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The Top 20 Things On Your Dog’s Christmas List

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Choosing Christmas gifts for your dog is one of the sweetest ways to include them in the holiday fun. Whether they love squeaky toys, tasty treats, cozy beds, or outdoor adventures, the right present can make their tail wag all season long. These dog Christmas gift ideas offer plenty of inspiration for finding something that suits your … Read more

This Shelter Defies Dog Breed Labels By Throwing Them Out The Window

The folks at the Arizona Welfare League (AAWL) know that every dog’s personality is different, shaped by its history, experiences, and temperament. Following a study conducted by Arizona State University, this organization wanted to give all the dogs in their care a fair chance at winning over potential adopters with nothing but their good looks and shining personalities. Michael Morefield, Marketing and Communications Manager at the AAWL, weighed in on the issue in an article by Life With Dogs.  “Breeds are an aspect of … Read more

Sickly Stray Wanders Into The Lives Of A Dog Lover & His Vet Tech Girlfriend

When an emaciated, sickly stray found his way to a front porch, he had no idea that it would lead him into the lives of a dog lover and his vet tech girlfriend! “George showed up on our neighbor’s porch a couple months ago,” wrote dinoduckasaurus on a post on Imgur. “My girlfriend is a vet tech so our neighbor asked her to come over and take a look at him.”   The sickly pup was trembling, and he was so skinny … Read more

Hiker Does Detective Work To Reunite Lost Dog With Loving Family

Imgur user hrousr proves that rescuing a dog doesn’t always mean nursing it back to health or adopting it. Sometimes, it’s as simple as taking the time to figure out who the loving family is that lost it! As she was driving in the countryside to take a hike in the Utah mountains, this college student met an unexpected friend.   There was a beautiful, fluffy Golden Retriever–whom she affectionately refers to as a “floof”– sitting on the side of the road. “She was … Read more

24 Dog-Inspired Tattoos

We die-hard dog lovers want to shout about our passion for pooches from the rooftops! Some people wear paw print jewelry, some don statement t-shirts, and some opt for a more permanent approach: getting a canine-inspired tattoo! Whether or not you’d go “under the needle” yourself, you’re sure to admire and appreciate these pieces of dog-themed body art! From mini and minimalist to memorials and masterpieces, here are 24 tattoos, inspired by pups: 1.   2. 3. 4. 5. 6.   7. … Read more

These 3 Doggy Best Friends Prove That Three’s Company, Not A Crowd!

It all started with Harlow the Weimaraner and Sage the miniature Dachshund. The two were best buddies for five years, until sadly, Sage passed away from old age. A lonely Harlow sought out a new best friend. According to harlowandfriends.com, the Weimaraner “interviewed hundreds of applicants” to find the perfect pooch to fill the void. When Indiana Thunderbolt, another miniature Dachshund, was introduced to Harlow, they knew she would be the perfect companion. The two became inseparable, doing everything together until a year later… … Read more

Are You A Lady Who Loves Dogs? Then You’ll Be Barking Mad For These

Whoever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend clearly never had a dog. I love diamonds too, after all, they do sparkle, but there is nothing better than the feeling you get inside when you are with your dog. They understand you, they love you just as much as you love them, and they are always there for you after you’ve had a long day and just want to crash, watching guilty pleasure television on the couch. So basically they’re … Read more

Dog Can’t Let Go Of His Best Friend

Benji is an adorable white and gray pup who’s best friend is a stuffed moose, and he’s not afraid to show it! In fact, we bet he’d shout it from the rooftops for the whole world to hear, if he could. But since he can’t, he performs a special trick so that there’s NO DOUBT in anyone’s mind who is best friend is. Despite being tempted by piles of toys, Benji stays true to his beloved moose… …until “pizza.” But that’s … Read more

Paralyzed Dog Left On Shelter Doorstep With A Heartbreaking Note

When staff members at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay arrived at the shelter’s doorstep, they found a heartbreaking scene: a small, scared dog huddled in her crate, with a pain-filled note asking them to care for her. It read: Please help my Genie. Genie (her name) is paralyzed from I believe her hips to her hind legs. I tried to manage her pain with medication from her vet but they only ease her pain and she needs surgery. I cannot … Read more

