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Long live pet owners!

It’s true! Pet owners recovering from a heart attack tend to outlive those who don’t own. Buddy learned that and a few other cool facts about the benefits of owning a dog or cat in this article citing a new study. Among his favorite findings was this passage: “pet owners had greater self-esteem, were more physically fit, tended to be less lonely, were more conscientious, were more extraverted, tended to be less fearful and tended to be less preoccupied than non-owners.” Yeah, dogs and cats!

http://commonhealth.wbur.org/2011/07/pet-with-benefits/

Toy of the Week: Bad Cuz Dog Toy

Buddy’s favorite toy this week gets an A+ for fun and an F for its name. The moniker just doesn’t do justice to this devilishly fun ball with feet and horns that cause it to bounce in a variety of directions no dog can predict. Buddy can chew on it for hours without causing it harm and he loves the high-pitched squeak.

http://www.jwpet.com/dog/cuztoys.html

Dogs to the Rescue!

A Canadian man was saved from a bear attack by four brave dogs. Too bad the man wasn’t brave enough to help the dogs’ walker retrieve one of her pups while the bear was still on the loose.

(Photo credit: http://idbejealoustoo.wordpress.com)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2011/07/06/bc-north-vancouver-bears.html

Dogs vs. Sprinklers

It’s hot out there. If you want to provide your dogs with some cool water and the kind of entertainment that relieves you from throwing a ball, turn on your sprinklers.

A Wagging Tale

Buddy found this humorous and heart-rending essay about life with two Golden Retrievers and how, despite chewed belts and perpetual shedding, the dogs became one man’s true best friends.

http://geneva.patch.com/articles/a-dogs-life-5

Toy of the Week: Hyperflite Jawz Disc

Just in time for summer long weekends—a Frisbee-style disc that can withstand canine teeth. Buddy likes this puncture-resistant disc because it can fly really far. But he warns that the disc doesn’t float so you want to make sure you throw it carefully at the beach.

http://www.dogtoys.com/hyperflte-9inch-jawz-disc-blueberry.html

Dogs Love Trucks

And cars. But if you’re preparing to hit the road with your best friend for the Fourth of July, consider having your dog ride in his or her crate or getting a dog seat belt to enhance safety. It helps secure them if you stop suddenly and allows you to open your windows without worrying about them hopping out.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304447804576413802578302350.html

Short on Beauty, Long on Beast

The 23rd Annual World’s Ugliest Dog contest took place this past weekend at the Sonoma Marin Fair. The winner was aptly named Yoda, and we expect that the prizes won’t include a modeling contract. Check out pics of the not so fair dog contestants at this fairground attraction.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/25/worlds-ugliest-dog-yoda-o_n_884603.html

Yankee Doodle Dogs

When the rockets’ red glares get going next weekend, remember that the streaming lights and thundering sounds can really scare your four-legged friends. Buddy found this article with tips on making your four-legged friend more comfortable with the holiday festivities. While it’s not spelled out in the article, we’re guessing dog experts would not encourage dying your pup’s fur either, but we couldn’t resist this photo we found on the blog Why Are You Talking to Me?

http://www.sacbee.com/2011/06/27/3729608/tips-for-a-dog-friendly-fourth.html

A New Leash on Life

Buddy found this great story about a dog that recently received four prosthetic paws to get him back on his feet again. His owner is proud to report that he walks better than ever and even fetches balls faster than other dogs.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2007272/Meet-Robomutt–The-worlds-bionic-legged-dog.html?ito=feeds-newsxml