Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:

Learn More

13 Couple’s Costumes You Can Wear With Your Dog

Looking for some last-minute couple’s costumes to coordinate with your S.O. (aka, slobbery other)? Ranging from adorable to delectable, here are 13 stellar disguises to inspire you with Halloween spirit for celebrating the holiday with your hound. (Note: no chocolate or candy corn for Fido, please.) 1. The two of you can be twins, like these matching skeletons who prove that we’re all the same on the inside: bones, organs, and unending love for each other. (Awww.) https://instagram.com/p/9UY8R9jWS-/ 2. Or you can stand out in a … Read more

5 Dog Dental Hygiene Myths Debunked

Did you know that by 3 years of age, most dogs have some evidence of periodontal disease? (www.avdc.org) Dental disease in dogs is serious and can cause death if an infection spreads to the brain. In honor of National Pet Wellness Month (October), Mario Bardouille, a dog groomer and trainer who provides expertise on behalf of Petsmile, makers of Supersmile, shared with us the 6 most common myths about pets and their pearly whites that should be debunked once and for all. Myth … Read more

How To Keep Your Dog In Shape During Cold Weather

With fall gearing up and winter right on its heels, it’s time for the dreaded “how do I keep my dog from getting fat if the weather gets bad and we can’t go out?” ponderings. For some, they also have to worry about pent-up energy that may be released in other ways, say chewing the couch for example or becoming one of those obsessive dogs that chases his tail constantly. Never fear! There are some amazing ways you can help … Read more

15 Best Breeds For City People

Living in the city doesn’t mean you can’t have a dog. In fact, the urban pup population has been growing steadily for years. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Laws, housing rules, noise (barking), work hours, and small spaces are just some of the things people have to consider before having a dog in the city. Then there’s the dog itself. While every dog has his own personality, some breeds cope better in big cities than others. If you are … Read more

10 Dog Breeds With Selective Hearing

Every single dog on this Earth can be trained – no exceptions! That being said, there are certain dogs that are harder to train than others and, as a result, are often labeled as “stubborn.” As a dog trainer, I don’t actually like this word. Why? Because usually the dog is not stubborn, it’s just you as his owner/trainer haven’t figured out what motivates him yet or you haven’t learned how to communicate to him what you want. Many dogs … Read more

Saved From Neglect, Sweet Dog Just Wants To Be Loved

Heidi Hardman, VP of A Forever Home Animal Rescue, a no-kill organization with 15 years experience rescuing, fostering and adopting out animals, went to the shelter last week to save a few lives. In her words: “I came upon Dex. I almost didn’t see him. There he was, this tiny black ball, all curled up on a filthy, wet concrete floor right against the gate door. I could smell Dex from three kennels away. He reeked of yeast infection, urine … Read more

Safety Tips To Keep Your Dog Calm, Happy & Healthy This Halloween

It’s October (already?!) and the stores, as well as our homes, are already full of Halloween décor and treats. While all of these things are fun, they can be dangerous for the four-legged members of your family. Not only can they make your dog sick, but you could end up with a very large vet bill. Costumes We all know it’s fun to dress up our fur kids for Halloween – some of the costumes out there are just priceless! … Read more

10 Must Have Products To Survive The Rain With Your Dog

The rain is coming! And while we know it’s good – especially for fire or drought-stricken areas, it can still be hard to cope with when you are a dog owner. Why? Because you know you are facing rainy walks, muddy paws and that dreaded wet dog smell. Never fear, we have handpicked some of the best products out there to help you stay out of the rain this season. #1 – Jelly Wellies Aside from the adorable name that … Read more

5 Safety Items Every Dog Owner Should Own

With dog ownership comes great responsibility, as we need to ensure our pet’s safety and happiness. Further, we need to make sure they’re good canine citizens that don’t cause trouble for our neighbors and family. People often wonder what items are necessary when owning a dog and there are hundreds of thousands of various dog-related items on the market. But which are really necessary? #1 – Identification There are many different types of identification available for your dog, so there … Read more

9 Small Breeds That Make Great Watchdogs

Watchdogs are dogs that alert their owners to strangers approaching or any unusual activity in or around their homes. They are different from guard dogs because guard dogs are bred and trained to actually fight intruders, whereas watchdogs simply let you know there is an intruder. Although watchdogs can be good guard dogs and vice versa, they are not one in the same. One of the many reasons people enjoy having dogs around is for a little extra protection; after … Read more

