The Healthy Hound Newsletter #16
In This Issue
● Save Money At The Vet
● Dog Parks: Fun Or Folly?
● The Underdogs Of Westminster
● Why Dogs Dislike Some People
● Vet Corner: 19 Dog Emergencies
● Reader Q: Causes Of Seizures
Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:
In This Issue
● Save Money At The Vet
● Dog Parks: Fun Or Folly?
● The Underdogs Of Westminster
● Why Dogs Dislike Some People
● Vet Corner: 19 Dog Emergencies
● Reader Q: Causes Of Seizures
Losing a dog is one of the hardest things a person can go through. After all, dogs are there for us through every step of the way, so they deserve to be honored. This is exactly how Marine Corporal Jeff DeYoung felt when he learned that his beloved dog, Cena, was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer. Not only had Cena been his loyal companion, but they had also served 3 tours overseas together. Cena and DeYoung’s Bond Cena and DeYoung … Read more
How does your pup greet you when you get home after being away? Does your dog give you a kiss? Think about when you’re hanging on the couch. How do you show affection to your pooch? Many people with dogs like to smother them with kisses. But your pup can’t talk. So, does your dog like kisses? via GIPHY Pucker up! Kisses are well-accepted displays of affections between humans. So, it makes sense we kiss pups to show them how … Read more
Finley the Golden Retriever from Canandaigua, New York loves tennis balls. Of course, all dogs love playing fetch with a good tennis ball, but Finley is the biggest ball hog anyone has ever seen. That’s because Finley likes to hold 6 tennis balls in his mouth at a time! It’s a special trick that he taught himself, and it’s actually more than the current world record, which is only 5 tennis balls at once. Finley’s Special Talent Finley started this … Read more
Dogs. They hog our beds, steal our shoes, and often cause us just as much worry as our human children. People who don’t have pets must wonder why we choose to share our lives with these furry little menaces. Only dog parents understand the devotion and unconditional love they offer. They may be challenging and downright naughty at times, but the adoration we see in our dogs’ soulful eyes makes it all worthwhile! If you have canine roommates, you’ll definitely … Read more
We know it by many names and fear it by them all. Cancer. The word alone has the power to conjure up deep and dark feelings in those of us whose lives have been impacted by it, which is most of us. Statistics show that the majority of American families have relatives who have been diagnosed by cancer. Unfortunately, our canine family members are at risk in high numbers as well. Stats vary largely depending on breed, but overall between … Read more
There’s a group of dog models in Shetland, Scotland that are stopping traffic with their adorable photo shoots. Kaylee Garrick’s photography has gained popularity not only for the creativity behind her work, but how impressive her obedient pup models are! Kaylee is a 29-year-old paramedic student that has a passion for photography outside of her daily work in medicine. What began as her creative outlet that she would share on her social media channels, turned into a beautiful way to … Read more
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
Our dogs deserve the best every day. But on their birthdays, we like to make it even more special. They might not understand what a birthday is, but they sure love all the special attention and delicious treats. However, fitness celebrity Maxx Chewning decided to go all out for his dog’s 1st birthday. Not only did he record an adorable adventure with his pup, Dood, but he even bought a special billboard to honor his best friend’s big day! Dood’s … Read more
Puppies are extremely curious and often get themselves into trouble without meaning to. However, when the Riverside County Animal Services received a call about a puppy stuck in a tire, they had never heard anything like it. A poor 3-month-old Australian Cattle Dog from California had put her head through a wheel, and she couldn’t seem to squirm out of it. Rescuing the Pup Animal services tried to use oil to lubricate the pup’s neck to get her free, but … Read more
When people underestimate the challenges that come with raising a disabled shelter dog, and the dogs are usually the ones who end up suffering. Dogs with special needs who are just as capable of providing love may end up returning to shelters after their adoptions for a variety of reasons, all unfair to the pups. All it takes to love a disabled rescue is time and commitment. One incredible animal rights activist understands that, and she was more than willing … Read more
It’s official, your dog can succumb to the green-eyed monster called jealousy. It’s not in your head pup parents, your dog can experience feelings of jealousy when your world is not currently revolving around them. A new UC San Diego study on canine behavior proves that your dog not only makes you the center of their universe, but they also display jealous behaviors when you give other furry friend’s attention. We’ll dive into the details of this canine study so … Read more
When we think about our dogs and annoying behaviors, we are usually thinking about how our dogs annoy us. Perhaps it’s high time that we do some personal reflection. After all, humans can be annoying, too. If our dogs could talk, we’re sure they’d tell us a long list of ways that we aggravate, annoy and trouble them. We took a dive into human behavior to reveal some highly annoying habits of dog Moms and Dads. Avoid these behaviors to … Read more
