Dog Events in May

Mark your calendars for these upcoming doggie events! Click on the links for more detailed information.

May 2-4, 2008 Jefferson,WI
The Dairyland Classic Dog Shows

May 3, 2008 Powder Springs,GA
Doggy Dash 2008

May 3, 2008 Cinnaminson,NJ
Pet Adopt-A-Thon

May 4, 2008 New York,NY
American Cancer Society's Dogswalk Against Cancer

May 4, 2008 Soquel,CA
7th Annual Spring Dog Parade & Fiesta

May 5, 2008 San Jose,CA
Celebrate Cinco De Fido with your Dog!

DCH Spotlight - Little Angel Hood

As if Lucy didn't have enough hoodies already...but this dog hoodie is just too special to pass up! Polka dots and stripes; you can't say no to that!

Matching Leotard Outfits for Paris the Boxer Dog

Boxer dog Paris is used to being put through her paces by owner Stevie Williams but a Wellington pet fashion parade meant barking up a different tree altogether.

The three-year-old pooch took the event in her stride, securing second spot with Stevie, 19, in the best pet and person look-alike competition at the school holiday show at the Animates pet store in Hutt Rd yesterday.

The pair, clad in near-matching leotard outfits, are a familiar sight on the streets of Levin, where Stevie takes Paris on daily four-kilometre runs.

[Source: Stuff.co.nz]

Mondex the Frog-Dog Wins Fashion Show

A chihuahua in a scuba suit has won a canine fashion show in the Philippines. Five-year-old Mondex wore a four-legged wetsuit, air bottle, four little flippers and goggles for the day.

Mondex was joined by other pampered pooches in the pet fashion show held in a mall in suburban Manila. He faced stiff competition from Tucker, another five-year-old chihuahua, who was dressed as a cowboy but eventually emerged victorious.

Rumours that he is now set to pursue a career as a police frog-dog are understood to be wide off the mark.

[Source: Ananova]

Top Drug Sniffer Dog Cloned

One of the top customs sniffer dog is being cloned to combat drug trafficking. These cloned Labrador puppies are training to become sniffer dogs for South Korea's customs service.

DCH Spotlight - Cotton Candy Dress

Treat your dog with this season's dog dress must-have. Comfortable fit and absolutely fabulous!

Hundreds to Compete at Iowa Dog Show

A dog show in the style of the famous Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is bringing almost 650 canines from across the country to Marshalltown Saturday and Sunday for the Heart of Iowa Kennel Club All Breed & Obedience Dog Show.

The annual event has more than a decade of history at the Central Iowa Fairgrounds, where the public can view the competition between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. both days for an admission donation of $1.

Competition by breed is held in the horse stall barn on the east side of the fairgrounds, grooming is in the pavilion next to the horse stall barn and obedience and rally is in the activity building on the west end of the fairgrounds.

Classified into seven groups, 105 breeds will be judged by professionals who examine each dog with their hands to see if the teeth, muscles, bones and coat texture conform to the breed’s standard, according to show chairperson Shelley Barron. They view each dog’s profile and watch them in action.

Most dogs in competition at conformation shows are competing for points toward American Kennel Club championships, she said.

[Source: Times-Republican]

Paris Hilton Plays with Pets on TV Show

Paris Hilton is set to host a satellite TV show about pet grooming. The 27-year-old socialite has reportedly signed a deal with Britain's Living TV channel to star in Paris Pooches, in which she will manage a beauty parlor for dogs on Bond Street, London.

A source told Britain's Sunday Star newspaper: "The shop is perfect for Paris. It's a subject shes passionate about and its a way for her to break into UK TV."

Watching Hilton act out her Los Angeles lifestyle, in which tiaras for Chihuahuas are of real importance, should be very entertaining. And she will no doubt be hitting the clubs and parties over here in the same way she does back home.

The hotel heiress, who's dating Good Charlotte rocker Benji Madden, was recently investigated by Los Angeles authorities after claiming to have 17 dogs - 14 more than city bylaws allow. She once claimed to have 600 pets in her various homes including a Rottweiler dog, a bobcat and a Lhasa Aspo.

[Source: The Daily Telegraph]

Meet Teddy the 17-year-old Surfing Dog

Meet Bondi's favourite good luck charm - a 17-year-old "pedigree bitser" with a penchant for surfing. Locals have taken to patting "Teddy the Bondi Wonder Dog" for good luck at the TAB, for which he appeared in a recent ad campaign. He even has his own MySpace, possibly the first canine involved in the youth network phenomenon. (Actually, at 119 in dog years, he is probably the oldest MySpacer.)

