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Hello to all our wonderful Dog Clothes Horse readers,

At this time we have decided to continue our efforts on Facebook instead of continuing publishing this blog. We love all that you've contributed to Dog Clothes Horse in the past three years but we want to focus our efforts to our Facebook page instead of maintaining multiple sites. We invite you to become a fan of Modern Tails on Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/moderntails] where you can still share all your beautiful photos, videos and stories. If you have any questions about this, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Thank you,
Modern Tails

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]

Dog vitamins recalled, infected with salmonella

The manufacturer of vitamin supplement for dogs that is sold nationwide has issued a voluntary recall for the product, because some of the products have been tainted with salmonella.

The Food and Drug Administration announced this week that United Pet Group is voluntarily recalling all unexpired lots of its Pro-Pet Adult Daily Vitamin tablets for dogs due to possible salmonella contamination.

The product comes in 100-count white plastic bottles with a light blue label; its UPC code is 26851-01800. The vitamins are being removed from stores and consumers should immediately stop feeding these supplements to their pets.

The affected products are those with expiration dates on or before June 2013. The expiration date can be found on the right side of the product label.

Although testing has shown that only one lot of the product was contaminated with salmonella, the company is recalling all unexpired lots of the product to be safe.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product, you need to contact your veterinarian.

People who handle salmonella-contaminated food can become infected, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after touching the products. Consumers experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping or fever after handling the product should contact a doctor.

Consumers who have purchased the product are urged to contact the manufacturer or the place of purchase for further direction. Consumers can call United Pet Group at (800) 645-5154, ext. 3.

[Source: OregonLive.com]

Music for Dogs

The World Premiere of a unique concert experience on the Sydney Opera House Forecourt, for you...and your dog!

Laurie Anderson has composed a 20 minute work especially for the hearing range of dogs – who can hear frequencies far outside the human audio spectrum. Taking the idea of the apparently inaudible dog whistle to new artistic heights, our canine friends will be treated to a glorious cacophony of sound, while all we will hear is the lapping of the water on the harbour.

The morning will be an inter-species social gathering on a scale never seen before in Australia. Breakfast can be purchased onsite including freshly brewed coffee and egg & bacon rolls, while you watch dog demonstrations and be surprised by some very special guests.

This is an event that you’ll be yapping about for years to come, an absolute must for any dog and their two legged friends!

[Source: Vivid Live]

Memorial Day Savings Coupon

Shop for summer essentials and save 10% off your order. Use the coupon code SUMMER at checkout to receive your discount, good until May 31, 2010.

Limit one coupon per customer, per order; cannot be combined any other specials, discounts or coupons. Not redeemable for cash or gift cards, nor is it valid toward previous purchases.

Go here to start shopping!

Surfing Dogs at Loews Resort Surf Dog Competition 2010

With Memorial Day around the corner, it's a reminder that summer is here! Check out this dog surfing competition from this past weekend and get beach ready.

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

Kanellos the Greek protest dog

A dog that has been seen at nearly every demonstration in Athens over the last two years has turned up again during the recent protests against new austerity measures. View more images here: guardian.co.uk

Hair soaks up oil spills

Watch this video to see how hair and fur can help clean up the oil spill.

Fight The Oil Spill By Giving Your Dog A Haircut

Until today, Hair Balls thought pet hair clippings were only good for making you sneeze, but apparently the hair is incredibly absorbent, which could come in handy in the case of, say, a gigantic freakin' oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Pet Paradise, a chain of chichi pet spas, with two in Houston, has started collecting hair clippings from its 13 locations and is donating them to Matter of Trust, a San Francisco-based charity that uses pet and human hair wrapped in used nylon stockings to make "booms" to help soak up oil spills. Matter of Trust is collecting as much hair as possible to battle the BP oil slick covering about 3,500 square miles. (Weird fact: Pet Paradise Spokeswoman Lisa Pogue tells us that "it's estimated that one pound of dog hair can soak up one quart of oil in one minute.")

The chain collects about 100 pounds of hair a week, which, if our math is correct, means the BP oil spill can be cleaned up in four seconds. But that's just a rough estimate. The hair is shipped off to Matter of Trust's warehouses in boxes lined with garbage bags, to ensure that not one strand goes missing.

Check out the Matter of Trust website for info on how you can donate your pup's hair. (Or maybe you just want to send the whole dog.) Or, if you don't own a dog but are raising rabbits, horses, sheep or alpacas in the backyard, Matter of Trust accepts their hair, too.

And don't worry, the oily booms aren't just tossed in the trash when they're all used up -- Matter of Trust says they use a totally green disposal method that involves worms eating the booms. That's right: worms eating giant piles of oil-soaked animal hair. Hope we didn't ruin your lunch.

[Source: Houston Press]

Actress Katherine Heigl rescues England, the hog-tied pit bull of Bakersfield

Grey’s Anatomy star Katherine Heigl and mother Nancy, co-founders of the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, teamed up with Last Chance for Animals at a press conference Tuesday to announce they will be taking in the Bakersfield pit bull, England, who was found hog-tied and left for dead in the mud for several hours late last month.

"Anyone that would do this to an animal is a coward and would potentially do this to a child or a woman,” said Chris DeRose, president of LCA.

Katherine Heigl added, “We really need to send a message out and educate people about the breed. This cruelty cannot be tolerated.”

Petting her own black pit bull, Apollo, who affably accompanied her to the press conference, she continued, “How can you do this to an animal that’s this loving and playful? All they want is for you to love them.” And love him she did, albeit at the expense of her manicure, which after five minutes was covered in the good-natured slobber of Apollo’s returned affections.

JDHF and LCA officials also announced they will be offering a reward for abuse cases that LCA investigates. “We will do everything possible to find the person or persons responsible and make sure they are made accountable and punished to the full extent of the law for their actions,” said the Knocked Up actress.

In fact, Chris DeRose wants to see the courts take animal cruelty more seriously and said he also wants to help educate the public on what to look for and what to stand up for. He pointed out that violent tendencies often start early and more attention should be given to children who act out aggressively toward animals.

