash line to drag across the corneal surface of the eye, leading to pain, inflammation, and even vision-impairing scar tissue. Many dog owners do not even notice that their dog has entropion until the affected eye(s) have already sustained damage. Early on, a Great … Read more

Stranger Gives Up Place In Line So Two Young Boys Can Get The Puppy They Hoped For

When the Fredericksburg Regional SPCA announced that they had three adorable Boxer puppies up for adoption, they knew that the floppy-eared pups would be quickly snapped up! A woman named Lisa was the first to arrive at the shelter at 6:15 am, and was later joined by her husband, Carl. They planned to wait until the doors opened at noon. Behind them was another woman, and third in line was Mary Garecht. She was hoping to bring one of the puppies … Read more

Store Hires Veteran Along With His Senior Service Dog

You may remember the story of a man who was finally hired, along with his service dog, at a Lowe’s in Canada. Now, the home improvement chain has a second man-dog duo to brag about! In Abilene, Texas, Clay Luthy and his service dog, Charlotte have officially become Lowe’s employees. Charlotte even has her very own work vest, just like the rest of the staff! Luthy is an Air Force veteran who recently had knee surgery. His canine companion accompanies him wherever … Read more

Scared Stray Dog Goes From Aggressive To Affectionate After She’s Rescued From The Streets

When dogs are terrified for their lives, they sometimes come off as aggressive, plus they may have been hurt by humans before. The dog in the video below is small, but feisty. It’s unknown how long she’d been living on the streets, but the skittish pup had been seen by the L.A. river for several weeks before anyone had been able to rescue her. When Hope For Paws arrived on the scene, they put netting on the fence that surrounded the river … Read more

Ohio Hotel Treats A Terminally Ill Dog To One Final Swim

Bronx, a 7-year-old Pit Bull mix, was diagnosed with a rare disease that causes kidney failure and digestive problems last November. At the time, his vet estimated he had about 3 months to live. Now, one year later, Bronx the “miracle child” has been given the gift of one last splash in the pool before he is fitted with a feeding tube that will make swimming out of the question. It all started with a Facebook plea posted by a … Read more

Volunteers Spend 24 Hours In Kennels To Learn What It’s Like For Shelter Dogs

We will never know what it’s like to be a shelter animal, reeling from abandonment and spending day after day behind bars with strangers constantly walking by. But Cape Ann Animal Aid in Gloucester, Massachusetts gave a handful of volunteers a taste of what it’s like to spend an entire day in a kennel. During the “Night Without A Family” event,  six volunteers spent 24 hours with a dog, living in its space and following its schedule. They had group playtime, … Read more

Dogs Are Going Nuts Over These Pawlicious Gingerbread Treats

YUMMY! Check out these Gingerbread Paw treats for your pup! Just in time for the holidays! Imagine all the treats you come could up with for this baking tray! **Of course always check with your Vet before feeding your dog any homemade consumables** If you don’t already have a paw print shaped baking tray, this silicone tray is available in the iHeartDogs store. Hurry, though, as they are disappearing fast! (each purchase provides meals for 4 shelter dogs!) Better yet, … Read more

Abandoned In Favor Of A New Dog, Zuzu Will Soon Get The ‘Wonderful Life’ She Deserves

Earlier this week we brought you the maddening story of Zuzu, the dog reportedly abandoned by her owners for being “too sad” after the death of their other dog. Zuzu – formerly named Princess – had begun to cry and display signs of depression. She scaled the fence and was picked up by animal control on Thanksgiving morning and brought to an LA County shelter.   It may sound like a common enough tale so far, but what sets Zuzu’s … Read more

Even After She Went Off To College, Her Loyal Dog Waits For Her Arrival Every Day

We’ve heard heartwarming stories of dogs waiting for their humans while they were deployed, at the hospital, or even at work, and this story is another example of a dog’s unwavering loyalty. Carly Dunn is an 18-year-old college freshman at Georgia State University. When she moved out of the house in August this year, it really threw her dog, a Border Collie mix named Bo, off his schedule.   You see, the Dunn family adopted Bo as a puppy when Carly was … Read more

3 Things Affect Dog Adoptions – You Won’t Believe How Easy It Is To Do #3

If you’ve ever been to an animal shelter, you’ve seen what a sad place it can be. It’s no fault of the shelter, but dogs can be sullen and despondent. Spending most of their time in a kennel or cage, who could blame them. Sadly, anyone looking to adopt a shelter dog can unknowingly be turned off by this apparent sad state. It’s not right, but subconsciously, things like this affect all of our decisions. But did you know that … Read more

