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Charity Flies Soldier’s “Battle Buddies” To The USA

You may have read other posts about how our partnership with Greater Good helps pair disabled veterans with service dogs. But that’s not the only way we help soldiers and dogs! Bruder and Fratello are two mixed breed puppies who were lucky enough to meet a very special serviceman while he was stationed in Lebanon. Thanks to our customers, Greater Good and Puppy Rescue Mission, these pups and their brave soldier are together in the USA! The pair were the … Read more

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

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

Loyal Dog Found Guarding His Dead Owner Was Going To Be Put Down — Until Someone Stepped In

William still isn’t over what he’s been through. Just a day after being rescued from a Los Angeles shelter, he’s still glaring and growling at every hand that gets too close.   But can you blame this little dog? He was found still guarding his owner who had passed away. William may have been keeping that heartbreaking vigil for a week. When he was finally discovered and taken to the shelter, things managed to get even darker. Staff there deemed … Read more

Biker With A Heart Of Gold Adopts 18-Year-Old Shelter Dog

Julep’s story is all too common. The senior Pit Bull-type dog found herself in the care of Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) in Washington D.C. at the end of February when her elderly owner passed away. What set Julep apart – and made rescue workers frightened for her future – was the fact that the white-faced gal is 18-years-old, the eldest dog to enter the HRA shelter in recent memory. The staff were understandably concerned that no one would be willing … Read more

Urgent Shelter Dog Is Rescued & Reborn Thanks To His Foster Mom

Nicole Pitts was already a seasoned foster mom when she met Eric the dog through LifeLine Animal Project’s Fulton County Animal Services shelter. Eric had been in the shelter for 3 months and was not adjusting well. He was nervous and shy, easily overlooked by adopters, and bullied by the other dogs in his pen. Eric was given his own kennel, but with more than 300 pets in a shelter designed to hold 100, his time was quickly growing short. “I … Read more

Child’s Act Of Kindness Inspires Others To Pay It Forward For Shelter Dogs

Most 4-year-olds look forward to spending their birthday and Christmas money on toys. Jaxton Betschart decided to use his to help 2 shelter dogs find loving homes. Elyse Betschart is Jaxton’s mom. Last weekend she brought him to the Charleston Animal Society (CAS) shelter where Jax chose 2 Pit Bull-type dogs to sponsor, paying their adoption fees with his own savings. The little boy was first drawn to a white and black pup named Penelope. He especially liked the black … Read more

“Grumpy Dog” Adopted Thanks To Viral Photos

Sheldon the grumpy-faced Pibble is the perfect example of just how important shelter photography is to homeless pets. The 2-year-old pooch arrived at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control in late 2016, but after several weeks, no one had taken an interest in adopting him. Then volunteer Heather Haltmeyer took Sheldon outside for a personal photoshoot. She affixed a bright green bow tie to his collar and began to snap away. Not only was Sheldon well behaved for his beauty … Read more

Heroic EMT Rescues Blind Senior Dog Lost In The Mountains For 7 Days

The Cole family of California’s San Lorenzo Valley desperately searched for their 12-year-old Yellow Lab, Sage for more than a week. The blind senior had been missing for a full 7 unseasonably cold days, amid reports of mountain lion sightings. They were devastated and wracked with guilt over her loss when suddenly, on the 8th day, a miracle occurred. Neighbor and paramedic/EMT, Dan Estrada was hiking in the woods with his own two dogs and a friend when he spotted … Read more

Stray Dog Follows Extreme Athletes 430 Miles To A Better Life

When all you’ve ever known is survival, the smallest act of kindness can change your entire world. In this story, that life-changing gesture was a simple morsel of food offered to a hungry stray dog. The events that grew from one sympathetic deed made headlines the world over and warmed the hearts of millions. Three years later, we are still fascinated by the story of Team Peak Performance and a dog named Arthur. Mikael Lindnord was leading his team of … Read more

The 10 Most Common Breeds Found In Shelters

Did you know 25% of shelter dogs are purebred? Why are some breeds more likely to be in shelters, and how can it be prevented? Let’s look at the 10 breeds most common in shelters and reasons they end up there. #1 – American Pit Bull Terrier   With more breed specific legislation popping up, “pit bulls” are the most common breed found in shelters. Even where they’re legal, many apartments forbid them. Dangerous in the hands of bad people, … Read more

Trainer Rescues Deaf Puppy From Death Row & Transforms Him Into A Therapy Dog

Dog trainer, Colleen Wilson had no intention of adopting a puppy, but when her best friend sent her a photo of a young Dalmatian named Charlie from a list of “urgent death row dogs” she felt compelled to help. At the very least she figured she could pull him from the kill shelter, offer a bit of training, and place him with a Dalmatian rescue group.   A few months and one foster fail later, Charlie was on his way … Read more

