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Hospital Welcomes Mini Horse to Help Patients With Therapy

YUMA, Arizona. — Yuma Regional Medical Center has welcomed a miniature Pintaloosa horse named Poppy to its Tails of Joy animal therapy program. For ten years, the program has mostly involved therapy dogs, but now Poppy is starting her new role, bringing joy and comfort to patients. Poppy, who is 4 years old and loves kids, has quickly become a favorite. Her arrival is proving beneficial for patients, especially those going through tough times, as the animals in the program … Read more

They Found Him Walking On The Sidewalk But He ‘Wasn’t A Dog At All’

In Mesa, Arizona, a place where you might see rattlesnakes, wild pigs, and mountain lions, a very unexpected creature was found wandering down a sidewalk—a crayfish. “I didn’t even think they lived here honestly,” said Davies, the resident who stumbled upon this unusual sight during a walk with her dog. This surprising discovery happened near Mesa Drive and Broadway Road. The sight of the crayfish, a creature usually found in water, walking on dry land was so unusual that Davies … Read more

Animal Shelters Wouldn’t Be So Crowded If Everyone Knew This

The love of a rescue pet: there’s nothing like it. Everyone who’s adopted a dog knows this to be true. So, why are there still so many pups in shelters? Animal lovers and activists are on a mission to spread awareness about adopting pets over purchasing them. We can’t help but think: if everyone knew the good that rescuing does for their communities, that it saves countless lives, and that the love of a rescue pet is incomparable to anything else, don’t … Read more

10 Most Toxic Foods For Pets

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. When it comes to viral videos, they say that kids, cats and dogs rule the internet, and as parents, we’ll do anything to keep them safe. With all the buzz online about byproducts in processed pet foods and toxins contained in treats imported from overseas, it seems that a day rarely goes by that we don’t see headlines about … Read more

15 Tips To Make Traveling With Your Dog As Stress-Free As Possible

Dog travel tips

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Are you finally going on a vacation where your dog can join you? If so, you may be starting to panic on what exactly you need to do before and during your trip. To ensure everything goes smoothly, below are 15 tips for traveling with your dog. 1. Don’t feed your dog within 3 hours of travel … Read more

PETA Says “Pet” Is A Bad Word

People tend to feel strongly about PETA, one way or the other. The polarizing nature of the group recently played out on the British morning show Good Morning Britain. During the show, a representative for PETA suggested that the term “pet” is derogatory and should be replaced with a more respectful word. The backlash from the show’s hosts was swift and severe. PETA Says “Pet” and “Owner” Imply that Dogs and Cats are Objects During a taping of a popular … Read more

When A Couple Splits, Who Gets The Dog?

When you’re happily in a relationship and facing the exciting milestone of adding a dog to the family, it’s hard to plan for the depressing “what if”: If you and your partner splits up, who gets the dog? But sadly, it’s a common reason for nasty pet custody battles, the same pets that were welcomed with open arms into a couple’s life while they were still happy. At best, the pooch gets to live with the human who can provide … Read more

Incredibly Unique Big-Eared Beauty Needs A Forever Home

Wanda is a gorgeous pup with huge velvety ears and so much love to give… so why has no one taken her home? This beautiful pup has been waiting at the shelter for nearly half a year, desperate for a family. Normally fun-loving, shelter staff are getting concerned as she becomes more and more depressed. A post shared by BrowardCountyPetOfTheWeek (@browardcountypetoftheweek) on Jun 3, 2018 at 8:01am PDT Wanda was taken in to the Broward County Animal Care and Adoption … Read more

Adorable Spotted Puppy Wears His Heart On His… Nose!

Every dog is special, and some pups show their uniqueness through incredible markings – like Wiley the Dalmatian puppy! Wiley has tons of love to give, and it’s not only evident by his playful, outgoing nature. This adorable pooch wears his heart on his nose, where it’s on display for all to see. A post shared by w i l e y ♥ (@hi.wiley) on Apr 18, 2018 at 5:23am PDT As soon as she brought him home, mom Lexi … Read more

Which Hotels Allow Dogs? 9 Pet-Friendly Chains For Every Budget

Almost everyone loves going on vacation or out of town for a getaway, whether near or far. If you’re one of those people, you know that there is a down side: leaving your beloved pup behind. But, what if you didn’t have to? With many cities becoming more dog-friendly, it should be no surprise that lots hotels are, too! If you want your pup to tag along for your next adventure — or if you’re headed on a long road … Read more