This Shelter Dog Cowered For Days–Until One Little Boy Changed Everything

At a Christchurch Bull Breed Rescue in New Zealand, a sweet Pittie named Nala was saved from life off the streets. But from the moment she was rescued, she was terrified, cowering in her kennel in fear. For two days, shelter owner Abbie Van Der Plax sat on the floor near the cage, trying to coax the terrified pup out of her shell. But Nala stayed huddled by herself, trembling and growling. Then Abbie’s 7-year-old son Zach sat down near the cage, and something amazing happened. Barely skipping … Read more

11 Ways You Know You’re A Crazy Dog Parent

Our dogs are our babies. We consider them family from day 1, we care for them, and they become a vital part of our lives. From the way we spoil and gush about our dogs, some people may think we’re nuts. But we don’t care, because we know our pooches make us happier, healthier, and overall better people. Here are 11 signs that you’re a crazy pup parent, and that’s okay; because if anyone understands your canine-loving quirks, it’s definitely us. 1. You consider yourself a dog parent … Read more

Chained Outside For Most Of His Life, This Sweet Boy Has Spent The Last 3 Years Hoping For A Home

Stevie is a senior Beagle mix with a lot of love to give, despite spending the majority of his life alone and mistreated. He’s spent dozens of holidays neglected, alone, and for the past three years, in the shelter where he currently lives in South Carolina. Let’s make sure that this year he gets to celebrate the festivities with his new family! Share this story and together, we can help him finally find his forever home. Stevie doesn’t want to … Read more

Top 100 Most Popular Names For Dogs

Ready to bring a new dog into your home? CONGRATULATIONS! (And thank you for providing a pup with a happy and loving home.) Now comes the next challenge: what should you name your new little (or big!) bundle of joy?! Here are 100 popular pooch names for both male and female dogs. Hopefully this can provide you with a little inspiration on what to call your new furry family member! Or, if you already have a dog, see if your dog’s name made the … Read more

5 Things Dog Owners Know To Be True—But Wish Everyone Did Too

We dog owners know that nobody understands our dogs like we do, and sometimes it’s frustrating when other people aren’t sympathetic to the fact that every dog has a different personality. For instance, my 1 1/2-year-old puppy Luna is the sweetest thing in the world–to the people she loves. She gives kisses, snuggles, and rolls over on her back, begging for scratches. But around strangers, this Shar-Pei/mystery mix is very suspicious. She’ll bark if someone tries to approach her, ultimately tucking her ears back and tail … Read more

Dog Without Eyes Finds Amazing Home After Being Thrown Out

Remember the dog who was thrown out with a couch, then cared for and re-homed by the Arizona Humane Society (AHS)? Well the AHS has helped another pup in need find the perfect forever family! Two-year-old Ashton was found on the side of the road, exhausted, dehydrated, and having suffered trauma so severe that his eyes were dislocated from their sockets.   In extreme pain, the poor Pittie was taken to the AHS’ Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital where emergency surgery … Read more

After 10 Long Years, This Missing Dog Is Finally Reunited With Her Family

After her dog went missing for 10 long years, it seemed impossible for Florida resident Yajaira Fuentes to ever see her Yorkie ever again.The pup named Ginger escaped the yard a decade ago while they were playing outside on the yard. However, Fuentes was surprised when she received a call all the way from Houston, Texas saying that Ginger has been found. A couple living in Houston found Ginger and brought her to the vet, where they found her microchip. Watch the video … Read more

Two-Nosed Dog Saved From Euthanasia By Freakshow Family Who Loves His Snout!

You may have seen the show Venice Beach Freakshow on AMC–now, a two-nosed Aussie named Toby calls the talented troop family! Despite their name, which is a reminiscent nod to historical sideshow acts, these folks are more unique than “freaks”–and couldn’t be more thrilled to have Toby join the team! “I’m fascinated by weird animals’ beautiful differences and by the magical lessons that they teach us,” said Todd Ray, owner of the Venice Beach Freakshow, in a BBC article. A photo … Read more

DIY: No-Sew Dog Bed Made From Your Old Clothes

Does your dog love laying in your lap? Now she can curl up your legs any time, day or night. This DIY, no-sew pet bed is made with old clothes that can be repurposed into fluffy friend’s new favorite hangout. Check out this video for easy instructions: Pant Leg Puppy Bed Look at this super easy DIY bed for your doggy. LOL Posted by Tip Dog on Tuesday, March 15, 2016   So cool! Now you know what to do with … Read more

Happy Dog Puts Her Paws Up To The Sky–Because She Got Adopted!