"LCA is a non-profit animal rights organization that exposes cruelty and abuse nationwide. Since 1984 their investigations on vivisection, pet theft, fur farms and circuses have been used to develop public education and outreach campaigns, and to draft legislation leading to lasting changes for the animals. From exposing companion animal meat being sold for human consumption and the mass slaughter of deer by the National Parks Services at Gettysburg, to the first ever conviction of USDA licensed B dealers, LCA is committed to bringing these issues to the forefront and effecting change,” states the LCA press release.

[Source: Examiner.com]

Four pet heroes inducted into Purina Animal Hall of Fame

Four four-legged heroes have been inducted into the Purina Animal Hall of Fame for their bravery, determination, selflessness and devotion.

Chance, Patty, Gepetto and Bingo have demonstrated a powerful bond with their families and have done the incredible feat of saving human lives.

Mary Siemiesz, executive director of the Purina PetCare Legacy, said in a press release that 2009 marked an important year for animal bravery:

“This year’s Inductees have shown us that a hero is a hero no matter how big or small – all that matters is the size of their hearts. They remind us why we adopt, rescue and welcome pets into our lives, and why it is so essential they are responsibly cared for and cherished.”

This year, three dogs and a cat have been inducted. Since the Hall of Fame’s creation in 1968, more than 140 animals have been inducted: 120 dogs, 25 cats and one horse.

Gepetto is a mellow cat from Wetaskiwin, Alta.; Patty is a Border Collie mix from Westlock, Alta.; Chance is a Dalmatian-Fox Terrier mix from South Bar, N.S.; and Bingo, who won the distinction of Service Dog of the Year, is a Jack Russell Terrier from Shilo, Man.

[Source: National Post]

Canine Topiary - Where Creativity Wags Its Tail

SECAUCUS, N.J. — Once they finished shaving the cats, the glamour event of the dog grooming show began.

Angela Kumpe had won the “creative challenge” event the past two years at Intergroom, one of the more prestigious competitions on the calendar. First, she clipped and colored a standard poodle into an ode to Elvis Presley — Elvis on one side, a guitar on the other. Last year, she turned a dog into a peacock. She is one of the best at canine topiary.

This year, Kumpe, a 34-year-old from Little Rock, Ark., spent more than six months turning a poodle into a buffalo. It probably would have won Sunday, beating the seahorse, the Lady Gaga and the Mad Hatter.

But Kumpe, who has become the groomer-to-beat at contests like this, changed her mind after her mother died Feb. 24. “She was my biggest fan in creative grooming,” Kumpe said.

So Kumpe turned a dog into a living memorial.

Intergroom is a three-day trade show for the industry. About 150 exhibitor stalls offered everything from tools (scissors, clippers, combs, brushes), equipment (cages, tubs, dryers), products (shampoos, conditioners, colognes, gels, glitter and coloring) and apparel (mostly smocks for groomers and showier items for the dogs).

There are few limits in creative grooming. Sometimes, people make dogs look like different animals. There have been lions and ponies and camels that have forced closer examination to verify the species.

“People sometimes say, ‘Oh, poor dog,’ ” the M.C. Teri DiMarino told the audience that surrounded the show area at the Meadowlands Exposition Center. “But their perception is limited to their front feet. Really. All they know is that people are paying attention to them. They love it.”

Contestants generally spend six months or more preparing the dogs. First comes the idea. Then the dog’s coat is shaved with clippers, cut with scissors and fine-tuned occasionally. Colors are added in the weeks before the event. Up until competition day, dogs look like nature gone awry, as if they were groomed in the dark with blunt instruments and dipped into a box of melting Crayolas.

“Some people ask, ‘Was she born that way?’ ” said Sami Stanley, busy putting finishing touches on her standard poodle, the dog of choice for its thick, grooming-friendly fur and relatively large size. Stanley’s dog, Skye, had a dragon sculptured on one side and a jumping gold fish on the other. Stanley called it Zen Poodle. “If you have a better name than that, let me know,” she said with a shrug.

Diane Betelak was the judge. A frequent winner of these increasingly popular contests, Betelak said she looked for whether the clipping was concise and the color vibrant, and whether the design was original, among other things.

“Some ideas have been used over and over, like a carousel horse,” Betelak said. “So if you bring me a carousel horse, it better be spectacular.”

She awarded third place to the Mad Hatter, accompanied by three people fully decked in other Alice in Wonderland costumes. The dog “wore” a fur-coat-colored brown, had the March Hare on its left rear leg and tea cups on its right. Brynn Haynes of Whitehall, Pa., the groomer and the Red Queen, said she spent 25 hours creating it.

Second place went to a dog that, when it stood on its hind legs, was meant to look like a poodle-size seahorse. It stood before a sea-themed vinyl shower curtain, which hid a man holding a plastic toy that made bubbles to drift through the scene.

The winner came as little surprise. After scrapping plans to bring her buffalo-themed poodle — a buffoodle? — Kumpe started from scratch a week ago with a friend’s standard poodle that had not been clipped in nearly a year.

A woman’s body was sculptured onto one side of the dog, head turned away and hair tied in a bun. “It’s a grieving angel for my mom,” Kumpe said. Her mother, Linda Smead, was 66. Kumpe was dressed in white and wore white wings. Down the dog’s rear leg, and on most of its opposite side, were fragile-looking purple flowers and green leaves, part of the dog’s manicured coat and marked with exacting detail. They matched artificial flowers and greenery at the dog’s table.

The design drew finger points and picture takers. When DiMarino told the audience that Kumpe’s design represented an angel for her mother, a buzz went through the room. Kumpe won the $1,500 first prize.

[Source: The New York Times]

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.

Shelter dog and cat stamps get a nod from DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres is working with the U.S. Postal Service and Halo, Purely for Pets, her holistic pet care company to promote a stamp campaign for shelter pets.

"This is a subject that I am extremely passionate about. By working together, we can find good homes for millions of adoptable, homeless and abandoned pets," said DeGeneres. "And until they get adopted, I'm happy to say that Halo and I are giving one million meals to shelter pets that are waiting for you."

USPS awareness stamps have highlighted causes including Alzheimer's disease, sickle cell anemia, the Amber Alert program to help find missing children, and adoption - but that one was about kids, not critters.

