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How Shelter Photographers Save Lives, One Portrait At A Time

A beautiful photograph can mean the difference between a dog languishing in the shelter or being adopted by a loving family. Shelter photographers volunteer their time and talent to create stunning images that capture the hearts of potential pet parents. With just one photo, they are able to bring families into shelters to meet (and hopefully adopt) the pet that caught their eye. The photos above are of two of my own dogs, Finch and Rosana. These are the images … Read more

Pup Sleepovers Give Dogs A Break From Shelter Life & Help Them Get Adopted

Shelter dogs face a dilemma when it comes to finding the perfect adoptive family. Shelters can be noisy, hectic places, and sometimes it’s hard for adopters to see a pup’s true potential amidst the chaos. Taking this into account, the staff at LifeLine Animal Project in Atlanta came up with an idea to help some of their longtime residents get noticed – doggy sleepover parties! Their Dog For A Day program – which allows folks to get to know adoptable … Read more

Brazil Shows Compassion For Managing Stray Population Prior To Olympic Games

On the morning of Saturday, August 6, the 2016 Olympic Summer Games will begin in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As the whole world watches, Rio will extend its hospitality to more than just the athletes and spectators. After the brutal extermination of stray dogs in Sochi, Russia prior to the 2014 Winter Games, millions will be watching to see how Brazilian officials tend to their own strays during the events. Projecting a humane image is imperative for Rio’s reputation as … Read more

She Was Told She Had To Stop Rescuing Dogs, So She Did Something Incredible

Kari Mogensen just wanted to help unwanted Chihuahuas, the second most euthanized dog breed in her home state of Arkansas. So in 2012, she started Arkansas Chihuahua Rescue, a private rescue operating out of her home in North Little Rock. Private rescues have a big impact on saving lives, often taking on the responsibility of the ill or older pets that shelters don’t have the staff or funds for. They normally run out of a person’s home or several homes as … Read more

‘MUTTS’ Creator Uses Series Comic Strip To Encourage Pet Adoption

 Many of us are familiar with the cute and quirky “MUTTS” comic strip from our local newspapers. Earl and Mooch are lovable canines with personalities that many of us can see in our own furry best friends. What you may not have known is that award-winning creator Patrick McDonnell is a huge advocate of shelter adoption and even uses his comic strip to encourage people to adopt from shelters. It started twenty years ago, McDonnell told iHeartDogs: In MUTTS I … Read more

Shelter Posts Photo Booth Pictures Of Dogs; Adoption Rates Skyrocket!

Guinnevere Shuster became an internet sensation when she decided to help boost adoptions at the Humane Society of Utah, where she works as Social Media Coordinator and Photographer, by photographing adoptable dogs in photo booths. Adoption rates at the humane society skyrocketed. “The Humane Society of Utah (HSU) had a record-breaking year, adopting out 11,318 animals in 2015 and achieved a no-kill status as the largest open admissions shelter in the state,” Shuster told iHeartDogs. “While many programs contributed towards … Read more

San Diego Chargers Host “Dog Draft” For Shelter Pups Needing A Forever “Team”

In a truly unique approach to boosting local area adoptions, The San Diego Chargers and Second Chance Dog Rescue joined forces to host the first “Chargers Dog Draft,” presented by Petco, on Saturday, April 30th at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers Dog Draft took place in section O-1, near the main entrance to the 2016 DraftFest. Chargers fans and dog lovers had a unique opportunity to provide a forever home to a rescue dog and over 3,000 people showed up for the free … Read more

Best Friends Animal Society Hosts “Senior” Prom For Adoptable Senior Pets!

With one eye and four legs, Brian Griffin isn’t your typical Prom King, but then you’ve never seen a prom like the one Best Friends Animal Society in Los Angeles is hosting. The “Senior” Prom will kick off Best Friends’ “Aged to Perfection” adoption promo, with no adoption fees on all pets seven years and older until the end of May. All pets are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. “We wanted to find a fun way to invite adopters … Read more

Left For Dead, This Dog With A Broken Back Proves He’s A Survivor

Maverick is a small Terrier mix that was living on the streets when he suffered an unknown accident that broke his back. It’s believed he was hit by car, but it could have also been a case of severe abuse… we will never know. Almost paralyzed, Maverick miraculously survived.   But then the unthinkable happened. Maverick was hit by a car several months later. This accident completely paralyzed him and broke his leg. He was left, writhing in pain, to … Read more

