Flying Chihuahuas!
Buddy just learned about this great pet project called Operation Chihuahua that flies the small dogs from the West Coast, where they are filling shelters to capacity, to the East Coast where they are in high demand. What a great idea! Unfortunately, Hurricane Irene stalled 16 pups on their way east this past week, but [...]
Dachsund Dash Drama
Batavia New York’s annual Weiner Dog Race this past Sunday ended in controversy surrounding the close finish. Two-time champion Jake Arnold and rookie racer Gordon Ryan (oddly human names, no?) had a nose-to-nose finish that was apparently too close to call, so judges declared it tie. A rematch is in the offing. http://thebatavian.com/howard-owens/officials-determine-jake-arnold-and-gordon-nose-nose-finish-line/27954
The Mets Go To the Dogs
And we’re not referring to the National League team’s win-loss record. Apparently a pack of stray dogs are making the blocks around CitiField their home base. Perhaps the team slogan should change from Let’s Go Mets to Let’s Go Mutts? http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/queens/ruff_going_at_citi_aqZojv6n5KLJEdr0n8eEAL?CMP=OTC-rss&FEEDNAME=
Puppy Poaching
Dog napping is on the rise—up 49% in the last year. Buddy found this story that follows a detective hot on the trail of a missing dog plus tips on how to prevent pet theft and increase the odds of getting a missing dog back. http://abcnews.go.com/US/dognappings-rise/story?id=14329379
Pudgy Pooch?
Did you know that 55% of dogs are overweight? Here’s a funny and helpful article on how to tell if your hound is on the husky side as well as some tips on how to help your pup drop the pounds. http://milton.patch.com/articles/fat-cats-and-big-dogs
Dog Shopping
Thinking about getting a dog? It’s easy to pick a breed on looks alone, but before you choose a canine companion from a shelter or breeder, you should know if your family and the dog will be a good fit. The link below connects you with one of several guides available online that offer profiles [...]
From Dog Pound to Dog Found
File under doggie miracles this story about a Maltese that was thrown from a car during an accident more than one year ago and is now on his way back home to the little boy who thought he’d never see him again. http://www.detnews.com/article/20110811/METRO/108110420/Dog-missing-for-year-after-car-crash-heading-home-to-Michigan
Pet Food Perils
In light of recent dog and cat food recalls—the New York Times published an article with suggestions on how to avoid having either you or your dog come down with food-borne illnesses lurking in certain types of dry and wet foods. http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/11/salmonella-lurks-in-pet-foods-too/?src=me&ref=general
Life is Ruff
Buddy just found this funny piece about people who dress up their dogs in seriously silly costumes. http://www.lenconnect.com/mysource/family/x919521439/Tracy-Beckerman-Its-a-dressed-up-dogs-life
Paw & Order
Dogs have been taking the stand in recent years as part of a program to comfort victims—especially children—testifying in courtrooms. But now a case is up before New York State court to end the program because, a group of defense lawyers contend, the dogs are so cute they sway the jury. Buddy thinks the best [...]
Communicating with your Canine
Buddy found an article (link below) with tips on understanding what your dog is telling you simply by the way it moves its ears, eyes and jaw. Add this knowledge to what you know about your dog’s barking and tail-wagging, and you can tell your friends that you speak “dog.” http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/08/08/2349763/if-dogs-and-cats-could-talk-what.html
Toy of the Week: Grunt & Squeak Gorilla
Because sometimes Buddy needs a soft and furry friend, he goes ape for this bright orange gorilla featuring squeakers in each of its limbs. The toy is also available as a platypus, frog, lion, warthog and moose. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=11903&cmpid=01csegpl&ref=6111&subref=AA&CAWELAID=525382049
Woman’s Best Friend
(Photo: http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat) Buddy just found this incredible essay charting the relationship between author Lily Burana and her dog. It’s beautifully written and astonishingly moving in how it captures the way dogs inhabit our homes and lives. http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/31/an-insomniacs-best-friend/?ref=dogs
Pool Pups!
This Hounds Across America photo contest winner is simply too cute not to share with dog lovers everywhere. https://www.facebook.com/exploredogs
Downward Facing Dogs
There’s Mommy & Me yoga, couples yoga, and now yoga with your dog. This new form of the ancient art is not surprisingly called “doga.” Buddy is starting to work on his lotus position right now, but does feel challenged by having four legs instead of just two to cross. http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/01/us-fitness-yoga-dogs-idUSTRE7701US20110801
Toy of the Week: Pupsicle Maker!
The Kool Dogz Ice Treat Maker is high up on Buddy’s list of must-have summer gear. Fill the mold with dog toys, treats and water, freeze it, and—voila!—you’ve got a giant pupsicle that attaches to a stick for staking out in a backyard. Dogs will lick and chew at it for hours to get at [...]
Postal Puppy
Move over pony express. Turns out there was something of a dog express in 1886 when a small dog named Owney was adopted by the Albany, New York post office and soon began escorting vast shipments of mail on cross-country trains. Today, the United States Postal Service honors Owney with a special edition stamp featuring [...]
Lucky Dogs
Fashion designer Alexander McQueen left his three dogs a sum of $82,000 to cover their care after his death. Though not as much as Leona Helmsley left her pooch, Trouble, it’s enough to keep the dogs comfortable for years to come. Come to think of it, Buddy can suggest some luxuriously comfortable pet gear . [...]
Greatest Dane
Buddy’s eagerly awaiting the publication of this book about George, the Guinness Book of World Records official Tallest Dog. Written by his owner, the book charts George’s life from big puppy to giant dog and what it’s like to live with a dog many people mistake for a pony. http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/07/25/its-good-to-be-big-worlds-tallest-dog-gets-a-book-deal/
The Dog Days of Summer
Buddy can’t offer enough advice when it comes to protecting dogs from these dog days of summer. Here’s another good summary of how to care for your pet in these extremely hot days. http://www.petside.com/article/how-keep-your-dog-safe-summer
Health Food Goes to the Dogs
Now dog owners who like their chicken free-range, their veggies organic and their desserts to be wheat free can extend their tastes to their pets quite easily. This article charts the rise in pet health food as well as offers some interesting insights on whether the benefits are worth the extra dollars. http://www.vancouversun.com/life/health+food+craze+goes+dogs+cats/5131422/story.html
Dogs Swimming with Sharks
Buddy was in awe of this video showing two dogs trying to round up a school of sharks.
Digital Dogs
Have you friended a Fido yet? Seems like the rising new Facebook trend in India and the UK is to create a page for your dog. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/pets/Now-dogs-are-getting-hooked-to-Facebook/articleshow/9270340.cms
Toy of the Week
Though Buddy can’t always make it out to Cape Cod for lobstah bakes, he can always indulge his favorite crustacean toy-style. Larry the Lobster is built tough to stand up to repeated tug o’ wars and long chew sessions. Buddy also likes how Larry’s bright red color makes him stand out at the dog run. [...]