The stamps can be pre-ordered by clicking here or by calling 1.800.STAMP.24 (1.800.782.6724). Sales at post offices begin April 30.

DeGeneres and her partner Portia de Rossi have a household of rescue pets. They, like most of the readers who took our survey, let the dogs and cats pile into bed with them.

[Source: USA Today]

FujiFilm's Latest Camera Aims at Dogs, Cats

If you own a dog or a cat then there's a good chance you've spent hours with a camera trying -- and probably failing -- to get a perfect picture of them. Now, technology is coming to the rescue.

FujiFilm's Finepix Z700 features a face-detection function that can recognize canine and feline faces, and it can snap a picture automatically when they look towards the camera lens.

There is one pet photography problem FujiFilm says its new camera can't solve: "Dogs or cats that are constantly in motion cannot be recognized."

It is demonstrating the animal face recognition feature at this week's Camera and Photo Imaging Show in Yokohama, Japan, albeit with stuffed toy dogs and cats. It works just like face detection does with a human. When it finds a face, a green box is drawn around it on screen and the camera automatically focuses. In the auto-shooting mode it waits until the animal turns to the camera before taking a picture.

It worked well with the stuffed animals but it turns out real dogs and cats can be a little bit trickier. FujiFilm has a list of dog and cat breeds that are easier for its technology to identify.

FujiFilm says the technology can also get confused if the animal has a dark coat, if it has large patches around its eyes, a wrinkly nose or hair over their eyes. All these things make it difficult for the computer in the camera to recognize the facial markers and determine whether it is looking at a dog or a cat.

The 12-megapixel FujiFilm Z700EXR has a 3.5-inch screen, and is 16.9 millimeters thick. It is available this month and costs US$280.

[Source: PCWorld]

A New Breed of Guard Dog Attacks Bedbugs

CRUISER made four house calls on a recent rain-soaked Tuesday. There were two happy endings and two unhappy ones, a fairly typical outcome for a typical day in the life of a bedbug-sniffing puggle.

“Except that there’s nothing typical about this business,” said his handler, Jeremy Ecker, 35, whose six-month-old company, the Bed Bug Inspectors, has vetted hotels, college dorms and Midtown office buildings, suburban homes, bare-bones Brooklyn rentals and tony Manhattan co-ops. (Mr. Ecker, who charges $350 for a residential inspection, is an independent inspector, meaning he has no affiliation with an exterminator, though many hire him to check a property they have treated.)

Increasingly, real estate lawyers are urging buyers in contract to inspect apartments before they close, and in their advertising, many pest control companies exhort would-be tenants to “inspect before you rent.” And dogs like Cruiser can inspect a room in minutes, whereas lesser mammals like human beings need hours to conduct a visual inspection.

Bedbug-sniffing dogs, adorable yet stunningly accurate — entomology researchers at the University of Florida report that well-trained dogs can detect a single live bug or egg with 96 percent accuracy — are the new and furry front line in an escalating and confounding domestic war.

To read the rest of the article, check out The New York Times

Vote for a People's Hero Dog of Valor : The Humane Society of the United States

Check out these Ten Dogs of Valor finalists and vote for the People's Hero winner! The Third Annual Dogs of Valor Awards celebrates the human-animal bond by honoring dogs who have exhibited an extraordinary sense of courage or resolve by heroically helping a person in need. The panel of celebrity judges, including Kristen Bell, Sally Pressman, and Jay Kopelman, will choose the Valor Dog of the Year and two Runner’s Up. You will choose this year’s People’s Hero winner! Voting closes on Friday, Mar. 12, 2010 at 5 PM ET.

Check out the site to see the nominees and vote!

The 15th Annual Original Ugly Dog Contest™

There are no ugly dogs, in the opinion of San Diego Dogs Examiner. However once a year here in San Diego county we pretend there are, and throw a party to celebrate them, all in the name of charity.

The Del Mar Kiwanis Club, founders and organizers of the 15-year-old event, gives prizes to the dogs and their people, and proceeds from the party go to animals in need.

A seven-pound Chinese Crested named Rascal was selected as the Ugliest Dog in the contest held Sunday. His person is Dane Andrews of Sunnyvale, California.

“I know dogs aren’t ugly, though some kind of are,” said show producer and Del Mar Kiwanis member Sheila McDonnell in a telephone interview, “but they are so loved by their owners that it doesn’t matter.”

While the tally for this year’s show proceeds isn’t in yet, McDonnell estimated that last year’s Ugly Dog fest raised about $10,000 from ticket sales, entry fees, and donations.

“A huge supporter has been County Supervisor Pam Slater,” McDonnell reports. “She donated $3,500.”

McDonnell was pleased that the weekend’s wet weather failed to discourage attendance. “It didn’t seem to stop the turnout,” she said. “It was standing room only. We had a 20,000 square foot building and we took up every darn inch.”

[Source: examiner.com]

Carrie Underwood shows love for dogs during Franklin visit

Carrie Underwood spoke about the importance of dog adoption today during a press conference with Franklin-based Mars Petcare.

The award-winning country music singer has joined the sixth annual Pedigree Adoption Drive, which was started by Mars Petcare to help feed dogs in shelters.

During the press conference, Pedigree presented Underwood with a check for $50,000 to help build an animal shelter in her hometown of Checotah, Okla.

[Source: Tennessean.com]

'New Moon' Star Kellan Lutz In New PETA Ad

When we heard "Twilight" star Kellan Lutz was taking part in PETA's newest campaign, we were hoping he would take a page out of his costar Christian Serratos's book and give us sexy and nude. Unfortunately we didn't quite get what we were asking for, but heart-warming and adorable is a close second.

Kellan is serving as the latest spokesperson in PETA's "Adopt, Don't Buy" campaign. Considering the fact he has always been outspoken about his love for his own dogs he rescued, Kola and Kevin, we can see that he and PETA are a perfect match.

In a video on the PETA website, Kellan talked about why he chooses adoption ("There are countless numbers of animals out there. It's our job to take them under our wing.") and his own experience adopting Kola.

