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How To Help Your Rescue Dog Gain Confidence

From being abandoned by people they thought they could trust to surviving abuse and neglect, adopters can’t always relate to the trauma and obstacles their rescue dogs endure. Some dogs face each new challenge and path in life with optimism and courage, but others learn through past experiences to be shy and fearful. Even after making it out of the shelter and being adopted by a loving family, a lack of confidence can interfere with a rescue dog’s ability to … Read more

Longest Shelter Resident Wants Nothing More Than A New Home

Shelter staff and volunteers at Broome County Dog Shelter in Binghamton, New York see hundreds of dogs to new homes every year. They love each four-legged resident that comes through the door, but there’s one pooch that stands out. Mallory arrived at the shelter in May 2017 after being found wandering through a local trailer park. She had no apparent owners, but rescuers saw something special with her sweet personality. https://www.facebook.com/jasongarnar2016/videos/10155520030177672/ Mallory is mostly blind, but a degenerative retina disease … Read more

Devastated Rescue Dog Finds Comfort With Stuffed Toys After Losing Her Puppies

When a compassionate person found a dog limping down a street outside Atlanta, they knew she needed immediate attention. The white Pit Bull mix, later named Kiah, was obviously pregnant, and it looked like she hadn’t had a good meal in several weeks. Veterinary staff later discovered the dog’s teeth were filed down, and her current pregnancy was far from her first. They also found an old gunshot wound that painted a bleak picture of what the dog’s life used … Read more

Neglected Pit Mix Finally Gets Justice When The Right Woman Takes Him Home

When Kelly Benzel saw a picture of a pure white pit bull mix on Facebook, she knew the dog deserved a loving home. Rocco’s temporary owners were trying to find him a new place to live after being passed between families almost his entire life. After thinking it over and staring at the sweet face in the photograph, Benzel reached out through Facebook and brought the dog home in time for Christmas. She and her family were looking forward to … Read more

Lost Dog Found Making Himself At Home In A Stranger’s House

A family in Michigan came home Christmas evening to find their door open and a surprise guest lounging on their couch. They’re not exactly sure how it happened, but the home invader wasn’t the kind worth calling the cops over. It was River, a runaway dog looking for somewhere to get warm. A week ago, River disappeared from his new family’s home. Jean Strobel, River’s owner, did everything she could to bring her pup back. She organized her entire community … Read more

Hat-Wearing Rescue Dog Who Beat Cancer Celebrates With A Holiday Surprise

Best Friends Animal Society is a national leader when it comes to animal welfare. They’re the largest no-kill animal shelter in the country, and they’re working hard to lower the number of animals killed in shelters each year. It’s a long process, but 2017 was another year closer to a better future for America’s companion animals. One of the pets they saved this year is Skully. Diagnosed with cancer, sweet Skully wouldn’t have had a chance in most shelters. But … Read more

FINAL UPDATE: Sweet Senior Dog Finds A Loving Home To Spend His Last Holiday Season

Richmond Animal League in Virginia is hoping to find a special senior dog a home for what might be his last holiday season. Griswold is eight years old and was recently diagnosed with lymphoma. Chemotherapy is usually the recommended treatment for this common canine cancer, but a long-term solution doesn’t seem likely due to the severity of Griswold’s condition. The ailing Beagle also suffers from chronic dry eye and is recovering from a skin condition. Despite his medical condition, Griswold is … Read more

Emaciated “Grumpy Face” Dog Recovers With Healthy Food Provided By iHeartDogs Customers

Every purchase from the iHeartDogs store provides supports programs like GreaterGood’s RescueBank, providing healthy meals to rescues and shelters across the country. The following is a success story made possible from your support! – Sir Gideon was not always the distinguished, burly pooch he is today. He was found chained to an abandoned porch, weighing in at a death-defying 14 pounds. The photo below shows the emaciated Pit Bull mix a week after his rescue. At that point, he had … Read more

6 Signs You’re Ready To Adopt Your First Rescue Dog

Raising a rescue dog is a rewarding experience, but it’s also a big commitment. Before you start adopting every rescue you see, sit back and think about what it really means to bring a dog into your life. It’s not like buying a new pair of shoes or even getting a new car. Adopting a rescue will change the dog’s life, and it’ll also change yours. Instead of rushing into it, make sure you can relate to these six statements … Read more

