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BREAKING PET NEWS

| Print | By Petside Team | December 5, 2009 9:24 AM

February 11, 2009

Oprah Winfrey welcomed two new additions to her family! Sunny and Lauren, Springer Spaniel sisters, came from the no-kill shelter PAWS in Chicago. On a recent episode, Oprah introduced the puppies to the rest of America to raise awareness about shelter adoptions. View photos from their big debut here: www.Oprah.com

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Chinese legal experts have called for a ban on the eating of dogs and cats in their country. This Chinese culinary tradition dates back thousands of years, but now the pet owning class of China has been calling for these meat suppliers to be shut down. If passed, illegal sale or consumption of pets would incur a maximum penalty of 15 days in prison for individuals or a 500,000 yuan fine for businesses. (www.guardian.co.uk)

January 14, 2010

Search-and-rescue dogs from around the globe are being sent to Haiti to help in the recovery from Tuesday's earthquake. Canines from the U.S., China, Denmark, Mexico, and many other countries are headed for the small Caribbean island nation. The dogs are trained to sniff out live humans, and will hopefully help rescue those still trapped within the rubble. (Baltimore Sun)

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Petfinder.com has released their list of the top 10 most popular names for adoptable pets in 2009. For the first time, the name "Bella" made both the dog and cat lists. The top 10 names for dogs were: Buddy, Max, Daisy, Lucy, Charlie, Bella, Molly, Jack, Sadie and Lady. The top 10 for cats were: Lucy, Smokey, Midnight, Bella, Molly, Daisy, Oreo, Shadow, Charlie and Angel. Did your pets name make the list? (Petfinder.com)

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

A 13-year-old mixed-breed dog was diagnosed with H1N1 last week in Bedford Hills, NY. This is the first confirmed H1N1 case in a canine in the United States. The dog had a dry cough, lethargy and high temperature and it is believed it caught the virus from its owner who had been diagnosed earlier in the week. The dog has been released from the hospital and is recovering well. (DVM360.com)

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

In an interview for Oprah Winfrey's "Christmas at the White House" special, First Lady Michelle Obama told the talk show host that the family's Portuguese Water Dog named Bo has his very own Christmas stocking. While the First Lady would not reveal what Bo may receive on Christmas morning, she did say that Santa loves Bo. This is the Obama family's first Christmas at the White House. (Associated Press)

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

A black cat named Sprout has been stuck in the wall of his South Philadelphia home for 20 days. Rescuers have tried using food to coax Sprout out, but haven't had any luck so far. Sprout crawled through a utility hole after his cat companion named Bean knocked the cover off. Despite his meowing heard through the walls, firefighters have been unable to find his exact location. (myfoxphilly.com)

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

During a speech to school kids in Newark, NJ, Michael Vick said, "I wish I could have a dog right now more than anything in the world." The convicted animal abuser and NFL star was making his 6th appearance with the Humane Society of the United States to teach children about the importance of being kind to animals. Vick has been legally banned from owning animals. (NBC New York)

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

A California man is blaming his dog for his wife's shooting death. John Norris claims he was standing on the stairs holding his handgun, when his dog tripped him and caused him to shoot his wife who was sitting on the couch. He has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. (mercurynews.com)

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

An Iowa cat has been reported as the first house pet to be diagnosed with the H1N1 virus. Doctors suspect that the cat may have contracted the flu from his owners who recently battled the illness. Experts believe that this may have been a fluke, since the H1N1 virus does not appear to spread easily among animals. The cat seems to be recovering quickly. (Time.com)

Wednesday October 21st, 2009

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and breast cancer can affect dogs and cats as well as people. While breast cancer is more common in canines, it is usually more aggressive in felines. Spaying your dog before her first heat cycle eliminated the chance she will ever get this cancer. Find out more about pet breast cancer, including how it's treated here.