Petition To Include Pet Food In Food Stamps Gathers Over 90k Signatures

Pet parents consider their companions to be family, so what happens when they fall on hard times, gaining assistance to feed the household – but get no help for their pets? This question was posed in a petition that has gone viral. When Edward B Johnston Jr. encountered a rough patch and enrolled in his local Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), he learned that the food stamps did not include food for his beloved dog. He wrote in the petition: “Unfortunately, … Read more

Animal Lovers Line Up For Annual “Blessing Of The Pets” Ceremony

We love our pets like family, so for those who believe in an afterlife – whether it be Heaven, or a peaceful paradise beyond the Rainbow Bridge – we hope that after they pass, we’ll one day see them again. That’s why pet parents were happy to line up to participate in the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land‘s annual “Blessing of the Pets” ceremony. https://www.facebook.com/franciscanmonastery/photos/pcb.1682896738388477/1682893308388820/?type=3&theater   The annual event, held at the friary in Washington, D.C., takes place just before … Read more

People Who Abandoned Pets During Hurricane Irma Could Face Felony Charges

Despite the emergence of more and more pet-friendly shelters, attempts at preparation, and public service announcements, it never fails: with every natural disaster there’s an influx of surrendered and abandoned pets. Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control in Florida rescued around 40 pets before Hurricane Irma swept the area, and according to USA Today, “some were tied up, others were in pens or in enclosed yards, unable to escape.” Thanks to rescuers, these animals were brought to safety, but … Read more

How To Create A Disaster Plan That Includes Your Pets

On the heels of Hurricane Harvey, with Hurricane Irma barreling toward Florida, and with the western United States ablaze in forest fires, it’s time to think about creating a disaster plan if you don’t already have one. You never know when an emergency may come knocking on your door, and a lack of preparation could force you to leave your pets behind or lose them during an evacuation. Here are 3 things to keep in mind while creating a disaster … Read more

Delta Waives Pet Fees For Passengers Fleeing Hurricane Irma

Delta Airlines is showing support for passengers and their pets traveling to or from cities affected by Hurricane Irma through September 12th. Additionally, they will waive baggage fees. According to their website, pet parents who board the flight with animals in tow (and in the cabin) will not be charged the usual $75-200 fee to bring their companions with them. The only caveat is that the perk applies to small animals (with the exception of service dogs) who are able … Read more

5 Tips For Finding The Right Pet Sitter

We wish we could take our pets everywhere with us. Unfortunately, there are times and places where they can’t accompany us and we’re forced to leave them behind. If you’re lucky, you have friends and family who are willing and able to take in your fur kids when they can’t come with you. Sometimes, though, we’re forced to leave them with strangers. You want the best for your pet, even while you’re away, so picking a pet sitter shouldn’t be … Read more

New State Amendment Will Treat Pets As Children In Divorce Court

When people get divorced, there’s a division of assets, and if applicable, a custody agreement made for the children. But where do pets fit in? As of January 17, 2017, courts in Alaska will begin granting custody of pets when their humans divorce. In terms of divorce court, four-legged family members are traditionally classified as “property.” Unlike kids, pets don’t need an education, a wardrobe of clothes, or lessons on growing up. However, they do need good nutrition, a clean, safe environment, exercise, … Read more

5 Disaster Preparedness Tips For Dog Owners

When it comes to emergency preparedness, there is a lot to take into consideration. There is even more planning involved, however, when there are pets to care for. Making sure our dogs are able to stay safe during a disaster is important, and there are a few extra steps to take when it comes to ensuring everyone’s safety. If you’re looking for a place to start planning, make sure you check these things off your list. #1 – Have Proper … Read more

“Avid Animal Lover” Leaves Her Generous Estate To Local Animal Shelter

This holiday season, the Elizabethton Carter County Animal Shelter in Tennessee was granted a special miracle. On Christmas day, the community got word that a woman named Glenda Taylor DeLawder, who passed away in November 2015, had bequeathed a small fortune to helping the local shelter’s homeless pets. Described as “an avid animal lover” in her obituary, DeLawder’s bequest will enable the shelter to undergo some drastic improvements. “The administrators of Mrs. DeLawder’s estate have bestowed a gift of $540,000 to the Elizabethton Carter County Animal … Read more

