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Woman Begs Holiday Package Thief To Return Her Beloved Dog’s Ashes

Dog's ashes get stolen

If you order gifts online, there’s a possibility they might not arrive for Christmas. However, there’s also a chance that someone might steal them if they sit on your porch too long. But not all packages have a monetary value. Some are only special to a certain family, making them irreplaceable. A family in Mishawaka, Indiana, expected to receive their dog’s ashes for the holidays. They didn’t think much of it when the package failed to arrive in time, but … Read more

Woman’s Missing Dog Is Found After 5 Years But Shelter Gives Her To Someone Else

Lost dog given away

Katie McCoy thought it was a Christmas miracle when her dog that went missing five years ago finally ended up at an animal shelter. But that miracle quickly turned into a nightmare. Before McCoy had a chance to pick up her pup, someone else came to the shelter and took her. That person claimed that she was their dog, and they even had pictures of her. McCoy has no idea how this confusion occurred, but the shelter is refusing to … Read more

Survey Reveals The Best Holiday Songs, According To Dogs

Dog Christmas Music

The holidays aren’t just for humans. Your four-legged family members want to get in on the fun! While you’re rocking out to your favorite tunes, your dog might have their own requests, according to a recent survey. Guide Dogs UK recently created a poll to help determine the best Christmas songs based on dog reactions. As it turns out, dogs’ holiday music choices aren’t all that different from what humans might pick. Maybe your dog will get excited if they … Read more

Rescuers Help 16-Year-Old Chihuahua Out Of A “Sticky Situation”

A senior dog from Kentucky got herself into a bit of a sticky situation on December 16th, 2021 when she crawled into an open vent without an exit strategy. Prestonburg Dispatch received a call asking for help freeing 16-year-old Tinker Bell from the air vent. The Prestonburg Fire Department posted about the rescue on their Facebook page, sharing photos of little Tinker Bell prior to her extraction. All you can see is the Chihuahua’s tiny head poking out. Members of … Read more

Neglected Deaf Dog And Best Friend Get Adopted Together After 2 Long Years

Bonded Salukis get adopted

Just before Christmas in 2019, the RSPCA rescued four dogs from a small shed. Rescuers believe the dogs were used for hunting, but received minimal human contact other than that. Two of the dogs, Eve and Dasher, were Salukis. The other two dogs were named Angel and Tinsel. Angel and Tinsel found their forever homes right away while Eve and Dasher were left behind. The two are a bonded pair, and Eve is deaf. So, not everyone was willing to … Read more

UPS Driver Makes Time Amid Holiday Deliveries To Find A Lost Dog

As you can imagine, the holiday season is a very busy time for delivery drivers. One UPS employee in Tennessee still had his priorities in order though, tacking a search and rescue mission onto his already busy schedule. When driver Darrell Slack drove up to Paula Odom’s home in Turtletown, he found her distraught over her Jack Russell Terrier Pete’s disappearance. Because their home is surrounded by the 500-plus acre Cherokee National Forest, Odom began to fret the worst. She told … Read more

Family Fulfills Fallen Soldier’s Final Wish Of Bringing Dog Home From Afghanistan

Private Conrad Lewis served in the 4th Battalion of the British Parachute Regiment. His duty brought him to Afghanistan, where, amidst the war and strife, he found a companion in a dog named Pegasus (Peg for short.) On February 9th, 2011, 20-year-old Private Lewis was killed by a Taliban sniper while on foot patrol. As his family grieved this devastating loss, they thought about Peg and how Conrad would have felt about her being left behind. The story of Peg, … Read more

Frustrated Parents Scold Dog For Breaking Into Nursery…Until They Check The Baby

Henry the 8-year-old Boston Terrier is “not a fan of children,” but that doesn’t stop him from watching over his human siblings. Recently, the dog’s vigilance paid off when he alerted his parents to a terrifying medical emergency with their 9-month-old daughter. The baby had been sick, but Kelly Andrew and her husband had no idea how serious her condition was until Henry started misbehaving one night. Despite their admonishments, Henry kept forcing his way into the baby’s nursery. Finally, … Read more