"He's just got something about him," Teddy's owner, abseiling instructor Roderick Millner, said. "He has this amazing ability to make people relax and they pat him for luck." And it works, apparently.

Mr. Millner said he encouraged people who won money after patting the pooch to send 10 per cent of the takings to the RSPCA. "That's where I got him from. People are starting to send money. The locals are charity oriented," he said.

Teddy was unavailable for comment yesterday but discusses himself at length on his MySpace page. Listing his star sign as Virgo and with a total of three online MySpace friends, Teddy writes: "I am an elderly gent but most people think I'm younger. I have a great sense of style and many people think I am regal in my ways. The Egyptian pharaoh dog has been likened to myself."

Teddy also says he loves riding motorbikes and surfboards, and that his parentage is similarly catholic, probably an English bull terrier and a greyhound.

[Source: The Daily Telegraph]

DCH Spotlight - Vintage Tank

I have added yet another outfit to Lucy's collection of couture. What can I say, dogs love being fashionable too! This time I got my furry little friend this pink dog tank top. It has beautiful lace trim that gives the tank a vintage twist. Very cute and very chic!

Puppy With Heart Wows Japan

A puppy born with a heart-shaped pattern on his coat becomes a symbol of luck in northern Japan. The long-coated baby male chihuahua was born in May, one of a litter, to a breeder in Odate, northern Japan. Dog shop owner Emiko Sakurada says it's the first time a puppy with the marks has been born out of a thousand she has bred.

Mutt Massages Can Boost Your Dog's Health

After a day of destroying the remote control or napping atop the TV, your pet might actually need a massage. According to animal massage therapists, dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs and just about every other pet could use your loving touch.

"It's not a luxury. Animals benefit from massage," said Eve Lucia Boucouvalas, who is certified in animal massage through the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. She is also lead canine massage therapist at the Don CeSar Beach Resort and Spa in St. Pete Beach, which allows cats and dogs up to 25pounds. "It's preventative," she said. "You can pick up on conditions you might have missed."

Other benefits, she said, include increased blood flow and joint flexibility, support for the animal's immune system and quicker recovery from injuries. There are pluses for the owners, too, including the opportunity to assess your pet's health and a chance to bond with a shelter adoptee or other skittish animal.

Boucouvalas said you should massage your pet for 20 to 45 minutes at least once a month, preferably after exercise but before she eats. Don't massage it if it recently had a fever, shock, open wound, fracture, cancer or skin infection. Consult a vet about pre and post-surgery rubdowns. Oh, and skip the oils and aromatherapy. For info on Eve Lucia Boucouvalas' pet massage workshops, visit www.animalhealingarts.com.

[Source: St.Petersburg Times]

A Dog's Best Friend

A village dog adopts a wild monkey and the two become insperable. When severe flood waters hit northern Mozambique in 2002, causing misery and extensive damage to property and crops, many animals were left to fend for themselves. But villagers in Caia witnessed a bizarre friendship between a dog and a monkey. A skinny dog emerged from the bush with a tiny monkey clinging to its back. The villagers have named the pair Billy and Kiko, and they've been inseparable ever since.

How Smart is Your Dog?

The Pooch IQ kit contains a (not necessarily scientific) test of a dog's mental mastery. Dr. Debbye Turner tests three dogs and then brings the winner in to face off with Dave Price's dog Chance.

DCH Spotlight - 76th Hoodie

This trend-setting dog hoodie is just what your little pooch needs to keep warm for those chilly morning walks. It comes with a heart and cross bone pattern, sequin filled number 76 design and 4 different colors to choose from.

Cookie Einstein, Mathmatical Pooch

Cookie Einstein, a rescue cockapoo, barks out answers to math questions. Is she smarter than a fifth grader?

DCH Spotlight - Embroidered Cupcake Birthday Girl Tank Dress

Doggie Birthday coming up!

That's right, my little Lucy is turning 1! Since it just happens to be her first, we're having a special soiree thrown in her honor!

Aside from all the birthday treats, toys and love she's getting, she's also getting a cute and comfy birthday tank dog dress for her to wear on her big day. The dress features an embroidered cupcake and the text 'Birthday Girl'. She will certainly be dressed for the occasion!