Friday October 9th, 2009

Boomer, a 3-year-old Landseer Newfoundland may be the next world's tallest dog. At 3 feet tall at the shoulders and 7 feet long, this massive pooch can drink from the kitten faucet with all four paws on the ground and goes through 10 pounds of dog food a week. His measurements are currently being reviewed by Guinness World Records. The previous record holder, a nearly 4-foot-tall Great Dane, died this past summer. (AP)

Monday October 5th, 2009

Churches went "to the dogs" Saturday as worshipers across the country celebrated the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis is the patron saint of animals, and pets were welcome to come and be blessed. The blessing is said to offer protection to the furry family members. (kspr.com)

Thursday September 24th, 2009

An abandoned cat was found in a Philadelphia yard with her body entirely wrapped in duct tape like a mummy. The cat, nicknamed Sticky, is at the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals where staffers sedated her and cut away all of the tape. A reward of $1,000 is being offered for information that leads to a conviction in this case. The cat is said to be doing well. (Philly.com)

Thursday September 17th, 2009

Jessica Simpson's maltipoo (Maltese-Poodle mix) named Daisy was snatched by a wild coyote on Monday night, the pop singer revealed on Twitter. "My heart is broken because a coyote took my precious Daisy right in front of our eyes. HORROR!" she Tweeted. Simpson is offering a reward for the return of Daisy, who was a gift from her ex-husband Nick Lachey. (CNN)

Tuesday September 15th, 2009

While the overall number of reported rabies cases dropped in the past year, the rate of rabies in the cat population is on the rise. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says this is most likely because pet owners do a better job of vaccinating their dogs against rabies than their cats. Felines have a higher chance of coming in contact with wildlife and therefore contracting the disease. The CDC is encouraging pet owners to vaccinate their cats to help control the spread of rabies and protect their pets. (Reuters)

Wednesday September 9th, 2009

Displaced from their forest homes by the California wildfires, coyotes have moved into suburban areas and residents have lost pet dogs and cats to the hungry predators. Local governments have hired trappers to capture and euthanize coyotes who wander into backyards, but animal activists have expressed displeasure at this action. Residents are torn between the safety of their families and pets, and the inhumane treatment of animals who were displaced from their homes by a human-started fire. (LA Times)

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

The oldest living dog in the world, a wire-hair dachshund named Chanel, died last Friday of natural causes at the age of 21. Chanel was presented a certificate by Guinness World Records on her last birthday, which she celebrated at a dog hotel and spa. Her owners said she loved butter and chocolate, even through the sweet is usually toxic to dogs. Chanel exercised daily and ate home-cooked chicken along with dog food, but her owners say God is responsible for keeping Chanel alive so long. (AP)

Friday, August 28th, 2009

All-American Pet Brands is looking for America's cutest dog and the winner will receive a $1 Million dollar prize! One finalist is picked each week, with the final winner being announced on Thanksgiving Day. To enter, visit http://www.cutestdogcompetition.com/

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

28 cats and one dog were rescued from a home in Pennsylvania after their owner tried to kill them with rat poison. The owner left a note saying that her financial problems caused her to believe that suicide was her only option, and she wanted her pets to be with her in heaven. All but one cat lived and they are responding well to treatment. Their owner has been charged with one count of animal cruelty and 28 counts of attempted animal cruelty. (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Monday, August 24th, 2009

The ASPCA has released a response to Michael Vick's interview on the television program "60 Minutes." The animal rights organization says it is disappointed that CBS would give Vick a platform to speak from, because the focus should be on the animals that lost their lives, not Vick's recovery. The statement also says that Vick reached out to try to partner with the ASPCA, but the organization declined because it is "simply not convinced that Mr. Vick has demonstrated compassion toward animals as living beings or the necessary remorse for his criminal actions against them." (PR Newswire)

