Caring Homes Wanted...Again

A puppy mill was found outside Seattle with just under 400 dogs. The site was said to be in deplorable conditions with many of the dogs living in tiny wooden crates and covered in feces. All required some medical care- some extensive. All the dogs were miniature American Eskimos. The Humane Society is working with local officials to move these dogs cross country and to find forever homes.

This is the largest mill I recall reading about. If we really want this to stop we must stop supporting mills. We must refuse to buy from mills. We must ask and know where our dogs come from. Xena Says ,"only humans can stop this-please they need your help.

Finally we need to stop letting owners of such facilities skate justice- as happened here. There was an agreement not to prosecute if the owner voluntarily gave up the dogs.

Wild Child

According to the headlines a 5 year old girl has been found in Siberia apparently raised by dogs and cats. According to the story in BBC news, she barks like a dog and has only "mastered the language of animals." She does have human parents. She was found in filthy conditions and it seems she has never been let outside. Kudos to the dogs for stepping up.

Xena Says- Please Train Me

Dogs don't have a psychic connection to us. They learn about us, what we want, what we like and don't like by how and what we train them. It's not fair adopt a dog and not train it. In its own way 'not training' IS training. Its training that tells the dog- go ahead do what you want. It's even more unfair to punish an untrained dog for not doing as you desire. There are countless books (some in our bookstore) and methods to effectively train your dog. Be consistent and use positive reinforcement only.

Memorial Day

In the past, I have featured posts about war dogs- K9 heroes who have served faithfully. Since this is a dog blog I can't neglect these heroes this Memorial Day. While you remember and celebrate the human soldiers who have served- remember their K9 companions too. The following is from www.save-a-vet.org. They seem to have a great mission-great videos too.

It's About Time

The American Kennel Club has announced that it will allow mutts to compete in certain AKC competitions. Mixed breed dogs will be allowed to compete in agility, obedience and rally events. This won't start until April 2010 and mutts will only be able to compete against other mutts.

It's a start. Only 2 of my 6 dogs are purebred. They are not better or more deserving than the mixed. I'm glad to see this start and hope that it continues as even the most purebred of dogs has in its lineage- a mutt.

Guess the Breed- Answer

Max's companion was an Australian Cattle Dog one of the herding group breeds.

Guess the Breed

Part dingo- no wolf here. Starred as Max's companion in "The Road Warrior."
Answer tomorrow.

I Am Perfect

I am handsome, generous, funny- completely perfect in every way. Or at least that's how my dog(s) see me- no matter what the reality is. I came across this on a car and liked it.

Dogs of Valor Awards

The Humane Society of the United States is currently hosting an online contest to select the "Peoples Hero." There are 15 nominees along with their stories. Their stories include helping save their humans from diabetes and asthma attacks, fire and tractor accidents. You can vote for your favorite online at the Humane Society site. Voting closes this Friday. Hank pictured here is one of the finalists. Check out his story.

Idol Generosity

American Idol judge Paula Abdul surprised previous contestant Scott MacIntyre with the gift of a seeing eye dog. Some are criticizing the act, stating that if he needed one or wanted one- he would already have had one. Nonsense- we should just support the act without question.


AP Photo

The Kiss

I am grateful to the people who send me great dog stuff. This time I'll credit my future-son-in-law, Derek.
Thanks, Al

THE KISS

Thanks Mom

You saved us. We would like to help save other kids. Perhaps someday enough people will look at this site to make a difference.
Love, Xena, Hobo, Ryuu, Nikki, Sissy, Jack and Penny.

Price Check Aisle 3

Several weeks ago I looked at over 20 online vendors to find who had the best price on Frontline. This time I took on the task of looking for the best online price for Heartgard. I picked the 'green' size, six month supply. Many vendors are currently having a sale on Heartgard. After looking at over 14 vendors the best price I could find is: $21.99. The vendor is: www.discountpetdrugs.com.

Regardless of where you get it- remember to protect your dog and provide monthly heart worm treatment.

Finally many stores have generic versions of Heartgard that claim to have the exact same medication. I don't know if this is true or not. Would love to hear from anyone who knows for sure about generics and pet meds.

Check It Out

A friend has started a new blog devoted to helping to make kids safer while being transported EMS vehicles. Please check out her blog www.pedsafe.blogspot.com. Thanks

Happy Birthday Chanel

Chanel, a dachshund celebrated her 21st birthday, making her the oldest dog. Her age is the equivalent of 147 in people years. The previous record holder was a beagle, 28 that died last year.

She has cataracts and the glasses are for protection not fashion. She lives in Port Jefferson, NY.

Not Like That

Recently I was walking some of the pack at a local park. An older couple walking a German Shepherd (mix?) spotted us. The couple surrounded the dog. Both grabbed tight onto a part of the collar and there was no way that dog was going to move.

My dogs were tired, playful but we respected their fear and walked on by. I watched their shepherd- it never showed anything but playful curiosity. But I'm sure it too sensed their fear. It's a shame they AND their dog missed out on fun, on saying hi. Please learn about your dog. The above picture was taken at a local dog park. Only one of the dogs is mine. This is the kind of interaction they deprive their dog of. P.S That's yours truly with the dogs.