Lost Beagle Traveled 1,000 Miles Before Coming Home For The Holidays

Beagle travels 1,000 miles

Kaylee Donnelly and Matt Hedrick were devastated when their Beagle named Cooter disappeared. They were relaxing at their Arkansas home when all of a sudden, their dog was no longer near them. They called for the pup, but he didn’t come back. For two months, the family looked everywhere and asked everyone, but no one had seen Cooter. They began to fear the worst until they got an unusual call. As it turns out, Cooter traveled 1,000 miles in those … Read more

Desperate Dad Refuses To Return Home Until Beloved Family Dog Is Found

It has been exactly 90 days since Derek and Alex Kirchner last saw their beloved dog, Marley. The Atlanta couple was vacationing with family on South Carolina’s Hilton Head Island when tragedy struck. As arriving family members carried in their luggage on September 6, the front door was left open. A child also opened the baby gate confining Marley and the Kirchners’ other dog, Ryelee. Marley, terrified of strangers, bolted out into the night. The well-meaning family chased after her, … Read more

These 25 Funny Posts About Cats & Dogs Have Us Feeling Thankful

It’s time to count our blessings this Thanksgiving, and when writing out the list of special joys you’re thankful for, don’t forget to put your cats and dogs at the top of the list. Oh, who are we kidding! We know the puppers and kitties are the first entries on all our lists! As our best friends, our furry ones fill our lives with light and happiness. They’re there for us in the darkest times and the brightest. Whether it’s … Read more

The Ultimate 2021 iHeartDogs Holiday Gift Guide

The days are getting shorter, and the evenings hold a chill. That means Christmas can’t be far away! Have you started shopping yet? Whether you’re already halfway through your list or maybe you’re looking for great ideas, we’ve got you covered when it comes to gifts for dog lovers and their dogs with the 2021 Holiday Gift Guide! Check out this ultimate list of gift ideas that are perfect for family, friends and coworkers. And, don’t forget to put your … Read more

Rescue Saves Massive Group Of Dogs From Horrific Puppy Farm

Dogs saved from puppy farm

After seven months of investigations, animal advocates have saved the lives of hundreds of dogs. They discovered an unlicensed breeder in Carmarthenshire, Wales, who kept the breeding dogs in horrific conditions. Many of the dogs had to be rushed to emergency medical care, but now, they’ve made their way to loving foster homes. Puppy farms, also known as puppy mills, aren’t rare by any means. Many inhumane breeders breed dogs excessively to prepare for the Christmas puppy demand. Hope Rescue … Read more

Woman Scammed By Breeder Believes Her Puppy’s Fur Was Dyed Brown

Puppy fur dyed scam

A woman was ecstatic when her family surprised her with an adorable puppy named Porter for her birthday. The pup was said to be a red-brown male Maltipoo with all the necessary vaccinations. However, the woman quickly realized that something wasn’t right. After the puppy arrived home, the breeder stopped responding to texts and calls. Then, Porter’s mom soon realized that the breeder had spread many lies about the puppy. The most shocking was that the puppy was actually a … Read more

12 Incredible Hero Dogs That Saved Human Lives

A commonly uttered phrase among dog lovers is that we “don’t deserve them.” This comes from the fact that dogs often give their all to protect or help their people, even when that means putting their own lives in danger. Every day, dogs save humans’ lives. This collection of stories, from dogs who protect their soldiers at war to pets who warn their parents about house fires, represents all the amazing ways dogs can save people. 1 – Peanut Saved … Read more

This Boy Reuniting With His Lost Pug Will Make You Sob Too

As evidence supports, dogs can really help heal emotional wounds. Studies have shown that petting a dog can reduce anxiety, and caring for one can help ease depression symptoms. Not to mention of course, the unconditional love dogs provide. In 2017, a boy named Carter received Piper the Pug as a special 12th birthday gift. Carter’s younger brother had passed away from cancer at only 21 months old the year before, so you can imagine how much Piper meant to … Read more