Friday, August 21st, 2009
Looking for love? Put a leash on your pup and head to the nearest dog park! A recent article in the Washington Post explains that dog parks are becoming increasingly popular areas for singles to mingle. Dan Cohen, founder and president of Animal Attraction explains, "Being at the dog park's great and it allows you to open up conversation." Cohen suggests starting conversations by casually asking about the dogs, but then eventually steering away the chitchat from pet-related topics. Just remember to "ask for the person's name in addition to the pet's name," otherwise owners are at risk of that, "all-too-common dog-park phenomenon: knowing the name of the pet, but not the person." (Washington Post)

Thursday, August 20th, 2009
The canine flu, H3N8, continues to spread across America and pet officials are becoming increasingly concerned. The sickness, first found in U.S. dogs in Florida around 2004, has now reached dogs in 30 states. One of which is Virginia, where a shelter in Fairfax County has recently been hit with the flu and forced to close after sickening more than two-dozen dogs and killing one. For now, all dog experts can do is remind pet owners to be cautious around doggie day care centers, boarding facilities and dog parks, as well as consider a recently developed H3N8 vaccine. (USA Today)

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009
Feeling angry about Michael Vick's return to professional football? Well, now you can go out and buy your pooch a Vick Dog chew toy and let off some steam. The toy looks identical to the controversial Eagles' quarterback and, according to the toy's website, is so popular that it is temporarily sold out. Vick is currently trying to fight against his vicious image by partnering with The Humane Society to speak out against dog fighting and animal cruelty. However, for those who are still upset with the football player, we suggest visiting VickDogChewToy.com. Revenge tastes so sweet. (Examiner)

Tuesday, August 18th, 2009
A Georgia couple died due to fatal bites from a pack of dogs. It appears Sherry and Lothar Schweder were searching for one of their own missing pups around their rural town when they ran into eleven neighborhood dogs that supposedly proceeded to kill them both. The mutilated bodies were found by five passerbys while officials, who are still unsure of what to do with the animals, have collected the dogs. It is not a surprise that there is much uncertainty on how to handle the situation-the Humane Society states that there are, on average, only 16 fatal dog bites a year. (Associated Press)

Monday, August 17th, 2009
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has sent animal rescuers to Taiwan to help with the aftermath of the devastating Typhoon that dropped more than 120 inches of rain on the island last week. Reports say that at least 10 animal shelters were damaged and more than 100 dogs have died or are missing. They hope to prevent more animal deaths by providing supplies and helping to rebuild shelters. (IFAW.org)

Friday, August 14th, 2009
Gibson, the world's tallest dog on record at 42.2 inches, was euthanized late last week after losing the fight against osteosarcoma. The gigantic Great Dane had battled against the bone cancer since last April, undergoing amputation and chemotherapy, but to no avail as the disease eventually spread to his spine and lungs. Gibson's owner, Sandy Hall, decided out of "concern and love" to finally put the dog down. The Great Dane was 7 years old. (The L.A. Times)

Thursday, August 13th, 2009
The ever-popular show, America's Got Talent, has worked its way to the finals. Who is included in the running? Well, Rory...the dog. This bouncy pet can do wonders with a Frisbee and will be fighting it out against other contestants with the chance to win the one million dollar prize. However, even if he doesn't become the champion, the fact that the pup has made it past a human piano-playing singer is an accomplishment in itself, or as Judge Piers Morgan calls it, "the biggest scandal [in the history of the show]." (Click the link to see the video.) (The Baltimore Sun)

Wednesday, August 12th, 2009
A 14-year-old girl who killed a kitten in a 500-degree oven in May has pleaded guilty for burglary and animal cruelty. She will spend 18 months in juvenile jail, according to the New York City Law Department. The girl, identified in court papers as Whitney B., is a friend of Cheyenne Cherry, who pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges last month. Whitney B. was the one who actually put the kitten in the oven and turned the heat up to 500 degrees. (Daily News)