Boy Who Lost Both His Legs Finds A Kindred Spirit In A Dog Who Lost All 4

Owen Mahan has been through more in his 10 years than most of us could endure in a lifetime. At the age of 2 he fell into a bath of scalding hot water and suffered burns over 98% of his body. He has undergone countless surgeries since, including the amputation of both legs earlier this year. This past weekend, Owen flew from Indiana to Arizona to meet one of his online heroes. “It made me really happy,” Owen told ABC … Read more

Doctor “Prescribes” Dog To Obese Man & It Saves His Life

In 2010, Sales Manager Eric O’Grey’s health was in serious danger. He was just 51, but years of carrying nearly 200 extra pounds of weight had taken its toll. O’Grey had Type II Diabetes, high cholesterol, unregulated blood pressure, and was taking 15 different medications each day. He sought the advice of a naturopathic doctor and was shocked by her unconventional prescription. She told him to get a dog. “She knew my underlying problem wasn’t medical, it was being reclusive,” … Read more

Puppy Mill Survivor Who Nearly Died Is Thriving & Taking A Stand Against Animal Abuse

When a Boston Terrier puppy was rescued from an Amish puppy mill in July 2016, there was little hope he’d survive. At only a few weeks old, the pup had a severe case of mange, and maggots were living in his festering wounds. His muscles were shrunken and useless, and he had deep corneal ulcers that blocked his vision. The general consensus was that the dog wouldn’t make it, but Janine Guido had different plans. As founder of Speranza Animal … Read more

Rescue Dog Becomes The Best Medicine For Woman Battling Cancer & Her 2 Children

Once a homeless dog living in a shelter, Stella is now an important part of a loving family. The one-year-old Boxer mix was at Best Friends Animal Society in Salt Lake City desperately waiting to be adopted when Jeneanne Lock and her two children walked through the door. Stella’s exuberant personality and joyful demeanor instantly attracted the family, and what was supposed to be a trip to “just look” turned into a loving family connection.   Battling stage 4 breast … Read more

Big Dog Saved By Pint-Sized Fosters After Her Feline Best Friend Passed Away

Flora and Dexter made an unlikely pair, but their friendship was never affected by their obvious differences. Weighing around 100 pounds, Flora is a loving Alaskan Malamute who was rescued from Best Friends Animal Society, and her best friend Dexter was the cat she loved spending time with. But when Dexter passed away at age 22, Flora was faced with an uncertain future. Flora loved Dexter so much, her well-being took a drastic decline when she realized she would never … Read more

Puppy Mill Surivor Turns Out To Be A Little Dog With A Big Heart

Today, Cheddar is a happy, playful, and well-loved pup living with his family near Honolulu, HI. His big eyes and floppy ears give him a carefree expression he never seems to shed, but the little dog’s life wasn’t always this good. In May 2016, the Hawaiian Humane Society got a tip from someone who had seen their neighbor throw what looked like a dog into a trashcan. The man in question was James Montgomery. In 2005, 64 dogs were taken … Read more

Stuffed Toy Helps Rescue Dog Mourn The Loss Of His Lamb BFF

In 2015 two very special animals came into Janell Jensen’s life. The Idaho native has a soft spot for differently-abled pets, so when a neighbor found a three-pound Chihuahua on a busy road, she brought him straight to Janell. Within months, the lifelong animal lover also found herself caring for a special needs lamb. Paddy the dog and Lily the lamb shared an immediate bond, but sadly their beautiful friendship would be short-lived.   When Paddy arrived, he was underweight … Read more

Family Throws “Bye Bye Party” To Celebrate Dying Foster Dog’s Life

Sometimes a story comes along that is equal parts sweetness and heartbreak. Peanut’s tale is one of tragedy, loss, redemption, and the transformative power of human kindness. The 10-year-old Jack Russell Terrier mix recently found herself back at Save-A-Pet, the Illinois shelter she was adopted from two years ago. Her adopter passed away and a relative took Peanut in, but was not able to provide adequate care.   Peanut returned to Save-A-Pet with severe dental disease, a potentially cancerous tumor … Read more

