Little Orphan Annie's Dog "Sandy"- Famous Tag Line: "'Arf!' Says Sandy!"
Monday, January 21, 2008
Famous Dogs: Sandy-Orphan Annie's Dog
Little Orphan Annie's Dog "Sandy"- Famous Tag Line: "'Arf!' Says Sandy!"Dogs Feel Very Strongly
“Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear” - Dave Barry
Thursday, January 17, 2008
2007 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.-Announced by the AKC
TaDa! Here's the most current list of the most popular Dog Breeds in America 2007:
American Kennel Club News ArticleBulldog Muscles Its Way Into AKC's List Of Top 10 Most Popular Dogs In AmericaDate of Article: January 16, 2008
- Bulldog Makes the List for First Time in Nearly 75 Years; Labrador Retriever Continues to Fetch Top Spot -
New York, NY – Today the American Kennel Club® announced that the Bulldog, a popular sports team mascot and one of the most recognizable and iconic purebred dogs, has muscled its way into the 10th spot on the organization’s annual list of the most popular breeds in America according to 2007 AKC® registration figures. The Labrador Retriever retains the title of “Top Dog”— a position it has now held for 17 consecutive years. “This is the first time the Bulldog has made it onto the top ten list since 1935,” said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “This breed appeals to a very wide range of dog lovers so it’s no surprise that it is a favorite amongst AKC’s 157 breeds. The Bulldog is both docile and adaptive, and can thrive in small or large homes. It’s an excellent all-around family pet.”
The Bulldog was first recognized by the AKC in 1886 – just two years after the organization’s founding – and was most popular in 1915* when it peaked in 5th place. The breed’s popularity ebbed and flowed throughout the mid-20th century, but since hitting a low of 41st place in 1973, its ranking has steadily increased.
2007 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Golden Retriever
5. Beagle
6. Boxer
7. Dachshund
8. Poodle
9. Shih Tzu
10. Bulldog
FRAUDULENT FIDOS
Unfortunately the Bulldog’s popularity – and irresistible appearance as a puppy – is often taken advantage of. Earlier this year the AKC and the Better Business Bureau issued a warning about Internet scams that often used photos of Bulldog puppies to lure in victims. Commonly, the scammer —posing as a breeder— places an ad offering a free or inexpensive puppy and then requests via email that shipping fees be wired. After the money is sent, the dog never arrives and the scammer is never heard from again.
“This is certainly not the only scam to be aware of, but it is a common one,” says Peterson. “Because of the emotional investment, consumers are more vulnerable to being taken advantage of when it comes to a cute, cuddly puppy than with any other purchase. Not only is it important to find the breed that’s right for your lifestyle, it’s just as important to take those extra steps and find a responsible breeder.”
PET PREFERENCES: TOP 50 CITIESThe AKC looked at the Top 10 breeds in the nation’s 50 largest cities. Some highlights:
The Bulldog is most popular in Los Angeles where is it currently ranked 2nd right after the Lab.
Despite having one of the world’s most beloved and renowned Bulldogs as the mascot for its state college sports team – University of Georgia’s “Uga,” – Atlanta is one of the few cities in the nation that did not include the Bulldog in its Top 10.
The Poodle and Dachshund, who each once enjoyed the top spot in Manhattan (2006, 2005 for the Poodle and 2004 for the Dachshund) now share a tie for 3rd place, ousted by America’s top choice, the Labrador Retriever.
Detroit, Knoxville, Miami, Honolulu and Orlando are the only cities that do not have the Labrador Retriever in the top spot. Detroit and Miami favor the German Shepherd, Orlando puts the Yorkie in 1st place, Honolulu the Golden Retriever and Knoxville the Boxer.
Salt Lake City is the only city to place the Shih Tzu in one of its top two spots. It moved from 3rd in 2006 to 2nd in 2007.
The only cities to not have the Yorkie on their lists are Buffalo, Milwaukee and Des Moines. And, Des Moines had the most unique list of all 50 cities, considering that it shared only four dogs with the national Top 10.
The Miniature Schnauzer, which was displaced on the national list this year by the Bulldog, still claims top dog status in Oklahoma City where it ranks 3rd, higher than in any other U.S. city.