Talk about a happy dance! Coso is an energetic and fun-loving 7-year-old Australian Kelpie / Stafforshire Bull Terrier mix. When her former owners surrendered her, she waited a long time at a shelter, but no one wanted to take her home. She was transferred to the Lort Smith Organization’s Adoption Centre in North Melbourne, Australia, in hopes of having a better chance at finding a home… And she hit the jackpot! After just a couple days, Coso met with a boy and … Read more

11 Companies That Let You Bring Your Dog To Work

One of the hardest parts about leaving for work in the morning is walking out the door while our pups’ big, watery eyes beg us to stay. The solution? Get a job at a company where canines are welcome! Aside from having your best friend with you all day, dog-toting employees say that their companions lower their stress levels, give them a reason to take breaks and recharge (Fido’s gotta pee!), and provide an icebreaker to meet and get to … Read more

Watch This Dog As He Repeatedly Slides Down An Icy Hill!

Snow can be so much fun–especially if you’re a dog! You can run around in it, catch snowballs, make snow angels, or simply just go sledding without the use of sleds at all! Yup, just like what this dog does in the video below! This pup just loves sliding down on the snowy hillside. And he doesn’t need a sled or any kind of equipment–he just uses his body! When he gets to the bottom, he climbs back up and slides back … Read more

When This Boy Needed His Dog The Most, He Proved His Undying Loyalty

Luke is a 7-year-old with type 1 diabetes. When his blood sugar began to plummet while everyone was asleep (including him), none of the alarms were sounding, all tools intended to notify a family when the boy is in danger. But when the technology didn’t detect the blood sugar low, Black Lab Jedi, who is a trained diabetes alert dog (DAD), jumped on and off the bed where Luke and mom Dorrie Nuttall were sleeping, eventually laying on the woman until she was up. … Read more

Pit Bull Burn Survivor Adopted By The Firefighter Who Saved Him; Now, He’s A Fire Safety Dog!

Jake was only three weeks old when he was rescued from a burning shed. “I noticed there was some smoke coming from my neighbor’s yard,” firefighter Bill Lindler said in an interview with Bored Panda. “The residents were yelling their puppy was in the building. I ran back into my house, grabbed some firefighting gear, and ran across the street.” Luckily, the quick-thinking Lindler was able to save the pit bull puppy–but he still got badly burned. The scorches covered over three-quarters of Jake’s … Read more

10 Fresh Foods That Promote Health & Cure Common Ailments

With all the recalls and dangers about where your dog’s food is being made, it’s no wonder that many people are turning to home-cooked meals. Even if you feed kibble, you may be adding fresh foods to your dog’s meals to make sure they are getting the right nutrients or to help digestion. However, this can be daunting if you have never fed your dog anything but store-bought food – how do you what is safe and what is not? … Read more

This Service Dog Makes Life Easier For A Boy With Autism…Even At The Hospital

James Isaac is a 9-year-old boy living with autism in New Zealand. Since getting his service dog Mahe two years ago, his life–and the lives of his family–has completely changed. “James has profound autism, so he gets quite anxious when we go on outings. He’s very impulsive and he doesn’t have any awareness of danger,” James’ mother, Michelle Isaac, said in a story by TODAY. “Before Mahe, when it was just one of us with James, we’d have to hold his … Read more

These Kids Read To Shelter Dogs And The Benefits Are Amazing!