Abused & Abandoned Rescue Pup Finds A Home At FDNY Firehouse

Erica Mahnken and her fiancé, Michael Favor of No More Pain Rescue didn’t ask any questions when they received an anonymous phone call about a dog abandoned in a former “crack house.” They arrived at the location and found a young, malnourished Pit Bull mix. She was covered in suspicious lesions and had been left without food, water or electricity for at least 2 days in the frigid New York winter weather. A post shared by NoMorePainRescue (@nomorepainrescue) on Jan … Read more

’24 Hours Of Love’ Turns Into A Brand New Life Of Happiness For Sickly Senior Dog

The note on the trembling senior Chihuahua’s chart read: “Guarded Prognosis. Would highly recommend waiver for multiple serious medical issues.” Potential adopters passed her by without a second glance. Since the dog was surrendered to the Asheville Humane Society, shelter marketing manager, Heather Hayes had walked by her cage multiple times, too. Then one day she decided to open it.   The pitiful pooch – named Jersey Girl by her previous owner – had been hiding under her bed for weeks, … Read more

Police Officer Dives Into Frozen Lake To Save Stranded Dog

An adventurous mixed-breed dog owes his life to heroic and dedicated Vancouver Police Constable, Peter Colenutt. Nearby witnesses contacted officers after seeing the dog plunge through the ice at Stanley Park’s Lost Lagoon. It is believed the pooch chased a ball onto the frozen surface and became stranded by the floating ice chunks after breaking through. When officers arrived, Constable Colenutt stripped off his coat, shoes and socks and waded into the icy water wearing nothing but his short-sleeved uniform. Upon … Read more

Paralyzed Dachshund Dumped In Trash Bag Gets A Wheelchair & A Forever Home

A good Samaritan in Philadelphia made a heartbreaking discovery on January 18 – a beautiful longhaired Dachshund with a broken spine abandoned inside a garbage bag. Just 2 weeks later, the chocolate-colored Doxie named Frances has been fitted with a custom wheelchair and adopted by a wonderful forever family – complete with 2 Dachshund siblings! Gillian Kocher, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania SPCA, said it’s possible that poor Frances was trapped in that trash bag for a day or more … Read more

Three Rescue Dogs Find The Perfect Match With Their Three Adopted Human Siblings

It’s hard to believe that Curtis and Roberta Griner could become even more inspiring. The couple are active dog rescuers, having fostered over 70 pups and adopted several of their own over the years. Now the young family has welcomed 3 new members – Jessica, Victoria, and Veronica – human sisters adopted from Poland. With the Griners’ 3 rescue dogs waiting at home, the girls arrived in America last month, each with her “own dog” already picked out. Victoria chose … Read more

Dying Dog Abandoned In Wheelbarrow Gets A Miraculous Second Chance

On the afternoon of November 1, 2016, an emaciated, paralyzed German Shepherd named Cubby was surrendered to the Harris County Shelter (HCS) in Houston. He was so weak that he had to be pushed there in a wheelbarrow. The prognosis was grave, but shelter volunteers could tell that Cubby was not ready to give up, so they decided that they would give him every possible chance to fight for his life. Such a sweet face. #cubbystrong Posted by Val’s Pals … Read more

NHL Coach Skips All Star Game To Be With His Deployed Son’s Sick Dog

Fans of the Columbus Blue Jackets know that Coach John Tortorella is a devoted family man. His son Nick is a US Army Ranger stationed abroad, so there was much concern and speculation when Tortorella announced that he would miss Thursday’s NHL All Star game and all of All Star weekend in order to attend to a “personal matter”. Many feared that the family had received bad news regarding Nick. Congratulations to John and Christine Tortorella on receiving one of … Read more

Shelter Dog Learns To Smile And Wins The Heart Of A Wonderful Adopter

If you are a fan of Instagram celebri-dogs, then you are quite familiar with Brinks the Smiling Pit Bull. His silly grin not only earned him more than 81,000 followers, it helped him land his perfect forever human. A kennel technician at the Front Street Animal Shelter in Sacramento, CA knew that a pup named Riley had the potential to give Brinks’ signature smirk a run for its money – and she was right! Britney Ridge bonded with the sweet, outgoing … Read more