San Francisco and Los Angeles were the only cities in the nation to include the French Bulldog in their Top 10 lists.
PET PREFERENCES: 1997– 2007Some of the most notable recent trends include:
The Miniature Schnauzer was bumped off the Top 10 list in 2007 to make room for the Bulldog.
The Yorkshire Terrier held steady in 2nd place, after making news last year by displacing the Golden Retriever and German Shepherd.
The Havanese, a small dog with a coat type that is a good choice for people with allergies, has enjoyed the greatest surge in popularity since 1997, increasing 994%. It now ranks as the 37th most popular breed.
Other small dogs (under 20 lbs.) that have gained popularity in the past decade include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (+406%), the French Bulldog (+404%) and the Brussels Griffon (+157%).
Large dogs with notable increases are two Swiss breeds -- the Bernese Mountain Dog (+74%) and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (+127%) -- as well as the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (+130%).
Breeds on the decline include the Rottweiler (-81%) and the Dalmatian (-96%). Many breeds of Asian origins are also waning in popularity: Chow Chows (-84%), Pekingese (-79%), Akitas (-76%), Lhasa Apso (-75%), Chinese Shar-Pei (-73%) and Shiba Inu (-38%).
PET PREFERENCES: 1915 – TODAY The AKC has maintained registration statistics of AKC recognized breeds for nearly a century. Some highlights:
The Beagle is the only breed that has consistently been included in the Top 10 list since 1915. It reigned as the most popular breed from 1954 to 1959.
Poodles enjoyed a long reign as the most popular dog for 23 years (1960–1982), the longest any breed has held that position consecutively.
Cocker Spaniels ranked number one from 1936-1953 (replaced by the Beagle in 1954). Cocker Spaniels made a comeback and were number one again from 1983-1990, making them the dog with the longest total reign in the top spot at 25 years.
The Toy group has been steadily on the rise since the 1970’s, when it made up only 12% of the registry versus 23% today.
The Working group peaked in the 1990’s at 17%, most notably due to the Rottweiler being in the Top 10 at that time, including several years in 2nd place.
Dog lovers can see and learn more about all of their favorite breeds on Saturday, February 2 when the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship — where country’s top dogs compete for $225,000 in prize money and the title of “National Champion” — airs on Animal Planet from 8-11pm.
*First year AKC Registration Data was captured.
American Kennel Club News ArticleBulldog Muscles Its Way Into AKC's List Of Top 10 Most Popular Dogs In AmericaDate of Article: January 16, 2008
- Bulldog Makes the List for First Time in Nearly 75 Years; Labrador Retriever Continues to Fetch Top Spot -
New York, NY – Today the American Kennel Club® announced that the Bulldog, a popular sports team mascot and one of the most recognizable and iconic purebred dogs, has muscled its way into the 10th spot on the organization’s annual list of the most popular breeds in America according to 2007 AKC® registration figures. The Labrador Retriever retains the title of “Top Dog”— a position it has now held for 17 consecutive years. “This is the first time the Bulldog has made it onto the top ten list since 1935,” said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “This breed appeals to a very wide range of dog lovers so it’s no surprise that it is a favorite amongst AKC’s 157 breeds. The Bulldog is both docile and adaptive, and can thrive in small or large homes. It’s an excellent all-around family pet.”
The Bulldog was first recognized by the AKC in 1886 – just two years after the organization’s founding – and was most popular in 1915* when it peaked in 5th place. The breed’s popularity ebbed and flowed throughout the mid-20th century, but since hitting a low of 41st place in 1973, its ranking has steadily increased.
2007 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Golden Retriever
5. Beagle
6. Boxer
7. Dachshund
8. Poodle
9. Shih Tzu
10. Bulldog
FRAUDULENT FIDOS
Unfortunately the Bulldog’s popularity – and irresistible appearance as a puppy – is often taken advantage of. Earlier this year the AKC and the Better Business Bureau issued a warning about Internet scams that often used photos of Bulldog puppies to lure in victims. Commonly, the scammer —posing as a breeder— places an ad offering a free or inexpensive puppy and then requests via email that shipping fees be wired. After the money is sent, the dog never arrives and the scammer is never heard from again.
