A dog’s paw, a sergeant’s boot. “He had huge feet, a huge heart,” Army Sgt. Amanda Ingraham told me of her former military working dog, Rex. I’m posting this photo because Anna Zeman, Dogster’s social media guru, is looking for anything big-dog-oriented for Big Dogs Week on Dogster. And this paw belonged to one big [...]

I love this photo. What a good, loyal, patient dog, like most military working dogs. But such a sad, somber occasion — the loss of three Explosive Ordnance Disposal members. I found this photo on the excellent Facebook page of Military Working Dogs, and wanted to share it with you.

The Pomeranian looks like a cross between a stuffed animal and a tiny lion. Its distinct long, fluffy coat and bright personality make this an unforgettable dog breed. Poms are ...

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There are a number of nasty little critters in in the world just waiting to hitch a ride on your beloved dog. Just thinking about it gives me the creeps. I'm sure you feel the same. As much as we might not want to imagine parasites on (or in) our dog, it's simply a fact of life. As a dog owner, it's vital that we understand the risks associated with various parasites. More important, however, is learning how to prevent them.

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When my husband and I adopted three children under the age of 4, my sister recommended I purchase a Bissell Little Green Machine, which I did in all haste. With two big dogs and three tykes, it proved to be a life saver, so much so that I drove the poor thing into the ground. [...]

A new pet stain and odor remover cleans old and new pet stains so they never come back, and eliminates odor as it cleans. Read what happened when we tested it on old and fresh pet stains.

The French Bulldog is a fun-loving, affectionate dog breed that makes an excellent companion. This compact yet muscular dog is related to the English Bulldog, but is smaller, less wrinkly, ...

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It's a lesson we all learn eventually, and one your dog should learn, too. Nothing In Life is Free (NILF) is a dog training technique that teaches dogs self-control by having them work for everything they get. Basically, if your dog wants attention, food, a walk or another type of reward, she needs to do something for you first. Does your dog try to bolt ahead of you and out the door in anticipation of a walk? Will she practically knock someone over trying to get to food? Here's my favorite: pushing her head or body under your hand to get petted. My own dog is a pro at this one!

Why does it matter? Well, the more you let your dog push the boundaries, the more unruly she can become. A dog with self-control is well-behaved and more fun to be around. Your guests may not appreciate how wonderful your dog is when she is constantly pawing and licking at them for attention. Small children and other animals can be injured by a dog rushing to get to what she wants. NILF is not about becoming a dictator over your dog. It's all about positive reinforcement and guiding your dog to self-control. A patient dog is happier because she's not getting herself all worked up over something she wants. Instead, she knows what she has to do in order to get it.

Learn all about the NILF technique and how it might work for you and your dog. You may be surprised how teaching your dog self-control makes a difference. Have you used NILF with your own dog? Tell us how it worked for you.

Photo © iStockphoto.com/Camrocker

If you asked me to list some of the most common canine diseases, hypothyroidism would be towards the top of my list. Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disease that is characterized by a deficiency of thyroid hormones, basically an under-active thyroid. Frequently occurring in both dogs and humans, hypothyroidism causes a decreased metabolic rate and can lead to a multitude of systemic complications. Humans with hypothyroidism tend to experience extreme fatigue, unexplained weight gain, changes in skin and hair, and mood fluctuations. With dogs, the symptoms are not much different. However, it may be harder for us humans to detect subtle changes in our dogs since they can be such pros at hiding illness.

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The Newfoundland is a huge helping of canine friendliness and hard work. This dog breed is beloved by many, and for good reason. Newfies are not only loving companions, they ...

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For those of you who have dealt with Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), I do not have to tell you how scary it is. This serious health condition, also referred to as bloat, results from a dog's stomach filling with gas and/or food and expanding, then twisting. It is painful and extremely life-threatening.

Most owners of large and giant breed dogs like the Great Dane have heard of GDV. While this condition is most common in bigger dogs, it can technically happen to any dog. Be sure you know the warning signs of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus and how to proceed if your dog is affected. Every minute counts!

Have you had a dog with bloat? Please share your story with readers like you.

Image courtesy of Georgia Veterinary Specialists

The Chow Chow is an ancient dog breed that is probably best known for its bear-like appearance and "lion's mane." Back in the day, these Chinese natives were used for ...

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This January marks the third annual National Train Your Dog Month. Presented by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), National Train Your Dog Month aims to raise awareness to the public about the importance of proper dog training and socialization. The APDT chose January because so many people get new dogs or puppies during the winter holidays. This month is the time to get started with a training program for the life of that dog.

