Pets and air travel can be a lethal combination

"When the cargo bin of the Continental Airlines plane was opened July 10, Joey, a 6-year-old mixed-breed dog, was found lying on his side, loose inside the hold. Joey had chewed and pushed his way out of his metal and plastic crate. Despite being rushed to a veterinarian, Joey died several hours later, one of 45 animals that died during or shortly after flights in the U.S. over the past 16 months, according to the federal government..."
Source: Seattlepi.Nwsource.com, 11/30/2006

Pets can pose with Santa

Tracy, CA - "From out of a Juicy Couture bag, Honey, a tan Pomeranian, emerges camera ready for her photo session with Santa. She's wearing a pink and white stripped shirt and a pink and white polka dot collar. Honey poses professionally, quietly, on the lap of Jada Rivera, 5, who, along with sister Mia, 2, sit on the larger lap of the man in red..."
Source: InsideBayArea.com, 11/30/2006

Jubilee gives man and beast something to howl about

Naples, FL - "Veterans Community Park went to the dogs November 18 as Domestic Animal Services held its first annual Howl-A-Day Jubilee. The weather was crisp and cool as more than 600 Neapolitans watched dog obedience and agility demonstrations, shopped the jubilee vendors and bid on the silent auctions. The event was free and there was even a doggie fashion show and a "Hug-A-Pug" booth..."
Source: ZWire.com, 11/29/2006

S.Korea slaughters dogs and pigs

Iksan, South Korea - "Unaware of his fate, a two-year-old dachshund barked while chained to his dingy, wooden house, as South Korea slaughtered hundreds of dogs and pigs in efforts to stem the spread of the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu..."
Source: CNN.com, 11/28/2006

Dogs sniff out bugs to help wine growers combat crop-destroying bugs

Topeka, KS - "There is an approaching menace in California's wine country: a tiny little bug with a penchant for destroying vineyards. To stay ahead of a potentially expensive infestation, growers have funded a research program with the Assistance Dog Institute in Santa Rosa, Calif. Canines already use their sense of smell to find bombs, narcotics, even cancer. So, why not this new pest, as well?..."
Source: 49abcnews.com, 11/29/2006

Paws 4 Liberty pairs service dogs, disabled

Palm Beach, CA - "As an occupational therapist with patients at Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, Heidi Spirazza felt she knew exactly what some of them needed - dogs. Not just any lovable four-legged pet, but service dogs that would improve their lives..."
Source: PalmBeachPost.com, 11/29/2006

Judge orders man to forfeit dogs kept in former school bus

Bennington, VT - "A New Hampshire man found with 32 German shepherds in an old school bus last summer has been ordered to forfeit the animals because he couldn't properly care for them. Larry Mason, 52, of Bridgewater, N.H., still faces animal cruelty charges and is due to go on trial next month..."
Source: Boston.com, 11/29/2006

Police Dogs Being Moved

Baltimore, MD - "A Baltimore County police canine facility that was closed for environmental testing after the cancer deaths of several dogs will not reopen, the department announced yesterday. Under pressure from the County Council and police union leaders, the department said yesterday the canine unit will operate from four precinct houses throughout the county..."
Source: BaltimoreSun.com, 11/29/2006

Bully sticks and Itty-Bitty Balls

Aspen, CO - "...The pet food industry has discovered that there's no limit to the possibilities of marketing otherwise unsalvageable body parts from the slaughterhouses..."
Source: Aspen Times, 11/29/2006

Mummified dogs uncovered in Peru

Lima, Peru - "Archaeologists in Peru have uncovered the mummified remains of more than 40 dogs buried with blankets and food alongside their human masters. The discovery was made during the excavation of two of the ancient Chiribaya people who lived in southern Peru between 900 and 1350 AD..."
Source: News.BBC.co.uk, 9/23/2006

Utah Dogs Coming Down With Canine Influenza

Utah - "For dog owners this news is not welcome, but the state veterinarian and one kennel owner say knowing that an illness is going around is key to preventing it from spreading. Similar symptoms to kennel cough, a dog with the flu would have a cough, a fever and loss of appetite. Unlike kennel cough, Canine Influenza has no vaccine and can be deadly..."
Source: KUTV.com, 9/22/2006

Local dog trainer decodes language of man's best friend

Tennessee - Dean Miller received his first dog from his parents when he was born. The bond between baby and mixed breed — and dozens of other puppies since — has never been broken. As would be expected, Miller grew up a dog lover, and more: He became a dog counselor..."
Source: RCTimes.com, 9/22/2006

Heel, click. Sit, click. Good dog.

