Stray Dogs Learn to Drive.......

People who run New Zealand's SPCA have a unique way to attract attention to dogs who need homes and families, they've taught the dogs to drive a Mini Cooper!

In this video you can see the dog "Porter" is driving the car but in reality is obeying the commands he's receiving from his trainer on how to move the wheel right or left. It's not like they suddenly hopped in the car to visit their local pet shop for treats. She's teaching them to push the controls and the bright canines respond well to her prompts. Fun to see the dog turning the steering wheel right to make the turn on the track.

These stray dogs are quick to respond to her training and are showing how bright they are. Hopefully locals will get over to their facility and adopt all these fun intelligent dogs and give then good homes.

More at Digital Trends.

Dognapping Up Almost 70%

American Kennel Club has released information regarding dogs being stolen from their owners. Dognapping as they call it, is up almost 70% from last year. They're being taken from their owner's vehicles, waiting areas in public and at home as well as theft from shelters.

The AKC recommends owners get their dogs microchipped. This is a controversial subject as their are cons and pros regarding chipping your pets. One of the most important concerns is that the chip releases radiation into the dogs system which may lead to Cancer or other diseases. Another problem is getting dogs from breeders or other vendors who have already chipped the dog with their name and address. If you lose track of the vendor and you lose your dog the chip will carry return info for the lost vendor and not you-messy messy situation.

The positive side of chipping is that if someone finds your dog and returns it to a shelter or vet, your return info will be on it and chances are good you'll get your dog back.

We all take our dogs in our vehicles for companionship and so the dog can get out and see new places, people, other dogs and get exercise. Apparently, just a quick run into the store can put your dog at risk nowadays.

Solutions include a harness that lets owners carry their dog, preferably small dog, in front and secure. Asking store owners if you can carry or bring your dog inside the store, pet stores and garden nurseries are usually dog-friendly.  Putting up a car-sunshade to hide your pet's location in the car might be a good way to protect your pet also. You might want to consider a small motion sensing alarm for your car or even on the pet's harness.

No reason is being offered for the increase in pet thefts which makes the situation even creepier as all kinds of dark scenarios come to mind. Are the dogs being used for some kind of medical or scientific experimentation or being deported and sold in neighboring countries or are people so cash-poor now that if they want a dog the only way they can get one is to steal it?

Whatever the reason, be extra careful when you take your dog outside your home and certainly leash it in city areas. Don't leave the dog waiting on it's leash in front of a store or even your urban home. Try to hide your dog from view if you have to leave the vehicle or sadly, consider not taking your dog out in your vehicle as much. Think about risk versus reward.

More details at CBS New York.

Here's a video of an actual Dognapping:

Hurricane Sandy Pets Ready for Adoption!

Unfortunately, one of the effects of Hurricane Sandy was to force pet owners to give up their beloved pets. People lost homes and most shelters will not allow pets. Most will face euthanization if an adoption doesn't happen soon.

San Diego's premier shelter for homeless pets located in Rancho Santa Fe, The Helen Woodward Animal Center, received 60 of the homeless New York and New Jersey pets on Friday November 17th.

Spokeswoman Jessica Gercke said the pets will be checked out and vaccinated before allowing them to be adopted. Many of the pets, mostly dogs, are small in stature and should be adoptable.

A Southwest Airlines pilot and crew devoted their time to transport the pets.

Interested in adopting one of these pets?

Check out the Helen Woodward Animal Center online. The front page features a cute dog that was flown in to be adopted.

Visit:  Helen Woodward Animal Center.

Brooklyn Man Who Stayed with His Dog Found Dead

Brooklyn resident "Ritchie Krins" went to seek shelter from hurricane Sandy but was turned away because his dog wouldn't stop barking. The 67 year old baker lived alone with his dog and went back home with the dog when they couldn't find a place for shelter.

A neighbor banged on Krin's door a few hours before the storm hit and told him to leave but he answered he was alright. Krins was a bachelor and the dog was his only companion so he didn't want to abandon his dog.

Unfortunately, they found Krin's body laying face down in six feet of filthy water in his home that has been smashed and demolished by the storm. The dog was still alive and barking at rescuers. They theorized that the dog was able to swim to safety.