Books and bow wows–can it get any better? In St. Louis, the Humane Society of Missouri‘s Shelter Buddies Reading Program is building the confidence of both canines and kids. Young people from ages 6 to 15 can volunteer. They receive 10 hours of training to learn how to interact with the animals (under supervision, of course). The kids are also taught how to read important cues from their new furry friends, like how to tell if the pup is getting scared or … Read more

5 Ways To Fit Dog Training Into Your Busy Life

We all have very busy lives. In fact, one of the things I hear most often from clients is “training takes too much time,” or “I don’t have time to do this every day.” Between working, taking the kids to school, helping with homework, housework, etc., it can be easy to let the dog training slide. RELATED: 7 Best Online Dog Training Classes Even I am guilty of doing it with my personal dogs! But, it doesn’t have to be … Read more

How To Get Anxious, Scared, Or Motion Sick Dogs Used To Riding In The Car

For some dogs, riding in the car is the highlight of their day. They love it! For others, the car is a dreaded source of fear, anxiety or sickness. Since almost every dog will need to ride in a car (for vet appointments, at the very least) it’s nice if they can at least learn to handle the ride without stress or getting sick. I currently own two dogs that used to get car sick, so I understand the nuisance it … Read more

Watch This Happy Dog Having The Time Of Her Life On The Trampoline!

Dogs definitely know how to have fun. They can turn almost anything into a toy! Any day can be a fun day when you have a dog around! The Rottweiler in the video below may not have a playmate, but that doesn’t mean she can’t play and have fun! All she needs is a trampoline and a happy disposition! Watch the video below and see how much fun this Rottie is having on the trampoline! Whoever says that Rotties are … Read more

This Expressive Dog Would Be The Perfect Photo Booth Buddy

Mutka is a Great Dane living in Finland who has quite a talent for striking silly poses. Maybe it’s his big, floppy size, or his silly personality. But whatever the case, this canine comedian must love to make people laugh! Along with little sister Luna, one-and-a-half-year-old Mutka loves to play, make friends, and entertain audiences with his hilarious faces. “He loves everyone and everything, and he’s probably the happiest dog I have ever owned,” pup-parent Krista Aalto told The Dodo. Just … Read more

On The Verge Of Euthanasia, This Once Hopeless Pup Gets A Second Chance!

Check out one of Dr. Matt’s Vet Ranch patients! Rem was brought to Texas-based Vet Ranch on the verge of being euthanized. Under a year old, the puppy was blind, emaciated, and covered in mange and staff infection. He cowered and tucked his tail every time the vet reached out to give him a loving touch. But Dr. Matt remained optimistic. Hoping that the blindness was a temporary side effect of ivermectin toxicity, or the overdose of an ingredient that is … Read more

Hero Saves The Day When Dog Gets Stuck Outside Of The Elevator Hanging By His Leash

Let this video be a reminder to you: If you’re ever walking your leashed dog onto an elevator, make sure your pup is with you at all times! A moment of distraction could have turned to tragedy for one man in his apartment building in Springfield, Missouri. As the dog owner boarded an elevator with his pup in tow, the pooch got distracted and failed to follow… and the owner wasn’t paying close attention either. This is when something very scary happened. … Read more

Man Comes Home To His Worst Fear–Both Dogs Taken By Burglars!

Imagine coming home to find your door kicked in and your alarm system destroyed so that someone could help themselves to your personal items, which you’ve worked so hard for. Now imagine realizing that during the theft, your two precious pups were taken somewhere for an unknown purpose. That is the nightmare that Hilroi Euryspthee of Houston, Texas found himself living in this past Monday. When he’d arrived home from work, he found his house had been broken into, police investigators in the kitchen, and his … Read more

Man Honors Late Dog By Sending Tennis Balls To Dog Owners Around The World

Bay Area dweller Chris Sontag-Ratti decided to commemorate the memory of his beloved dog in the best way: to send free tennis balls to anyone who would use them to play with their own dogs, while they still had time together. In January of 2013, the Boxer-Rottweiler mix passed away at the age of 12 from cancer. Her name was Everything. https://www.instagram.com/p/1r3L8KSl-H/ Although the name was picked at random, this sweet mutt certainly lived up to her name in the context of … Read more

Doggonit! You’ll See Your Dog In These Clever Canine Cartoons

If you’re a dog owner who loves Anthony Smith’s Cattitude cartoons, you’re going to go doggone crazy for Doggonit!  The artist has a knack for putting canine culture into cheeky illustrations that we dog lovers can’t help but relate to! Loved by readers in the UK, Smith’s work is regularly published in British magazines including My Weekly. (American editors take note: the characters of Cattitude and Doggonit are looking for homes in US publications, too!) Check out more Doggonit  and Cattitude on Facebook.

