Tigerhounds- Yet Another Way Dogs Help Man

A recent episode of Wild Kingdom shows how wild dogs are being trained to frighten off killer tigers. The stray dogs had become a nuisance to the local Bangladesh communities. Worse though than the dogs were the tigers encroachment into the villages. The dogs, in packs, along with their human handlers are being trained how to keep the tigers away thus saving domestic animals and human life.
There seems little that dogs wont do to serve us. Following is a link to a clip on the Animal Planet.
http://animal.discovery.com/videos/tigerhounds-training-tigerhounds.html

Happy Birthday MOM- former foster Mom and Grandma

Thanks for everything- for all you do-every day.
Xena, Nikki, Hobo, Ryuu, Sissy and Jack

A Pets Ten Commandments #10

On the ultimate difficult journey go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there because I love you so.

A Pets Ten Commandments #9

Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.

Only The Girls

My brother Bob sent me this video and asked the question, "can any of your dogs do this?" My response, "only the girls."
Enjoy

A Pets Ten Commandments #8

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

Gone For Nine Years- But Not Forgotten

Nine years ago the Geary family adopted a German Shepherd from a Florida shelter. A month later, the dog named Astro, went missing.

The Gearys later moved- three times in all finally ending up in Louisville, KY. Yet in spite of this, more than nine years later, the Gearys received a call from animal control officers in Tenessee that their dog had been found.

After a few weeks- its like he was never gone and certainly was never forgotten. PS th eGeary's were located due to a chip. Do your dogs have chips?

A Pets Ten Commandments #7

7. Before you hit me...before you strike me... remember that I could hurt you, and yet I choose not to bite you.

To Barf or Not to Barf

Barf stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. This is a movement that some pet owners have taken up. The thought process is to take dogs back in time to the things they ate in nature- before domestication. Things such as raw food and bones and sinew.

Many vets however suggest caution as this very possibly exposes your pet to salmonella and e. coli and other food borne illness, disease and parasites that the domesticated dog can not withstand. Remember that the animals that live with us today have live with us for thousands of years and are succeptable to many of the same diseases we are. They are no longer wild animals. Use caution. Use common sense.

I say not to barf.

A Pets Ten Commandments #6

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

Fostering- Another Way To Help

Not ready to take the plunge?
Or already have a pet and want to help without further adoption?
Not able to donate money?
Consider becoming a foster home. Many agencies have foster programs- often to help animals with special needs. Two of our dogs began as fosters we decided to adopt- it is a risk, if you can call it that. We fostered a third dog, Lenny (look back in the archives) who was successfully placed in another home. Often there is a screening program but if you are serious, it's a great way to help out.

A Pets Ten Commandments #5

Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

Closest To Humans

Chimps have long been known to have the closest genetic relationship to humans. However a new report published in Discovery suggests that DOGS have the closest relationship to humans. Dogs understand both verbal and non-verbal and other social interactions better than any other species. This is believed to come from the thousands of years that dogs and humans have evolved and grown together.

I Know This Is A Dog Blog But...

Sometimes ya just gotta give cats a little credit. Besides there are dogs in this video.

A Pets Ten Commandments #4

Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment... but I have only you

Battle Over Dog....Sperm

A divorcing couple showed up in an Oakland, CA courtroom to ask the judge to decide who gets the frozen dog sperm. The couple breeds bull mastiffs and had some semen frozen and stored. The judge originally thought she was being punked. In the end she decided it was not a part of the divorce and was a civil matter.

Skidboot- Truly Amazing

Sometimes no comment is necessary. Enjoy the video. Thanks to my brother for sending.

A Pets Ten Commandments #3

Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

Bob Barker Charity

Long time Price Is Right host is also a long-time animal supporter. One of his charities is The DJ & T foundation, a voucher program to spay and neuter dogs. This program operates in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Profits from Barker's new book, "Priceless Memories" benefit this charity.

A Pets Ten Commandments #2

Give me time to understand what you want of me.