Roanoke, VA - "Lilly, a 10-month-old yellow Labrador retriever, is standing at attention, her body alert. In front of her is her trainer, and Lilly knows she has a treat. The two remain motionless, eyes locked, until Lilly suddenly sits down. Just as her rump touches the floor, there's a "click" and the trainer gives Lilly the treat. It's called clicker training. The clicker is a piece of plastic, about an inch long, with a button that you can depress to make a clicking sound..."
Source: Roanoke.com, 9/22/2006

Third annual 'Pets on Parade' to benefit dogs

Cromwell, CT - "If they are truly "man's best friend," it is only appropriate that man show dogs some kindness in return.That's exactly what organizers will do Saturday as part of the third annual "Pets on Parade," when Pierson Park will be given over to all things dog from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.The event, which is sponsored by the police department and the Animal Control office, will celebrate dogs, but it also has a more serious mission, too, Animal Control Officer Cheryl Gagnon explained."There will be a walk-a-thon to raise money for dogs with special needs," she explained..."
Source: MiddletownPress.com, 9/23/2006

Not Your Average Dogs

Gillette, WY - "After a roll in the grass, a few quick circles and high leg stretches aimed at the base of a tree, pooches of all varieties trotted back into the Cam-plex arena, where the real fun was.According to dogs' "jump height," the canines and their owners eagerly took to the tunnel course, where the dogs had to navigate a color-coded series of long tubes, carefully reading their owners' body language and voice commands..."
Source: JacksonHoleStarTrib.com, 9/21/2006

Hollywood unleashes dogs in war on movie piracy

Los Angeles, CA - "This time, Hollywood really has gone to the dogs.
The Motion Picture Association of America on Thursday unveiled its latest tool in the war on movie piracy: a pair of DVD-sniffing Labrador Retrievers named Lucky and Flo..."
Source: Reuters.com, 9/21/2006

Dogs and cats filling up county's animal control facilities

Phoenix, AZ - "Maricopa County Animal Care and Control officials are pleading with residents to adopt some of their cats and dogs because their facilities are so overcrowded.
The county facilities took in 50,000 cats and dogs in the 12-month period that ended this summer, and 30,000 of them were put down..."
Source: KVOA.com

Hotel for pampered canines has clients in lap of luxury

Vancouver, Canada - "Trying to define "what would Fido want" was the unusual challenge facing design gurus at Vancouver-based SmartDesign Group with one of their latest commissions.
SmartDesign, which crafted the look and feel of the chic Vancouver eatery Lift Bar and Grill and the Capers' Community Market at Cambie and 16th, was tapped by a new client to help them create comfortable temporary lodgings for dogs..."
Source: Canada.com, 9/7/2006

Should You Put Your Dog into Doggy Daycare?

"You may think that it sounds a little strange but their really is a doggy day care in most places around the world. Most animal lovers like myself truly love their pets, and want the best for them. But why would they want to put them into a doggy day care? Following are several reasons why you may find doggy day care to be a good idea..."
Source: AssociatedContent.com, 9/7/2006

On the trail for a good dog's life

Bridgeport, CT - "When I was a boy, the family dog was merely a live fixture around the house. While everyone petted and cared for the dog, it never reached "family member" status as it would be chained outside during the day and confined to the kitchen at night. After owning 11 dogs, my attitude toward the family pet has greatly changed. Likewise, the family dog has taken on a new role in society. Today, it is easy to find public dog activities, like training classes, canine sports and doggie daycare. More and more people are also taking their dogs on vacations, weekend camping trips and picnics in the park..."
Source: ConnPost.com, 7/16/2006