They say there are two types of people: those that love big dogs and those that love little dogs. Okay, that’s probably an over-simplification. Most of us love all dogs, but most of us have a preference when it comes to size. For those of us that have a penchant for the bigger breeds, you’ve heard and seen it all before. Here are 11 things you can definitely relate to. 1. They start small, but they grow fast. Fast … Read more
They say there are two types of people: those that love big dogs and those that love little dogs. Okay, that’s probably an over-simplification. Most of us love all dogs, but most of us have a preference when it comes to size. For those of us that have a penchant for the bigger breeds, you’ve heard and seen it all before. Here are 11 things you can definitely relate to. 1. They start small, but they grow fast. Fast … Read more
It happens to many of us: our parents who once gave us life and raised us now need us to take care of them. It’s the cycle of humanity. But apparently, that time occurs in the lives of some dogs too. A 2-year-old rescue pup named Pinky spends almost all of her time beside her biological dad, 5-year-old Flash. She doesn’t do this just because she loves him (though she does.) Pinky also serves as a guide dog for the … Read more
The hearts of police officers never cease to amaze us. Of course, their service and sacrifice don’t stop at the humans within their community. Their kindness and compassion often overflow into the four-legged friends that call their communities home. Another thing the boys and girls in blue are known for is their resourcefulness. No challenge is ever too big for them to find a creative solution! Mickey Won Their Hearts And Paved The Way The La Vista Police Department in … Read more
It takes an extraordinary soul to open their home to a dog, knowing that at any moment they’ll have to say goodbye. Hospice fosters live for the experience. Where many of us turn away because the heartbreak is too much, some people open their homes and their hearts to dogs who need love in their last days over and over and over. Two years ago I had the pleasure of making Kay Jones’ acquaintance. Kay came to iHeartDogs’ attention when … Read more
If you’re reading this, then you’re likely a dog lover and you’ve seen just about every rescue around. But what if I told you there’s a rescue unlike any other? A saving grace for the most critical, elderly and least likely to survive. Take a trip just a couple of hours southwest of Walt Disney World and you’ll find the superwoman who is making miracles happen. Sunny St. Petersburg, Florida is home to some of the best beaches in the … Read more
Dogs are very protective over their loved ones, but those loved ones are typically just humans and other dogs. However, Molly the Beagle loves a baby possum! Molly recently had a litter of puppies that died at birth, which was heartbreaking for her. While she was looking for her puppies, she came across a baby possum that had been abandoned by her own mother. Without hesitation, Molly took her in. Molly lives on a farm in Australia, so she’s used … Read more
Brazil has not always been known for kindness to stray animals, but employees at a bus terminal in the city of Curitiba prove that warm-hearted humans can always be found. When a trio of friendly street dogs began hanging around the station, the staff opened their doors – and their hearts – to help protect them from the cold. The three dogs were dubbed Max, Pitoco and Zoinho by their new friends who provide them with food, water, and cozy … Read more
Meadow and Bella are two of many dogs that went missing around the holidays. What sets them apart is the incredible support their respective communities provided in helping to bring them home. The city of Birmingham, Alabama rallied around Atlanta resident, Lauren Johnson when her dog Meadow became lost. Residents of Charleston, SC did the same when a Yellow Lab Mix named Bella was stolen along with her owner’s truck. Their efforts eventually resulted in both dogs being recovered. Sadly, … Read more
Austin Russell’s day took a drastic turn when he came across something splashing in the Grand River. Though he originally planned to just continue along with his bike ride, a bark in the distance changed everything. Austin quickly realized that the splashing in the water that he had chalked up to floating debris was actually a canine that was in dire need of help. As he approached the river, he began to hear a dog barking and the sound of … Read more
Obedience isn’t everything. These dogs might be lazy, some are playful, some are independent, but the one trait they all share for sure? Stubbornness! All these breeds are completely loveable and have other traits that could still make them your perfect compaion… if you don’t mind a training challenge! #1 – Beagle Lovingly independent, the Beagle will find amusement anywhere if left to their own devices. There will be trouble with a indifferent owner who doesn’t appreciate what the Beagle … Read more
It can be difficult to put into words just how much you love your dog. The pure joy they inject into our lives can elevate even the most everyday moments into something worth telling everybody about. Los Angeles based artist Yaoyao Ma Van As tells the story of her and her beloved pooch in incredible illustrations on Instagram. The cute, colorful pictures are guaranteed to give you warm, fuzzy feelings when you see yourself and your favorite companion in the … Read more
If you’re a dog parent that’s lucky enough to have two canine friends in your home, you’ve probably noticed the wonderful bond that two pups can share. Well, this bond was put to the test when an adorable Pittie named Knuckles found herself in a bind that only her furry BFF could rescue her from. Knuckles and Kanawha were enjoying a snow day with their dad, Brian Wagner, when their frolic through a winter wonderland took a turn. As Kanawha, … Read more