"You can feel the pain that they go through," he said about dogs in shelters. He added about Kola, "She wanted a home, and I think that she could tell that I was the right owner for her. And from that day on, I just loved her."

"There are surprisingly many animals in these animal shelters," Kellan said. "It's sad, and knowing that they get euthanized, and they can't house them all. There's a lot you can do.

He added his thoughts about fur (something PETA is very vocal against and, ironically, Christian was advocating against — maybe Kellan will become the next anti-fur spokesperson and our dreams can come true?), "I don't like fur. I'd never wear fur. There are so many knock-offs, why do you need the real thing? There's just no reason."

At the end of his video, Kellan focused his message directly to the fans of "Twilight" and showed one of the main reasons PETA probably loves having "Twilight" stars be their spokespeople: the size of their audience.

"For the fans of 'Twilight' who are out there who have so much love, give that love for these books and these characters to a pet if you don't have one," Kellan said. "Twilighters, if you can, do it. Adopt a pet."

Since "Twilight" cast members have become such vocal supporters of PETA's campaigns, we think it's about time PETA stepped behind the "Saga" and gave their own vocal support. How about a "Love Your Neighbors" campaign to promote vampire and werewolf camaraderie for "Eclipse"? It only seems fair.

[Source: Hollywood Crush]

Happy National Dog Biscuit Day!

If you want to try to make your own treats, check out allrecipes.com for some delicious recipes - it's nice to know what goes in the treats if your dog is on a special diet or has food allergies.

Doggy RIP: Cesar Millan's Pit Bull Daddy passes away

Daddy, Cesar Millan's beloved pet, died peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 16, according to the press wire. Daddy was a key fixture in the National Geographic Channel television series Dog Whisperer. He assisted Millan with his toughest cases, interacting with and calming the most unmanageable dogs with his natural balanced energy.

Daddy helped shape the behavior of entire generations of dogs by showing them the way to balance. Daddy, often referred to as America's Pit Bull ambassador because of his gentle disposition and intelligence, lived with the Millans from the age of four months.

Millan has been getting ready for Daddy's demise. He talked with me last fall about how Daddy helped him pick out a new dog for his pack. That new puppy was introduced in this article.

But any pet owner knows this: you can try to get yourself ready for the day your pet dies and it's never easy when it happens. Let's salute Daddy for the awareness he helped spread about good Pit Bulls.

[Source: USA Today]

Guinness World Records announced new record for Tallest Living Dog

Guinness World Records has just announced a new record holder for the Tallest Living Dog and the Tallest Dog Ever. Meet Giant George, a Great Dane from Tucson, Arizona.

George stands at 42.25 inches (more than seven feet from head to tail) and weighs almost 250 pounds. He's owned by David Nasser, seen in the above picture.

Guinness says it's currently searching for pet owners who think they might have record-breaking animals in the following categories: Dog with Longest Ears, Smallest Dog (Length), Oldest Dog, Smallest Cat and Oldest Cat. You can submit a proposal via http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com.

[Source: USA Today]

Jesse James reunited with lost dog CinnaBun

After three weeks of a desperate search for his beloved pit bull, Jesse James Tweeted Wednesday that he and CinnaBun have been reunited.

Along with a photo of CinnaBun putting her paws up to his chest in a happy greeting, James posted this message: "So Happy! Thnx Everyone for all the help! She looks like she hz had quite the Adventure!"

James had hired a pet detective and offered a reward of $5,000 for the dog's return. According to TMZ, the West Coast Choppers honcho got a call from someone who had seen CinnaBun's picture on a flier. The woman brought CinnaBun to James's Long Beach bike shop, where upon sight of the long-lost pooch, the crew started crying.

We bet that CinnaBun, who lost 15 pounds in the weeks that she's been gone, will get to enjoy a nice meal and a warm bed tonight!

[Source: Today @ msnbc.com]

Sadie, the Scottish terrier, is Best in Show.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

I Love NYC Pets

Adopt a little New Yorker today! The Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals is having a month-long celebration that includes city-wide adoption events and extended shelter hours to make it extra easy to meet your match, plus spay/neuter resources to help keep your pet healthy and reduce overpopulation.

Looking for a furry sidekick or two? Animal shelters, adoption centers, and rescue groups all over the five boroughs want you to find your true furry love this February. Whether at a shelter, an in-store adoption center, or an adoption van, you'll have opportunities to adopt every day throughout February!

And even if you aren't ready to adopt a pet this month, meet the animal rescue and adoption groups in your area and learn how you can volunteer, foster a pet, or donate funds or supplies to support their valuable work.

For more information, visit the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals site

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.

Mattel taps into social media craze with Puppy Tweets

Twitter Inc. has gone to the dogs. Tapping into the social media craze, toy giant Mattel Inc. is preparing to release Puppy Tweets, a high-tech toy that will allow dogs to publicize their everyday activities on Twitter via a sound and motion sensor.

Attached to a dog's collar, the plastic tag randomly generates one of 500 canned tweets when it detects barking or movement and automatically posts an update to Fido's own Twitter page.

A round of woofing could lead to a tweet of "I bark because I miss you. There, I said it. Now hurry home." A frenzied run through the backyard might garner "I finally caught that tail I've been chasing, and . . . OOUUUCHH!"

But before you begin to drool over the prospect of having your own Dug, the animated dog from Disney-Pixar's "Up" whose translator collar allowed him to talk, Mattel executives caution that the toy is just a toy.

Unlike advanced pet gadgets such as GPS tracking collars that keep tabs on roaming cats, the technology behind Puppy Tweets is simply sending out random messages triggered by movement or sound.

So even though Fido's device may be tweeting about tracking a squirrel, he could actually be digging a hole or scratching himself. And that might be a letdown for people hoping for the real thing.

"It is a new frontier for us," Mattel Brands President Neil Friedman said. "We think it could be the start of a new wave of products for people to interact with their pets."

Designed by Mattel's Radica division, Puppy Tweets is expected to hit toy stores and pet shops nationwide in the fall for $29.99, although the company will show the product to industry watchers in New York on Friday. Retailers such as Amazon.com Inc. have already signed on to sell the toy.