11 Ways To Tell If You’re A Crazy Dog Parent

We pooch people really love our dogs. In fact, many of us consider them our babies. Thankfully, Ralph Lazar and Lisa Swerling, the genius artists behind Last Lemon, get us. They understand that we’d prefer to spend a Friday night at home, lounging in sweats (with dog hair on them), if it means spending more time with Fido. They know what it’s like to go run errands and come back with a bag full of dog toys. And they know that being called a “crazy dog person” makes us … Read more

These 8 Iconic Movie Scene Re-enactments Will Remind You Why Your Dog Is The Perfect Valentine

If your dog is your Valentine, you should consider yourself lucky. Loving, loyal, always by your side…you may even go so far to say that a date with a doggy is better than with a person. Need more convincing? The folks at DogVacay re-enacted a handful of iconic movie scenes, replacing characters with a dogs. If it were up to us, we’d take a canine costar over a human one, any day of the year! Here are eight famous film scenes to remind you of the perks … Read more

Gentle Giant Dog Is The Biggest Rescue They’ve Ever Had…And He Needs A Loving Home!

Jagger is a three-year-old Great Dane Mix up for adoption at the RSPCA Millbrook Animal Center in Surrey, England. Described as a “gentle giant” by shelter staff, this super-sized sweetheart was subject neglected in his previous home: he was so big, he was kept outside, resulting in pressure sores. When Jagger was found, he’d been abandoned, tied to a lamppost. Posted by Millbrook Animal Centre (RSPCA), Chobham on Friday, February 5, 2016   This massive mutt would make a wonderful addition–to the … Read more

Get A Glimpse Inside The Dog-Friendliest Workplace You’ve Ever Seen!

Warning: this article may invoke intense feelings of jealousy.  Welcome to Kurgo, a company that has one of the dog-friendliest offices out there! This dog supply manufacturer, owned by brothers Kitter and Gordie Spater, is based in Salisbury, Massachusetts. The company designs and sells toys and gear for outdoorsy, adventurous pups and their owners.   “We try to model our brand off brands like L.L. Bean and Patagonia, but for the pet industry…We want to gain customers for a lifetime,” said … Read more

Owner Dragged By Car While Trying To Save Senior Dog From Dognappers; Today, They Were Reunited!

Imagine: you’re on your way to the dog park with your pooch when someone walking by snatches him, takes him to a car, and begins to drives off. That’s exactly what happened to Mike Heredia on Sunday (February 7th) in Claremont, California. He and his three dogs were heading toward the Claremont Pooch Park when a passer-by on his phone walked by and Heredia heard his dog cry. He turned to see that the dognapper had grabbed Otis, his 15-year-old Cocker Spaniel, and was heading toward a waiting car. … Read more

9 Pictures That Perfectly Illustrate How Your Life Changes After Getting A Dog

 When we bring dogs into our homes, lots of things change. There may be a little (okay, a LOT) more hair around the house and a little less money in our wallets, but any happy pup parent will tell you that it’s all worth it! The illustrator of Mai and John hilariously and accurately depicts life, BC (Before Canine) and AD (After Dog). And while things may get a little messy, the biggest and best thing about living with a dog is the love, laughter, and … Read more

The FBI Just Took New Measures To Start Tracking Animal Abusers In 2016

It seems like 2016 is becoming the year of advocating for animals–and we couldn’t be happier! If you can recall, Tennessee was the first state to create an animal abuser registry which is accessible to the public, and launched this year. Now, the FBI is creating database to better protect our furry friends. Prior to 2016, crimes against animals were classified under the vague group “Other,” as opposed to “Assault” or “Homicide.” Because the grouping was so generalized, it was difficult to keep track of animal cruelty criminals … Read more

Before His Last Day, 4 Sisters Re-Create Their Favorite Photo Of Their Dog 16 Years Later

The worst part about having a pet is the heartbreaking day you have to say goodbye. But the most important thing to remember is that the happiness you’ve shared together far outweighs the pain of the loss. Knowing your fuzzy family member lived a good life with you–and changed yours, for the better–makes it all worth it. Reddit user weezabeeb captured this sentiment in a simple re-creation photo before the family’s 16-year-old dog had to be put down. The pose of four … Read more