Vitamin Water for Dogs? Cola Maker Says Why Not

Remember when a full water bowl and a little dog food was all Fido needed? Now more companies are offering health food for pets, including vitamin-infused beverages. The maker of RC Cola, Cott Corp., is unveiling the latest beverage line for dogs. It's similar to the enhanced juices and drinks available for people.

The Wall Street Journal reports it's a sign that even lesser-known companies are trying to grab a share of the estimated $43.4 billion-a-year pet industry.

The company says Fortifido Water for Dogs comes in four flavors in both 1-liter and 2-liter sizes. The company is marketing one peanut-butter-flavored water fortified with calcium for healthy bones. Another fortified with zinc is for healthy skin and comes in a parsley flavor. The company is promoting a fresh breath variety enhanced with spearmint. The fourth variety, lemongrass flavored, has amino acids and minerals for healthy joints.

[Source: WTOP News]

Dog Events This Weekend!

Here are some great events that you and your dog won't want to miss! Click on the links for more detailed information.

April 11, 2008 in New York, NY
Dog Friendly Spring Soiree Mix & Mingle

April 12, 2008 in New York, NY
Walkin' New York Dog Friendly Tour of Central Park

April 12, 2008 in San Diego, CA
Woofstock 2008

April 13, 2008 in New York, NY
Schnauzers and Schnoodles Meetup

[Source: BringFido.com]

New Airport Hotels Just For Fido and Fluffy

A growing number of airports are seeing 24-hour pet hotels being built inside or near their compounds, saving travelers the headache of scrambling to drop off their dogs or cats at neighborhood kennels. "Given that more people have pets, it's just a natural progression of services that airports should offer," says Saq Nadeem, founder of Paradise 4 Paws, which will open next month near Chicago O'Hare.

Airports and their private partners are betting that 24-hour service and proximity to the terminal are enough to entice customers away from neighborhood kennels, which often close early and open late. The flexible hours led Bruce Hamilton, a television anchorman in Jacksonville, to board his dog, Marley, at Pet Paradise, which is open 24 hours. "It's extremely convenient that you can pick up and drive there anytime," Hamilton says. "I don't have to bring my dog a day before." Paradise 4 Paws will even operate a long-term, 22-spot parking lot on-site, so that its customers can take the shuttle directly to the airport.

Daily rates for dog hotels can range widely — from $15 a night for a cage at the local veterinarian office to $70 for a large room with extra perks. Pet Paradise, which has two locations within a mile of the airports at Jacksonville and New Orleans and plans to open at Houston Intercontinental and Houston Hobby, charges $30 per night for its basic package. The rate includes a $2 premium, compared with its in-town locations, for the extra hours, says Fred Goldsmith, CEO of Pet Paradise.

Airport pet hotels typically offer more upscale amenities than the average kennel, such as beds, non-caged rooms with outdoor access, and in-ground swimming pools. Pet Paradise boasts a dog-bone-shaped swimming pool and webcams that let owners check on their pets remotely. Paradise 4 Paws plans to install flat-screen TVs in some suites that would play DVD footage of customers playing with their pets. Slumber parties are available for pets that don't want to be alone.

"The last time we went to go pick up Marley, he didn't want to leave the other dogs," Hamilton says.

[Source: USA Today]

The Lonesome Puppy

Americans may already have Clifford the Big Red Dog, but “The Lonesome Puppy” reinforces the idea that bigger isn’t necessarily better.

In fact, when you’re a dog that’s taller than Russia, with legs bigger than Sequoias, it can be hard to make friends. Bend down to sniff them, and they might get sucked into your nose. So the puppy was, indeed, a lonesome puppy. But when a curious and determined little girl climbs up into the clouds to explore, she is a surprised to find a new friend. Soon, the puppy wasn’t lonely anymore.

It’s a book that’s dedicated by renowned Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara to physically challenged children everywhere. The moral of the story is that there is a friend for everyone, if people only stop looking past the people who seem different and take the time to get to know someone as an individual.

The artistry is wonderful, all charcoal lines and indefinite boundaries. It mimics the way that many so-called “normal” people view those who are different: as a nebulously defined “thing.” It encourages us to define their boundaries by getting to know them.

Of course, if the homeless panhandler down Broad Street looked more like a furry puppy than a lunatic, it would be easier to get to know him. But as parents generally don’t allow their children to wander down urban streets unattended, the readers of this book will likely take these lessons to school with them. In a best case scenario, it will prompt children to look more carefully around them for unexpected surprises.