Ask A Vet: 5 Reasons Why I Avoid Rawhide Bones For My Dogs

Chewing is a great thing for dogs. Chew toys can exercise the mouth, help keep the teeth healthy and entertain a dog or puppy for a long time. They can save your personal property, home and furniture a lot of unwanted gnawing, too, if you have a dog that you can’t keep an eye on 24/7. But I choose not give my own dogs rawhide chew toys and here are 5 reasons why:   1. The knots can be a … Read more

12 Awesome Things You Can Do For Your Local Shelter

Looking for something special you can do for your local shelter? The amazing team at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary gave us the inside scoop on things that really help a shelter out, which you may have never even thought of before. #1 – Bring in food/snacks for staff/volunteers on busy days #2 – Decorate lobbies and common areas for holidays #3 – Make videos of adoptable animals #4 – Donate your professional time in areas such as marketing, public relations, graphic design, photography, … Read more

10 Simple Ways To Keep Your House From Smelling Like A Kennel

Do you sometimes feel like you are living inside a kennel? Have your friends stopped coming over or ask if they can sit outside when they visit, even if it’s raining? Having dogs does not mean you need to live with their smells! Here are 10 simple ways to keep your house from smelling like a kennel. #1 – Get an odor-resistant bed One of the places smells lurk is in your dog’s bed. Buying a bed that has anti-microbial properties … Read more

6 Ways You Could Be Causing Your Dog’s Bad Behavior

When something goes wrong, it’s easy to blame the dog – after all, he can’t speak to defend himself! However, many times we humans inadvertently cause the very things we are trying to stop our dogs from doing. If you’ve made some of the mistakes listed below, don’t worry–we all have! The good news is that you can make some changes, but first, you have to be informed! Here are some ways you may be accidentally encouraging your dog’s most annoying habits: #1 … Read more

Teaching Your Dog To Swim: Cute Video Of A Dog’s First Time

Summer is upon us, which means time for fun in the sun and water. Whether you live near the sea, a lake, river, stream or your own swimming pool, chances are your dog will come in contact with water this season. But, did you know dogs are not natural swimmers? “Most dogs do not just jump in and start ‘doggy paddling’ with ease,” says Jennifer Fish Office Manager and swim coach at Dogs Gone Swimming in Portland, Oregon. My husband … Read more

10 Ways to Craft For Your Local Shelter On July 21st

Erika Lindquist is the owner of the “Sew Doggy Style” blog and the founder of National Craft For Your Local Shelters Day, celebrated on July 21st this year. Inspired by her rescue dog Sebastian, she started the holiday in 2012. “I wanted to come up with a way for people to give/donate to their local shelters that would be fun and affordable,” says Lindquist. “If someone is unable to help their shelter financially, they can help by making simple, yet … Read more

5 Reasons Your Dog May Be Barking

Many dog owners find themselves living with a dog that barks more than they ever thought would happen. In fact, nuisance barking is probably one of the main concerns owners have when it comes to their dogs. Aside from being difficult to live with, it can also cause problems with neighbors. While some breeds are more predisposed to barking than others, all dogs can bark excessively. Curbing the behavior means determining the cause of the barking and there are many … Read more

12 Time-Saving Hacks For Dog Owners

Our time is valuable and all of us wish we could spend more of it with our four-legged best friends. When you do, do you spend all your time doing chores? Things like cleaning, grooming, feeding, etc., can take up so much time that you don’t get to spend quality time with your dog. These 12 time-saving hacks will give you enough time at the end of the day to play a game of fetch or snuggle during your favorite show. … Read more

8 Reasons Your Dog May Be Limping

Limping, or the inability to bear weight on a limb, is a fairly common problem in dogs. Although limping is typically always the result of some type of pain and it can happen in any leg or multiple legs at one time, depending on the cause of the pain. Here we’ll go over some reasons you may find your dog or puppy limping. #1 – Torn Pad Torn paw pads are one of the most common reasons dogs may be … Read more

Ask A Dog Trainer: Why Does My Puppy Bite And How Do I Stop It?

