Friday is "Take Your Dog to Work Day"

Some people love the idea. Some people grumble about it. Regardless of how you feel about pets in the workplace, it's baaaack! Tomorrow, June 25th, is the official "Take Your Dog to Work Day."

If your employer permits animals in the office, but you're on the fence about introducing FiFi to your coworkers, consider that spending time in new places can help socialize your dog and get her more comfortable with new experiences. Pets also tend to have a calming effect on (most) humans. Studies show that having pets in the workplace can help create a more productive work environment, lower stress levels and aid in reducing employee absenteeism. A recent CNN survey revealed that 75% of people said they would work longer hours if they were able to bring their pet to the office.

Here are a few common-sense pointers to help ensure a positive experience for everyone involved during this annual event:

Pet proof your cubicle: Before your dog visits, remove all small, chewable items that could be a potential choking hazard as well as anything with sharp edges. It's also wise to cover exposed electrical cords or outlets. If you don't want to keep your dog on a leash, put up a baby gate at your office door to keep her from wandering off.

Create a happy home away from home: Make your dog comfortable by bringing in a cozy bed or favorite blanket where she can chill out. Also be sure to pack bowls, food, poo bags and a few treats to reward good behavior.

Keep boredom at bay: Give your pup a chew toy or other "job" to keep her occupied while you're working. It's also a good idea to designate a surrogate office pet parent to look after your pup in the event that you are stuck in a lengthy meeting.

Be realistic: You should only take your dog to work if she is healthy, up-to-date on her vaccines, well-trained, well-socialized and, of course, housebroken. If you already know that your dog can become skittish or aggressive in new situations, it may be best for her to sit this event out.

Practice good canine hygiene: No one likes a dirty dog. Be sure your pooch is clean and well-groomed before her corporate debut.

Be a responsible owner: Some of your cubicle mates may be allergic to or afraid of dogs, so never assume that everyone is happy to see your prized pup prancing down the hallway. Keep her on leash in common areas and always make your dog sit politely to greet other people and their dogs.

Have a "plan b" in place: Just in case your pooch doesn't dig the office scene, arrange (ahead of time) to take her to a reputable dog sitter or daycare place nearby where she can safely and happily spend the rest of the day until you are ready to retrieve her.

Are you planning to bring your favorite canine comrade to work tomorrow? How do you feel about having pets in the office?

[Source: Tails of the City]

It's Me or The Dog - Casting Call

Now casting dog-owners from the Tri-state area for season three of Animal Planet's It's Me or The Dog.

The show, from the producers of Supernanny and The Real Housewives of New York, are seeking owners of one (or more) out-of-control dogs. Is your pooch an obedience school drop-out? Then we want you! The casting team is currently seeking dog-owners with a variety of backgrounds, which are ready for the ultimate doggy boot camp!

Click here for more details

The 101 Dalmatians Musical at The Theater at MSG

The 101 Dalmatians Musical is an experience for the entire family about what it means to be a family, canine and courageous. More than a simple story about good versus bad, the family bands together to overcome every hurdle and hardship in the most difficult times.

Find ticket information at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Chef Michael’s “Be My Valentine” Doggie Dinner Party

Actor Michael Urie, his dog Sprout and other guests celebrate an early doggie Valentine's Day at the Chef Michael's "Be My Valentine" Doggie Dinner Party at Gotham Hall Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010 in New York. (Jason DeCrow/AP Images for Purina)


Actress and dog owner Elisabeth Rohm poses with Bambi, an adoptable dog from Posh Pets Rescue, during the Chef Michael's "Be My Valentine" Doggie Dinner Party at Gotham Hall Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010 in New York. (Jason DeCrow/AP Images for Purina)

The event celebrated the winner of the national “My Doggie Valentine” contest, a Brussels Griffon named Ouzo and his owner Kristin Hartman from New Jersey. An inseparable pair, Ouzo and Hartman were selected as the winners of Chef Michael’s national “My Doggie Valentine” contest, which was conducted earlier this year at www.doggievalentine.com.

“Ouzo was my ‘Doggie Valentine’ from the moment we met,” says Hartman. “He is my true partner and I spend more time with him than anyone.”

As part of its overall Valentine program, Chef Michael’s will also donate $7,500 to Adopt-a-Pet.com on behalf of all of the entrants in the Doggie Valentine contest and all of the doggie diners coming to the Feb. 10 party. The donation will help support Adopt-a-Pet.com’s mission to find forever homes for homeless dogs who also deserve to feel loved on Valentine’s Day.