To use Puppy Tweets, dog owners are provided with a USB receiver that they connect to their computer. They then download the toy's software online and create a Twitter account for their dog.

When a dog moves or barks, a signal is sent from its Puppy Tweets tag to the receiver, which updates the dog's Twitter page. Owners can then check Twitter to see their dog's latest posts.

[Source: Los Angeles Times]

Dog Coat Stolen as Owner Shopped in Park Slope

Paws in the air, this is a stick-up!

A Park Slope pooch was left shivering in the buff after a coldhearted mugger stole his coat just days before a raging winter storm bore down on the city. Donna McPherson, 42, says she tied up Lexie, her 10-year-old Westie, in front of Ace Supermarket "for two minutes" so she could buy milk.

When she returned, his $25 green wool coat with leather trim and belt was gone. Fortunately, she said, Lexie wasn't wearing his pricier Burberry.

"How could anyone steal a coat off someone's back in the freezing cold?" McPherson railed to The Post. "I asked him, 'Where's your coat?' like he could answer me. I looked all over and could not find it."

McPherson, an investment banker, canvassed the neighborhood in search of clues. She assumed police would not take her seriously so she wrote about it on the blog Effed in Park Slope.

She normally doesn't leave Lexie outside stores, but thought it would be a quick stop. As she paid for the milk, she remembers hearing a "funny bark."

"I stuck my head out and everything was OK -- he was just looking at me," she said. "I was so angry, but in the end I was grateful that it was just the coat and not him."

McPherson said she knew she had to find a way to make it up to the traumatized Lexie. "I felt so bad, I bought him two new coats," she said. She still hopes to collar the crook.

"I walked around Park Slope sort of to see if I could see anyone with the coat and I didn't. It's totally bizarre," she said.

At Ace Supermarket on Seventh Avenue and Berkeley Place, employees insisted the neighborhood is normally safe for all mutts. "This is highly unusual for the area," said one.

[Source: New York Post]

In case you missed it - Puppy Bowl Highlights

Click here for Puppy Bowl VI Highlight Videos

Bonhams New York Presents 28th Annual Dog Art Sale

For lovers of dog pictures, Valentine's Day comes two days later than normal as Bonhams presents its annual sale of dog paintings and works of art on 16 February 2010. A must for all dog enthusiasts, Bonhams has conducted this popular sale for nearly thirty years and stands alone as the market leader in this genre.

The catalogue this year will be no exception in terms of quality and variety, with many paintings of well known breeds on offer, and featuring some of the best dog and sporting artists of the 19th and early 20th century.

Leading the pack is an exceptional painting of The Bitchpack of the Meath Foxhounds by John Emms. Estimated at $500,000-700,000, the picture comes from a private American collection and could rival the world record price achieved by Bonhams in February 2006 for a similar work.

Among the other highlights is a collection of over twenty original drawings by Lucy Dawson (aka 'Mac'), a number of which are original works for some of her books. From the late 18th century, there is a work attributed to George Stubbs ARA, showing a black spaniel in a landscape estimated at $25,000-35,000 and from the early 19th century an early work by Sir Edwin Landseer RA, depicting a spaniel and described as 'a Dog of the Marlborough breed', is expected to fetch $40,000-60,000. Other artists featured will be Maud Earl, John Sargent Noble and Arthur Wardle.

Collectors in the US will not be disappointed as the sale will also include works by two of the foremost American sporting painters. Two setters working by Edmund Henry Osthaus is estimated at $10,000-15,000 and a fine quality oil painting of a pointer and a setter entitled 'On Point' by Gustav Muss-Arnoldt carries a guide price of $20,000-30,000.

[Source: Bonhams]

Super Bowl XXXIV Commercial. Budweiser. The Dog Star.

With the Super Bowl coming up, here's a classic Budweiser commercial

Puppy Rescued From Jet's Cargo Bay at JFK Airport

A puppy found nearly frozen in a jet's cargo bay at JFK Airport was revived by U.S. customs officers who performed mouth-to-snout resuscitation, officials said Thursday. The 6-week-old pooch was clinging to life when it arrived in New York Saturday on a commercial flight from Mexico, officials said. Another puppy packed in the same portable kennel in the pressurized cargo bay died during the flight.

Three U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers responded to the call of the popsicle pups because of a suspicion they might be drug mules.

"No matter how uncommon the call, CBP Officers are always willing and ready to assist," said Robert Perez, director of field operations for the CBP in New York. When the officers determined one of the dogs was still breathing, they went into rescue mode, wrapping it in blankets and heating pads, said CBP spokesman John Saleh.

"One of the officers did mouth-to-snout resuscitation," said Saleh, explaining the officer had been studying veterinary medicine.

The tan puppy with a white stripe down its snout was evaluated by a veterinarian and reunited with its unidentified owner Wednesday, Saleh said.

[Source: NYDailyNews.com]

Sandra Bullock & Husband Looking for Lost Dog

Jesse James is offering $5,000 for the return of his lost dog. The biker, who is married to 'Blind Side' actress Sandra Bullock, has upped the reward money for the return of the dog from $2,000, a week after nine-month old pit bull terrier Cinnabun went missing.

Despite confirming he was upping the reward money, Jesse has admitted he is resigned to losing his beloved pet.

He wrote on twitter: "No sign of Cinnabun...Just working at the shop with "Mr.T" We r Starting to face the reality that Cinna is long gone (sic)."

However, he has vowed not to give up the search.

Jesse wrote on his company's website last week: "We've had a few leads, but all dead ends so far, but the search is still definitely on. She's a great little dog, and we want to find her as soon as possible.

"Please keep your eyes out for our little gal, she's a light brown and white pit bull, nine months old, cropped ears, full tail, hazel eyes. Last seen wearing a large pink collar near West Coast Choppers and Cisco Burger on Anaheim St./710 Freeway in Long Beach."

The biker even employed a pet detective last week to help find Cinnabun, who Jesse affectionately calls his "shop dog".

Colleen Bush from pet agency Find Toto, said: "I'm in contact with Sandra and Jesse all day. We've been going back and forth checking on tips."

