Since many Dogsters will be away over the holiday weekend I decided to extend the petLINENS dog bed giveaway to make sure everypup has a chance to enter. The contest will now end on Tuesday, July 7th.

If you haven’t entered don’t despair you still have time to get in your entry for a chance to win one of two super soft and comfy beds.

petLINENS are like no other pet bed. Made of rich, yet durable fabrics, these are pet beds you don’t have to hide. They’re beautiful accessories that add a decorative accent to any home. Available in a wide selection of chic fabrics and patterns, you’ll find a pet bed that will complete your look, no matter what your d’cor.

To win a bed you need to enter our Pillow Talk contest. While sleeping on a luxurious petLINENS bed, who would your fuzzy friend’s first choice be to share his pillow talk time with, and why?

The contest is fun and easy, there is no wrong answer. Go to the ORIGINAL POST for all the details and to enter.

It’s hard to believe but a year ago Lisa and I took over the ‘For The Love Of Dog’ blog. Since starting we have had the privilege to meet so many wonderful people. Dogster is a unique community because of the sheer number of caring, compassionate dog lovers that it’s made up of.

While not everyone always agrees, there are many varying opinions on the blog, the one thing that can be agreed upon is we are all dog lovers. I have really enjoyed working on the blog so far and look forward to another terrific year.

I want to thank all the readers because without you there would be no blog. I also want to thank all the Dogsters for their support and encouragement when it comes to Bo’s book BAD TO THE BONE. His book has truly been a labor of love, it’s hard to believe in a few short months it will released.

It’s time for me to shamelessly plug my upcoming book, but instead of me telling you about it I’ll let my publisher do the work for me.

“Let’s get this clear right away: I’m a dog.”

“From shelter-dog reject to beloved pet and popular doggie blogger, Bo Hoefinger’s life has been anything but ordinary.

Join this incorrigible canine as he welcomes us into his life, complete with his wacky “parents,” a constipated feline housemate, and chipmunk warfare.

Bad to the Bone is an unforgettable, laugh-out-loud tale of love and loyalty that reveals the true heart of a modern American family.”

As a special thank you to my readers the first 10 Dogsters to leave a comment in the comment section will receive 25 zealies!

Wishing everyone a very happy and safe 4th of July holiday weekend.

Since this is a dog blog, a couple of times a month our boy Bo (woof!) thought it would be nice to get the news through a dog’s eyes. Bo invites everyone to read a chapter from his upcoming book BAD TO THE BONE at Bo Knows Online. It’s a funny memoir about the crazy adventures we have shared together over the last 14 plus years, told through Bo’s eyes.

Okay Bo, take it from here….

I’ve consumed lamb and rice flavored pellets of food, day in and day out for the past ten years. The previous six was spent downing artificially flavored, and I suspect colored, beef and rice dog chow. They call it chow for a reason, and it isn’t because it’s a delicacy.

I find it amazing my mother still expects me to wag with excitement when she appears from the laundry room with bowl in hand to ask me, “Bo, Bo want dinner?”

Eh, not really. How about a treat instead?

Of course that’s what I hold out for until the hunger pangs get too much to bear. Then I just have to hope my sister Copper hasn’t eaten my portions, all twenty nuggets worth.

I remember praying to the almighty Dog that I’d do anything if I could just have something different. He didn’t answer my prayers but I suspect he answered Buddy’s, a German shepherd living on the coast in Canada.

CBC news has his story.

For six years Buddy has been tracking salmon poachers, illegal anglers and people digging clams in prohibited areas, but the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans believes the German shepherd is the first to be able to detect lobster eggs.

Buddy and John Stuart, a Saint John fishery officer, are working in St. Andrews at a training exercise, honing the dog’s unique skills at sniffing out egg-bearing lobsters.

Stuart lets Buddy out of his metal crate and the German shepherd quickly finds some lobster eggs hidden in a pile of pipes, clawing at them to let Stuart know he’s found something.

Stuart said he came up with the idea of training Buddy to detect lobster eggs a couple of years ago. It’s illegal for fishermen to keep egg-bearing lobster, but catching them is difficult because the crustaceans carry their eggs under their bellies.

So until now, fisheries officers had to turn every lobster over by hand to check them.

“It speeds up the time. The dog can do probably 20 crates of lobsters in five minutes where it would take us probably five hours,” Stuart said.

Lobster eggs, you say. Hmmm, maybe dry kibble isn’t so bad after all. Woof!

Check out the video. If you can’t see it in your RSS feed, click here.

The funniest dog blog, written by a dog, on the internet. Commentary on the latest animal news stories of the day.