Doggie Surfing! Filming for Dog Movie "Marmaduke"

She is as happy in this frothing ocean as a Thoroughbred at the racetrack. She adheres to the surfboard as if her feet are made of Velcro.

How does an Australian Kelpie, bred to be a hardworking ranch hand, do an about-face and become an aimless surfer dude?

Easily, says her owner, Michael Uy. She has many talents, only one of which is herding sheep. The girl also enjoys mountain biking and rock climbing.

"But surfing is her No. 1 love," says Uy, 39, a software program manager in San Diego. "We surf together almost every day after I get off work."

Abbie girl is front and center in a dog-surfing craze spreading along California's beaches. These coastal canines fuel the real-life action scenes in the film Marmaduke, due in theaters June 4 from 20th Century Fox.

One of the story lines about the popular comic-strip character centers on the Great Dane being pressured to enter a surfing contest after his family moves to Southern California. Lee Pace, William H. Macy and Judy Greer are human stars in this live-action comedy in which the dogs speak. Owen Wilson is the voice of Marmaduke, an awkward teen Dane who is a very reluctant surfer up against champions such as Abbie.

Abbie got the nod to be a film extra (and earn $400) when the professional animal trainers who work with the Great Dane that plays Marmaduke saw Abbie surf in a contest, Uy says. Several of the other surfing dogs cavorting in the rough water with Abbie and Uy this particular day also will be extras in the film, which Uy says will show dogs surfing some spectacular waves.

Dog surfing is mostly recreational, but Uy and the dedicated followers bouncing up and down in these San Diego-area waves are taking it to new heights. Five competitions, up from two the year before, were held in California last year, drawing hundreds of dogs and thousands of spectators. The number of surf classes for dogs also is growing.

[Source: USATODAY]

Have A Heart For Chained Dogs!

With Valentine's Day approaching, non-profit Dogs Deserve Better is asking for help from dog lovers in an unique direct mail outreach which pairs Valentines created by schoolchildren with America's chained dogs.

Dogs Deserve Better, a national rescue and advocacy group dedicated to ending the suffering endured by chained dogs, annually sends Valentines and dog treat coupons to canines across the country. The group includes a brochure for the dog's caretakers, explaining why the practice of chaining dogs for life is a form of abuse. The materials encourage people to bring their dogs into the home and family or to find better homes for the animals.

By the end of January, the group needs 15,000 addresses of perpetually-chained or penned dogs, volunteers to make the Valentines, and donations of coupons for dog treats or dog food.

"Winter is a critical time to reach out directly to the people who chain their dogs, and what better excuse than Valentine's Day to send these forgotten animals a little love," says Tamira Thayne, founder and director of the seven-year-old non-profit. "Every winter our rescuers see dogs that have frozen in the snow, suffered frostbite, or otherwise endured horrific living conditions because of the longstanding misperception that it is ok to chain a dog outside in any kind of weather"

"This is the perfect opportunity for people who pass chained dogs every day but feel powerless to help them to make a difference," continues Thayne. "People can anonymously provide us with the addresses of these dogs, or make us a batch of Valentines, and we'll do the rest"

The creation of the Valentines is an ideal project for schools, scouting troops, and other similar organizations. "Children have a natural affinity for animals and they enjoy making art projects," says Thayne, an artist herself. "In this way we remind children of proper caretaking, and educate guardians as well"

Although the practice of 24/7 chaining is pervasive in many parts of the country, states and cities have started to pass laws against the practice. So far four states have passed limitations on chaining: California, Texas, Connecticut, and Nevada. Hundreds of cities and counties have passed limitations or flat-out bans.

Meanwhile, countless backyard dogs are spending yet another winter in the cold. Often, they shiver day and night in hole-ridden doghouses, suffer from thirst because their water is frozen, and pace neurotically from lack of exercise and attention. Perpetually chained dogs often become aggressive from their constant confinement, thereby posing a danger to people, especially small children.

For more information about the Valentine's Day outreach, go to http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/Valentines2010.html or email info@dogsdeservebetter.org.

Valentines (sized at 4"x 8" max preferred due to postal regulations), addresses and donations for the campaign can be sent to: P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684. For general information about Dogs Deserve Better go to www.dogsdeservebetter.org.

[Source: ExpertClick]

Mushers Return for ‘Dog Days’

It seems a reversal of logic, to wait all year for the snow to fall and then begin running outdoors. But to these dogs, it is the only logic that makes sense.