[Source: News Blaze]

Tamron Hall Replaces Mario Lopez for Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Dogs and contests are like peanut butter and chocolate, a great combination.

USA Network announced that Mario Lopez is out as the co-host of the 134th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, presented by Pedigree. Replacing him is MSNBC's Tamron Hall. The show is America’s second longest continuously held sporting event, behind only the Kentucky Derby.

Hall will be co-hosting the event with David Frei in his 21st consecutive year with the show. Also joining the team again this year will be NBC Sports’ Tiffany Simons as a sideline reporter.

On Monday, February 15, USA will air the first hour of the show at 8pm and will then switch over to CNBC for the 9-11pm ET/PT portion of the broadcast. On Tuesday, February 16, USA will air all three hours, including the crowning of the 2010 Best in Show, from 8-11pm ET/PT.

"I've been a dog lover my entire life,” says Hall. “I currently have two furry 'best friends' in my family, and I can't wait for the show. I'm honored to be given the opportunity to join this team."

Hall anchors MSNBC Live weekday mornings and co-anchors weekday afternoons from 3-4 PM ET. Hall can also be seen on NBC News as a fill-in correspondent and newsreader for “The Today Show” and “Weekend Today.”

The Westminster Kennel Club is America's oldest organization dedicated to the sport of purebred dogs. Established in 1877, Westminster's influence has been felt for more than a century through its famous all breed, benched dog show held every year at New York's Madison Square Garden.

[Source: Monsters and Critics]

Blind Dogs Vision Restored!

It wasn't the cameras and reporters hovering around Lis Feeney that made her nervous today as she waited to be reunited with her 12-year-old dog, Bobo.

Instead, she joked, she feared the cataract surgery performed at Angell Animal Medical Center that returned Bobo's eyesight would make her unrecognizable to the dog she first got as a puppy.

"I was a brunette the last time he saw me,'' said the now-blonde Feeney.

The Chinese Crested dog was escorted to Feeney by Dr. Martin Coster, the ophthalmic veterinary surgeon who performed the cataract surgery this week. Feeney hugged and nuzzled the dog who went blind about 2½ years ago as a result of developing diabetes.

You are beautiful, you are beautiful,'' Feeney told Bobo. "Let me see those big brown eyes!''

Feeney planned to return to their home in Foxborough today and after a period of convalescence, let Bobo do what he loves best: chase squirrels in their backyard.

Coster said cost for the surgery ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 at Angell and that he does not expect that the successful cataract operation will extend Bobo's life. He was certain, however, that the dog will benefit.

"I think it will add to his quality of life,'' Coster said.

[Source: BOSTON.COM]

Dog Miracle Rescue. 20 Miles Out To Sea

A dog was rescued from an iceberg floating 18 miles from land in the Baltic Sea. Sailors plucked the animal to safety after it got trapped on ice on Poland's Vistula river and drifted for more than 70 miles.

Rescuer Adam Buczynski said: 'He didn't even squeal. There was just fear in his big eyes.'

It’s thought Baltic’s problems began when he got trapped on ice on the Vistula River near Torun on Friday. A day later he was spotted in Grudziadz, 40 miles upstream, where fireman tried to reach the German shepherd-type mongrel. But thick ice made it too risky to launch a rescue craft despite Baltic floating just a few yards from the river bank. Another bid to save the stranded mutt was made at Kwidzyn, 22 miles further on towards Poland’s coast. After sightings dried up it was assumed the dog had perished.

But incredibly Baltic had travelled a further 50 miles to the river mouth before heading out to the ocean where finally his luck turned when scientists on a research boat spotted something odd moving amid the broken ice.

Natalia Drgas, of the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management, said: 'One of the sailors thought they had seen another seal but then he noticed it had legs, ears and a tail.'

However the men onboard the Baltica soon found saving the stranded dog was by no means plain sailing. First they tried to catch the dog in a net on a pole but when that failed they had to drop a pontoon with crewmen.

Seaman Adam Buczynski said: 'We tried to sail as close as possible but as we approached the boat pushed the ice and the dog was sliding off.

'The dog didn’t even yelp but you could see the fear in his eyes.'

With darkness falling and time running out Baltic was finally hauled on board in sub zero temperatures late on Monday. Captain Jan Jachim said if his ship had passed that way a few moments later the dog would never have been spotted amid the gloom.

He said: 'We were just at the right place at the right time.'

[Source: DailyMail]

Special Dogs in the Workplace

He's an award-winning New York fashion designer whose work is written about in GQ, New York Magazine and Vogue and spoken of glowingly by the fashion glitterati.

But in the trendy Greenwich Village neighborhood where John Bartlett, creative director of Liz Claiborne's men's collection, lives and works, it's constant companion Tiny Tim who gets the most attention.

When the two stroll to the chichi shop where Bartlett sells his own upscale line and custom work, folks call to Tiny Tim and reach out to give him a pat.

And then the dog — a three-legged, mixed-breed mutt — settles in near the front door of the elegant shop with its quiet air of perfect breeding, to spread his own special brand of customer service.

"A lot of people are drawn in because they see him from the sidewalk," Bartlett says.

So besotted is the designer with Tiny Tim that the logo on his store is a three-legged dog, and that image appears on the patch of his line of pricey jeans.

"I couldn't be luckier," says Bartlett, who got the dog from North Shore Animal League America seven years ago. When Bartlett visited the shelter on his 40th birthday, he was captivated by the "soulful eyes" of long-termer Tiny Tim, so named because he had arrived at the shelter severely injured. His leg was amputated Christmas Eve.

In Bartlett's circle, there are a lot of "status dogs," he acknowledges; sometimes someone will deride his tri-pawed dog of indeterminate genetics. Bartlett is untroubled.

"That tells me a lot about that person," as does the reaction of most people, who find Tiny Tim irresistible.

Several more Workplace dogs from around the country.

[Source: USAToday]

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]

Rescue Dog Brings Hope, Saves Lives!

A fire and rescue service dog handler has praised the work of his partner following their mission to Haiti following the earthquake. Search dog Echo was part of the Greater Manchester team which has been helping in the country after it was devastated nearly two weeks ago.