Tuesday, August 11th, 2009
The company, Takara Tomy, has created the "Bowlingual Voice" translator, which translates emotions into human phrases. It claims to be able to distinguish sadness, joy, alertness to danger, neediness, happiness and frustration. The Bowlingual Voice includes a microphone that attaches to a dog's collar and a wireless receiver for the owner. The receiver contains a screen that displays the phrase as well as a speaker that plays the audible phrase. Bowlingual Voice will hit shelves in Japan later this month and will cost the equivalent of about $215. (Los Angeles Times)

Monday, August 10th, 2009
According to research, dogs are mentally similar to toddlers. Dog expert, Stanley Coren, says that, "dogs basically have the developmental abilities equivalent to a human 2-year-old." The average dog can learn up to 165 words and can count up to four or five. Dogs, however, differ in their level of intelligence by breeds. Border collies are considered the most intelligent, followed by poodles, German shepherds, golden retrievers, Dobermans, Shetland sheepdogs and Labrador retrievers. (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Friday, August 7th, 2009
A Wyoming woman, Jessica Johnson, is now doing jail time after she tried to free her dog from an animal shelter. Johnson states that she was afraid her pet would be killed after it had been deemed a "vicious" pitbull and collected by the Metro Animal Shelter. However, as soon as she broke a window to try and reclaim her dog, the alarm resounded rousing police to the scene. Johnson was soon arrested after a foot chase and charged with conspiracy to commit misdemeanor property destruction and criminal entry. (Associated Press)

Thursday, August 6th, 2009
Since June, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals adoption center has filled with around 850 cats. MSPCA manager, Meagan Rock, explains how the center has, in an effort to quickly find the felines homes, cut the adoption fees from $150 to $50, while still including vaccinations and a microchip. Then why is the adoption center still staying filled with cats? "Generally people are excited about getting a kitten over an adult cat. People are kind of entranced by how adorable they are," Rock stated. However, there are many positives of adopting an adult feline: they tend to be calmer and can be left home alone while the owner is at work. (Boston Herald)

Tuesday, August 4th, 2009

The United Animal Nations is working to prevent future animal cruelty acts by teaching children humane attitudes toward animals. With their program Humane Education Ambassador Readers, the United Animal Nations sends volunteers to schools to lead activities based on picture books about people and animals. Books are chosen to help children understand pet sounds and body language, especially to children who do not have pets of their own. Their hope is that the program will prevent animal cruelty and promote responsibility with pets. (Today)

Monday, August 3rd, 2009

Pet owners can now accessorize with handbags made from their dog or cat's fur. Danelle German, owner of Catty Shake Creations grooming salon in Simpsonville, SC, decided to use the fur from grooming to make handmade handbags. The process to create these handbags does not hurt animals. The fur is cleaned and blow-dried on the animals and is then shaven or combed off. The fur should be about two inches long. Distant clients may also mail in their pet's fur to create a handbag. Depending on the size, handbags cost anywhere from $65 to $300. (The Post and Courier)

Friday, July 31st, 2009

A Sacramento man has been charged with malicious maiming of an animal. The male, a 19-year-old, David Yang, tied up a cat with tape, trapped the pet under a construction cone and then dropped an explosive device into the cone. Police spokesman, Sgt. Norm Leong, has confirmed that the cat died. Yang is set to appear in court today. (Associated Press)

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

When the Rushby family lost their dog, Muffy, nine years ago they thought that the pup was gone for good. However, it seems that Muffy has finally been found. RSPCA inspector, Gail Coulter, was tipped off by an anonymous caller and found a scruffy, flea-bitten stray wandering around Melbourne (1,250 miles away from the dog's original home). After analyzing the microchip information in the dog, they called the shocked family claiming they found their long-lost pooch. "It would be fair to say that they were extremely elated and extremely excited by the call," states Coulter. (Fox News)