Man Sentenced To Jail Time After Taping, Tying, Then Abandoning Dog

A man was walking his dogs in Windsor, Ontario when he stumbled upon a terrible scene: a small brown dog with his muzzle and limbs tightly bound with electrical tape, lying helplessly along the side of the road. Thankfully the man, named Dean Cresswell, found him just in time. The pup is a thirteen-pound Patterdale Terrier named Nos, about six years of age. When the story was picked up by news stations and it was discovered that Jessica Hems and Adam Esipu were his … Read more

All About Huskies: 8 Fun Facts You May Not Have Known

Huskies, known for their wolf-like looks and trademark blue eyes, are a breed most commonly associated with valiantly pulling sleds through the snow–and rightfully so. Bred for mushing in subzero temperatures, these dogs know how to work. But, how do they survive in such conditions? The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes Huskies as “Friendly, gentle, dignified; alert, but not aggressive;” there’s a softer side to these intrepid canines that some may not have considered. Do you think this dog would be the perfect fit for your … Read more

Dog Who Was Hit By Drunk Driver Reunited With Owner After 43 Days Of Living In The Woods

An 11-month-old Chesapeake Bay Retriever was missing for 43 days after being hit by a drunk driver…but has now been reunited with his owner! On December 13th, police officers in Orange, Massachusetts witnessed Chessie get hit by a driver who was under the influence of alcohol. The dog was in his own driveway, and the car was on the wrong side of the road. Luckily, the driver was caught and charged; but the hurt and frightened pup disappeared into the … Read more

9 Of The Most Dog-Friendly Cities In The U.S.

There are plenty of lists that rank the “dog-friendliest” cities in the United States. While different sites vary on what locations made the cut, there are some cities that placed amongst top contenders time and time again. Based on reappearing mentions in at least two of these articles published by Forbes, Huffington Post, Livability, and One Green Planet, here are the 9 dog-friendliest cities in the U.S. (in no particular order). 1. Portland, OR – The votes for Portland are almost unanimous! A walkable city, Portland has a whopping 32 off-leash dog parks, the 4-mile Powell … Read more

Jessica Chastain’s Instagram Followers Help Locate Her Grandmother’s Stolen Dog

Movie star Jessica Chastain looked to her social media fans to help find her grandmother’s missing dog! After Livvy the pooch got stolen during a visit to a McDonald’s, Chastain posted this plea on Instagram: “My grandma’s dog, Livvy, was stolen last night from McDonald’s at 2565 Springs Rd Vallejo, CA. Please forward this to anyone you know in CA. There is a REWARD for [Livvy’s] safe return. For those of you who love animals, you must understand how devastated my grandma is. Please help.” … Read more

Dog Accidentally Enters Half-Marathon…And Finishes In 7th Place!

Ludivine the hound dog hadn’t exactly trained to run a half-marathon in her hometown of Elkmont, Alabama, but when she saw a crowd of jubilant joggers, she couldn’t help but join in the fun! Owner April Hamlin let her hound out to potty, like she did every day. Ludivine, ever the social butterfly, is well known around her small town (population: around 400) and often wanders about greeting neighbors. But on the day of the Elkmont Half-Marathon, the happy hound must have … Read more

Top 10 Dogs That Help Fight Depression

While we’d argue that any sweet and lovable dog will undoubtedly make you happier and less stressed, some breeds tend to be especially cheerful, affectionate, and optimistic. If you’ve got a case of the blues, a canine companion may be just what the doctor ordered. Think about it: dog owners spend more time outside, have increased LPD’s (laughs per day) due to their dog’s silly antics, and provide the most loyal friendship in existance. Here are 10 particularly dopamine-inducing dog breeds who will bring sunshine to all your cloudy days. (Note: This … Read more

Monkey Saves Puppy From The Streets Of India

In Rode, India, an unlikely pair have become famous for their adorable parent/child relationship. Both strays, a rhesus macaque and a tiny brown and white puppy have been seen everywhere together. The monkey seems to have a adopted the pooch as his baby, protecting him from the dangers of life on the streets. Without his protector, it’s hard to tell how the pup would’ve survived all alone. Posted by The Logical Indian on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 The paternal primate defends the pup from … Read more