Senior Sweetie Watches 375 Pets Get Adopted While She Still Waits

UPDATE, 12/12/2016: Thanks to everyone out there who shared sweet Melony’s story, she has now been adopted and is ready to spend the holidays with her new family! Jennifer Buege of Union City, Georgia heard about Melony when a friend in Michigan shared our original post with her. Buege lives with her 16-year-old son and 4 cats, and although she has never had a dog, she found that she could not get Melony out of her head. She decided to … Read more

This Irish Stepdancing Dog Has Seriously Impressive Skills

It’s not every day we see dogs dance, but this particular pup has really stepped up the game. Accompanied by his owner, this awesome Australian Shepherd learns the art of Irish stepdancing. There are all different kinds of Irish stepdances, and this pooch certainly knows how to put on a show. His owner has taught him well and we’re happy to see that he looks like he’s having a good time too. In fact, it’s almost a little embarrassing – … Read more

Rescue Saves Pregnant Stray Living Under Shopping Cart – Just Wait Until You See Her Puppies!

Rescue From The Hart (RFTH) is a Van Nuys, California rescue group with an amazing story to tell. When they received a call about pregnant stray dog living under a shopping cart, they were warned that she’d growl when they approached. Undeterred, they set out to catch the poor pup so she could have her puppies in safety. It took some time to earn her trust, but after she warmed up to them it was clear: she was relieved to receive … Read more

3 Tips For Keeping Ants Away From Your Dog’s Food

When it comes to storing dog food there are several ways you can ensure freshness and longevity. However, short-term storing often brings about problems that we don’t expect… one of which is ants. If you’ve got a dog that leaves a little bit of kibble here and there or one that’s got a full bowl to visit as needed, you have probably had an ant problem at one time or another. Ants will take over a food bowl very quickly … Read more

Adorable Pup Waits Outside Hospital For Ill Owner

It’s not a comfortable subject to discuss, but as dog owners we need to be mindful of what will happen to our dogs in case of an emergency. For one particular owner, this fear became a reality. Thankfully, there were good people out to help. This patient was out walking their beloved dog when they became ill and an ambulance had to be called. Not wanting to separate the duo or leave the dog stranded alone, the medical team decided … Read more

People Read Letters To Their Puppies To Tell Them How Much They’ve Changed Their Lives

We communicate with our dogs all the time, and they undoubtedly understand a good amount of what we’re saying to them. But if you could write your pooch letter and he or she could understand every word, what would you say? Would you thank him for his unwavering love and loyalty? Would you tell her that every day is brighter because she’s by your side? Would you share a laugh while remembering the time he got into something that he … Read more

Heartbreaking Photo Captures A Boy’s Tender Final Moments With His Dog

Children often learn about death through the loss of their first pet. Professional photographer, Marvi Lacar captured this stunning image of her son, Mateo saying his final goodbyes to the dog he’s known since birth. The photo shows Mateo clutching a tissue and tenderly pressing his head against the dog’s face in a private moment of grief and loss – the first the 7-year-old has ever had to endure. Mateo and Wheat’s Final Goodbye | 10/26/2016 It has been a … Read more

Couple Adopts The Last Dog Left At The Shelter, A Disabled German Shepherd

In the animal world Black Friday means much more than crazy crowds and super savings. Many shelters waive their adoption fees over the Thanksgiving weekend to help the pets in their care find homes for the holidays. The shelter staff knew that Bryan would have difficulty finding a home as pets with disabilities often do. The adoption event – sponsored by Zappos.com and Best Friends Animal Society – was a rousing success, but it was heartbreaking to see sweet Bryan, … Read more

How To Teach Your Dachshund To Stay

Not surprisingly, teaching your Dachshund a sit-stay is not easy. First, it may have been a challenge to teach your Doxie to sit. Now, you’re asking him to stay in that position for a long period of time. Do you like to sit still without moving your limbs? Probably not. But since a “stay” can be useful and even save your Dachshund’s from running into danger, it’s a good behavior for them to know. The following method breaks “stay” up … Read more

How To Teach Your German Shepherd Dog To Stay

While German Shepherd Dogs are known for being intelligent and very willing, this does not mean that training them is a breeze. For any dog, “stay” is a difficult behavior to do. Would you want to sit still without moving your limbs for long periods of time? Neither does your Shepherd. They can have a particularly hard time with it if they want to chase things that move – staying in a “sit” while a bike or a cat goes … Read more