Dog Bite Prevention week is coming up, which means it’s a great time to think about biting dogs and how to get them to stop. A puppy may start out with small bites or what seems like play, but if you let him keep doing it, eventually those bites will become serious and you will be faced with a decision no dog owner ever wants to have to make. Luckily, it is fairly easy to get a puppy to learn … Read more

15 Dog Breeds That Absolutely Love The Water

While many dogs enjoy playing in the water, some just can’t get themselves out of the pool. Certain breeds were bred to work in water and their history shows, because they just seriously love swimming. If you’re looking for a swimming partner or a pup that enjoys staying cool in the warm weather, check out these breeds! #1 – Labrador Retriever The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds for family companionship but they were originally bred … Read more

1 Amazing Toy With 15 Ways To Play – Your Dog Will Never Be Bored Again.

You have probably seen this toy at your local pet store it’s been around for years. But what make the hollee roller so amazingly awesome is its versatility! It’s not just a rubber ball with lots of holes – using a bit of creativity and imagination it just might be the only toy you need to keep your dog occupied for hours! Here are 15 ways your dog can play with this amazing toy. (not craft-minded? Don’t worry, many of … Read more

5 Ways To Build Confidence In Shy Dogs

While many dogs seem to be oblivious to anything dangerous outside in the world, others are more nervous in nature and need a little confidence building to ensure them that nothing bad is going to happen. These dogs may have lacked proper socialization as young puppies, but more often than not it’s just their genetics. Just as some people are shy and insecure, some dogs and puppies are too. So if you’re struggling with a shy pup that’s reluctant to … Read more

Tips To Dog Proof Your Home For A New Dog

Most new parents baby proof their home before an infant can move around on their own, but think nothing of letting a puppy explore unattended. There are as many hazards to dogs in the home as there are for babies. How could an owner keep their four legged companions safe? By going room to room and removing potentially dangerous items. Cleaning Supplies Most people appreciate the easy access of keeping cleaning supplies under the kitchen sink. Dogs appreciate nudging those … Read more

11 Things To Consider Before Bringing Home A Second Dog

It can be easy to think you need a second dog – you see other people with multiple dogs, you see all those adorable rescues that need homes – but that doesn’t mean you are ready for a second dog. There are many things you should think about before you bring home another canine family member. #1 – Do you have the time? A second dog means more time bathing, grooming, walking, playing, training, etc. If your current dog barely gets … Read more

15 Adorable Gifts For Your Dog’s Easter Basket

Easter is early this year, so don’t delay in picking out these fun and festive toys, treats and accessories for your dog. After all, what dog doesn’t want a basket of goodies on Easter morning? For added fun, hide it and let them sniff it out. Cute Tip: instead of using fake grass in your dog’s basket (unsafe!), use real wheat “cat” grass clippings. It smells good and it’s okay if your dog eats some of it. #1 –Toys “R”Us … Read more

BREAKING NEWS: ASPCA Assists in Seizing More Than 130 Dogs from Alabama Puppy Mill

March 4, 2015 – Choctaw, Ala.—At the request of the Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office, the ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is assisting in the removal, transport, sheltering and medical treatment of more than 130 dogs from a large, substandard breeding facility—frequently referred to as a puppy mill—in Needham, Ala. The dogs were found to be living in their own filth, many with severe health issues.   Upon arriving at the facility, ASPCA responders discovered the … Read more

Ask A Vet: Why Does My Dog Bury His Stuff?

Has your dog ever hidden a treat or bone? Have you ever wondered why? The answer lies in who your dog is and where he comes from. My staff members and I frequently give treats to the pets boarding or dropped off for treatment (We are not above bribery!) I would estimate that maybe 1 in 10 will then proceed to bury the treats in his or her bedding. It is really quite cute and endearing. I can think of … Read more

New Study: Dogs Absolutely Know If You Are Trustworthy

Most of us think of our dogs as one of the most trusting animals we come in contact with. While the cat stares at you from across the room – clearly sizing up whether your existence is acceptable – the dogs comes running to you for pets, kisses or just to be near you. However, the results of a study published in Animal Cognition, a scientific journal, suggest that not only are dogs skilled at interpreting human body language (pointing), … Read more

ASPCA Rescues Nearly 100 Dogs from Another Animal Rescue

On February 24th, At the request of the Stone County Sheriff’s Department, the ASPCA®(American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) removed nearly 100 dogs from Innocent Hearts Animal Rescue, a self-described no-kill dog rescue in Mountain View, Ark. Following the Stone County Sheriff’s investigation into neglect at the facility, Innocent Hearts Animal Rescue acknowledged they lacked sufficient resources to continue to care for the dogs, and voluntarily surrendered them to the ASPCA. The rescue group has decided to dissolve … Read more

12 Things You Didn’t Know About Pit Bulls

Even though this breed gets more press than almost any other, you may be surprised at how little you know about it. For example, do you know where the breed was developed originally or whether or not it belongs to a group of dog breeds called “Molossers”? Find out the answers to both of these questions and more below! #1 –  Not an AKC Recognized Breed There is no “Pit Bull” breed in the AKC register. They do have the … Read more