Family Begs For Rescue Dog’s Return After Fatal Tesla Crash

Dog lost after fatal Tesla crash

Dogs can sometimes sense things that humans can’t, but can they predict the future too? It doesn’t seem likely until you hear Milo’s story. The Bluetick Hound-Shepherd mix began acting unusual a month before a horrible incident occurred. He kept pacing in circles around his mom, Jenna Monet. Milo didn’t want to look at anyone but Jenna. Then, Jenna ended up dying in a Tesla crash shortly after, causing Milo to flee the scene in a panic. Derrick Monet is … Read more

The Heartbreaking Reality Of Working In The Veterinary Field

vet med reality

If you have the privilege of being a pet parent, you probably have a team of veterinary professionals in your corner. You are likely greeted with a smiling face each time you step into your local clinic, making it impossible to be aware of the heartbreaking reality of working in this field. We are often plagued with the misconception that our jobs are filled with puppies and kittens each day, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve recently … Read more

Puppy Smuggling Ring Sentenced To 18 Years After Poorly Treated Animals Die

Between all the various pet-finding websites and social media platforms, there are a lot of ads for puppies online. However, it’s also become a lot easier for con artists and animal abusers to scam potential adopters. When people respond to certain ads for puppies, they may not realize who they’re really buying the dog from. Many of these puppies sold are kept in horrible, unsanitary conditions, which means a family’s new puppy may arrive with an illness or other undisclosed … Read more

Two Families Try To Claim The Same Missing Dog

Two families claim same dogs

New York police officers found a small, scruffy dog named Lili, who seemed lost. By scanning her microchip, they were quickly able to contact Lili’s dad, who hadn’t seen her in years. But then, a woman arrived to report her missing dog. As soon as she saw Lili, the woman recognized her. So, Lili had two families claiming she belonged to them, leaving officials very confused. As it turns out, Lili’s story is much more complicated than meets the eye. … Read more

5 Things To Look For When Purchasing A Custom Pet Portrait

Custom pet portraits have become all the rage recently and for good reason. They allow us to create a lasting memory of our fur babies and they also make for perfect birthday and Christmas gifts. But with so many pet portrait artists out there, how do you know which one to choose? We’ve done some digging to help you identify the top five things to look for when choosing the perfect portrait for your fur baby. What To Look For … Read more

Dummy Helps Comfort Senior Rescue Dogs At This One-Of-A-Kind Sanctuary

If you are a senior dog lover and are yet to follow Vintage Pet Rescue on social media, you need to get on that ASAP! Not only do they specialize in rescuing and rehoming elderly and disabled dogs, they also share some of the most heartwarming and hilarious content you will ever see. Take, for example, Farc. The name Farc is a blend of Marc—one of the founders of Vintage Pet Rescue—and the word “fake.” Why? Because Farc is a … Read more

Stranger Drives 650 Miles To Surprise 4-Year-Old Twins With A Puppy

Puppy from Balloon Wishlist

Kids have been sending letters to Santa for ages, but usually, it’s just for the fun of it. Parents know that these letters won’t really make it to the North Pole. Yet, there’s still some magic in writing wishlists and sending them off to Santa. But somehow, 4-year-old twins Luna and Gianella Gonzalez found a Christmas miracle after the holiday season. A stranger across the country found their list and decided to become Santa. He worked with other Good Samaritans … Read more

Retired Sheriff And His Record-Breaking K9 Die On Same Day

When you think of police dogs, you might imagine large, strong dogs like a German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois. An 8-pound runt of the litter is probably the opposite of what you’d expect. But Midge the Chihuahua/Rat Terrier mix holds the Guinness World Record for being the smallest police K9 ever, and she was proud of it. Even though she didn’t look like a police dog, she always took her job very seriously. But sadly, all journeys have to come … Read more

Dog Five Minutes From Euthanasia Hugs His Determined Rescuers

Dog saved from euthanasia

Many Southern states are overcrowded with dogs due to not enough spaying and neutering. And sadly, that causes many shelters to euthanize dogs, thinking it’s the only solution. But it isn’t these poor dogs’ faults that humans aren’t responsible! So, they don’t deserve to keep dying in this cruel way. A dog named Robin was only five minutes away from euthanasia when he was rescued. And when he realized he was safe, he had the most adorable reaction! He hugged … Read more