Mick Dewer, who is based in Kearsley is back, but Echo has to stay in quarantine for six months. He said Echo gave people hope that something could be done. Provided comfort.

"It's really good to be back, but it's tinged with sadness as I've left behind my work partner and best friend," he said.

"Echo worked really hard, but his benefit wasn't just in searching, he also brought home to the families of people we were searching for, that bit of hope that something can be done."

He said the children stroked the dog which he thought would have provided some comfort to them. He added he was looking forward to some decent food and sleep, but it was "quite hard coming home knowing people in Haiti were starving and things here were back to normal".

Mr Dewar was part of a group of firefighters from Lancashire and Greater Manchester which took part in a rescue mission. They returned home on Saturday to be reunited with their families and colleagues. While in Haiti they successfully rescued a two-year-old girl from her collapsed kindergarten school.

[Source: BBC NEWS]

Dog Loves To Race, in Custom Racing Gear!

Opee is only 8, but he's already a popular veteran in the down and dirty sport of motocross. He can pull 6 Gs. He's been the centerfold for Cycle News and poses regularly for fan photos. He's a survivor of the grueling Baja 500 and has racked up more than 10,000 hours on a dirt bike. Sometimes, you can barely see the 70-pound pooch — a blue merle Australian shepherd — through the dust on his goggles and his custom helmet, complete with cam.

"I am his biggest fan," said Mike Schelin, Opee's owner, race partner and a purveyor of used motorcycle parts from a shop next to his mobile home.

Schelin got the dog in 2001 shortly after his divorce. He raises him with other dogs and two horses at a spread he calls Miracle Flats. Known as "The Dogfather" to some in the sport, Schelin always takes a back seat to Opee.

"He was my instant best friend," Schelin said. "He slept in my tool bag. There was something about him. He's had charisma since Day One. I knew I had a dog who could make a difference."

Schelin, 41, realized he had a four-legged motocross fan as a pet when he started riding in the desert with Opee on the chase.

"I felt bad for him, he would run so long." So Schelin bought a four-wheeler and they went desert riding together. The dog didn't like the dust in his eyes, so Schelin got him goggles. One day, Opee ditched the four-wheeler and hopped on the motorcycle tank, where he's been ever since, Schelin said.

If the bike isn't moving, Opee will just fall asleep on the tank. They keep it bare because they've never found a covering that's comfortable for the dog, Schelin said.

Reaction to Opee was magic. He was an instant canine ambassador to off-roading. Finding sponsors was no problem and soon Opee had his own custom gear, including a specially made neck brace, inflatable vest, backpack, water supply and several jerseys. He got his American Motorcycle Association card and his SCORE International card, the latter so he could race in Baja.

The dog does lots of other things, too. He's been a search and rescuer, a California assistance dog and visits kids in hospitals with Schelin. They regularly work crowds at races in the area, including the Supercross in Anaheim.

Opee appears to be Schelin's biggest fan as well. "From what I see, he loves Mike and would go anywhere with him," said Ricky Johnson, a seven-time national motorcycle champion who owns Perris Raceway near Schelin's place.

[Source: ABC NEWS]

Some Dogs Can Run, Others Prefer to Herd You

A MAN’S friend is not always his best choice of a running partner. The same can be said of man’s best friend.

It’s a lesson that Michelle Powe, an English teacher in Midlothian, Tex., learned last summer when trying to run with Mookie, her 90-pound Catahoula.

“He kept trying to herd me,” she recalled. For the entire three-mile run, Mookie displayed the kind of herding behavior that is typical for the breed, throwing his weight against Ms. Powe and nipping at her legs.

“By the end of it, my knees were sore from having 90 pounds constantly bumping into me,” she said. “It was fun for other people to watch, but not so much for me.”

Like many dog owners, Ms. Powe assumed that her young, healthy dog would make a natural running companion. After all, dogs love to run, they love spending time with their masters, and they rarely tire of chasing a stick before their owners tire of throwing it.

But not all dogs are born to run, particularly the way humans go about it: in a straight line, with little regard for scent. And there is nothing fun about running with an untrained dog. Indeed, it can be dangerous for both you and your pet.

“Invariably active dog owners wake up one day and say, ‘Today is a beautiful day, I’m going to go run with Fluffy,’ and they’ve never run with Fluffy before, and they set off and realize it really stinks running with Fluffy,” said Alexandra Powe Allred, a Dallas-based trainer and author of a book on dog obedience (and Michelle Powe’s sister).

The first step for anyone thinking about running with a dog is researching the breed, Ms. Allred said. Some of it is common sense: small dogs — teacup poodles, Chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers — will have trouble running at high speeds or for long distances.

But other problems may not be so obvious. For example, dogs with flat noses — pugs, bulldogs, some boxers — may have trouble breathing during strenuous exercise. And while some hunting or herding dogs are physically built for running — like border collies and Rhodesian Ridgebacks — they may be more interested in chasing prey than staying on the sidewalk.

Once you have determined whether your dog is built for running, it is important to teach it some commands. “Stay,” for example, is useful should you want to put down the leash long enough to tie your sneakers. But trainers say that if you teach your dog only one command before running, it should be “heel.”

[Source: NY TIMES]

Why Do Dog Breeds Look Like That?

From the Dachshund's stubby legs to the Shar-Pei's wrinkly skin, breeding for certain characteristics has left its mark on the dog genome. Researchers have identified 155 regions on the canine genome that appear to have been influenced by selective breeding.
With more than 400 distinct breeds, dogs come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, fur-styles, and temperaments. The curly-haired toy poodle, small enough to sit in a teacup, barely looks or acts like the smooth-coated Great Dane tall enough to peer like a periscope out of a car's sunroof. Not so apparent are breed differences in how the dogs' bodies function and their susceptibility to various diseases.

Although domestication of dogs began over 14,000 years ago, according to Dr. Joshua Akey, University of Washington (UW) assistant professor of genome sciences, the spectacular diversity among breeds is thought to have originated during the past few centuries through intense artificial selection of and strict breeding for desired characteristics. Akey is the lead author of the effort to map canine genome regions that show signs of recent selection and that contain genes that are prime candidates for further investigation. Those genes are being examined for their possible roles in the most conspicuous variations among dog breeds: size, coat color and texture, behavior, physiology, and skeleton structure.