The Border Collie is one of the most intelligent and agile of all dogs. Sadly, this breed is often misunderstood - some think it is hyperactive, destructive and difficult to train. The truth is quite the opposite. The Border Collie, or BC is among the easiest dogs to train if you know what you are doing. If not, you will have a dog with so much pent up energy, that he must find another way to release it (perhaps by ripping up your couch or running off through the neighborhood). The key to keeping a BC happy is to give him a job to do. "Eager to please" hardly describes the dynamic BC. These dogs are driven! Plus, they make affectionate and loyal companions.

Border Collies are often seen as champion disc dogs, agility competitors and herders. Why? Because the combination of their smarts and fervor is the perfect recipe for success in dog sports. BCs are naturally athletic, agile and brainy. If you get a Border Collie and treat him right, you will have a canine soul-mate for life. BCs bond very closely with their humans, especially if they participate in activities together.

Are you enamored with the amazing Border Collie? Tell us about yours, and submit your photos!

Photo by Doug Pensinger / Getty Images

We seem to be on a theme today, dogs who take the fall.

A Wisconsin teen on a class trip to Peru ran into a little trouble with customs before he even got off the ground.  Just like the story before this, involving the checkbook, the family dog got blamed.

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — A Wisconsin teenager using a classic excuse for evading schoolwork missed a class trip to Peru despite his tale being true: The dog ate his passport.

Officials at Chicago’s O’Hare airport told 17-year-old Jon Meier the chewed-on document was fine, but authorities in Miami rejected it and wouldn’t let him board the southbound aircraft.

His family’s 1-year-old golden retriever, Sunshine, chewed a corner of the document, obscuring some numbers. Meier couldn’t get another passport in time to join the trip with his Spanish class from Eau Claire North High School. The 12-day trip ended Monday.

Meier says he can’t blame anyone, not even Sunshine: “I love her too much.”

Okay, I guess in this case the dog is actually guilty. I’m sure Meier must have been very disappointed not being allowed on the flight, I give him kudos for being such a good sport.

*ADOPTABLE: Beethoven is a 12-year-old golden mix, he’s a  Muttville foster dog, they rescue senior dogs.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Independence Day is this Saturday, and many of us will be celebrating all weekend long. As fun as it may be to spend the holiday with your dog, make sure you are in a dog-friendly environment. There are various summertime hazards that can cause harm to your dog, so be aware of the following:

Fireworks: Besides the obvious danger of physical injury from fireworks, your dog can be very frightened by loud noises. This can cause her to become quite anxious, and she may even run away and become lost. Read what Dr. Janet Crosby, Guide to Veterinary Medicine says about noise phobias.

Dangerous Foods: The Fourth of July was made for grilling, and there will be many tasty morsels around that your dog wants. If guests don't know better than to keep their food to themselves and throw garbage in the appropriate places, your dog could get into something dangerous. Hot dogs, hamburgers and other fatty or rich foods can make your dog sick. Or, your dog could choke on discarded bones (especially chicken bones). There are also many people foods that are poisonous to dogs, so be careful.

Heatstroke: Despite all the precautionary words, dogs are still dying from heatstroke every day. You dog can overheat so much faster that you, so use caution when it's hot outside. Stay near her and watch her closely. If you're in doubt, leave your dog indoors and out of harm's way.

Now you are armed to protect your dog, so have fun this weekend and all summer long. You can still include your dog in your plans if you know how to keep her safe. So, what are your plans this weekend?

Photo by William Thomas Cain/Stringer/Getty Images

When a woman was accused by her ex-husband of taking money from his bank account she told police it was her dog’s fault.

ARLINGTON, Wash. - A woman accused of dipping into her ex-husband’s bank account without permission blames her dog. Arlington, Wash., police spokeswoman Kristin Banfield said detectives filed court orders to follow the money trail. They learned the money disappearing from the 42-year-old Arlington man’s account was being used to pay for utility bills and other items at his ex-wife’s home.

Banfield told The Herald that the woman’s first response was, “Her dog got into her purse and ate all her personal checks.” The 50-year-old woman reportedly told police she had no choice but to take money from her former husband’s account.

I guess her explanation probably would have gone a lot further if the checks hadn’t been signed and cashed. Well, you’ve got to give her an E for effort.

*Vog checking out his parents online bank account?