Science Says You Should Stop Buying Gifts For Humans And Shop For Your Dog Instead

Quick question: do you love spoiling your dog? C’mon. We all know the answer here is a resounding “DUH!” Even if they can’t say thank you, and sometimes they don’t get as excited as we hoped over a new toy or treat, it fills our hearts with joy like nothing else to give our dogs a simple gift. It isn’t just you who feels this way, either. Science has once again come through to back up the warm-fuzzy feelings our … Read more

Texas Dad-Dog & His Two Furry Sons Reunite By Chance In NYC

While shelters in many southern states remain overcrowded, some adopters in the Northeast have had trouble finding the perfect pooch amid the pandemic. Adoption numbers are way up, leading many southern rescues—like Dr. Dolittle’s Rescue Ranch in Texas—to send their pups to families as far north as New Hampshire. Three New York City families recently discovered they not only adopted from the same rescue, but their pups happen to be blood relatives! Marvin and Leo Sniff Each Other Out Mattie … Read more

21 Adorable Dogs Who Are Bursting With Excitement

Excited dog

Dogs can’t tell us they’re excited, so instead, they have to show us. And a dog’s gestures of excitement are grand, silly, and adorable. Whether it’s running, bouncing, or letting their tongue hang out, it’s easy to tell when a dog is bursting with excitement. A dog’s happiness might seem overdramatic, but that’s okay! It’s good that most dogs are so positive and upbeat all the time. So, let’s take a moment and appreciate all the excited dogs in this … Read more

10 Common Flowers Poisonous To Dogs And How To Spot Them

dog-sniffing-tulip-flowers

Having fresh flowers in your home or garden can really brighten your day. However, if your dog gets his chompers on certain pretty plants, it can make him really sick. These flowers in particular can be poisonous to your dog if eaten. Most plants are not overly harmful to dogs when consumed in small quantities. In large quantities though, consuming certain flowers can be fatal. If you know or suspect your dog has consumed one of these potentially toxic flowers, … Read more

Heroic Barking Dog Leads Passing Biker To Abandoned Newborn

The “Lassie” story of a dog saving someone by alerting another person sounds sensational, but this really does happen. Dogs can sense when someone is injured, either through smell, sound, or human facial cues. They also know that barking gets people’s attention. In Sibonga, southern Cebu, an intuitive dog saved the life of an abandoned baby by seeking out help. Around 11 a.m. on Christmas Eve, 2020, Junrell Fuentes Revilla was driving his motorcycle near a dumpsite when the dog … Read more

“I Thought I Wanted To Die But My Dog Saved Me” Tiny Terrier Saves Life Of Woman Consumed By Darkness

My love for dogs began the moment I was born. My parents brought me home and introduced me to our Chow and Keeshond, Buddha and Kaysha. There hasn’t been a day in my life that I have been without a dog waiting for me at home. This love for dogs and witnessing their unconditional love and devotion has fueled my passion, which is exactly why I love writing for iHeartDogs. One Dog Changed The Course Of My Life I have … Read more

Abandoned Dog Sleeps On Human’s Jacket, Waiting For Their Return

Abandoned Dog with Jacket

Dogs are so loyal and devoted that many families don’t deserve them. A sweet dog named Honey was abandoned by her humans and left on the side of the road. She had nothing but her human’s jacket with her, so she curled up on it, praying they’d return. The scared dog waited on that familiar jacket for as long as she could, but cars just kept passing. Little did Honey know, she also suffered from severe medical conditions during her … Read more

DoorDash Driver Steals Innocent Puppy While Delivering Food

DoorDash puppy thief

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began, delivery has become a common method for shopping. Nowadays, you can get just about anything online, and we trust delivery drivers to safely bring our purchases to us. But on rare occasions, these deliveries do not meet our expectations. And for dog mom Ashley Swinton, a delivery driver not only brought her food, but also chose to steal something in return. A DoorDash driver was caught on camera stealing Swinton’s puppy. The driver dropped … Read more