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

Although Michael Vick has been reinstated to the NFL, animal lovers will be happy to know that many of Vick's dogs are being prepared to enter society for a normal life. After submitting a rescue proposal, Bay Area Dog Lovers Responsible About Pit Bulls, or BAD RAP, was able to get 13 of Vick's 48 dogs into foster home programs with various rescue organizations on the West Coast. In their foster homes, the dogs are being trained and cared for. (The Examiner)

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

A 56-year-old man, who police are calling Dog Man, is now under criminal investigation when 250 dogs were found in his home last week. The house, which is located on Orchard Street, was filled with 112 live dogs and between 150-160 dead dogs, "some were even found in the freezers throughout the house," Dearborn police said. Surviving dogs are now being taken in by local animal shelters, being evaluated and will hopefully be up for adoption soon. (The Examiner)

Monday, July 27th, 2009

The Pet Yarn Chic, a website founded by N'ann Harp, allows pet owners to spin their pets' fur into yarn. The story began when Harp, frustrated with her long-haired cat's constant shedding, began to collect the many tufts of hair left around her house. She then took the fur to a local knitting and fiber arts store to ask the owner if the fur could be spun into yarn. When the owner said yes, Harp began her new business. (Los Angeles Times)

Friday, July 24th, 2009

Lilly, the five-legged puppy, had her additional appendage removed. Allyson Siegel, who purchased the long-haired Chihuahua for $4000, stated that the puppy is doing well, but needs to recover for another 24-36 hours in the veterinarian's office. Prior to the surgery the dog "couldn't sit, walk or lay properly because of that extra leg (which had six toes and protruded from her stomach)." Siegel's hope is that now, after the removal, Lilly will be able to run and play like any other dog. (MSNBC)

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

Al Franken, former Saturday Night Live comedian and current U.S. Senator for Minnesota, is trying to pass a bill providing free service dogs for wounded veterans. Franken, who is just starting his freshmen term, argues that many soldiers cannot afford the service dogs, which cost about $25,000 after proper training. The Senator's plan is to start a pilot program that will, "help train a statistically significant number of dogs to measure the benefits to veterans with physical and emotional wounds." (Los Angeles Times)

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

Gidget, known to millions as the Taco Bell Chihuahua, died last night from a stroke at age 15. "She made so many people happy," stated Sue Chipperton, the pup's trainer, "[and] she always knew where the camera was." Petside gives our condolences to Gidget's family. She surely did, "charm millions without saying a word." (People)

Tuesday, July 21st, 2009

Many dog-owners swear their pups speak to them through their barking. However, a recent study by Kathryn Lord, a University of Massachusetts at Amherst doctoral candidate, claims that a dog's bark is used only to ward off predators and deal with conflict, nothing else. "What we're saying is that the domestic dog does not have an intentional message in mind, such as, 'I want to play' or 'the house is on fire,'" Lord said. She states that there have been many complaints regarding her research, as many upset individuals firmly believe there is deep cognitive understanding between owner and pooch. (The Boston Channel)

Monday, July 20th, 2009

A five-legged Chihuahua-mix puppy escapes life in a freak show after Allyson Siegel, a
generous stranger, offered to buy the puppy for $4,000. Siegel says that the puppy is also
a hermaphrodite, which would have raised the price value of the puppy, if someone had
discovered the condition earlier. Formerly Precious, Siegal renamed the puppy Lily. Lily
is scheduled to have surgery to remove the fifth limb later this month and may face future
procedures if necessary. (ZooToo)

Friday, July 17th, 2009

The New York Times gives a first-doggie account of the first 100 days in office of Obama's puppy, Bo. The Portuguese Water Dog recounts his own adventures in the White House, like when he bit a reporter's microphone or almost tripped the President with his leash. Yet he also reflects on the lives of past presidential pups such Roosevelt's Fala, Clinton's Buddy and Harrison's Dash. Bo concludes with reminding the American people that he is honored in "finding ways to make this nation, and this planet a better place for our children and our children's children," but he is only speaking metaphorically as, "of course, [he] is neutered." (The New York Times)

