San Francisco to Convert Doggie Waste

The San Francisco garbage hauling company "Norcal Waste" will collect dog waste in biodegradable bags and put them in a "methane digester". The bacteria contained in the digester will create even more methane gas that will be used to power gas stoves, heaters, and turbines.

As long as it's cost effective it sounds like a great idea.

Methane Digester:
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2006/02/22/nation_world/news08.txt

Makers of "Greenies" Will Change Packaging

The manufacturers of well known dog treats called "Greenies" have admitted that according it's own study dogs can only digest 85% of the treat. S&M NuTec warns buyers of their treats to watch your pets when they consuming these treats and to make sure you buy the correct size treat for your dog. According to statistics approximately 13 dogs have died as a result of eating these treats. According to the company they have reimbursed the pet's owners.

Some pet stores have removed this brand from their stock but well known Petsmart continues to carry them.

The company claims they've received approval from "Veterinary Oral Health Council" and their treats help dogs maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Greenies Story:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/business/3678536.html

All Paws Bulletin Out For Whippet Vivi

Well known pet psychic Sonya Fitzpatrick was a guest on the Rita Cosby show on MSNBC and said she is communication with missing Whippet "Vivi". She says she thinks she is hiding out on the grounds of JFK Airport and is managing to get water every day. She is cold and scared of the noise the planes make when they land. Fitzpatrick encourages one of her owners to start their search earlier in the morning when there is less noise at the airport.

In case people think she is a crank, apparently she has a documented 60% success rate at finding lost pets.

Let's say a prayer for Vivi's safe return. Yes, "she's just a dog" but it would be great to see her found alive, healthy and returned to her despondent owners.

Psychics Brought In to Find Wayward Whippet

"Vivi" the wayward Whippet is still on the loose, but according to psychics she is warm and somewhere among many buildings. Her California owners say psychics think she is hiding out on JFK's 5000 acre property somewhere. There is a $5000 reward for her return by one of her owners and the Westminster Kennel Club is paying for two search dogs to try and find her whereabouts.

Latest on Vivi:
http://www.newsday.com/news/printedition/newyork/nyc-nyvivi214635482feb21,0,4100192.story?coll=nyc-nynews-print

Search Called Off for Whippet On The Lamb

The poor scared or frustrated Whippet who took off from JFK airport is still on the lamb and the search has been officially called off. Authorities are still keeping an eye out for the wayward Whippet known as "ViVi". Her California based owner is very concerned that the Whippet will not fare well in the colder weather. The dog has a microchip and was last seen wearing a little black sweater and collar.

Stay tuned for more of the "Wayward Whippet" news. Hopefully Vivi can be found happy and healthy and returned to her owners soon.

Latest:
http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=20060216001909990002&_ccc=6&cid=842

Westminster Whippet Missing-Owners Frantic

A whippet who competed in the Westminster dog show is missing and is thought or hoped to be in the surrounding area near JFK Airport. The dog won an award at the show "award of merit", but apparently that wasn't enough to keep the pooch happy and close to his owners. The California based owners are frantically trying to get their beloved whippet back. If you live near that area be on the lookout for a lost and scared whippet on the lamb!

The Frantic Whippet Story:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060216/ap_on_sp_ot/missing_dog

And The Winner Is...

"Rufus" the colored Bull Terrier won the Westminster Dog Show yesterday. He came across as a poised calm and cool pro. Like the Pug, the Bull Terrier has one of those faces that you have to love because it's so unusual. Many of the finalists in the competition could've won best-in-show last night: the Golden Retriever, the Dalmation, the Scottish Deerhound, etc.. An overall good group of finalists this year.

The Terrier Group, my personal favorite, is the winningest dog group in the history of the competition, so it's really no surprise that another Terrier won again this year. There's just something about them that attracts humans to them despite their sometimes quirky behavior.

Here's "Rufus" in all his glory:

http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/

Tonight's Results

Sorry Pekingnese fans-maybe next year. Or the year after, maybe. :-D

The mighty and handsome Pug beat out the "also ran" Pekingese this year in the "Toy Group" I'm happy to announce! Good to have a fresh breed in that position.