Seizures a reality for dogs even more so than for humans

San Francisco, CA - "DR. UTCHEN: We think our dog had a seizure. He stumbled and lay down, and his whole body seemed to spasm for about 10 seconds. After that, he lay quietly for about five minutes and then got up but seemed disoriented. Can dogs have epilepsy?
A: Yes, epilepsy occurs in dogs just like it does in people. For most dogs that are epileptic, the first seizure of their lives occur before the age of 3. Seizures are manifest on a whole continuum of behaviors..."
Source: InsideBayArea.com, 7/16/2006

Couple and their sled dogs share stories with children

South Jordan, UT - For Harry Schlitz, doing presentations with his sled dogs started 15 years ago as a hobby after he lost his job. Su gets a round of applause during a visit with children at the South Jordan Library. Su and her friends, Pixie and Sorrel, were part of a presentation about sled dogs..."
Source: ADN.com, 7/14/2006

Revealed: the man who killed 10,000 dogs

UK - "The secret slaughter of at least 10,000 racing greyhounds by one man has been exposed by an undercover investigation. For the past 15 years David Smith, a builders’ merchant, has been killing healthy greyhounds no longer considered by their trainers to be fast enough to race. He buries them in a one-acre plot at the back of his home in Seaham, Co Durham..."
Source: TimesOnline.co.uk, 7/16/2006

Judge orders man to pay vet bills of ’skeletal dogs’

Wailuku, HI - "A Pukalani man has been ordered to pay $1,670 to cover a veterinary bill and care of his three dogs that were taken from his home during an animal cruelty investigation last year. Thomas Dudoit, 49, also was fined $150 after he pleaded guilty Tuesday to one charge of animal cruelty..."
Source: MauiNews.com, 7/15/2006

Ask a Vet: Introduce dogs slowly, carefully

Dallas, TX - "Dear Sara: I am moving soon, and my dog will be sharing a house with another dog that he has not seen for about a year. What is the best way to go about reintroducing them?
A: Essentially, this question is about how to bring a new dog into a household that already has a dog. In this case, though, it may be easier for you because the two dogs have been together in the past..."
Source: TheEagle.com, 7/15/2006

For cats or dogs, we're mad about Max

San Francisco, CA - "What's in a name? If you're stuck with a weird one, you know that names can mean a lot, and you have your parents to thank -- or blame -- for that. But how do you go about naming your pets? For most of my pets, I've used the how-will-it-sound-when-I-call-them test. But I still managed to come up with Leroy Bach Brown for an Abyssinian cat I had years ago. I named my most recently acquired pet, a longhair calico, Maggie Mae and find myself calling her by both names..."
Source: MercuryNews.com, 7/15/2006

Animals are 'the virtue of man without the vices'

San Francisco, CA - "Every Sunday for years now, two couples travel to Bubbling Well Pet Memorial Park in Napa Valley to sit by the graves of their dearly departed — several rabbits and a dog. Their devotion may be unusual, but they are not alone. This Napa graveyard, made cult-famous by Errol Morris' documentary on pet cemeteries, "Heaven's Gate," buries 300-400 animals a year and cremates several hundred a month. People come by every day to pay their respects to Fluffy and Fido..."
Source: InsideBayArea.com, 7/15/2006

Tips For Awesome Looking Pet Portraits

"We love our pets. They do such cute, adorable, and funny things. They are more often than not, an integral part of our family. As such, you probably want to capture your beloved friend with great pet pictures. What if, when you go to take those perfect pet portraits, they run and hide, or simply won't cooperate? In this article we give some great tips to help you next time you go for that dog photo or pet picture of your best friend..."
Source: Advisor.com, 5/30/2006

Dogs to be allowed in Florida restaurants' outdoor areas

Tallahassee, FL — People might say some restaurants are going to the dogs. But one thing's for sure. Dogs will be going to some of the restaurants soon.
Governor Jeb Bush says he intends to sign a bill into law later this week that would allow local governments let restaurants permit dogs to eat with their owners in outdoor dining areas..."
Source: TampaBays10.com, 5/30/2006