Thursday, July 16th, 2009

You might not have to worry about storing your dog or cat in the belly of the plane the next time you take a flight, thanks to an emerging airline, Pet Airways. Owned by Suburban Air, Pet Airways flies converted Beech 1900 aircrafts that host 50 cages for cats and dogs (no humans allowed!). However, the special flying accommodations cost a pretty penny, averaging $250 a ticket. It seems that some people are willing to pay though, as the airline claims their first two months are completely booked. (The Baltimore Sun)

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009

Smokey, the baby Chihuahua, was running around a family gathering in Kentucky when a snapped fork flew through the air and sunk into the dog's head. The 12-week-old dog ran into the nearby woods and was not found until two days later with the fork still buried into his brain. The owner ran the pup to the Cumberland Valley Animal Hospital where Dr. Keaton Smith pulled out the prongs. Although there was only a 50/50 chance he would make it, Smokey is now expected to make a full recovery except for slight damage to his right eye. (Fox News)

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

New research shows that a cat's "meow" may have more control over humans than we think. Karen McComb of the University of Sussex explains that the purr-cry many kitties make when they are hungry or happy, can annoy humans to point where their sounds are very difficult to ignore. The sound is "less harmonic and thus more difficult to habituate to," states McComb and if insistent, the meowing may take advantage of humans' sensitivity to cries they relate to nurturing offspring.(Yahoo News)

Monday, July 13th, 2009

Shepherdstown Has Gone to the Dogs Family Picnic was held yesterday at Morgan's Grove Park in Shepherdstown, WV as a fundraiser for the town's Visitors Center. The pet-friendly picnic featured a dog-friendly obstacle course, raffles and a book signing with local author, Carol Gallant. The main event for the day was a pet photo contest, awarding the first prize winner with the Shepherdstown Has Gone to the Dogs award, a metal sculpture of a dog. (The Journal)

Friday July 10th, 2009

Police were searching for Roger Crossland, a man who had a parole violation from a 2000 theft case. Corpus Christi officials investigated his mobile home, but Crossland was nowhere to be seen. However, looking underneath the trailer they found a big clue: a cat sitting and peering up at the crossbeams on the bottom, looking to where the criminal was hiding. Crossland has currently been placed in Nueces County Jail. (Dallas News)

Thursday July 9th, 2009

When the Humane Society of Missouri called the FBI to alert them of a state increase in dog-fighting rings, the government took action. Early-morning raids, by the Justice Department and local animal welfare groups, have been taking place not just in Missouri, but across the nation in a huge effort to try and rid the country of pups who are "routinely inhumanely abandoned, destroyed, and otherwise disposed of [if they lose] fighting competitions." Already, 30 people have been arrested and up to 200 dogs have been rescued in Texas, Illinois and Missouri. (Fox News)

Wednesday July 8th, 2009

A man in Muskegon Heights, Michigan grabbed his cat and threw her against the wall when he caught her sneaking food of the kitchen table. Police officials say that the cat was thrown up to twenty times, probably breaking the animal's legs and back. A policeman immediately called two SPCA workers when he found the beaten cat barely alive in a garbage can outside the home. The cat is currently being treated and recovering at a local vet's office. (Chicago Tribune)

Tuesday July 7th, 2009

Research is emerging that dogs may be able to detect health problems such as cancer and diabetic attacks. Scientists from Queen's University in Belfast surveyed 212 dog owners, all of whom had Type 1 diabetes, to find out if their pets had reactions to their hypoglycemic episodes. Results showed that 65 percent of dogs had a behavioral response such as licking, nuzzling, or barking to at least one of their episodes. This study encourages theories that dogs can be trained to assist diabetics or detect cancer. (NY Times)