In the "Non-Sporting" Group, the Dalmation won. This is a good looking, bright, charming and disciplined dog. I wouldn't be surprised to see this dog win Best In Show tomorrow.

The colored Bull Terrier won the "Terrier Group" tonight. There's nothing like a terrier. As a group they're my favorites. Entertaining, barky, territorial, charming, stubborn, smart, skilled, and these are just a few of their qualities. If you're looking for a dog and a half, get yourself a terrier! You'll be exasperated, proud, perplexed, entertained, and you'll never be bored.

The "Working" Group called out the Rottweiler to represent them in the finals this year. It's nice to see a breed like this in the finals. Most dogs are good and loving dogs if raised by a good and responsible person.

Tomorrow night's competition brings out the "Sporting", "Hound", and "Herding" groups. With the "Best In Show" featuring all the "best of group" winners finishing the night's competition.

The Westminster Begins!

The 130th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show begins tonight Feb. 13 and ends on the 14th. It begins on USA Network at 8pm. I never miss this show, it's one of the best entertainment offerings on tv.

I hope the spot in the finals that seems to be reserved for the "pekingese" goes to a different breed this year. A bedroom slipper with paws has a limited appeal to me. Of course I'm biased toward the Havanese as that's the breed of my dog. But, being a relatively new AKC breed, it'll be years and years before one of the little beauties makes the finals.

Root For Your Favorite Breed at The Westminster:

http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/

Animal Cop Heroes

If you want to experience sadness and anger watch "Animal Cops" on the "Animal Planet" network. The show follows "animal cops" as they go through their daily routine of helping/rescuing poor abused and neglected dogs. You have to be as tough as nails to do their job. It's amazing how sick some people are. They take out their infantile anger on their pets first. Their attitude is: abuse the dog and then I'll feel better. When doing a search on the word "puppies" the first results that come up almost always involve abuse. Puppies found dead, puppies abused, puppies abandoned, etc. How society treats it's most helpless beings (human and animal) is an indication of how healthy or sick it is. We seem to be on the decline in many areas.

Animal Cops Link:

http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/animalcops/animalcops.html

AKC's Top Breeds For 2005 List

Here is the AKC's current Top Ten Dog Breed List:

2005 Most Popular Dogs in U.S.
Labrador Retriever (137,867)
Golden Retriever (48,509)
Yorkshire Terrier (47,238)
German Shepherd Dog (45,014)
Beagle (42,592)
Dachshund (38,566)
Boxer (37,268)
Poodle (31,638)
Shih Tzu (28,087)
Miniature Schnauzer (24,144)

AKC Story Link:

http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=2736

Designer Doggie Beds!

Forget the stale old plaids and linen lined doggie beds! The newist trend in doggie decor is designer beds made of velvet and silk brocade or even a futon. What pooch would be caught dead on an old worn out blanket when they can relax on the latest designer luxury bed. So, get yourself to the nearest dog palace and bring home a velvet and silk bed for fido-What are you waiting for!

http://www.dogbedworks.com/

Agility Training?

Many people when getting a puppy wonder if the pup can do the "Agility Training" thing. It's not easy and it's not for every pup either. Check out this site for tons of info on agility training:

http://www.agilityability.com/

The Great Pleasure of A Dog.....

The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too. ~Samuel Butler

Dog Related Products and Services are Thriving

The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association says the average pet owner spends $2100 on their dogs and $1350 on cats yearly. Fast growing categories are pet services and supplies-owners spent $11 billion in 2005! Aye Chihuahua!

Available to doggies: $1.00 a minute massages, doggie boot camp, collapsible soft crates, agility training, dog treadmills, doggie daycare, and more.

Beware that all these dog related goodies and services come at a high price. Doggie daycare alone can run you hundreds a month!

More Info: http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/living/13707187.htm

Follow Up: Manufacturer of Toxic Dog Food Admits...

Diamond Pet Foods has admitted that their workers did not follow proper testing procedures. Twelve shipments of corn were tainted with a deadly fungus and it was found that there were no records of testing these shipments. Dozens of pet dogs died as a result of eating the toxic food.

Diamond Pet Foods recalled 18 varieties of dog and cat food sold in the U.S. and overseas.

The Story: http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=4441263&nav=4QcS