“This is certainly not the only scam to be aware of, but it is a common one,” says Peterson. “Because of the emotional investment, consumers are more vulnerable to being taken advantage of when it comes to a cute, cuddly puppy than with any other purchase. Not only is it important to find the breed that’s right for your lifestyle, it’s just as important to take those extra steps and find a responsible breeder.”
PET PREFERENCES: TOP 50 CITIESThe AKC looked at the Top 10 breeds in the nation’s 50 largest cities. Some highlights:
The Bulldog is most popular in Los Angeles where is it currently ranked 2nd right after the Lab.
Despite having one of the world’s most beloved and renowned Bulldogs as the mascot for its state college sports team – University of Georgia’s “Uga,” – Atlanta is one of the few cities in the nation that did not include the Bulldog in its Top 10.
The Poodle and Dachshund, who each once enjoyed the top spot in Manhattan (2006, 2005 for the Poodle and 2004 for the Dachshund) now share a tie for 3rd place, ousted by America’s top choice, the Labrador Retriever.
Detroit, Knoxville, Miami, Honolulu and Orlando are the only cities that do not have the Labrador Retriever in the top spot. Detroit and Miami favor the German Shepherd, Orlando puts the Yorkie in 1st place, Honolulu the Golden Retriever and Knoxville the Boxer.
Salt Lake City is the only city to place the Shih Tzu in one of its top two spots. It moved from 3rd in 2006 to 2nd in 2007.
The only cities to not have the Yorkie on their lists are Buffalo, Milwaukee and Des Moines. And, Des Moines had the most unique list of all 50 cities, considering that it shared only four dogs with the national Top 10.
The Miniature Schnauzer, which was displaced on the national list this year by the Bulldog, still claims top dog status in Oklahoma City where it ranks 3rd, higher than in any other U.S. city.
San Francisco and Los Angeles were the only cities in the nation to include the French Bulldog in their Top 10 lists.
PET PREFERENCES: 1997– 2007Some of the most notable recent trends include:
The Miniature Schnauzer was bumped off the Top 10 list in 2007 to make room for the Bulldog.
The Yorkshire Terrier held steady in 2nd place, after making news last year by displacing the Golden Retriever and German Shepherd.
The Havanese, a small dog with a coat type that is a good choice for people with allergies, has enjoyed the greatest surge in popularity since 1997, increasing 994%. It now ranks as the 37th most popular breed.
Other small dogs (under 20 lbs.) that have gained popularity in the past decade include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (+406%), the French Bulldog (+404%) and the Brussels Griffon (+157%).
Large dogs with notable increases are two Swiss breeds -- the Bernese Mountain Dog (+74%) and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (+127%) -- as well as the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (+130%).
Breeds on the decline include the Rottweiler (-81%) and the Dalmatian (-96%). Many breeds of Asian origins are also waning in popularity: Chow Chows (-84%), Pekingese (-79%), Akitas (-76%), Lhasa Apso (-75%), Chinese Shar-Pei (-73%) and Shiba Inu (-38%).
PET PREFERENCES: 1915 – TODAY The AKC has maintained registration statistics of AKC recognized breeds for nearly a century. Some highlights:
The Beagle is the only breed that has consistently been included in the Top 10 list since 1915. It reigned as the most popular breed from 1954 to 1959.
Poodles enjoyed a long reign as the most popular dog for 23 years (1960–1982), the longest any breed has held that position consecutively.
Cocker Spaniels ranked number one from 1936-1953 (replaced by the Beagle in 1954). Cocker Spaniels made a comeback and were number one again from 1983-1990, making them the dog with the longest total reign in the top spot at 25 years.
The Toy group has been steadily on the rise since the 1970’s, when it made up only 12% of the registry versus 23% today.
The Working group peaked in the 1990’s at 17%, most notably due to the Rottweiler being in the Top 10 at that time, including several years in 2nd place.
Dog lovers can see and learn more about all of their favorite breeds on Saturday, February 2 when the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship — where country’s top dogs compete for $225,000 in prize money and the title of “National Champion” — airs on Animal Planet from 8-11pm.