Volunteers Spend 24 Hours In Kennels To Learn What It’s Like For Shelter Dogs

We will never know what it’s like to be a shelter animal, reeling from abandonment and spending day after day behind bars with strangers constantly walking by. But Cape Ann Animal Aid in Gloucester, Massachusetts gave a handful of volunteers a taste of what it’s like to spend an entire day in a kennel. During the “Night Without A Family” event,  six volunteers spent 24 hours with a dog, living in its space and following its schedule. They had group playtime, … Read more

You Won’t Believe That This Adorable Dog Is Actually…A Cake!

When cake baker Emma Jayne Morris was asked to make a Husky cake for a birthday party in June of 2014, she discovered a hidden talent, according to Metro UK. Although she’s most certainly an artist, it turned out that she had a particular gift for sculpting cakes that resemble dogs and cats. In fact, some of her edible artistry has even been featured in Cake International magazine, including this stunning Bulldog creation: There’s no doubt that Morris’ cakes are spectacular. The only problem … Read more

14 Major Differences Between Life With Dogs & Life With Cats

Lots of people proudly declare themselves as being a “cat person” or “dog person” — or sometimes both — knowing that there are key differences between living with canine and feline friends. Of course there are exceptions to every rule, but most pet parents will be able to relate to these hilarious nuances that make many of us partial to either cats or dogs. From personality traits, to lifestyle preferences here are 14 major differences between living with cats and living … Read more

Woman Pays Adoption Fees For Entire Shelter So Every Pet Can Have A Home For The Holidays

If you’re near Sacramento, California and have been thinking of adding a new four-legged member to your family, head over to the Front Street Animal Shelter and pick up a furry friend – for free! Now, it must be said that those who can’t otherwise afford adoption fees should reconsider whether they’re financially stable enough to properly care for a pet. Also, around this time of year, animals should not be considered “holiday gifts” to be spontaneously bought – and then returned. Also, all potential families … Read more

New State Law Allows Pets To Be Buried With Their Humans

New York state laws are evolving to please the pet-loving public. One of the newest allows pets to be buried alongside their humans. You may be thinking, “Wait a minute–pets aren’t allowed to rest in peace with their families?” According to a story by the The New York Times, “It is unclear how many other states allow pets to be buried with their owners in cemeteries meant for people. In general, said Mr. Fleming, of the state’s Association of Cemeteries, the practice … Read more

The 3 Best Places To Pet A Dog

Just like people, dogs are individuals that have different likes and dislikes. They have times they want to be touched and times they don’t. But all that said, they’re generally very social animals that enjoy spending time with people. This means that getting a good scratch or massage is something they’re waiting for. Keeping this in mind, it’s important to know how to approach a dog and where to touch him or her, especially on your first meeting. #1 – … Read more

Man Hears That Pet Store Is Closing And Does Something Incredible For Animals In Need

Canadian Sean Squires heard that a local pet store was going out of business and decided to take full advantage of their closing sales–and all for a great cause. On Sunday morning, Squires walked into Petculture, located in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and bought out their entire supply of dog and cat food. That’s 570 bags and cans of food–all to be donated to local shelters. The generous bargain hunter scored $13,000 worth of pet food for a fraction of the cost, purchasing it for $3,000. … Read more

8 Things To Do If You Learn Your Pet Has Cancer

It’s one of the worst pieces of news a pet parent can hear: your dog or cat has cancer. Once you’ve been hit with the news–the emotional equivalent of being knocked out with a bulldozer–your thoughts will most likely turn to: “What do I do next?” Kristin Levine, a pet living expert, writes some sound advice on her website: “If your dog or cat ever does receive this dreaded diagnosis, don’t panic! As hard as it might be to do, … Read more

Dog Who Ran Off After Car Accident Found In Front Of A Pet Store

There’s a happy ending to a scary situation involving a car accident that occurred last night in Monroe, Washington. When a 17-year-old driver hit a family in their car head-on, both vehicles were completely totaled. The four people involved–the teen, and the family of two adults and a 15-month-old baby–are all recovering, but they’re expected to be alright. However, the family’s dog, a 6-year-old Chocolate Lab mix named Zaley, got spooked and ran off. As he was nowhere in sight, his owners thought … Read more