Monday July 6th, 2009

Former First Cat Socks, who lived in the White House during the Clinton presidency, has returned home for his final resting place. Some of Socks' ashes were spread in a garden at the Arkansas governor's mansion during a private ceremony. The urn that carried his ashes is now on display at the Clinton Presidential Library. Socks was a stray before being adopted by then-governor Bill Clinton and going on to wander the grounds of the governor's mansion. (NY Times)

Thursday July 2nd, 2009

Jody Lay believes that her neighbor, Brenda Scharlau, killed her cat. The feline, named Linus, was supposedly harassing chipmunks in Brenda's yard, much to her displeasure. Lay claims, "[Sharlau] left a note on our door last year that said, 'Keep your damn cat inside. He's killing all our chipmunks.'" Apparently Sharlau was so upset that she lured Linus over to her yard with tuna and murdered the cat. The court date is set for August 11th, 2009. (Chicago Tribune)

Wednesday July 1st, 2009

Jon Meier was excited to head off to Peru with his high-school Spanish class. However, it seems that his Golden Retriever, Sunshine, did not want Jon to leave home. Sunshine chewed off a corner of his passport, making some critical numbers unreadable. Chicago O'Hare officials approved the beaten up passport, but his layover in Miami proved to be less successful. Florida authorities denied Meier to proceed forward, making Jon unable to go to Peru. But the teen is not angry at his pup. "I love her too much," he says. (Animal Friends)

Tuesday June 30th, 2009

There is a new canine virus in the United States: the H3N8 dog flu. It seems the new strain passes from pup to pup through rubbing noses or sharing a water dish. The virus kills about five percent of dogs that catch the disease and has already affected about 10,000 canines. However, it seems the spreading has recently slowed as establishments have been learning to turn away sick dogs. Additionally, the United States Department of Agriculture recently stated they just approved a vaccine for the virus, providing hope for many worried dog-owners. (NY Times)

Monday June 29th, 2009

Pabst, a Boxer mix, is the newest dog to be crowned the "World's Ugliest." Pabst's scrunched face and severe under-bite helped him take the prize. He beat out the prior winner, a Chinese Crested named Rascal. Pabst won $1,600, pet supplies and a modeling contract with dog product designer House of Dog. (AP)

Friday June 26th, 2009

Today is the 10th annual Take Your Dog to Work Day! Established by Pet Sitters International in 1999, the dog encourages owners to bring their pups to the office given that their employer gives them the go-ahead. One company that is participating in the day's festivities is VisiTech PR in Denver, Colorado. Lisa Wilson, VisiTech's President, says, "I think it is important for employers that have the right environment to allow dogs. Dogs bring lightheartedness to the office and help to connect people." Petside couldn't agree more! (Denver Post)

Thursday June 25th, 2009

Samantha Miller drove from Colorado to Oklahoma City with her two dogs to watch a pet competition. While watching the show, Samantha chose to leave the dogs in her air-conditioned car. Unfortunately, when she returned to her van she found Dalton, her Newfoundland, very ill. "He was panting really heavy and we realized he went into heat exhaustion," Miller said. She tried putting ice on Dalton and eventually performed CPR, but was unsuccessful. Animal Welfare later released a statement reminding everyone to provide shelter and lots of water for pets who are often outside in the heat. (KOCO)

Wednesday June 24th, 2009

It seems even animals are feelings the effects of the struggling economy. According to The Canyon County Animal Shelter in Idaho, rising unemployment and suffering bank accounts have been making kitten adoption rates exceptionally slow this year. The southwestern Idaho shelter is currently housing 280 cats; four times its usual capacity. In an effort to relieve the heavy pet load, the facility is offering a donation-only cat adoption. For information on adopting from CCAS or to make a donation, visit www.canyoncountyshelter.org. (SL Tribune)

Tuesday June 23rd, 2009

Eukanuba pet food brand has just released a new iPhone application called OFF-LEASH. The program provides a map and driving directions to the nearest dog parks according to the user's current location. The dog food company says the app is "perfect for traveling and can help you fit playtime in to a busy day!" Another perk? The application, which will work on all iPhone and iPod Touch models, is completely free. (Business Courier)