[Source: Metro Spirit]

Dog Modeling Agency Opens in Slovakia

It's a dog's life as Slovakia opens its first canine model agency attracting ambitious pooches hoping to make it to the big time. The pampered pets are trying to claw their way to the top in the bitchy world of modeling. The modeling agency aims to get man's best friend contracts to feature in advertisements and possibly gain international fame from its base in Bratislava.

DCH Spotlight- Dogs & Bones Tie & Collar Set

With my dog being so big, it's hard to find a nice outfit that would actually fit without looking too awkard.

So I recently purchased this dog tie and collar set which turned out to be a great success! The vibrant colors really stand out on his shiny black coat and he's been getting a lot of compliments for it!

"Salvador Doggie" Paints Up a Storm

A five-year-old golden retriever will raise money next month by selling his paintings to benefit the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society which trained him. Dubbed "Salvador Doggie" by some, the painting pooch named Athens is a pawsitively proficient artist.

"I just made him learn that he has to touch the paper with his paintbrush before he gets any food," said Sherry Caves, who has used a wheelchair since the age of seven because of a spinal injury suffered in a car accident involving a drunk driver. Caves lives in a west end Vancouver apartment with her son Aidan, husband Darryl and the dog.

"He's my right-hand man, my little sidekick," added Caves. "He pulls me up the hills in my wheelchair and I don't have to rely on my husband and son." Athens can also turn on a light switch, open a door and pick up things Caves drops.

"About a year ago, I saw a video on YouTube about an assistance dog back east in the U.S. who could paint," said Caves, who got the PADS-trained dog three years ago. "These dogs are so smart - it didn't take long to train him." Athens has painted about eight pieces. One looks like a cat and another like goldfish swimming in a pond.

Caves said she's always thinking of ways to raise funds and believes people will be doggone keen to buy Athens's paintings. The talented dog will be put to work at a Mother's Day charity auction May 10 in Burnaby.

"Athens will be taking part in a silent and a live auction," said Jennifer Moir, PADS manager of fundraising and volunteer programs. "He will be at the front demonstrating how he paints. This is the first time that one of our dogs has done something like this," Moir added.

[Source: The Calgary Herald]

DCH Spotlight - Peppermint Pixie Hand-Smocked Dress

Spring has finally sprung, and what better way to represent spring than groovy green against our perennial favorite, pink! This adorable little dog dress is perfect for Lucy to bound among the new florals.

Groovy Spots for Grooming Fido on The Road

Whether you take your pets along on business trips or vacations, the name and telephone number of a good pet spa should rank high among other important travel documents.

Jai Rodriguez, one of the stars of the Emmy-winning TV show, "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," is a regular bi-coastal traveler — together with his Yorkies Nemo and Dori. Now, after helping men to groom themselves, he’s hosting a new doggie reality show called "Groomer Has It." Together, Rodriguez and Nemo will introduce pet lovers to some of the country’s top groomers as they compete for the crown of Groomer of the Year.

When in New York, Rodriguez takes his dogs to Jorge at the New York Dog Spa and Hotel for an oatmeal bath and massage treatment. "I was thrilled when I learned that he was chosen to be one of the contestants on the show," Rodriguez said. "Nemo once had really dry, sensitive skin and these oatmeal baths really helped improve the condition. I love a puppy cut on Yorkies and they always come back looking like cute little bears. There's an art to a good puppy cut."

Now based in Los Angeles, Rodriguez takes his dogs to different places including, Chateau Marmutt and LA Dogworks — both popular hangouts for celebrity pups.

Chateau Marmutt specializes in aromatherapy grooming. While there, your dog is likely to rub noses with some very famous celebrity pooches as Britney Spears, Christine Aguilera, Charlize Theron and Beyoncé are among the A-list clients. Walk-ins are welcome for baths, "pawdicures" range between $10-$20, and haircuts are by appointment only.

The Zen Den at LA Dogworks is a simple eastern retreat for your dog to relax and indulge. Owner Andrew Rosenthal has combined natural elements like slate and bamboo with special pet pheromone diffusers as the setting for the perfect pet massage retreat. The facility also offers hydrotherapy (underwater treadmills) designed for rehabilitation after surgery and weight-maintenance — especially for older dogs.