Couple Donates $10,000 Of Lottery Winnings To Local Shelter

Have you ever had that fantasy, the one where you’ve won the lottery and all you have to do is decide how to spend it? For most of us that’s all it is: a fantasy. But recently, one Virginia couple really did get that rare opportunity. Their $1 million lottery ticket was a winner and the lucky recipients decided they wanted to spend a large chunk of their winnings on homeless animals. They donated $10,000 to the Montgomery County Animal … Read more

California K9s Discover Illegal Drugs And Money During The Holidays

K9 Finds Drug Money

December is supposed to be a time to spread holiday cheer and visit with loved ones. But many dedicated employees continue to work hard, even on the jolliest days of the year. Some of those hardworking individuals are our brave K9 officers. This holiday season, many police K9s fought crime, uncovering illegal drugs and over a million dollars in drug money. Officers never would’ve been able to discover these crimes without the pups’ amazing sense of smell. So, thank you … Read more

Pit Bull Stolen During Home Invasion Comes Home 8 Years Later

Junior Forever Home

In 2012, a horrific home invasion caused a family to lose their beloved Pit Bull named Junior. At the time, he was still very young, but the family already had a close bond with him. Julia Nemeth searched long and hard in hopes of bringing her beloved dog home, but she seemed out of luck. Eight years went by with no Junior sightings. Of course, Nemeth feared the worst, but she also tried her best to keep searching. Not a … Read more

Lost Spaniel Found At Scrapyard Just In Time For The Holidays

Sprocker Spaniel found

The holidays are stressful enough without having to search for a lost dog. But Christmas is about family, and dogs are such important family members in our homes. Thus, when a family in England lost their Sprocker Spaniel (Cocker Spaniel and English Springer Spaniel mix) named Bear, they wouldn’t rest until he was found. To help bring Bear home, they created a Facebook group with thousands of helpful followers. It took nine days of endless searching, but eventually Bear was … Read more

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #54

In This Issue

● Why Is My Dog Limping?
● Making An Estate Plan For Your Pup
● 2020 Pet Of The Year
● Expectations For Your New Dog
● Less Scary Vet Visits
● Christmas Tree Hazards

UK Shelter Dogs Write Letters To Santa Begging For Forever Homes

Shelter Dogs Letters to Santa

Every December, dogs all over the world sit at shelters, wishing they had a home for Christmas. These dogs have often been overlooked for months, and sometimes even years. Shelters and rescues try their best to make Christmas as special as possible for the dogs in their care, but it’s never the same as having a forever family. This year, dogs all over the United Kingdom are speaking up. They wrote letters to Santa, asking him for a forever home. … Read more

Elusive Stray Finally Captured After 2 Years Roaming Streets

Even if they genuinely love people, capturing a lost or stray dog can be very challenging. Fear responses program dogs to run and to protect themselves first and foremost. A whole host of confusing smells can distract them too. It takes a combination of dedication and luck to get the dog to approach you enough to apprehend them. Fortunately, Regina Quinn, owner of Blue Angels Pitbull Rescue, is very dedicated. She had to be in order to capture Lucy, a 3 … Read more

Woman Dyes Her Dog Grinch Green In Ill-Advised “Prank”

Though a relatively new one, the “Elf on a Shelf” tradition is part of many families’ holidays. The original story came from a 2005 children’s book, and it describes how Santa will dispatch “scout elves” to spy on children before Christmas. The elves supposedly report back to Santa all the naughty and nice things they saw. Apparently, they also do some silly pranks around the house, definitively proving they are real. In a recent controversy, one parent may have taken … Read more

Bonded Shelter Pit Bulls Have Sleepover With Matching Pajamas!