This was another example of just how strong the connection is between owners and their pets. This man would probably still be alive if he had left his dog to fend for itself at his home or even gotten out of the area with his dog when the storm had been announced days before.

More details at New York Daily News.

World's Tallest Dog Named Zeus

A Great Dane called "Zeus" is the largest dog in the world insists the Guinness Book of Records. The 3 yr. old is 44 inches tall but when he stands on his back legs he is 7 ft. 4 inches tall and weighs 155 pounds.

The owner who lives in Michigan said the only downside to owning this dog is the higher costs for everything, food, transporting him, medicines, etc.

Here's the link and photo of world's tallest dog Zeus

Dog Returns Home After 500 Mile Trip

Three year old Labrador Retriever "Buck" found his way back home after a 500 mile trip. The man who found the dog decided to keep him and brought him to the vet for shots. The vet discovered Buck's microchip and contacted Buck's father Mark Wessells.

Long lost dog and owner reunited after 500 miles. Nobody knows how Buck found his way back but guessing he used his strong sense of smell.

More details at People-Pets.

Letterman's Late Show Top Ten Dog TV Shows

Late Show Top Ten

Top Ten Programs On Dog TV

10

Neuter, She Wrote

9

Doogie Schnauzer, M.D.

8

America's Got Heartworm

7

How I Met Your Breeder

6

Bones

5

The King Charles Spaniel of Queens

4

Keeping Up With the Pomeranians

3

Who's a Good Boy? Starring Nathan Lane

2

Two Broke Bitches

1

Shih Tzu My Dad Says

5 Things Hiding in Your Purse That Could Poison Your Pets

This article is a very important read for any pet owner. These common items a lot of women carry in their purses can be deadly if pets consume them. Many pets will eat virtually anything in front of them so it's important to make sure all potentially poisonous products are not available for your pets.

Check out 5 Pet Poisons Hiding in Your Purse, Backpack or Workbag.

Dogs Welcoming Home Their Owners from Deployment

If you're a fan of dogs - you'll have a tear in your eye by the end of this video!

Dressing Up Dogs.......

Here's a cute video called "Why Dogs Bite." It's a collection of poor doggies dressed up by their owners. Notice the expression on each dog's face-very cute:

The Yellow Dog Who Won't Leave His Fallen Master's Side

Story of a "Yellow Dog" who lives in a small village in china who refuses to leave the graveside of his owner. The 68 year old owner passed away earlier this month and the villagers have tried to lure the dog back to the village but he always returns to the graveside.

Animals have emotions similar to ours. They might not be exactly like our emotions but they have feelings and in some cases very strong deep feelings.

The villagers have started feeding and watering the dog and have planned to build a kennel for the Yellow Dog.

Daniel the Miracle Dog

Eighteen dogs were euthanized in a Florence Alabama animal shelter on October 3rd 2011. The animal control officer opened up the door to the gas chamber and found a Beagle wagging his tail and waiting for attention.  For some reason the Beagle was able to escape the effects of the deadly gas while the other 17 dogs had not.

Word of the "miracle dog" got around quickly and now the dog who refused to die is a celebrity of sorts. He was immediately fostered temporarily by Karen Rudolph of West Tennessee who runs a Schnauzer rescue with her husband Michael.

Rudolph has nicknamed the wonder-dog "Daniel" from the Daniel in the Bible who walked out of the lion's den. She had him checked by a vet and he's not sick so the theory is he didn't breathe in the gas as the other dogs did. His immune system is a little bit compromised but otherwise the 20 pounder has been given a clean bill of health.

Another rescue group from Rockaway New Jersey named "Eleventh Hour Rescue" flew Daniel up to Rockaway and foster parent Jill Pavlik and her husband are taking good care of him until a good home can be found. Daniel fits right in with their other dogs and has a sweet fun-loving personality.

She says in the video below she's going to be very careful who she lets adopt him. Over two hundred people have sent emails wanting to adopt Daniel.

Here's a glimpse of Daniel the Miracle Beagle:



 More details about Daniel at ABC News.

Always Include Your Pets in Any Evacuation Plan

Include your pets in your evacuation and disaster planning


(ARA Content) - All too often when a disaster strikes, our four-legged friends are left to fend for themselves and sometimes end up lost, injured or killed. The best way to avoid this tragic scenario is to have a well-thought-out disaster plan that includes Fido, so you know where to go and what to take.