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Holiday weight gain leads to New Year's resolutions, so we are about to see and hear a lot of ads and discussions about weight loss, gym membership, diets, and so on. However, we humans are not the only ones who tend to put on a few extra pounds over the holidays - many dogs gain holiday weight as well. Some may think chubby dogs look kind of cute and funny, but canine obesity is no joke. Sadly, weight problems are all too common for dogs these days. Why? I think a large part of the problem is the sedentary lifestyle of so many dogs. There is also the issue of over-feeding and inappropriate eating. The bottom line is this: It's time to take action. It's almost a new year, and what better time to start than the present?

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We've been huge Big Shrimpy Dog Bed fans for years and for good reason. They are comfy, durable and very eco-friendly. How eco-friendly? Well, most folks know that you can purchase a new cover for your bed to extend the life of your bed. Or, if you like, you can even have it recycled. That's right, Big Shrimpy dog beds are made from recycled material, AND you have them recycled when (or if) you decide your pet's bed is no longer needed. This video shows how to recycle your Big Shrimpy bed. Comfy, classy, durable and recyclable. That's why Big Shrimpy Dog Beds are totally awesome.

 

Well, I must say we have truly lucked out with the weather here in Detroit this week (so far). It's so warm today, I left the winter coat at home and was nearly blinded by the sunlight driving down the street. I'm sincerely hoping this is not some sort of tease, but being Michigan we're still prepared for the likely scenario that there will be a snowstorm in 15 minutes. In the meantime, we're

It's shaping up to be a gorgeous March here in Michigan! We've been fortunate to have weather in the 50s all week. Depending on where you live, this may not seem all that warm, but to us Midwesterners its a fantastic reminder that spring is weeks away!For dog lovers, it's a great time of year to get out and enjoy some warmer weather activities with our beloved pets. One of my personal favorite

Joan said last night that I'm getting fatter, especially around my neck and she can't see my ribs as much. I guess she's gonna cut my food down! The reason is she's been sick so we haven't been doing our normal several runs a week plus she's been pretty liberal with my food. Now, I guess it is going to be back to a strict 1.5 cups of food in the morning and night.

She better keep up with the treats though!

I don't feel so good this morning. Not sure why but I decided to not eat my breakfast (YET!) and let's just say going to the bathroom was more of a production than it normally is. I probably ate something on our walk or run yesterday (there are always interesting things to eat out on the street on in people's yards) that made my stomach upset.

Last night Melissa slept over. She is a human. She didn't want to stay in her house because a dead rat is smelling up her house. I kinda understand her, as I hate to hear things in the wall, but on the other hand, the smell might be really interesting to me! I love smells that humans don't seem to like - like a rotting squirrel in the road that got run over.

(Please Crosspost everywhere) See contacts at the end of this email!

UPDATE:
Latest information shows that murdered dogs owners WERE NOT INVOLVED IN DRUGS.
http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0808/541609.html

Statement from Dogs owners attorneys: http://static.wjla.com/documents/calvocounselstatement080608.pdf

""They bound me and forced me to kneel in the corner," he recalled. "My mother-in-law was bound on the kitchen floor. They killed our dogs; these dogs are loved throughout town."

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Sheriffs Shoot and Kill (Murder) Two Dogs, Conducts long Interrogation with owners as dog lie in pools of blood

Your voices and outrage needed as the sheriff department boohoos and defends what has happened here. See contacts at the end of this email!

The sheriff’s department playing Swat Team shot and killed two fully trained, kid friendly, midlife, never been in trouble Lab Retrievers in Price Georges County Maryland.

To see a picture of the dogs launch today’s edition of the BaltimoreExaminer.com
And then go to Page 10. Do this at this link:
http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/digitaleditions.aspx?tab=0&pid=e3e50bc7-52a3-49f1-86d7-baa629b1605f


Article Here: (or just Google “Police Shoot Dogs Princes Georges County” for many articles.
http://www.lewrockwell.com/blog/lewrw/archives/022222.html

“Berwyn Heights Police Chief Patrick Murphy said county police and the Sheriff's Office had not notified his department of the raid. He said town police could have conducted the search without a SWAT team.”
"You can't tell me the chief of police of a municipality wouldn't have been able to knock on the door of the mayor of that municipality, gain his confidence and enter the residence," Murphy said. "It would not have been a necessity to shoot and kill this man's dogs."

“Calvo (dogs owner) described a chaotic scene, in which he -- wearing only underwear and socks -- and his mother-in-law were handcuffed and interrogated for hours. They were surrounded by the dogs' carcasses and pools of the dogs' blood, Calvo said.

In the Baltimore Examiner Article:
The depuites first shot 7 year old Payton. (almost as soon as they entered I assume) then they “pursued and shot” 4 year old chase who “ran away”.

Eric’s Comments: www.ericsdogblog.com

Can I say what the hell is going on here? These are fully trained professionals? A kid and ball could have contained these dogs. Shot? Pursued and shot? Can we say trigger happy morons just waiting to bust of some rounds and choosing these dogs because they think, “hey they are just dogs, it isn’t like we shot some people you know.”