9/11 Rescue Dogs in Critical Health Study

"For 11 straight days, Mizu crawled along precarious 'I' beams and threaded her way through smoldering debris, looking for the bodies of people who did not survive the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. A veteran of rescue efforts following earthquakes in Turkey and Armenia, as well as the Columbia space shuttle explosion, Mizu, an 10-year-old German shepherd search-and-rescue dog, had never experienced anything like the fires, the gases and noxious debris cloud that threatened to consume all rescue workers -- human and canine alike..."
Source: Forbes.com, 5/30/2006

National Trust may allow deer hunting with dogs

UK - "The National Trust is considering allowing the hunting of deer with dogs on its land to deal with the problem of sick and injured deer. The move, which would allow the use of dogs only to flush out deer so they can be shot, is in line with the ban on fox and deer hunting with hounds which came in two years ago..."
Source: Telegraph.co.uk, 5/30/2006

16 dogs rescued from dog fighting facility in Indiana

Gary, IN - "More than a dozen injured and emaciated pit bulls have been rescued from a home near Gary. Investigators also discovered dog fighting and training equipment in the home. So far, no charges have been filed in the case but investigators are hoping this could be a breakthrough for stopping other dog fighting operations...."
Source: ABCLocal.go.com, 5/30/2006

Proposal Would Deal With Dangerous Dogs, Owners

Chicago, IL - "Some alternate proposals on how to deal with dangerous dogs and their owners are being considered by Chicago City Council members. One animal expert says a proposal to ban pit bulls in the city would do nothing to limit other dangerous dogs or the people who breed them..."
Source: WBBM780.com, 5/29/2006

Getting service dogs hard-wired into society

Japan - "With a scant 30 service dogs for the disabled nationwide, knowledge among the general public about what the dogs do and the training involved is understandably low. To overcome this, blogs and books on the subject are being produced in a way accessible to both adults and children. The National Support Dog Association, a Hachioji, Tokyo-based social welfare corporation runs a blog at http://dogblog.magnet.ne.jp, where members of the general public can get a glimpse into the training the dogs go through--all written from the point of view of a 9-month-old pup called Ekubo..."
Source: Yomiuri.co.jp, 5/30/2006

Memorial pays tribute to top dogs

Contra Cost, CA - "Ron Rackley attests that a fearless, furry companion saved his life many times during the Vietnam War. Puppy patrolled the Air Force base with Rackley, sniffing out enemies and explosives. 'Our motto was: The first line of defense,' Rackley said. 'The only thing that stood between us and the enemy was a few rows of Concertina wire.' The city today will pay tribute to the countless dogs and their handlers who have served in wars and peacekeeping missions..."
Source: ContraCostaTimes.com, 5/29/2006

Shelter welcomes rabid dogs, bans activist

Portland, OR - "Multnomah County has barred an animal right activist from entering its animal shelter, three months after an Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division report suggested the county fix a hostile work environment that workers attributed to the activist's frequent visits..."
Source: OregonLive.com, 5/29/2006

She leaves corporate world for shot at canine caretaker

Detroit, MI - "These days, Liz Blondy is her own dog. What's more, after leaving the corporate world, she's also leader of the pack. "People always ask, 'Who's the alpha dog?'-" says Blondy, who now runs her own dog day-care, boarding and grooming business in Detroit. "I always tell them me and my employees are the alpha. If a dog comes in here and thinks he's the alpha, we've lost control." Control is something Blondy savors in running her own business, after seven frustrating years as a saleswoman in the corporate world..."
Source: DetNews.com, 5/29/2006

Dog day afternoons

Dallas, TX - "Lux wasn't a happy dog. The hound in her had gotten the upper hand, and she was looking mournful indeed. Watching, I wished I could have been her -- she was stretched out on what amounted to a giant air-conditioned dog bed in the back of the rented Chevy Trailblazer. I was riding shotgun and trying to drink enough Diet Cokes to make up for not being able to smoke in the car on a three-day road trip to Port Aransas from Fort Worth..."
Source: DFW.com, 5/28/2006