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