I went in over 500 homes in New Orleans and did't need to shoot a single dog in 3 weeks and nobody else did either.

This is an outrageous abuse and totally unnecessary. Even if the officers got a little bite it would have been reasonable vs shooting and killing two otherwise friendly dogs in their own house. As much as I see them tasering and beating people with clubs I am quite sure they could have found another way to disable two dogs. Not to mention that these “wanna be” swat players went in with all kinds of protective gear on I am sure.

As animal people we understand the dogs were probably acting up loudly as a group of men busted the door down and proceeded to attack its owner. One of which was shot in the back as it ran away.

To interrogate these people who were not even arrested in the presence of their own killed dogs is simply one of the most despicable things I have ever heard of by the police.

The police and everyone else need to understand that for many people this was no less traumatic than if the people’s kids had been shot and killed right in front of them. Yea that’s right. Research has shown that loss of a pet is in the top 5 of all major depressive events for people.

____________________________________________________________________

Complain and show your outrage to:

phone works best as they are not saying "send comments to the email address, and I am sure deleting them as fast as they come in"
Be sure to complain to each person you speak with along the way. Call all the numbers, email, and fax if possible.

TO BE CLEAR, I HAVE NOT HAD A SINGLE CALL RETURNED OUT OF 30 CALLS, EVEN THOUGH I HAVE BEEN PROMISED A CALL BACK A DOZEN TIMES. THEY ARE TOTALLY THUMBING NOSES AT THIS. I finally got direct to Sargeant Ellis an assistant and he was rude, abrupt and annoyed and said “we are not talking about this.” Mrs. Ridgely also picked up her phone finally and said “everyone is entitled to their opinion.’ In a very gruff voice, and acting as if it is ok to break into private homes and shoot dogs when you have other options at your disposal.



Main Line: 301-883-7000, ask to speak to sheriff Michael Jackson (he is never around)
Then ask to speak to Lt. Ridgley in the PIO (Public information) office. (they may not put you through but be firm)
If they do not put you through: Lt. Ridgeley Direct: 240-508-7710 (warning she is not the face of nice)
Fax to Sheriffs attention: 301-883-6962

Email: sheriffinfo@co.pg.md.us

Look for updates on: www.ericsdogblog.com

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Meredith Emerson is dead. Her dog Ella is not. Ella was found 50 miles away in a parking lot.

I was just getting ready to write a blog post about the missing dog and email our list of 30,000 to help find the dog. I have to inquire as to why the dog was not being vigorously searched for so that her family might have some living breathing memory of Meredith. Anyone that understands the bond with your dog knows that Ella the dog has kept part of Meredith alive.

I am reminded of this story from Katrina and hope you will read it. Click Here.

If you have to been to the site before start at the bottom for the stories from the first days after Katrina till now. Some great reading.

Watch this rescue video to understand what it was like in those days after Katrina:
I found this dog 25+ days after Katrina locked in a bathroom with no hope of rescue. Video Click Here This dog was one of 25,000 rescued and 100,000 or more killed.

And then on to the most amazing BS of the Year:


Doogie as he struggled to get up 3 days after he first went down, with his owners ignoring him.

I’d like to bring to light the complete loss of common sense when the state of PA prosecuted Tammy Grimes for taking this dog (Doogie) from a back yard of a house after the owners left it for 3 days laying in the mud, on its back, legs kicking back and forth unable to get up. Common sense often prevails in our courts but not this time. The DA aggressively pursued Tammy for taking/helping the dog and NEVER CHARGED THE DOGS OWNERS WITH ANYTHING.

The Entire Story and Pictures Click Here

What would you have done? I know what I would have done.


As the year comes to an end I’d like to post some dog blog member stats.

Members: 1041
Dogs Saved 2007: 500+
Donations to Emergency Vet Bills by Members: $25,000+ (estimated)

Emergency vet alerts were primarily severe cases of neglect and abuse with high vet bills where the dog would not have been saved without raising thousands of dollars. Cases like the baby Pug mauled and left in a shoe box, several cases of dogs used as bait for fighting, a mother and pups dumped in an alligator pond (whatever that is, and how did people get so cruel?) where only one pup survived with bad injuries.

DOG AUCTION RECAP
Below is the recap from a recent dog auction in MO. It must be hard to live in MO with no ocean and no mountains. I think that is why these people go crazy and abuse animals for a living....I would not consider spending a single tourist dollar in this state even though I am a big fan of Mark Twain. This state government has not done a thing to stop the abuse that goes on at its thousands of puppymills.




I have posted the first paragraph of this story below but click on the first comment to read the rest of the story. Eric

Dog Auction Recap -- State of MO. "The Show Me a Puppymill State"

This is an e-mail that was written by my friend, who went to the Bulldog Auction in MO.