Throughout Canada and the United States’ snowy states, mushers are preparing their dogs for the winter dog sledding season. And, once again, a race near Olney will kick the season off for a group of mushers from around the Northwest U.S. and Canada.

The third annual Flathead Sled Dog Days, presented by Snow Action Sports, Inc., is held Jan. 8-10, with veterinarian check-ins the first day and racing on the final two days. In 2009, the event drew only 11 teams because of the recession and high diesel prices, down from more than 20 the first year.

But the numbers are back up again this year with 21 entries, ranging from four-dog teams up to 12-dog teams. Entrants come from the Montana towns Whitefish and Condon, as well as Alberta, Wisconsin and Colorado.

Brooke Bohannon, an organizer for the event, said Flathead Sled Dog Days is held earlier in the year than most other sled dog races, so some racers use it for training. Yet for others, it’s the biggest race of the winter. There is also a race in Seeley Lake the following weekend, which some of Flathead Sled Dog Days’ participants will attend, Bohannon said.

“There are some mushers with a lot of experience and some without a lot,” Bohannon said. “There’s a range. That’s a nice thing to see.”

In past years, there have been only two divisions: six dog and 12 dog, listed this year officially as six-eight dog and 10-12 dog. A team can race with either six or eight dogs in the former division and 10 or 12 in the latter.

This year, Bohannon and her fellow organizers have added a four-dog division, for which there was one entry as of last week: Rachel Wannamaker of Alberta. Wannamaker will race four miles on Jan. 9 and then four more on Jan. 10 for a two-day race total of eight miles.

The six-eight-dog division participants are slated for 25 miles each day, while the biggest division travels 40 miles each day, for a total of 80. The past two years, Bohannon said, the upper division has traveled 100 miles total. Even at 100 miles, the race was a relative jaunt in the park compared to the 1,161-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska.

For more information about the race, Snow Action Sports, Inc., or to purchase Flathead Sled Dog Days merchandise, log on to www.flatheadsleddogdays.com or call (406) 471-4081

[Source: Flathead Beacon]

Dog Day Masquerade

Despite the wintry chill, it really was a dog day afternoon on Sunday when the 5th Annual Times Square Dog Day Masquerade was held in, well, Times Square. Run, don't walk over to HuffPo and check out all the adorability.

In PA, Dog Days Help Students Adjust to College Life

About 5 in the afternoon, they started to gather on this central Pennsylvania college campus: The shih tzu brothers Boomer and Otis; Maggie, a lumbering chocolate lab; Cole and Chase, the David and Goliath of the bunch, of course named after Phillies; and the talented Bunsen, the boxer mix who has his own blog and can eat treats he flips off his nose.

Then it was time to send in the homesick freshmen.

"You're cute! You look like my dog," said Kayla Springer, 18, a biology major from Kennett Square, who was fussing over Chase, a border collie/German shepherd.

Thus began one of the "Dog Days," as they're formally called at Susquehanna University, along the banks of the Susquehanna River. Professors and other staffers brought their dogs to school for an hour of social interaction with students, especially freshmen, on Tuesdays during September.

The events, held in a grassy area outside the dining hall, are designed to help students overcome their homesickness - particularly the piece most painful for some: absence of the family pet.


"The fact is that students miss their pets, sometimes more than they miss their families," said Anna Beth Payne, associate dean of student life and director of the school's counseling center.

"You, as parents, didn't sleep with them in the bed every night before they came away to college. The dog did."

To read the rest of the story, head on over The Philadelphia Inquirer.

NYC Pup Crawl

If you missed Craft Beer Week’s pub crawl (also known as the Path of Yeast Resistance), you can still make it to Saturday’s Pup Crawl: a pet-accompanied march across the Brooklyn Bridge intended to bring attention to the dogs and cats at risk of losing their homes because of the economy.

An estimated 500,000 to one million pets may lose their homes because of foreclosures, according to an estimate put out by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

An evening news report about that figure inspired Joseph Hassan, a 29-year-old Williamsburg resident, to organize a march. He was walking across the Brooklyn Bridge one afternoon when he imagined the attention pets would get simply by marching across the landmark span. “If we could get people to pay attention nationally,” he said, “we could reach a lot of those pets.”

To read the full story, head on over to The New York Times

Happy Fourth of July!