Shelter Pit Bull Sleepover
All Niles and Frasier want for Christmas this year is a forever home. The 5-year-old Pit Bulls quickly bonded at the City Dogs Cleveland animal shelter, so they'd like to stay together when adopted. The shelter knows two 50-pound dogs is a lot for a new family to take on, but they're confident that these sweet boys will find their perfect place soon. To help promote these adoptable pups, the shelter staff decided to give them a special night. They ... Read more

Shelter Tradition Places Dogs In Temporary Homes For The Holidays

Thousands of dogs have to spend the holidays at a shelter each year. But they all deserve a warm, loving home more than anything. That’s why Jacksonville shelters started a special program in 2012 that helps adoptable dogs find a home for the holidays. It’s called “Silent Night.” To participate in Silent Night, Florida families can choose to foster a dog for the holiday season. This gives the dogs a comfortable place to stay and it might even land them … Read more

Abused Puppy Finds A Home With The Officer Who Saved Him

Officer adopts abused dog

Two dogs named Hemi and Foreign suffered a traumatic past. Officers found them in critical condition in someone’s yard. Both were very thin and struggled to walk despite being only around 6 months old. Foreign couldn’t put pressure on her back leg while Hemi’s back leg was so swollen and bruised that an officer had to carry him. Neither pup seemed to know what true love was like, but thankfully, their kind rescuers are ready to show them. Not long … Read more

A Missing Dog Made It All The Way From Texas To Oklahoma

I’ve said it before, but I’ll gladly say it again for those who don’t know: microchipping pets can save lives! Every day a dog brought in as a stray is revealed to be someone’s lost pet thanks to chip scanning. You’d be surprised how far a dog can wander from home before a microchip scan helps them get back too. One wanderlusty pup found on the streets this month serves as a perfect example. Susan Ray rescued one of her dogs, … Read more

Shelter Dogs Learn Ballet To Find Forever Families

dog dancers featured

Rescue dogs will often do anything they can to find their perfect family. That’s why the dogs at Stray Rescue of St. Louis have turned to the professionals for help. Yet, instead of turning to dog trainers or groomers like most rescues, this group sought help from ballet dancers. After all, what’s more appealing than a dog who knows how to dance? Dancers with the St. Louis Ballet teamed up with the rescue for the third year in a row. … Read more

The Healthy Hound Newsletter #53

In This Issue

● Aflatoxins In Dog Food
● Why Is My Dog Always Hungry?
● Only REAL Service Dogs To Fly Free
● Holiday Dog Crimes & Culprits
● Canine Liver Disease
● Indoor Dog Parkour

Almost 1 Year Later, A Lost Pittie Is Home For The Holidays

Frustratingly, an open door can be the enemy of a dog parent. Many dogs go missing after bolting outside unsupervised and losing their way. This nightmare came true for Chicago resident Kelly Shade last December. A visitor left a door open, and Gracie the Pit Bull escaped into the street. For Shade, the next 11 months were torture. She missed her girl and worried about her out on the street. Now, as the best early Christmas gift ever, she finally … Read more

Man Adopts Longest Resident At Animal Shelter After Losing His Mom

Tonka the Pit Bull

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a lot of loss and heartbreak to people around the world. In the spring of 2020, Wilfredo Vega from South Daytona, Florida faced his worst nightmare. His mom passed away amid the pandemic at 81 years old. Her oxygen level worsened after she was admitted to the hospital and she had a difficult time holding a conversation. When she passed away, Vega didn’t know how to handle his grief. Even months later, he still wasn’t … Read more

Woman Brings Dog To Office For Months, Thinking It’s A Doggy Daycare

Beagle at Work

We all make mistakes, but some are certainly more severe than others. For months, one busy dog mom continuously made an embarrassing mistake that she’ll never forget. Somehow, she mixed up an accountant’s office with the doggy daycare across the street. While most would figure out the truth after one visit, this confusion went on far too long. Luckily, everyone involved was kind and amused by the situation, and it’s now something they can laugh about. Sometimes, mistakes end up … Read more

Homeless Dog Who Befriended Soldiers Needs Help Getting Home For The Holidays

Have you heard of Nowzad? If not, you’ll definitely want to keep reading. Actually, you’ll want to keep reading either way because there’s a dog that needs your help! Nowzad all started because of the love of one dog in the streets of Afghanistan. The Royal Marines were stationed in Now Zad, Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2006. While the Royal Marines were there to provide help to the locals, they quickly realized that it was more than humans that needed … Read more