New Car Design...Just for DOGS

This week Honda will introduce a special dog package for it's Element model. Features includes a cushioned mesh “dog containment system” for the cargo area; a collapsible entry ramp that stores underneath; a dedicated Fido cooling fan; a spillproof water bowl; a secondary “containment system” for the back seat (to accommodate smaller breeds); special pet restraints; a rubber mat in a dog-bone pattern; and a special collar, leash and dog tag. This price has not been determined.

A Pets Ten Commandments- #1

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS. ........

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

The rest will be displayed every other day.

I'd love to give proper credit but I don't know who wrote this. So to whoever you are, thanks.

Another Way Dogs Save Lives

For some, peanut allergies are so severe that even a very slight whiff, nearly undetectable, may cause severe, even deadly reactions. While watching a show on bomb sniffing dogs, a Mom in Colorado wondered why dogs could not be trained to use their powerful sense of smell to detect the odor of peanuts. Her curiosity was more than just casual, her son has one of those severe allergies.

The dog, a Portuguese Water dog was donated by a local breeder and recommended a trainer in Florida who trains dogs to detect explosives. Rising to the challenge of having never trained a dog to perform this task the usual $15,000 fee was waived.

The Mom, Sherry Mers and the trainer Bill Whitstine have an organization to raise money to train other dogs for those with severe allergies. Their site is: Angel Service Dogs.

Almost Tax Time

Ever wish you could deduct your pets. With six dogs and 2 cats- all of whom are adopted it would sure be nice. Would hate to see people hoard or not spay/neuter pets just for a deduction.

For your amusement attached is a K9 Tax Return Form. Not sure where it came from so can't give proper credit.

Double Click the image to see the form.

The Amazing Sophie Tucker

While boating with her family off the coast of Australia, sudden rough seas caused Sophie to fall overboard. Her owners searched for their Australian Cattle dog for over an hour and finally gave up believing that either the rough waves or severe wake had claimed her as a victim.

Instead of succumbing to the sea, Sophie swam over five miles in these same rough seas to a small deserted island. For four months she lived on a diet of wild baby goats she herself caught and killed. She was spotted by wildlife rangers who characterized her as wild. She would not allow herself to be approached by humans and was very protective of her food.

She was finally trapped and her story caught the attention of various news agencies and also her owners. Characterized as wild as soon as she spotted her owners she immediately transformed back to the sweet domestic dog they had always known and loved. It was an immediate reunion and truly happy ending.

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

Want to support shelter animals but can't adopt for what ever reason? Many shelters including the SPCA and Humane Society have donation and sponsorship programs. It's an easy way to get involved. So if you can't adopt- support. Thanks

Links to both these agencies are found in our links section.

Dogs In The Military

Since the days of Attila the Hun dogs have had a place in the military. In ancient times many of the War Dogs were used to fight. Today they serve a different purpose. Some guard our posts and installations. Some sniff out bombs and IEDs.

According to an article in the Washington Post, the Department of Defense reports there are over 2,000 dogs serving in the military today in Iraq and Afghanistan-wherever our human troops serve. And like their human counterparts they are often called to serve more than one tour. Their training costs over $15,000. Some estimate that they have saved tens of thousands of lives.
For more information see the Post article . You may also be interested in the US War Dogs site for more detailed information and to read about their efforts to have the military officially recognize the work and heroism of man's best friend.

Dogs In the News

According to an article on Live Science ( livescience.com), dogs do look like their owners. According to the article, 70 people were shown photos of 41 dog owners along with three breeds to chose from. The 70 people (non dog owners) were right over half the time. Random correctness should have yielded 33% results.

Officials in Winston have located and rescued 90 small breed dogs living in squalor as part of a puppy mill operation. They believe there are over 100 more to be found. Please remember adoption, not mills. Know where your dog comes from.

Fall In Love, Adopt a MUTT by DrJLove
On zazzle.com

Finally, also according to Live Science. com, cow farts could be reduced and thereby greenhouse gas emissions by use of fish oil. It seems the omega 3 fatty acids in fish cut down on gas production. Good news.