Couple Adopts Double Amputee Rescue Dog Who Continues To Love Life

When Thunder was found by animal control officers from Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center (TJO), it was obvious the Toy Poodle was suffering from serious owner neglect. The shelter received a call from a concerned citizen who was worried about Thunder and two other dogs being kept at a Springfield, MA property. That phone call saved Thunder’s life. https://www.facebook.com/413ANIMALS/photos/pcb.10155571335149518/10155571334999518/?type=3&theater The injured and neglected dog was transported to the shelter’s veterinary center where Dr. Lauren Atkins fought to … Read more

4 Tips For Introducing Your Rescue Dog To New People

Is your rescue dog shy or anxious about meeting new people? Dogs that weren’t properly socialized as puppies may be extremely fearful when meeting strangers. The good news is that it’s rarely too late to start socialization with your dog. The key is to introduce your dog to people slowly with lots of positive reinforcement. With that in mind, here are 4 tips for introducing your rescue dog to new people.   #1 – Use a leash If you’re expecting … Read more

Dog Found In Trash Comforts Foster Mom During Chemo

In May, a tiny Chihuahua was found on the side of a Lewiston, Maine road in a pile of discarded trash. A news story about his plight caught the attention of Laurie Marcotte. She fell in love with the pitiful pooch – named Motto by his rescuers – and contacted the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society to become his foster mom. Marcotte nursed Motto’s wounded soul, and in return, he provided constant love and support as she underwent chemotherapy. Motto was … Read more

2 Teens Honored For Saving The Life Of A Puppy Abandoned In The Woods

13-year-old Sam Rice and 14-year-old Brady Thebeau were recognized by the Leicester, MA Police Department this week for rescuing a Pit Bull puppy abandoned in the woods. The dog was left in a plastic crate with a bag of dry food and a single can of wet food. After a logger located him, young Sam and Brady took it upon themselves to bring the pup home, bathe him, wash his crate and feed him. The boys have named their new … Read more

Tom Hardy Grieves For His Dog Best Friend In Touching Tribute

Tom Hardy and his dog, Woodstock, have been best buddies since the day the English actor found the 10-week-old puppy terrified on the side of a highway. That dramatic rescue eventually turned into a life-long bond. Hardy and Woodstock’s relationship has been a well-documented love story, with the dog frequently showing up on the red carpet and on film sets to keep his best friend company. Woodstock was named TIME Magazine’s #73 most influential animal, and the public has loved … Read more

Contact Lenses Give Former Fighting Dog A New Love For Life

The Hughes family is already known for their devotion to rescue dogs. Chris and Mariesa Hughes are the creative minds behind The Mr. Mo Project, a nonprofit that gives senior shelter dogs opportunities to live out their lives with loving families. They also earned internet fame last year when they built a custom bed big enough for them and their eight pups. There’s no limit to how far they’ll go to help a dog in need, and an aging pit … Read more

Loyal Dog Sat Vigil For Two Weeks Refusing To Leave Her Dead Friend’s Side

Hope For Paws is an organization in Los Angeles, CA that is committed to helping as many homeless animals as they can. They save dogs who are injured and starving and give them second chances at life. They’ve seen countless cases of canine heartbreak, and the story of a homeless pit bull who sat vigil over her dead friend’s body is especially poignant. The dog, later named Cassandra, was first found by railroad maintenance workers. She hadn’t left the side … Read more

After A Life Spent In A Basement, This Rescue Dog Couldn’t Wait To See The Light

When rescuers from the Humane Society of the United States found B.B., she was tiny, afraid, and obviously mistreated. The small dog was owned by a puppy mill and had been used as a breeding machine for most of her life. A metal cage in the corner of a dark, dirty basement with no ventilation was the only home she ever knew. After gaining the dog’s trust, HSUS rescuers pulled her out of the cage. B.B. was timid and shy, … Read more

Injured Dog Finds Family After Accidentally Being Drug Behind A Truck For One Mile

Kaaawa K-9 Rescue in Kaaawa, HI is a temporary home for the abused, neglected, and forgotten dogs of Oahu. For the past two years, Michelle Cooley and Mariner Hawkins have made homes for dogs found foraging for food along hiking trails and puppies left cowering under bushes and in dumpsters. They’ve rejoiced when homes were found and grieved when lives were lost. The story of how a KK9R dog named Blackberry found a forever home starts with a careless accident. … 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