*First year AKC Registration Data was captured.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Heat Therapy Helps Latch-Key and Senior Dogs
Heat Therapy Helps Latch-Key and Senior Dogs
(ARA) - Six-year-old Charlie got the Christmas present of his dreams -- a Cocker Spaniel puppy. His mom loved to watch the joy in his face when they played together during winter break. But, when Charlie went back to school and his mom went back to work, their puppy joined the legions of latch-key dogs in our country.
They returned home one day to find accidents throughout the house because the puppy didn’t use the doggie door when left alone. The next day, they found a closet full of chewed shoes. The final straw was a new couch, which Charlie’s single working mom struggled to buy on her modest salary, which was rendered unrecognizable when the dog chewed the cushions to bits. Many areas have a number of programs with affordable after-school activities for kids who would otherwise go home to empty houses. But, there are no such programs for our pets who spend their days alone.
Grier McCurdy loved to go trail running with Stella, her yellow Labrador retriever. Early each morning, Stella waited excitedly by the front door, waiting for her to lace up her running shoes. As she got older, Stella slowed down, but was still a willing companion. But one morning, when Stella was only seven years old, she couldn’t walk. The vet diagnosed her with arthritis in both knees and mild dysplasia in one hip. He told her that Stella’s running days were over, and that she shouldn’t even chase a tennis ball anymore. “Me and Stella were heartbroken,” says McCurdy. “I’d get up in the morning to go running, and she’d be waiting there for me. Then she’d start crying when I left without her.”
These stories demonstrate two very different needs for our pets -- but with a common solution -- heat therapy. Many vets are recognizing the benefits of low-level therapeutic heat to treat everything from separation anxiety and stress for the latch-key dog to a variety of bone and joint problems like arthritis. But how can we provide heat therapy for our pets when, for many dogs, a hot tub or Velcro heating pad just won’t work? More and more vets are recommending the use of heated orthopedic pet beds.
“Our dogs face many of the same challenges of urban life we humans do,” says Dr. Karen Halligan, author of “What Every Pet Owner Should Know” and director of veterinary medicine, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Los Angeles (spcaLA). “With more and more of today’s working families busy until late afternoon, we’re faced with a nation of latch-key dogs, often left alone in empty houses for 10 to 12 hours. Also, thanks to the many advances in medical technology over the years, we’re also seeing an increasingly older dog population which presents its own set of challenges for senior pet care. Across the board, I’ve found simple heat therapy to be very effective.”
We can all relate to how good it feels to take a long soak in a warm tub. Our muscles relax and we feel calmer. The same thing is true for our pets. Heat therapy is an extremely effective tool for relieving both arthritis and separation anxiety. According to some estimates, more than 10 million dogs -- young and old alike -- are affected by arthritis. And winter’s cold, damp weather can exacerbate painful symptoms that make it harder to walk, run or climb stairs. Pets in pain can also experience a loss of appetite or demonstrate aggressive behavior -- like chewing on furniture and shoes.
Until recently, pet owners didn’t have a way to provide heat therapy to their pets since traditional heating pads are unsafe for use on dogs or cats. But a new line-up of high-tech orthopedic pet beds by Dolce Vita Pets features a special flat screen heater within an orthopedic foam bed that provides safe, heated comfort to soothe anxious and aching pets.
“When animals get stressed out -- like when their owners leave the house for an extended period of time -- their body temperature drops and their muscles can tighten up,” adds Dr. Halligan. “Resting in a heated pet bed increases blood flow and allows muscles to relax -- the soothing comfort helps to ease stiffness and anxiety.”
The heat therapy combined with an orthopedic bed helps to evenly distribute body weight and eliminate pressure points while relaxing muscles and promoting increased mobility and activity. Heated beds, like the Dolce Vita Therabed (www.dolcevitapets.com), provide safe and uniform heat at vet-recommended temperatures within a supportive cushion that helps your pet (and you!) get a good night’s sleep.
Our pets are part of our family. We do so much to ensure their comfort and well-being -- and they give us so much in return. But sometimes, they need a little extra love and care to help them overcome physical and emotional obstacles. A comfortable and warm place to rest can do wonders to help their overall health and well-being.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - Six-year-old Charlie got the Christmas present of his dreams -- a Cocker Spaniel puppy. His mom loved to watch the joy in his face when they played together during winter break. But, when Charlie went back to school and his mom went back to work, their puppy joined the legions of latch-key dogs in our country.