"Many public shelters that are set up for disaster victims don't accept pets so you need to find out in advance which shelters or hotels along your evacuation route will accept animals," says Lyman Munson, vice president of risk services for Fireman's Fund Insurance Company. "It is tragic, but people have actually died because they were ordered to evacuate a disaster area but stayed because they did not want to leave their pets."

With so many different potential disasters, advance planning is the best way for everyone to survive a catastrophe and get their lives back to normal as soon as possible.

Fireman's Fund offers the following tips to protect your pets in the event of a disaster:

1. Have a disaster plan

Put together a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians along your evacuation route and outside your area that might be able to shelter your pets in an emergency.

Talk to your vet, the local humane society or the local emergency management agency for information regarding community evacuation plans that include pets.

Make advance arrangements to have a friend or neighbor pick up your pets in the event you are not at home when a disaster strikes. And, plan where you will meet or how you will reach each other.

2. Make a grab-and-go disaster kit for your pets

Just as you should have a disaster kit for your family, containing important papers and other key items, you should prepare a similar kit for your pets. It should contain the following:

* Medication and medical records (including proof of rabies vaccination) in a waterproof container.
* Leashes, harnesses, crates and carriers for transporting your pet.
* A muzzle, if your pet requires one.
* Food and water for at least three days.
* Cat litter and litter box.
* Comfort toys.
* Recent photo of your pet in case you become separated.
* Name and phone number of your veterinarian.

3. If you must evacuate, take your pets

Be prepared to leave early; do not wait for an official evacuation as you might be ordered to leave your pets behind.

Make sure your pet is wearing up-to-date identification. Include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your area in case your pet gets lost and you cannot be reached. And mark the crate or carrier with similar information.

Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier.

4. After the disaster

Once you return to your home, do not allow your pets to roam loose right away. While you assess the damage, keep dogs on a leash and other animals in their carriers.

Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet may become disoriented. Pets can easily get lost in such situations, so give them some time to get used to their "new" surroundings. Be patient. Try to get your pets back into their normal routines as soon as possible, and be on the lookout for stress-related behavioral problems; if these persist, talk to your veterinarian.

"Planning for your pets ahead of time will relieve stress and help you and your family to focus on safety during and after a disaster," says Munson. "Safety should be your primary consideration."

Dog with Two Broken Legs Crawls Back to Family Home!

A fearless and loyal Terrier-mix named Mason got caught in one of the horrible Alabama tornadoes a few weeks back. His family couldn't find him and thought he had died or run away. But,  Mason who had suffered two broken legs survived the tornado and actually crawled back to his home! He was found and brought to a vet who treated his broken legs and will be living with his family again.

Here's the story of Mason the courageous Pup.

Joyful Crying Emotional Dog Greeting Mom Back From Afghanistan!

Few things are more touching than kids and dogs who are overjoyed by seeing their parent who's been gone and has just returned. This touching video shows a Golden Retriever who is overjoyed at seeing her Mom just back from Afghanistan. Listen to the dog crying over and over with happiness that Mom is back home.

Family Dog Keeps Watch Over 2 Year Old Boy

Elgin South Carolina Two year old Tyler Jacobson went to go get his juice last Friday and never returned to his family home. His frantic parents called police but they had to call off the search late at night. The next morning Saturday April 3rd, neighbors called the police saying they heard crying from the back of a home across the street from the boy's family home.

The boy was found across the street behind a neighbor's home. Apparently 2 yr old Tyler wandered across the street and the family dog, a Labrador Retriever followed him. When the boy settled down on the ground the dog laid down right next to him and kept him warm all night. It was a chilly 40 degree night and the boy was only wearing a diaper. The next day the police were called when crying and barking was heard by neighbors.

No doubt Divine Intervention in reality saved the boy but the fact that a dog was chosen to help him once again is proof that dog's are man's best friend.

More details at WISTV.

2 Family Dogs Survive the Japanese Tsunami

Nice article about 2 family dogs who were smart enough to run up to the top level of their family home in Japan. Both dogs survived and are heroes to their family:






The detailed tail-wagging story is at the Wall St. Journal Online.