New Survey Shows How Much We Love Posting Our Pets On Social Media

Why did you join social media? To keep up with family? The news? For work? According to a recent survey done by Mars Petcare US, the world’s largest petcare company, it’s possible you joined as a way to share your pet with more people. These new insights only underscore just how much people love animals, and the importance of sharing this love is strongly represented in social media. “From increased health, social skills and physical activity to reduced rates of … Read more

Here’s How To REALLY Calculate Your Pet’s Age

Chances are, when trying to figure out how old your dog is in “human years,” you’ve multiplied his literal age by 7 to get your answer. (For instance, a 5-year-old pup would be 35.) While this is a widely accepted method, as it turns out, it’s not that accurate. According to Petful, Veterinarians have come up with a new scale that accounts for your companion’s quick maturation (for instance, dogs and cats can reproduce within their first year of age), as well as the … Read more

Pet Passengers Can Now Relieve Themselves In This Airport’s Special New Bathrooms

To cater to their furry frequent flyers, JFK airport in New York has installed a restroom for traveling dogs and cats in Terminal 4, between the Men’s and Women’s bathrooms. The 70-square-foot facility is a single-stall and has a trough-like area covered in artificial turf. It’s also equipped with a hose and poop bags for easy cleaning. There is even a fire hydrant atop the “grass,” as if to send a clear message to pet passengers: “This is where you potty!” The new facility is … Read more

This Boston Law Firm Is Exclusively Committed To Representing Dogs

As of last year, the Boston Dog Lawyers became the only law firm dedicated to serving 4-legged clients in a court of law. Knowing that the pets of responsible owners are members of their families, the firm is committed to representing its clients in the best way possible. Founder Jeremy Cohen, Dog and Pet Attorney, has been practicing law for 20 years, specializing in defending pets and their owners since 2008. He decided to sell his general law practice of 7 years in 2014 … Read more

New Study: Your Pet May Influence The Kind Of Car You Drive

We are all guilty of stereotyping people by the car they drive. We often see our cars as a reflection of who we are, but did you know your car may also be a reflection of your pets? According to a report by automotive shopping site BestRide.com  and national radio show Car Talk, dog and cat ownership influences automotive brand choice, while multi-pet ownership–as well as affinity for certain breeds–can indicate a much higher preference. Survey The report stems from a poll conducted by … Read more

Their Son Asked For A Dog, So His Parents Came Up With This…

No, you have not accidentally been redirected to the iHeartAlpacas site. This story was just too good not to share!  When Matt, a native of Australia, wanted a dog, his parents got him a different kind of pet that was loyal, playful, and fluffy: an Alpaca! They named him Chewy because, as captioned on social media, #hechewseverything. These lanky lovebugs are prominent in Australia because of their soft fleece, docile demeanor, and low-maintenance lifestyle. According to The Alpaca Place, they are versatile animals … Read more

DISCUSSION: Should Pet Boarding Facilities Have Stricter Safety Regulations?

Recently, a tragic event took place at an overnight boarding facility located within a national pet store chain. Owners dropped off their 3-pound Chihuahua mix to stay for the night. But before they even left on their getaway, they received a heart-stopping phone call: their tiny pup had been attacked by a bigger dog. The Chi was put into emergency surgery, performed at the in-house hospital. Shortly after the procedure, he passed away. Since news of this story broke, the public has been left … Read more

Think Vets Don’t Have A Sense Of Humor? Check-Out These 13 Signs

The vet can be a nerve-wracking place for both people and pooches. Our dogs anxiously whimper and pace, smelling the stress of other pup patients. Our cats dodge their carriers, dreading the thought of a car ride, let alone a shot. And we do our best to calm our pets down, sometimes nervous, ourselves, at the prospect of some diagnosis or even an unexpected vet bill! That’s why we appreciate these veterinary offices that lighten the mood with their hilarious signs. … Read more

Woman Shares A Lifetime Of Photos To Say Goodbye To Her Senior Dog

Losing a pet is one of the most devastating heartbreaks that a person can face. It’s an inevitable fact of pet parenthood, but is a day that no one ever wants to think about. But what makes the final goodbye worth it all, is the love and joy that is shared through the years. The best way to get through the hard times is to hang on to all those beautiful memories, and cherish each and every one. In order to commemorate … Read more

Top 10 Dog Breeds In America – Did Your Dog Make The List?