They returned home one day to find accidents throughout the house because the puppy didn’t use the doggie door when left alone. The next day, they found a closet full of chewed shoes. The final straw was a new couch, which Charlie’s single working mom struggled to buy on her modest salary, which was rendered unrecognizable when the dog chewed the cushions to bits. Many areas have a number of programs with affordable after-school activities for kids who would otherwise go home to empty houses. But, there are no such programs for our pets who spend their days alone.
Grier McCurdy loved to go trail running with Stella, her yellow Labrador retriever. Early each morning, Stella waited excitedly by the front door, waiting for her to lace up her running shoes. As she got older, Stella slowed down, but was still a willing companion. But one morning, when Stella was only seven years old, she couldn’t walk. The vet diagnosed her with arthritis in both knees and mild dysplasia in one hip. He told her that Stella’s running days were over, and that she shouldn’t even chase a tennis ball anymore. “Me and Stella were heartbroken,” says McCurdy. “I’d get up in the morning to go running, and she’d be waiting there for me. Then she’d start crying when I left without her.”
These stories demonstrate two very different needs for our pets -- but with a common solution -- heat therapy. Many vets are recognizing the benefits of low-level therapeutic heat to treat everything from separation anxiety and stress for the latch-key dog to a variety of bone and joint problems like arthritis. But how can we provide heat therapy for our pets when, for many dogs, a hot tub or Velcro heating pad just won’t work? More and more vets are recommending the use of heated orthopedic pet beds.
“Our dogs face many of the same challenges of urban life we humans do,” says Dr. Karen Halligan, author of “What Every Pet Owner Should Know” and director of veterinary medicine, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Los Angeles (spcaLA). “With more and more of today’s working families busy until late afternoon, we’re faced with a nation of latch-key dogs, often left alone in empty houses for 10 to 12 hours. Also, thanks to the many advances in medical technology over the years, we’re also seeing an increasingly older dog population which presents its own set of challenges for senior pet care. Across the board, I’ve found simple heat therapy to be very effective.”
We can all relate to how good it feels to take a long soak in a warm tub. Our muscles relax and we feel calmer. The same thing is true for our pets. Heat therapy is an extremely effective tool for relieving both arthritis and separation anxiety. According to some estimates, more than 10 million dogs -- young and old alike -- are affected by arthritis. And winter’s cold, damp weather can exacerbate painful symptoms that make it harder to walk, run or climb stairs. Pets in pain can also experience a loss of appetite or demonstrate aggressive behavior -- like chewing on furniture and shoes.
Until recently, pet owners didn’t have a way to provide heat therapy to their pets since traditional heating pads are unsafe for use on dogs or cats. But a new line-up of high-tech orthopedic pet beds by Dolce Vita Pets features a special flat screen heater within an orthopedic foam bed that provides safe, heated comfort to soothe anxious and aching pets.
“When animals get stressed out -- like when their owners leave the house for an extended period of time -- their body temperature drops and their muscles can tighten up,” adds Dr. Halligan. “Resting in a heated pet bed increases blood flow and allows muscles to relax -- the soothing comfort helps to ease stiffness and anxiety.”
The heat therapy combined with an orthopedic bed helps to evenly distribute body weight and eliminate pressure points while relaxing muscles and promoting increased mobility and activity. Heated beds, like the Dolce Vita Therabed (www.dolcevitapets.com), provide safe and uniform heat at vet-recommended temperatures within a supportive cushion that helps your pet (and you!) get a good night’s sleep.
Our pets are part of our family. We do so much to ensure their comfort and well-being -- and they give us so much in return. But sometimes, they need a little extra love and care to help them overcome physical and emotional obstacles. A comfortable and warm place to rest can do wonders to help their overall health and well-being.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Diamond Pet Foods Settles Suit With Owners of Poisoned Pets
Here's the news release about the company (Diamond Pet Foods of South Carolina) who sold poisonous dog food agreeing to a settlement for $3.1 Milllion. Just a grand per dog. Most dog loves would much rather have their beloved companion alive and well rather than petty money.
A.P. Story On Dog Food Settlement Here
A.P. Story On Dog Food Settlement Here
Thursday, January 03, 2008
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