Everyone is celebrating the 4th of July in some form or another, so why not include the pets as well? There are events all over the U.S. that pet owners can bring their pets to. Some are parades for their pets and others are just festivities for the family including their pets. Most of these events are during the day so pet owners will be able to take their pets home before the firework events start. If pet owners keep their pets with them, keep in mind that July 4th is one of the highest round-up nights for the local humane societies and animal control officers. Pets get scared and run away from their owners and get picked up. Do use extreme caution if keeping your pet out for the fireworks displays. And, above all, Have fun! For a great survey of 4-legger friendly events around the country, head on over to Examiner.com

Calling All Dogs In Need of a Makeover!

Monday July 6th pamper your pup on the plaza. If you are in the NYC area, bring your dog to the TODAY show plaza and at 7AM they'll be scanning the crowd for dogs in need of an Ambush Doggie Makeover! Come early to get a good spot in the crowd.

The selected three dogs will be styled like they’ve never been before! Under the sure hands of celebrity groomer Jorge- the dogs will get a hair styling and trim. And then Dara Foster will bring her dog fashion stylist magic and outfit the dogs in some of this summer’s coolest new trends!

For details, head on over to Pupstyle.com.

400 Pound Dog Biscuit at Illinois' Woofstock 2009

It's a dog's dream come true -- a 400-pound biscuit. That's what they are cooking up at Lambs Farm in Libertyville, Illinois, for Woofstock 2009.

The goal is to beat the world's record for the biggest biscuit. "The previous record was 379," reported communications coordinator Jackie Rachev. Lambs Farm's bakery staff will be joined by a group of volunteers to assemble the massive dog treat.

"We have a very large oven but it is going to be done in pieces for safety and weight issues," Rachev said. "Each piece will be 80-100 pounds. They'll all be baked at the same time. After the official weigh-in and all the photos, the biscuit will be broken up and given to all the four-legged attendees."

Other activities at this family-and-pet event will include a Canine Couture Fashion Show. Dogs are encouraged to wear their best garb for a chance to win a gift certificate for the Pet Shop. There will also be a pet parade with the Big Red Dog serving as grand marshal, skill demonstrations, live entertainment, inflatables and vendors.

For more information, visit Lambsfarm.org

Easter Egg Hunting Goes To The Dogs

Dozens of dogs, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes, eagerly searched for tasty treats at this weekend's Canine Easter Egg Hunt in Troy, Ill., a veterinarian said.

Veterinarian Karen Selbert said Saturday's dog-eat-dog egg hunt raised some eyebrows among the general public but it was an entertaining activity for canines and their owners, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

"Someone called this morning and asked: 'Are they real eggs? What am I getting my dog into?'" Selbert said of Saturday's Hawthorne Animal Hospital event. "But really it's just a fun way to be with your dog."

The dogs searched for plastic Easter eggs containing dog treats, which their owners pick up. One lucky pooch found the surprise egg awarding a special prize of free chew toys and a flea treatment.

The fourth annual event benefits the TreeHouse Wildlife Center, which cares for wounded or orphaned wild animals.

But for canine owners such as Priscilla Briggs of Granite City, Ill., the event appeared to be more about their pets' socialization. "We come back every year," Briggs, who brought two dogs, told the Post-Dispatch. "They just like to go out and have fun."

[Source: UPI.com]

Dogs Strut Their Stuff For a Cause

It was dog lovers' heaven in California's Kit Carson Park on Sunday, when hundreds of big, small and even costumed dogs strutted their stuff at the 10th annual Paws in the Park fundraiser for the Escondido Humane Society.

Dogs dressed up as San Diego Chargers cheerleaders, Indiana Jones, glamour girls and Mardi Gras clowns attracted cheers and applause at the canine couture contest at the Escondido park.

"I like horses," said Shelby Spelce, 12, of Scripps Ranch, CA. So she dressed her Chi-weenie, a cross between a Chihuahua and a Dachshund, in an elaborate costume that made her dog look like a horse, complete with a toy cowboy on top.

Sally Costello, executive director of the Escondido Humane Society, said more than 900 people, plus their pets, attended Sunday's event. "This is a great community day," Costello said, also pointing out several dogs wearing "Adopt Me" outfits that she hoped would attract new owners.

Costello said donations and cash sponsorships of 1.5 and 2.5 mile dog walks were expected to exceed last year's collection of more than $100,000 for the nonprofit animal rescue, care and education organization.

[Source: The North County Times]

10 Fun Facts About Westminster's 2009 Winner

America is about to fall in love with Stump - the adorable, droopy-eyed spaniel who wowed the crowd at Westminster and became the oldest Best in Show winner in dog show history.