The researchers performed the largest genome-wide scan to date for targets of selection in purebred dogs. The genomes came from 275 unrelated dogs representing 10 breeds that were very unlike each other. The breeds were: Beagle, Border Collie, Brittany, Dachshund, German Shepherd, Greyhound, Jack Russell Terrier, Labrador Retriever, Shar-Pei, and Standard Poodle.

The study was conducted, the researchers said, because the canine genome, the product of centuries of strong selection, contains many important lessons about the genetic architecture of physical and behavioral variations and the mechanisms of rapid, short-term evolution. The findings, the researchers said, "provide a detailed glimpse into the genetic legacy of centuries of breeding practices."

[Source: Science Daily]

Puppy Cam! Famous Dog Has New Litter

Doggonit, they're back!

Tens of thousands of dog lovers were glued to the tube Monday as a puppy cam captured every move of a California shiba inu and her new brood.

The San Francisco pooch named Kika became a canine Web celeb in 2008 when a total of 3 million Internet users clicked in to watch her care for her puppies.

The live video feed went viral and puppy fans from 74 countries spent a total of 1.2million hours watching as the mother dog groomed and fed her babies.

More than 100,000 were watching last night on ustream.tv/SFShiba as the cute mom nursed a litter of five puppies, which were born Saturday.

This time there were three males and two females - the last litter was equally split with three of each sex.

The tiny pups squirmed in a doggie bed and battled to nuzzle up close to their mom.

Two of the newborns were snoozing late last night.

[Source: NY DAILY NEWS]

U.K Soldiers Rally to Get Dog Out of Afghanistan

For the past five years, Tangye, a black Labrador retriever, has been a faithful companion to the British military in Afghanistan. Patrolling with the soldiers of C Company, 3rd Battalion The Rifles (and surpassing most in tours of duty), Tangye has not only survived several gun battles but has also been a source of unfailing support for the troops. His can-do spirit — from being the first to jump into holes cleared in wall blasts to barking and wagging his tail in encouragement when soldiers are under fire — has endeared him to the troops stationed at the remote and treacherous base of Kajak.

"He was a morale boost as he was our own pet," Aaron Fell, an Ireland-based rifleman in the 2nd Battalion who once housed Tangye in his room in Afghanistan, tells PEOPLEPets.com. A small, friendly, funny canine who formed an "army of three" with two other dogs on-site, Tangye "was very brave. He would run at the front of the patrol. During one of our biggest contacts with the enemy — which went on for hours — we threw smoke grenades to cover us as we pulled out. We looked round and saw Tangye chasing the smoke grenades!"

But with the rise of improvised explosive devices, Tangye’s glorious days in battle may be numbered. Because the Taliban may target him as a "sniffer dog," his chances of getting blown up are increasingly likely. To save their beloved mascot, who was purchased from a dam worker and named for a village on the Helmand river, British soldiers began a campaign last October to bring the dog to the U.K. "He can't do what he loves doing over here anymore — it's too dangerous. It would mean an awful lot to the lads to know he was safe," Lance Cpl. Brent Meheux (shown above with Tangye) told the BBC.

Over the past few months, several organizations have responded with open arms. Nowzad, a charity that places rescued cats and dogs from Afghanistan in U.S. and U.K. homes, has reached out to the soldiers to facilitate the transfer. In addition, a group of dog lovers that includes coordinators and members of Labrador Retriever Rescue South England and North West Labrador Retriever Club have rallied on Facebook and Justgiving.org to fund-raise 5,000 (about $8,100) for Tangye’s flights and quarantine (where he’ll stay for six months upon arrival before being adopted into a loving home).

"We have been overwhelmed by the response from both people in the armed forces and the dog-loving public," Natalie Pomroy, creator of the "Save Tangye" Facebook group, tells PEOPLEPets.com. A coordinator for Lab Link Rescue from St. Osyth, Essex, she adds, "Tangye has captured people's hearts. So many have donated money to help the appeal [that] we are well on our way to the 5,000 target." So far, the site has raised about half that amount.

"At the moment it is a waiting game," says Pomroy, but hope remains high that this frontline canine will soon be showered with the same love that he has shown the troops. "He has ... brought a little humanity to a very difficult job."

[Source: TODAY MSNBC]

Dogs are Good for the Heart

While working as a cardiologist in south Dallas, Dr. Gary Barkocy had to make numerous late-night calls to hospitals in response to ST segment elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMI), or in layman's terms, really serious heart attacks.

"I remember at 3 o'clock in the morning, I'd be like 'here we go,'" Barkocy said recently from his office at Nacogdoches Medical Center. But, now, when the interventional cardiologist hears the word STEMI, he smiles. That's because rather than referring only to a condition that brings his patients pain, these days the name is used more often in reference to a four-legged assistant that makes them smile.

"Some of our patients have had a really big change of life; they're grieving, and you wouldn't believe how a puppy dog can change that," he said.

Stemi, Barkocy's friendly black Labrador retriever, started training as a therapy dog when she was a puppy and now spends her days keeping her owner's cardiac patients calm.

"A lot of our patients will have a procedure where they have to lay flat for two to three hours; they can't move, and it gets very disturbing and distressing," he said. "But, with a puppy dog sitting there to give you kisses, or by petting a dog, they seem to do much better. We figured this would help with patient care."

Barkocy said that while Stemi does not have her certification as a therapy dog, patients still seem to love her.

"They ask for her more than they ask for me," he joked, adding that she went through therapy dog training in Dallas multiple times, and he is in the midst of working with a Lufkin trainer to get her certified.

He said when he has a patient undergoing a procedure in his office, he'll ask the patient if they would like some company. Barkocy said many times, they'll respond with "What do you mean?" And, he'll explain that the procedure will require them to lie flat for a period of time, and if they would like, he could get Stemi to sit at the end of the bed, or near them, so they can pet her while they're there.

"It's just that calming influence," he said.

[Source: Daily Sentinel]