This is a guest post by great Dogster friend Molly Kenefick, founder and manager of Doggy Lama Pet Care

Independence Day is almost here, and while we humans may love a good fireworks display, our dogs (and other pets, too) may feel as if those loud, unpredictable sounds signal the coming of the end of the world. Our dogs may suddenly do things we’ve never known them to do, but with a little preparation and forethought, we can make our nation’s birthday a relatively safe, easy, and relaxing holiday for us and our pets. Here are some tips to help ensure you and your dog have a low-stress holiday:

• » Never take your dog to a firework display.
• » If at all possible, be home with your dog when you think fireworks will be going off. No one wants to be alone when they’re afraid.
• » If you can’t stay home with your dog when fireworks are scheduled to go off, bring him inside. If your dog is terrified, he may be able to perform amazing feats of strength and agility—he may climb a fence you didn’t think he could climb, or dig underneath one when he’s never shown interest in digging before. Don’t take that chance.
• » To help drown out the sound of the fireworks, put on a classical music radio station, which is much more soothing than television. Start to leave that station on now when you go out—before the holiday—so that he gets used to it.
• » Make sure you leave plenty of water out. A stressed-out dog needs to drink extra water to stay cool.
• » Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise on the days around the fourth of July—a tired dog will be less anxious than one with plenty of energy and no way to express it.
• » Take your evening walk a bit earlier (before it gets dark)—you’ll be less likely to be caught outside your home or yard when there are fireworks going off in your neighbor’s backyard.
• » If your dog has an anxiety attack because of fireworks, do not soothe and comfort your dog. That sounds cruel, but rewarding an anxious animal with lots of touch and love is just reinforcing anxious behavior. It’s better to be cheerful and seem in control—that encourages your dog to think that whatever is happening is not a big deal.
• » Make sure your dog is wearing his identification at all times. Some owners remove collars when their dog is in the house. That’s usually fine to do, but a terrified dog may uncharacteristically bolt out the door when given an opportunity to do so. If your dog ends up on the street or in the pound, you want him to be wearing his identification. (Pets should be micro-chipped as well as wearing up-to-date identification tags.)
• » Have some Bach’s Rescue Remedy on hand. This is a safe, anti-anxiety flower remedy. Put a few drops in his water twice a day. (If possible, give your pets filtered water—an inexpensive Brita water filter is fine. Make sure you wash out pet food and water bowls at least every other day to reduce bacterial growth.) Another popular holistic remedy is a plug-in product, “Comfort Zone with Dog Appeasing Pheromone,” or D.A.P., said to reduce stress-related behavior.
• » Make your dog a cozy dark den to hide away in. Some dogs will follow their owners around the house and others will need to hide away. Put a blanket and a favorite toy in a closet in case your dog falls into the latter category.
• » If you’re home with your dog when fireworks are going off, you can try to entertain and distract your dog. You might break out the treat-filled Kong, the extra-special toys, or play hide-and-go-seek.
• » If you know a dog very well who isn’t afraid of fireworks, schedule an inside-at-night sleepover play-date with him. Your dog will get the message from the other dog that it’s not a big deal, and, coupled with your calm and confident behavior, will be much happier than otherwise. (You should only do this with a dog with whom you already have a very solid relationship with.)

Keep in mind that our neighbors and surrounding towns may be setting off fireworks in the days leading up to the Fourth of July and past that date. For that reason, pet-owners need to be vigilant for the days and nights surrounding the holiday.

Here’s wishing you and yours a wonderful and safe holiday!

I want to thank Dogster member Aggie for barking this to me. Keith Wendell opened a  a rottweiler rescue back in 1998 but in 2000 he opened it to all breeds and it became B.U.D.D.I.E.S. Rescue.

Keith has helped rehome many dogs but due to economic times has had to stop taking in dogs, right now he is just trying to save the dogs he has.

A man who rescues dogs has taken in so many that he can no longer afford to care for all of them.

Bay News 9 previous followed the story of Keith Wendell, who owns Buddies Rescue and saves older, sometimes abused or abandoned dogs. Wendell has received so many dogs that his organization is in danger of foreclosure.

Wendell recently made the decision to stop taking in dogs. He has about 50 dogs and wants to adopt out some of them.

“My fiance and myself kind of mutually decided a week ago to call off my engagement and I gave the abandoned ship order so I could stay here with the dogs and they could end up in a better situation that’s more fair to them,”
Wendell said.

Wendell says he only has a four day supply of food for the dogs and $20 to his name.

“If I can’t raise $4,000 by July 7, I’m going to have to find a veterinarian that would volunteer to come out here and euthanize all 49 dogs,” Wendell said.

He says without the money, the dogs will not survive.

After all Wendell has done to help save these dogs what a terrible tragedy it would be if he had to have them euthanized. If you are interested in adopting one of the dogs, or can help with a donation to keep the rescue going until they can be adopted, please visit B.U.D.D.I.E.S. website for all the contact information.  No amount is too small, this is a dire situation.

Sometimes dogs do something so human that it’s a bit eerie. The photo for this week’s contest comes from a recent photo shoot with a dog named Pico.

Supply the winning caption by commenting on this post and you’ll win a 50-zealie prize. The winner will be announced next Monday.