Stump proved an old dog can still pull off some new tricks - and he can count at least one fellow senior among his biggest fans: Dr. Ruth Westheimer. The celebrated sex therapist was in the stands at Madison Square Garden for the competition Tuesday night. "When I found out he was the oldest to win, I was so happy. I'm 80, and he's 70 in dog years," she said.

And there are plenty of other things fans should know about the 10-year-old champion Sussex spaniel, so here we offer the official "Stump Dossier."

1. His official name is Ch. Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee

2. He was born is Dec. 1, 1998

3. He is named "Stump" ... because he has stubby legs, is brown and resembles a tree stump

4. He has sired pups named Root, Forest and Myrtle

5. His favorite chew toy is a plush Grinch doll

6. He weighs about 50 pounds

7. He lives in Houston, Texas with the 2001 Best in Show winner J.R., a Bichon Frise

8. He didn't train at all for his return to the ring

9. He is the oldest dog ever to win Westminster, that title was previously held by the 1999 winner, an 8-year-old Papillon

10. The Westminster show was his 51st career best in show win

Stump is in fabulous shape for his age and will travel the dog world circuit just like the younger pups who've held the best in show title.

Judge Sari Tietjen said she had no idea the winning spaniel was an elder in the dog world. "He showed his heart out," she said. "I didn't know who he was or how old ... I just couldn't say no to him."

[Source: NY Daily News]

Yes Wins Non-Sporting, Tiger Woods Tops Hound Group

When Yes — yes, that's her name — won the Non-Sporting Group at the 133rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Monday, somewhere her father must have been smiling. The 5-year-old black Standard Poodle will compete Tuesday for Best in Show at Madison Square Garden (8 ET, USA). Too bad Marv Albert isn't calling the show.

Yes' father, or sire in dog talk, was Ch. Eaton Affirmed, known as Snapper. Though Snapper died in 1990, his owner, Timothy Brazier, froze the dog's semen a quarter century ago, which was very rare for that time.

Snapper is one of the legendary producers of champions, and now his spirit and his genes live on in his daughter, officially known as Ch. Randenn Tristar Affirmation, the No. 4 dog in the country last year. She is the top winning black poodle (all varieties) of all time with 94 Best in Shows and is the mother, or dam, of four champions, and even a grand dam.

It wasn't The Masters, but Tiger Woods won again. This time in the Hound Group. Ch. Gayleward's Tiger Woods, a 6-year-old Scottish Deerhound, will compete tonight for Best in Show. His owner, Gayle Bontecou, is a golfer, and since "there's nothing better than Tiger Woods, we named him Tiger Woods," she says. The original Tiger should be proud of his namesake, Bontecou says. "He should love him because he's really good. They both are total athletes."

[Source: USA Today]

Westminster Best in Show Preview

Hooch Hits Westminster

A newly recognized American Kennel Club breed will compete at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show for the very first time at approximately 9:30 am in Ring 3 on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009.

The Dogue de Bordeaux is an ancient French member of the mastiff family that bears a close resemblance to the popular Bullmastiff. Since the breed gained full recognition into the Working Group on July 1, 2008, there has been time for owners to finish their dogs’ championships and enter the show by the fall deadline. Fifteen of the behemoths are expected to wow spectators.

Most Americans of a certain age will remember the breed’s muscular body, massive head, and stocky build – not to mention gallons of drool – from the popular 1989 movie “Turner and Hooch” that partnered mega-star Tom Hanks with a loose-lipped sidekick of the DDB persuasion.

Happily DDBs don’t produce drool in the quantity that the movie suggested, but by the same token fastidious housekeepers may not see this breed as the perfect canine fit.

To read more about these wrinkly cuties, check out Dogchannel.com

NYC's Gone to the Dogs

February is dog month in New York City, with a host of events that revolve around the famous Westminster Dog Show.

The Empire State Building gets dressed up in Westminster’s official colors of purple and gold. Stores such as Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue get creative with dog-related window displays. Pet-friendly restaurants introduce special canine menus, and hotels offer welcoming pet packages. Banners and flags go up around Madison Square Garden, the home to the dog show since the 1800s. And everyone in the city braces for the event that’s become such a major draw, billed as one of the top 10 annual attractions that bring people to the Big Apple.

This year marks the 133rd dog show. It’s still not too late to purchase tickets for the two-day event February 9 - 10. Because it’s a benched show — which means all the dogs have to remain backstage for the entire day — the public has a wonderful opportunity to get up close and personal with the different breeds.

For more info, read the full article at msn.com