4 Common Misconceptions About Greyhounds And Why You Should Adopt One

Many people quickly discount owning a Greyhound. They see them as “speed demons” that just never stop, and the idea of a large dog constantly sprinting through the house makes them shudder. In honor of National Adopt a Greyhound Month (April), we wanted to find out the truth about these misconceptions and why you should consider inviting one of these loving dogs into your home. Tasha Miner, owner of Hounds in Harmony Dog Training Club answered our questions below. Miner … Read more

Project Breathe Works To Change Statistics Of Pet Tragedies In House Fires

An estimated 40,000 pets die each year in fires, most succumbing to smoke inhalation. In many instances, emergency responders are not equipped to fully assist these animals because they lack specially designed pet oxygen masks and training. Project Breathe is trying to change all that. Recently, we shared a heartwarming story  about the New Port Richey Fire Department rescuing puppies found inside an apartment affected by a fire. The unsung hero of this story was the non-profit that supplied the oxygen masks … Read more

Family Volunteers At Turkish Shelter And Make A Miracle Happen

Americans Mary and her daughters, Abby (17,) Anna (15,) and Alaina (11) live in Turkey and are animal lovers. They donated their time to the local animal shelter in Ankara; and what they saw there was shocking. Alaina was brought to tears. They saw “rows and rows of cages” with “20 dogs per cage.” Mary would bring 6 large bags of dog food and would be unable to feed more than 2 – 3 cages at a time. The dogs … Read more

Adopt The Perfect Pet For Your Family: Expert Tips on Choosing A Dog With A Good Temperament

There is a lot to think about when picking out a dog that fits your family. What size and gender? Do you prefer long or short hair, or something in between? Do you have colors you prefer? Or maybe a breed/breed mix that you are keen on? Something that will run 15 miles a day or is more the couch potato type? The list goes on and on. But one of the most important things is often overlooked – temperament. … Read more

Famous Surf Dog Retires Before Championship To Protest ‘Lack Of Space’ Kill Shelters

The 2016 Florida International Dog Surfing Championship is set to take place March 25-27 on Fernandina Beach. But It’s looking like the event will be short a surfing superstar. Booker D. Surfdog, the bodacious bad girl of the surf world, is putting on her retirement jacket, a PawsAboard life vest, and voluntarily sitting out of the huge upcoming Easter weekend dog event to protest a lack of space in kill shelters. “I think the reason that Booker has been marching around her water bowl with a look … Read more

When You Buy This Book, A Shelter Dog Gets A Warm, Cozy Bed

FarmHouse Fresh®, a natural and organic skincare company, has parlayed its philanthropic animal rescue mission into an 18-page picture book that when purchased ($10 retail), donates $7 (all monies outside of printing and receiving in the books at the FHF warehouse) directly to the donation of dog beds for a waiting list of shelters and rescues around the country. In return for book purchases, the company turns customers’ personal selfies into “Certified Dog Bed Fairies” complete with wings and halos. The … Read more

New Wisconsin Legislation Bans Automatic Euthanasia of Dogs From Fighting Operations

Wisconsin just became the 48th state in the United States to ban old laws that required immediate euthanasia of dogs seized in dog fighting operation raids. The passing of Assembly Bill 487 / Senate Bill 450 means that these dogs will know have a fighting chance at a happy life, just like any other dog that steps through a shelter’s doors. “For the first time, fight-bust survivors will be given a second chance at life,” Lee Greenwood, legislative attorney at Best … Read more

Should I Open An Animal Sanctuary? Here Are Some Important Things To Know

It’s incredible when animal lovers give up everything to dedicate their lives to helping animals in need. In fact, we rely on kind-hearted people such as this to help over-crowded shelters. However, there is a dark side. Sometimes, even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Lately there has been a slew of rescues and sanctuaries that have had to be rescued themselves – with animals living in horrendous conditions. The latest seizure by the ASPCA (American Society for the … Read more

Frightened Dog’s Transformation Will Have You In Tears

Benji was a homeless dog his whole life. When Hope For Paws received the call about him, founder Eldad Hagar and Lisa Chiarelli went out to find him. Having been on the street his whole life, he was very nervous of people. He ran when Eldad and Lisa approached. They went after him, trying to keep track of him, while keeping their snare ready to catch him if they got the opportunity. Fortunately, Benji made a “wrong turn” and endup … Read more

Purple Murphy Would Have Died Had It Not Been For A Very Special Blind Dog

Do you remember Poly the Blind Pit Bull? Back in October, 2015 Poly the Blind Pit Bull was found abandoned and terrified on a park bench in Santa Barbara. Her story went viral online and she became a very popular girl! A fundraiser was set up for Poly because she had a heart condition that required surgery – and she also needed expensive diagnostics for her eyes. Due to the success for her fundraiser (partly because of Poly’s Facebook page … Read more