In November of 2007, I was sent a note from a friend of mine, a respected breeder and member of the English Bulldog community and the Bulldog Club of America, alerting me to the fact that there was to be an "All Bulldog" auction in Rocky Comfort, Missouri.

As a rescuer, I was devastated when I heard about this auction. I know these events occur frequently – particularly for livestock, and even for beautiful dogs that ultimately deserve a life as family members, not breeding stock. I realize not all people view canines the way I do, but in the least, I would expect all animals to be treated with respect, compassion and appropriate care. With trepidation, I wondered if I should get involved with this auction and help these bulldogs... CONTINUED.

PLEASE SEE THE CONTINUATION OF THIS STORY BY CLICKING THE FIRST COMMENTS BELOW...

My guess is animals come last in Mexico and no US animal rescue groups seem to be stepping up.

TABASCO, MEXICO
300,000 TRAPPED AFTER TABASCO FLOODS
http://www.gulfnews.com/world/Mexico/10164571.html

11/2/07: More than 300,000 people are believed to be trapped in their homes
after severe flooding hit the southern Mexican state of Tabasco. A huge
rescue operation has begun after torrential rains caused widespread flooding
in the region.

One person has been confirmed dead so far but more than 1m are thought to
have been affected by the floods. Dramatic rooftop helicopter rescues are
being seen on television. Mexican President Felipe Calderon called it "one
of the worst natural disasters in the history of the country."

MEXICO FLOODING AFFECTS 700,000
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7072554.stm

Thousands remain stranded in the worst flooding in 50 years The authorities
in Mexico say as many as 700,000 people have been affected by heavy rains
and severe flooding in the south-eastern state of Tabasco.

The governor has called on anyone who owns a seafaring vessel to help free
the 300,000 people believed to be trapped in their homes. Rescuers have also
been using helicopters to try to reach people stranded on rooftops.

The USDA has no control over the out of control puppymill industry.

Recent Video of VA Puppymills



If you need further information get a copy of the documentary "Dealing Dogs" to see just how much these people put money$$$ above the humane treatment of animals.

The story of Skeeter, a Poodle with Narcolepsy.

Awww…. these dogs were hurt and needed casts but are obviously recovering well. Via You Can’t Make it Up.

Which is cuter? A guide dog or guide horse?

Best Friends, local government agree on plan to rescue animals, stave off mass euthanasia after earthquake devestates the area.

By Michael Rinker, Best Friends Senior Editor

Best Friends is moving forward with an eight-week plan in western Peru that calls for more than 1000 spay/neuter surgeries, 1800 vaccinations, and distribution of 15 tons of food, according to chief executive Paul Berry, who approved the proposal Sept. 20.

At stake are the lives of thousands of animals who would be subject to government-ordered mass euthanasia.

Our goal is to show the country’s Minister of Health and his directors that we’ve helped provide a safer, healthier environment in the areas most affected by last month’s earthquake. One of those areas – the province of Ica – signed an agreement Sept. 20 that details the Best Friends mission there. The other areas are Chincha and Pisco.

Read the entire story. Click Here.

Website stats: 200 daily visitors. 6,000 people on the email list. Sign up today.

Note from Eric about the article below:

Watch This Great Video. I dare you. Click Here

What many people do not understand is that most experts say dogs develop to be just about like a 2 to 2-1/2 year old child. Even though a 2 year old can't talk, write and use other forms of higher reasoning they can feel pain, sadness, depression and boredom. It is no different with a dog, they are feeling those emotions and suffering if they are tied behind a house for years at a time. To prove it just go pet a chained dog and see how insanely excited they get for the smallest amount of attention. The person chaining and ignoring the dog simply isn't using common sense about what they are doing or they would not do it. Most chainers are not bad people...they just need to think. In 2007 we have enough research to know that "its just a dog" is a really lame excuse for imposing such unneeded neglect. Are you someone who has a dog chained behind your house and wants to rethink it? I will give you $500 to write about it here...

How can this be ok?




Many, many more pictures Click Here.

Here is a good article from the Times Gazette on chaining. Click Here

Here is the first couple of paragraphs....

It can't get much worse than being chained to a doghouse 24/7
By LORI ROUSH
Copy Editor

Let's use our imagination for a minute.

Let's pretend that you have come across some dire circumstances in your life and must move in with a friend. This friend seems very welcoming and nice at first, but after a few days, she gets irritated at having an extra being to think about in her home.

One day, the two of you take a walk around the yard. Suddenly, she grabs you and ties you to a tree, then leaves. You can not free yourself no matter how hard you try. You spend your time trying to figure out how to escape. Drained by that task, you begin to yell for your friend to come release you. You yell and yell, but she does not come back.

The sun sets and you curl up in a box to stay warm. You fall asleep and when you awake, you find that your friend is there with food and water. You're not interested in that, you just want released. You yell and yell at her, but she continues to ignore you and walks away.