  Here in America, we love our dogs, and certain breeds have became especially popular as companions that assimilate well into common American lifestyles. Every year the American Kennel Club (AKC) releases a list of  The Most Popular Dog Breeds in America, including the breeds’ rankings from years past. With the exception of Bulldogs (who ranked 11th in 2013), these 10 breeds have been in America’s top 10 favorites for multiple years in a row. Some of us may have a beautiful blend of a … Read more

14 Brand New Dog Products You’re Going To Be Beggin’ For

Last week Global Pet Expo, one of the largest pet industry trade shows, was held in Orlando, Florida. Companies from all over the world launched new and exciting products. Here’s the scoop on some of the new items we are most excited about. Which one(s) are you ready to buy? Tell us in the comments! #1 – Fellowship Collar & Control Leash These custom handcrafted, made-in-the-USA collars and leashes are made from genuine heroes’ military uniforms. You can add embroidery, … Read more

Some Companies Allow Pet Bereavement Time To Employees…Should It Be Mandatory?

We know that there are lots of local and international companies that allow pets in the workplace. Many of us dog and cat owners consider our companions members of the family, oftentimes honoring them with graves and memorials, like we do when we lose the people we love. It only seems natural for employees to be given bereavement days when these deeply loved pets are lost. This benefit isn’t standard, but it’s starting to gain traction. Although pet bereavement days aren’t mandatory by law, many big companies–pet-friendly and … Read more

3 New Products That Claim They Can Translate What Your Pet Is Thinking

Every pet person on Earth has wished they could know what their pet was thinking at some point. Why are they looking at me that way? What is my dog trying to say when he’s been whining for the past hour but won’t go to the bathroom? Why does my cat pace in front of the couch? Most of us have come to terms with the fact that we will never know the answers to these questions. Then there are those who … Read more

Beware Of These Top 10 Pet Toxins In Your Home

Every year, the ASPCA‘s (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) reveals the items that caused the most pet poisonings in the previous year. Headquartered in Urbana, Illinois, the APCC handled 181,818 cases involving pets exposed to toxic substances in 2015. Nearly 16 percent of those calls (28,523 cases) were from owners whose pets accessed over-the-counter products intended for human use, putting this category at the top of the list. “We’ve seen numerous new vitamins, herbal supplements and joint … Read more

8 Fun Facts About Chihuahuas

No matter who you are, you’re well-aware of the pint-size pooches the American Kennel Club describes as “graceful, charming, and sassy.” You know that their pocket-sized portability and irresistible cuteness make them popular pets among celebrities. You know they give you those “yo quero” cravings for Taco Bell. And if you have one in your life, you know how loving these little balls of energy can be! But do you know how popular they are among dog owners in America, where … Read more

All About Pit Bulls: 8 Things You Didn’t Know

Pit Bulls are all over media, in two extreme lights: on the one hand, we hear stories of an aggressive and vicious breed (misconception number one: “Pit Bull” is not a breed), and on the other hand, hardcore Pittie lovers can’t imagine loving any other kind of dog quite as much. No matter what side of the spectrum you fall, it’s always super important to do your research before making judgements about any kind of dog, whether you’re just petting them in the dog park or adopting … Read more

8 Fun Facts About Labrador Retrievers

We all know that the Labrador Retriever is fun-loving, loyal, and full of energy, but what else do you think you may know about this breed that is loved by so many all over the world? Here are 8 fun facts you may not have known about Labrador Retrievers: 1. The Labrador Retriever is America’s favorite pooch! If you didn’t know this already, I’m sure you’re not surprised! They’ve topped the charts of the American Kennel Club’s “Most Popular Dog Breeds In America” list for 24 … Read more

12 DIY Ways To Remember A Beloved Dog Who Has Passed

In honor of your furry family members, we wanted to give you ways to memorialize your beloved dog who has crossed the rainbow bridge. Sometimes, making something can help with the grieving process, so we have rounded up 12 amazing DIY ways to create a lasting memory of the dog you’ve lost. Looking for a gift you can purchase? Check out our dog memorial gifts store. #1 – Bookshelf Shrine Author Alan Livingston has a special section in his home office which his … Read more