Instinct Pet Food Provides Shelters One Of The Best Gifts Ever…

Best Friends Animal Society – the leader in the movement to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters – and Instinct Pet Food announced today that Instinct will continue and expand its role as Best Friends’ Official Pet Food Partner. To that end, they will be feeding all the cats and dogs in Best Friends’ care, as well as providing food for adopters to take home with them. It’s a truly incredibly gift for everyone involved. “We’re … Read more

Pennsylvania SPCA Partners With Sato Dream Home To Save Strays In Puerto Rico

The plight of any stray dog is never good. But in Puerto Rico, it is especially grim. With spay/neuter not among the common practices in the area, there are thousands of stray dogs throughout the island. This causes an atmosphere where they are subject to neglect, cruelty and dumping practices, all which ultimately can lead to their death. Exacerbating the issue, the five Municipal Shelters in Puerto Rico share a euthanasia rate of 99%, with the vast majority of animals not … Read more

Dog Set For Euthanasia Becomes International Celeb Instead

We hear a fair number of stories about dogs that are saved in the nick of time who go on to be wonderful family pets, therapy and even service dogs. But this story is definitely one in a thousand, maybe even a million. Roo Yori and his wife Clara have been involved in rescue ever since they adopted their first two dogs. They knew they couldn’t adopt them all, but they could help by volunteering in shelters throughout the country. Wallace, … Read more

Social Media Superstars Lend Paw Power To Help Homeless Pets

Three of the Internet’s most beloved pets are teaming up to help the millions of cats and dogs in shelters and rescue groups across the country find loving homes. Fashion icon Toast Meets World, globally recognized pianist Keyboard Cat and life of the party Hamilton Pug are lending their star power to “Start A Story. Adopt,” a new public service advertising (PSA) campaign from The Shelter Pet Project, a collaborative effort between Maddie’s Fund®, The Humane Society of the United States and the Ad Council. The Shelter Pet … Read more

BREAKING NEWS – ASPCA Assists In Seizure of 700 Animals from Unlicensed Rescue

At the request of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office, the ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) assisted with the seizure and care of 700 animals from The Haven, a 122-acre unlicensed, self-described animal rescue in Raeford, North Carolina. The owners of the facility were arrested on charges of animal cruelty after a search warrant was served Wednesday morning. The Department of Agriculture and Hoke County Sheriff’s Office began investigating The Haven … Read more

Rescued Off The Streets, This Mama Dog Is Looking For Someone To Love

Every day, Forgotten Dogs of the Fifth Ward volunteers go out and feed the homeless dogs in Houston, Texas. They feed approximately 40 and 60 dogs in about four hours. It’s illegal for them to be doing this, but they don’t care. They know someone needs to be responsible for the problem humans created. Why aren’t all these dogs picked up? The answer is heart-breakingly simple. In Houston, there is nowhere for them to go: “The question is always, ‘why … Read more

Stray Dog That Was Living In An Abandoned Car Now Has A Loving Home

In May of 2013, the veterinary team from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, was helping Soul Dog Rescue, a nonprofit animal rescue organization that provides low-cost or free spay/neuter for dogs in their area, mainly on Indian Reservations. On this visit, the group met a very special dog – Tinkerbelle. Tinkerbelle was being cared for by a kind Native American family who said she was living in an abandoned car with other homeless dogs. The family had not … Read more

Update: Lonely Dog Who Clung To His Teddy Bear Has Been Rescued!

UPDATE 12/29/15 Noon CST: Needy is now with an amazing foster rescue group–Diamonds in the Ruff Rescue–where they will work hard to find him a loving home! In the meantime, he will have a loving home to mend his broken heart. See the photos below! (Photos courtesy of Diamonds in the Ruff Rescue FB page) We just rescued Needy from acct! He’s been there since November 11th!!! He was surrendered by his owners along with his… Posted by Diamonds in … Read more

Neglected Dog Who Didn’t Even Have The Strength To Walk Now Lives In The Lap of Luxury

Duffy was one of 57 dogs the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) rescued from a puppy mill raid. They were living in disgusting conditions. Duffy was found exactly where he lies in the below picture – a matted mess in a dirty room, lying next to chemicals. Even though he was severely neglected, Duffy wagged his tail at his rescuers. He had not lost hope that he would make it out of the nightmare he was forced to … Read more