[Source: MSNBC]

Oprah Exposes Puppy Mills

Oprah Winfrey plans to dedicate a show investigating abuses at puppy mills to her cocker spaniel, Sophie, who died last month from kidney failure. "Sophie gave me 13 years of unconditional love. She was a true love in my life," Winfrey says on the broadcast scheduled to air Friday, April 4.

The show features special correspondent Lisa Ling investigating puppy mills, which Ling calls "horrific" and "haunting." Winfrey says the show is "for anybody anywhere who loves a dog, has ever loved a dog, or just cares about their basic right to humane treatment."

While Sophie was not a product of a puppy mill, and Winfrey's three current dogs were adopted from breeders, Winfrey says in the future she would look to adopt from an animal shelter.

"I would never, ever adopt another pet now without going to a shelter to do it. I am a changed woman after seeing this show," she says.

[Source: The Associated Press]

NY is Top Pet-Friendly Place for 2008

The Big Apple has gone to the dogs — and is being awarded for it. The city has been selected as the pet-friendliest destination of 2008, according to Animal Fair, a lifestyle magazine for pet owners. It's one of the seven winners of this year's Cesar Five Dog Bone Awards, voted on by readers. In the city, visitors and their pets can enjoy "pampering at the many hound-hospitable hotels" and "dining at canine-cuisine restaurants," the magazine says.

The annual Dog Bone Awards recognize the roles that pets play in people's lives and the establishments that cater to them. Winners are selected based upon their excellence in pet-friendly travel and product services.

The other six winners this year were:

• Airline: Continental Airlines, whose PetSafe program allows animals too large for the passenger cabin to travel as cargo instead of baggage, ensuring their comfort and safety, the magazine says.

• Automobile: Volvo, for its large interiors, great for carrying puppy gear.

• Hotel: The Driskill Hotel, in Austin, Texas, which offers comfy pet beds, gourmet pet treats and chew toys. "There's going to be a huge stampede of vacationing pets and their owners visiting The Driskill," the magazine says.

• Product: Sherpa pet carriers, considered stylish and functional.

• Resort: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, in Scottsdale, Ariz.

• Animal shelter: Humane Society of Louisiana.

Animal Fair editorial director Wendy Diamond created the awards after traveling across the United States and to Russia, Greece and Mexico with her Maltese, Lucky. "Traveling with your pet should be as natural and easy as traveling with your children, with one big exception," Diamond said Tuesday. "Children don't have to travel under the seat!"

[Source: FOX23news.com]

Yoga for Dogs - No Joke

When Ashley Storm wants to chill, she does yoga. And when she wants to help her Labrador mix relax, she has Loki join in. Yes, a dog doing yoga. It's called -- what else? -- doga (pronounced DOE-guh) . People help their dogs into yoga poses and then rub or nuzzle them while the dogs stretch or just hang out.

"They stretch naturally, like we do in our yoga poses," says Storm, a yoga instructor and co-owner of Hot Yoga in Chevy Chase. "It just feels good to them. It feels good to us, too."

Nathan Jester, 10, recently did doga with Dixie, a friend's fox terrier mix, at Storm's studio. "It's fun," said Nathan, a fifth-grader at Chevy Chase Elementary School. "It's really calming for both of us. She [Dixie] likes getting the attention because she's getting played with at the same time."

In doga poses, the dogs look a lot like they do when they loll about and appear to be happy. It's no coincidence, Storm says, that a common yoga stretch for people is called "downward-facing dog." In the chair pose, dogs sit on their hind legs with their front paws in the air while a person holds them from behind. In the chaturanga pose, dogs lie on their abdomens while someone strokes their backs. In the savasana relaxation pose, they lie on their backs while someone rubs their belly. Aaaaahhhhh.

If dogs don't want to do doga, it's fun to have them hang out on a mat while you do yoga, Storm says. The most important part of doga is spending quality time together. Doga helps dogs and people bond, Storm says, because they have to focus on each other. No TV or video games. No homework worries. Just you and your dog stretching and relaxing. The result: Busy, highly scheduled kids have to slow down, and couch-potato kids get up and do something.

Storm started doing doga with Loki about four years ago, shortly after a friend gave her a book about it. Loki, a rescue dog who had been abused, used to get so stressed out around strangers that she would shake. But after hanging around the yoga studio and doing doga, she seems far more relaxed and happy. "Everyone says she's a different dog," Storm says.

[Source: Washington Post]