Tennis Sportscaster Mary Carillo will Co-host the Westminster

Veteran former tennis player and current popular tennis announcer Mary Carillo will co-host the most fun and famous Dog Show in the world The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. She will provide commentary based on her love and knowledge of dogs from the perspective of being a Westhighland Terrier owner along side Westminster stalwart David Frey.

Check out the article here at the New York Daily News.

How to Tell if Pet Products are Safe

Are your pet products safe? How to know


(ARA) - For dog owners, there are no two ways about it - pets are part of the family. You want your four-legged companion to be as happy and healthy as any other member of your family. Many of the things you buy for your human loved ones - like food, medicine and beauty products - are regulated by agencies that make sure those products are safe. You might assume that there are similar restrictions on pet products, but unfortunately, that's not the case.


The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that accurate ingredient lists be put on human items like shampoos and soaps.  The agency strictly regulates supplements intended for human consumption. Though laws regulate what advertising claims can be made on pet supplies for dogs, the FDA does not regulate shampoos used on pets unless the shampoo is classified as a drug, e.g., anti-dandruff. This means that many manufacturers are misleading the public as to what is in their shampoos. Even when some manufacturers claim drug facts, many forgo the costly product registration process and unfortunately are too low a priority to get noticed by the FDA.


Given the trend toward organic products, some vendors make claims about their products being all natural when they are not - often with impunity. Worse yet is the fact that they might not honestly list the ingredients in the product, which could be harmful for your dog. A short ingredient list is a red flag that you might not be buying an honest product.


"Without a thorough and honest ingredient list, it can be hard to recognize that some pet shampoos are actually products made for humans, just re-labeled," says Lorenzo Borghese, who founded Royal Treatment pet products out of concern for the skin problems his own dog was experiencing. He notes that while that might not sound too bad, human soaps are bad for dogs' skin. "Human skin is acidic, while dogs' is alkaline, and a product intended for human consumption has an improper pH which can cause the skin to burn or become irritated."


Adding to the problem, foaming agents like sodium laureth sulfate, often found in human shampoos, strip oils off the skin. Human skin is porous, so it can naturally replenish those oils, but dogs' non-porous skin can't, leaving them with extremely dry skin. That is often a big part of why veterinarians only recommend washing your dog every four to eight weeks.


For those looking for a natural dog shampoo, the problem of incomplete labels is frustrating, and even more so when trying to help a pet with skin and coat problems. Borghese's Royal Treatment line of shampoos and conditioners was formulated with ingredients that are ideal for animals' sensitive skin, all of which are listed on the label. Because the products are sold on television they have to meet rigorous standards and have complete and verified ingredient lists.


The same problematic lack of regulation that affects topical pet care products also makes it difficult for pet owners to know whether pet health supplements are safe and effective.


The low cost of overseas production often means that manufacturers will outsource the work of producing pet supplements. That also means that there is sometimes a lack of oversight and quality control - pet supplements might not contain the ingredients in the amount claimed on the bottle. For pet owners who want to take care of health issues like joint stiffness or a poor coat, it's almost impossible to verify whether the supplement they're giving their pet has the ingredients it claims in the active quantity listed on the label.


Working with renowned veterinarian Dr. L. Phillips Brown, Borghese also launched a line of supplements for dogs with the same principles of providing verifiable ingredients that are ideal for pets. "The ingredients in these supplements are standardized," Brown says. "They are made in the United States, and what's on the label is in the product." Batch testing helps to verify that ingredients are present in the correct amounts that are necessary for the supplements to be effective.


Knowing precisely what you're giving your dog is important. It can be difficult to take the guess work out of shopping for pet supplements and care products, but the most important thing to demand is information about the exact ingredients in everything from food to shampoo to supplements. Armed with that knowledge, you can give your pet a healthy, happy life. For more information on pet-safe products, go to www.royalpetclub.com.

136 Homeless Dogs Trained by Inmates Find Homes

Inmates at the Kentucky based Little Sandy Correctional Complex are helping themselves by helping homeless dogs. The prison has a program where 16 inmates are each given a dog to train and care for. Warden Joseph Meko says morale at the prison is better since the training program began 2 years ago.

Over the two year period 136 dogs have been adopted.


Details at NECN.