Monday June 22nd, 2009

An 8-week-old kitten who was dropped into a Boston public mailbox now has a new home. The two-pound kitten was probably stuffed through the mailbox's letter slot and dropped several feet onto the letters and packages below. She was discovered by a mail carrier earlier this month and delivered to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The kitten was dubbed "Postina" and was recently adopted by a New Hampshire postal worker who renamed her P.D. for "postage due." (AP)

Friday June 19th, 2009

Researchers at the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory have discovered possibly dangerous levels of zinc in the NUTRO Max Adult Roasted Chicken Flavor cat food. Lab results revealed that there are 2,100 zinc parts per million (compared to the 2,000 parts per million maximum set by the AAFCO). Don Earl, founder of the non-profit Pet Food Products Safety Alliance, goes so far as to say that he considers "it highly unlikely that any cat exposed to this food would survive much over a week." NUTRO has quickly responded and already issued a massive recall of their cat food but says it has not received any complaints as of yet. (consumeraffairs.com)

Thursday June 18th, 2009

Starting this July in Guangzhou, China officials will enforce a one-dog per household policy. Government administrators argue they are trying to crack down on the number of rabid strays and that they must clean up their streets before they host next year's Asian Games. However, many locals in the area disagree with the new policy, stating that this "cruel regulation" will lead to worse puppy-control as families will be forced let many of their dogs loose, resulting in increased numbers of abandoned animals wandering the city. Controversy continues as police and government officials fail to speak to the public about the situation. (AP)

Wednesday June 17th, 2009

4-year-old Daniel Blair was just trying to give his muddy puppy a good cleaning. However, what started with good intention quickly turned disastrous. The young boy put his pup in the toilet, pulled the chain and accidentally flushed down his tiny cocker spaniel pup. Blair's mother, realizing what had happened, rushed to the garden and pulled off the drain's cover to see if the dog had survived. She amazingly heard the small dog's cry. She quickly called Dyno-Rod, a drainage firm, which was able to locate the dog's specific whereabouts in the pipe and safely nudge the dog to a manhole. The family showed their immense gratitude to the drainage company by naming the brand-new baby spaniel Dyno. (NY Daily News)

Monday June 15th, 2009

The Miami cat serial killer has been caught, but it was too late for 19 poor felines who were mutilated and murdered. An 18-year-old boy was arrested and charged Sunday of 19 counts of animal cruelty and improper disposal of an animal body. The suspect has previous arrests for marijuana possession and driving with a suspended license. (AP)

Friday June 12th, 2009

A new study shows that people attribute "guilty looks" to their pet's face when they believe the animal has done something wrong, whether or not the pet actually did. Scientists said the looks of guilt actually are a response to their owner's reprimanding, not because of anything the pet did. They said it is a natural human tendency to reflect human emotions onto animals, but that dogs can't actually feel the guilt we may "see" on their faces. (FOX News)

Wednesday June 10th, 2009

The Cutler Bay and Palmetto Bay communities in South Miami-Dade County have been warned to keep their cats indoors. About two dozen felines have been found murdered, some missing fur and appearing to have been slashed by a sharp object. Scared pet owners are being extra watchful of their pets, raising reward money and looking out for strangers in the neighborhood. Police say they don't know who or what is behind the killings. (MSNBC)

Tuesday June 9th, 2009

A little Chihuahua mix named Spaz made a big rescue on Saturday. Around 3 a.m. Spaz started barking at his hearing impaired owner, Lillian Miller. Miller had removed her hearing aids and was sleeping through the fire alarm, but woke up after faintly hearing the pup. Thinking Spaz needed a walk, she took him outside, where she saw the flames coming from her living room window. Miller's mother says, "As far as I'm concerned, he saved her life." (Orlando Sentinel)

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