Obesity in dogs is a very serious problem, and it’s rates are increasing daily. It’s estimated that roughly half of all dogs in the United States alone are obese – that’s 35 million dogs! Obesity can cause many illnesses such as diabetes and even worsen joint and back problems. Obesity is also one of the most common reasons injuries occur in our dogs. Most importantly, obesity leads to an increase in many diseases, including cancer, and can rob years off … Read more
Walking dogs professionally can be a fun and rewarding job on its own. Still, a dog walking company in Saratoga Springs, upstate New York found a way to make even more fun for themselves and their canine clients daily: amazing pack photographs. Tim Pink and his assistant Erin Prevost typically walk around 50 dogs in a week. They don’t have any breed restrictions, but walking packs are divided by size. These often-photographed afternoon walks are part of Saratoga Dog Walkers‘ … Read more
A rescued puppy named Bethany went viral after photos of her were shared to multiple social media platforms. Within days, Safe Rescue For Dogs was flooded with emails of potential adopters, and admirers of Bethany’s incredible spirit despite her differences. Bethany is an eight-month old Labrador mix that was born with a severe facial disfigurement that causes her face and snout to twist. Though her appearance can be a bit shocking to some, her unique features have no effect on … Read more
The dogs who train to be service dogs at K-9 Country Inn in Ontario take their important roles very seriously. That’s why they collectively made up the most well-behaved theater attendees ever. A photo of their outing to a relaxed performance of Billy Elliot at the Stratford Festival speaks for itself. The K-9 Country Inn service dog training program includes this little trip to the theater to test the dogs’ learned obedience and socializing skills. They also learn to attend to … Read more
A Harvard psychologist recently declared that when dogs dream they are likely reliving their experiences with their humans. Those yips and kicks we see are their reactions to either pleasing us or annoying us in dreamland. For better or worse, our dogs’ entire lives revolve around us. If they do not get enough of our time or that time is marred by unwarranted punishments, it can leave lasting emotional scars. Dog owners usually make one of these 5 mistakes because … Read more
At iHeartDogs.com 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 6 important messages close to our hearts after they have … Read more
In This Issue
● Lumps & Bumps & Spots, Oh My!
● Petition: No More Dogs Out In The Cold
● The Podcast For Dogs
● Review.com’s Best Dog Foods
● Diseases Pets Can Give To People
● How To Socialize A Rescue Dog
The brushfires in Australia have made headlines around the globe but one man’s story is particularly heartwrenching. It’s a story of a man pushed further than any human being deserves, and yet he continues on. When you look up “perseverance” in the dictionary, you’ll see Ash Graham. But this hero needs our help. No Stranger To Overcoming Tragedy Here’s a little background on Ash. He lives in Nerrigundah, New South Wales- one of the areas most devastated by brushfire. Two-thirds … Read more
There is a large body of scientific evidence to support that dogs do indeed love their people. Every dog owner knows this to be true. Puppy love is the real deal, and our dogs prove it to us everyday with these 8 fur ball ways of saying, “I love you.” #1 – Puppy Kisses One of the most obvious ways that our pups show they care is by licking our face, hands, and feet. The American Kennel Club says that dogs lick … Read more
Every night, a smart dog known as ‘Subway Sally’ eagerly waits for her late night snack. She knows that if she sits outside the door of a Portales, New Mexico Subway with puppy dog eyes, she’s guaranteed to get a treat. So, this sweet pup has gotten into the routine of getting fed delicious slices of meat every night. The kind Subway employees can never resist her adorable face. She sure has taught these humans well! Sally first gained popularity … Read more
iHeartDogs works closely with GreaterGood by donating part of each sale to their various charity efforts. One of the charities, Rescue Bank, works to donate quality dog food to shelters and rescues who are in need. Some organizations could not run without the kind donations from organizations like this, and that’s why your donations are so appreciated. The Toledo’s Pet Bull Project received a distressed phone call from a volunteer about an emaciated dog found near the railroad tracks. She appeared to … Read more
Trips to the doctor are no fun. Humans and animals alike often dread their upcoming doctor visits for a number of reasons, but this pup begs to differ. Though trips to the veterinary clinic are essential for a long and happy life for your furry friend, it’s often a source of anxiety for many dogs. With the possibility of receiving vaccines and meeting people they’re unfamiliar with, dogs aren’t often barreling through the veterinary clinic doors with excitement. Unlike other … Read more
I already follow so many dog accounts on Instagram, but that doesn’t mean I’m not constantly ready to follow some more. Hopefully you feel that way too and are prepared for an amazing collection of doggie photography. A puppy kindergarten in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea absolutely mastered the art of photographing dog nap time. The Puppy Spring regularly posts pictures of dogs sleeping soundly, tucked in the cutest little matching beds on Instagram. The pictures are all adorable, but what’s even more … Read more