Rescue Dog Becomes An Emotional Support Pet To A Shelter Full Of Cats

Megan Sorbara, president of the rescue group Naples Cat Alliance, was driving through a busy Florida intersection with her boyfriend Dominick when they spotted a tiny, frightened dog on the corner. The couple had no idea that the little mutt they named Bitsy would become far more than their beloved pet. Bitsy would become NCA’s mascot as well as a friend, protector, foster mom and confidant to the shelter cats. After chasing Bitsy across six lanes of traffic, Sorbara finally … Read more

Famous Blind Service Dog Gets A New Blind Rescue Pup To Mentor

If you keep up with the who’s who among social media’s most famous celebri-dogs, then you’ve surely heard of Smiley. But this sweet Golden Retriever is far more than just a pretty face! Despite having been born without eyes, Smiley obtained SJA Certification and has been a therapy dog for 7 years. Now Smiley has a new challenge – helping to train his blind adopted brother, Pal. A photo posted by The Golden Life of Pal (@thegoldenlifeofpal) on Dec 31, 2016 … Read more

First Responder Rescues Orphaned Dog & Makes Her Part Of The Paramedic Team

Paramedics are never sure what to expect when they arrive at the scene of an emergency. Courtney Ivan, an employee of Elite EMS in Pennsylvania, knows this all too well. When she responded to a routine call of a deceased man found in his home, she certainly did not think that she would be leaving with a new dog to care for! https://www.facebook.com/eliteemsambulance/photos/a.644756478899057/1415919238449440/?type=3 Ivan and her partner arrived at the man’s home shortly after firefighters. They were warned to steer … Read more

Tiny Pit Bull With Dwarfism Lives To Defy The Odds And Inspire The World

Sassy the Pit Bull was born to a backyard breeder in New York. When the volunteers at Forgotten Pets of Long Island took her into their rescue as a tiny pup, they expected her to have a short and painful life. Their goal was to show her a bit of kindness and comfort in the time she had left. Now, four years later, Sassy is strong, happy and most of all – loved! She has an adoptive dad and two … Read more

18-Year-Old Dog Celebrates One Year With The Couple Who Rescued Him The Previous Christmas

On December 19, 2015, a young couple named Beth and Michael stopped by Anne Arundel County Animal Control with a carload of food and treats to brighten the holidays for the shelter pets. They met a 17-year-old dog named Rocky who had been in and out of the shelter 6 times since 2012. The couple fell in love with him and pledged that Rocky would never spend another night alone in a kennel. https://www.facebook.com/FAACAC/posts/931779883581231:0 Beth and Michael knew that Christmas … Read more

Abandoned Dog & Broken-Hearted Tough Guy Rescue Each Other

Imgur user Humdrumdergifan (we’ll call him OP for “original poster” from here forward) was the very portrait of a tough Texas male until a special dog came into his life and allowed him to express his softer side. When OP found out that a dog had been abandoned in an empty apartment when her owners were evicted, he immediately stepped up to adopt her. The pup had been alone without care for an entire week.   According to OP’s Imgur account, … Read more

Founder Of Senior Dog Rescue Is Honored As A CNN Hero Of The Year

Since 2007, CNN has honored heroes and humanitarians making extraordinary changes within their communities. Although she was not this year’s winner, Sheri Franklin, founder of the senior dog rescue group Muttville, was honored in the Top 10 for her efforts to make the world a better place for older dogs. #CNNHeroes HAPPENING NOW!! Muttville founder Sherri Franklin is in New York with all the Top 10 CNN Heroes! “It’s an… Posted by Muttville Senior Dog Rescue on Saturday, December 10, 2016 … 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

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

Pilot Flies The East Coast Skies Rescuing Dogs From Kill Shelters

Jack Merritt describes his life’s passion as a sort of “underground railroad for dogs.” Along with his partner, Julie Altman, Merritt volunteers his time, money and talent to rescuing homeless pups in danger of euthanasia. He pilots his own aircraft to areas along the east coast where shelters are overcrowded and transports dogs back to Altman’s 6-acre Greenmore Animal Rescue in PA. Merritt and Altman recently hit the landmark of 1,000 dogs saved since beginning their mission in 2010. The … Read more

Update: Rescue Shaves Away Matted Fur To Reveal Gorgeous Rescue Dog Underneath

On the afternoon of October 26, teachers at a Detroit school contacted Detroit Dog Rescue after seeing a severely matted dog running loose in the vicinity. It was a rainy, gloomy day with temps in the low 40’s. When they caught sight of the pitiful pooch, the volunteers vowed to do whatever it took to bring him in out of the cold. They snapped the following picture of him moments before his rescue. Detroit Dog Rescue has described the case … Read more