Sandi the 12-year-old dog had spent over 6 years of her life at the Marion-Grant County Humane Society. 2,461 days, to be exact! She was already used to life at the shelter, but the staff knew she deserved so much more. Her wait finally came to an end when she was adopted by a kind couple. The day she went to her forever home was a celebration complete with a crown and red carpet! Sandi’s Life at the Shelter Sandi … Read more
Laura and Takia’s story is a wonderful example of a woman’s dedication to her furry friend. Though Laura faced many obstacles throughout her journey with Takia, she persevered and gave Takia the life she always deserved. Laura and Takia’s paths crossed when Laura drove past a dog that was chained to a tree in someone’s backyard. Being the dog lover that she is, Laura immediately walked up to the fence to scope out the situation and say hello to a … Read more
Some of the most loving gestures are those that occur when nobody is watching. That’s exactly what happened when a café customer stumbled upon a stray dog in need and had no idea that anyone would see what she did next. It was a cold and rainy day in Zonguldak, Turkey when a café customer finished her coffee and set out to start her day. As she exited the cafe, she noticed a stray dog curled up on the front … Read more
A man in St. Petersburg, FL is pleading for help to find his dog. The young Rottweiler named Mahi was picked up by a Lyft driver in the early hours of November 2nd. Jason Gell is Mahi’s dad and he’s absolutely heartbroken. Luckily, the neighbor’s security cameras were able to offer a little insight into Mahi’s disappearance. Gell says Mahi scratched at the door to go out around 12:30 am. Gell let him out and but then fell asleep on … Read more
Whether checking social media accounts, responding to messages, or watching clips of cute puppies throwing tantrums, we are easily pulled away from our work. They call it cyberslacking and the struggle and impact on productivity is real. But what if we are wrong? What if these mini breaks to take in a slideshow of heartwarming cuteness actually improves productivity? One woman intends to find out. Research Being Conducted on Cute Photos and Productivity Jennifer Ragsdale is a University of … Read more
If you’ve ever had kids and thought the “terrible twos” were fun, get a Husky. They’re not terrible dogs by any means. They’re wonderful, beautiful, incredibly smart bundles of love and fluff! But they’re stubborn. Man, are they S-T-U-B-B-O-R-N! Huskies have no problem telling you their demands. Things are going to go how they want it, when they want it and that’s just the end of it. It’s their unmatched hardheadedness that makes them so much fun! Primal, Playful and … Read more
Samuel Clarence first met a dog named Stanley while volunteering as a dog walker for an animal shelter. Two 6-month-old puppies had been discovered living on an abandoned property with their mother. Clarence was tasked with looking after one of those pups for a couple weeks. Lo and behold, that foster was as they say “a failure” and Stanley became a permanent family member. Clarence adopted Stanley through Christchurch Bull Breed Rescue in New Zealand. He told The Dodo this dog’s love language is definitely physical … Read more
Long-lost siblings reuniting around the world are sure to warm your heart, but imagine the sight of two fur-siblings coming together after a trip around the world. Well, this incredible reunion actually happened with two golden retrievers that happened to cross paths in Seattle Park. Pam Corwin witnessed this incredible moment first-hand when she went for her usually stroll through Seattle Park. Pam heard commotion coming from two dogs across the away, and initially came over to their area out … Read more
The giant dog named Clifford is hitting the big screen in a live-action remake of the beloved TV show. With the beautiful story that Clifford The Big Red Dog portrays, we are counting down the days until this film is finally released. Clifford the Big Red Dog live-action is a heartwarming comedy based on Norman Birdwell’s popular book series. The movie is directed by Walt Becker starring Darby Camp and a realistic depiction of the big red dog named Clifford. This … Read more
The life of one lucky pup was changed with the help of a couple of incredible shelters along with GreaterGood.org’s Rescue Bank. JJ didn’t have the greatest home life. He had gone missing from his yard in early 2019 but his family didn’t even realize he was missing for two days! Luckily he had been taken to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan in the meantime. Once JJ’s family figured out where he was, the Humane Society was able … Read more
In early October, Daisy wandered off from her home on the west side of Indianapolis. Her family was frantic and employed every tactic at their disposal to find her, but Daisy remained missing. Heartbroken and relying on the power of prayer, her family faced the likelihood that they would never see Daisy again. But on Christmas morning, they experienced a “Christmas miracle” when their prayers were answered and Daisy came home. Found on Christmas Eve on the Side of the … Read more
UPDATE: Molly has been missing for over a year and a half now. And unfortunately, Dr. Parker passed away without ever being reunited with his best friend. According to his daughter, Melissa Parker, he never stopped believing Molly would come home, and even continued to call out for Molly until the very end. “At my parents for one night. Noticed the garage door not fully shut. “Your dad leaves it open for Molly to come home at night”. He also … Read more