Good luck

Photograph© 2009 MarkRogersPhotography.com all rights reserved.

This story puts a whole new twist on dognapping and ransom. There are some very disturbed individuals out there. I’m posting this as a warning to all parents, of the two-legged variety.

It all started when a 17-year-old girl’s dog went missing.  A man called telling her he had found her dog but he wanted money for his safe return.

The girl was at work Friday evening when her family notified her that her dog, Pineapple, a 2-year-old cocker spaniel-toy poodle mix, had disappeared.

Dempkey, calling himself “Anthony,” called the girl - apparently getting the number off the dog’s collar - and told her he had found the dog and wanted $70 for its return.

“At first I was, `OK, someone’s found my dog,”‘ the girl said. “But then when he asked for money and when he said if I didn’t have money he wanted something else, I got scared. He asked for sex.”

The girl said Dempkey also threatened to torture the dog if she didn’t give in to his demands. “I started crying,” she said. “He said, `If you don’t want to do anything or if you don’t want to give up money, I guess you don’t want your dog.”

The girl eventually agreed to meet Dempkey at the El Pollo Loco restaurant at Hawthorne Boulevard and Imperial Highway.

When Dempkey arrived with the dog, he was met instead by the victim’s father and police. He was arrested and the dog was returned, unharmed, to the owner.

Dempkey, it turned out, was a registered sex offender who served a prison term for forced oral copulation, the Daily Breeze reported. He was taken into custody on a suspected parole violation, but police say he could face other charges, including extortion.

Luckily the girl was old enough to realize she needed to tell her parents what happened. A younger or more vulnerable child could easily have been talked into meeting this pervert alone.

While this story had a happy ending it just as easily could have turned tragic. It’s a good idea to talk to your children ahead of time about what to do so they will be prepared in case they are ever confronted with this, or any similar,  type of situation.

* Pic of Dempkey  courtesy the dailybreeze.com

This week’s winner not only had the best caption suggestion but also the most apropos name of the bunch. So, Pondguy, enjoy your 50 Zealies and bask in your victory.

Everyone else, stay sharp and stay tuned for tomorrow’s contest.

Photograph© 2009 MarkRogersPhotography.com all rights reserved.

We all love looking at pictures of cute critters, right? That's why I'm looking for more photos for the Dogs site. So, if you have some that you'd like to show off, check out the photo submission guidelines. Big or small, old or young, mutt or purebred - all are welcome.

Speaking of photos, I am so pleased to announce that I have been asked to be a judge in the Cutest Cat Picture Contest. Cats Guide Franny Syufy has already gotten tons of great cat photo entries, but time is not up. If you are also a cat lover, why not enter the contest or check out the gallery. The contest ends on July 5th, so you still have time!

Photo © Brygida T.

The West Highland White Terrier, or "Westie" is a compact dog with a big personality. Full of life and eager to please, this breed makes a great companion. Westies are ideal for people who want a small but active dog. Plus, the breed is considered hypoallergenic because it sheds very little, making it ideal for those who suffer from allergies.

What is your favorite thing about the West Highland White Terrier? Westie lovers, share your stories and photos!

Photo © Randy Son of Robert on flickr

Once upon a time, people thought that dog saliva had healing properties. This old adage probably stemmed from seeing dogs lick their wounds after injury. We now know that this is not the case. In fact, a dog's mouth contains many strains of bacteria. This bacteria generally causes no harm to the skin, but can cause infection if it enters an open wound - usually from a bite. As a vet tech, I have seem many co-workers develop infections from animal bites. I've had one or two bites myself that turned into minor infections. One of the most common of these bacteria is Staphylococcus aureus. Typically, a round of antibiotics will do the trick, though some serious infections require hospitalization with intravenous antibiotics. In short, animal bites are no fun.

Unfortunately, research has shown the emergence of a potentially life-threatening methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections shared between pets and human handlers. MRSA infections are especially difficult to treat because they do not respond to the usual antibiotics. Most common are skin, soft-tissue, and surgical infections. MRSA infections in pets are often acquired from their owners and can may even cycle back and forth between pets and humans. Because they are drug-resistant, minor infections can easily turn into serious conditions like sepsis.

So, what does this all mean to you? First of all there is no need to panic. Second of all, don't banish your dog from the house. MRSA is not easily transmitted through normal contact - it is usually contracted through bites or scratches. Take measures to prevent dog bites, wash your hands frequently and keep your dog healthy. If you do get bitten or scratched by an animal, seek medical attention right away.

Cats can be affected by MRSA infections, too. Read about cats and MRSA from Cats Guide Franny Syufy:
Skin Infections Linked to Cat Bite, Scratches

Learn more about MRSA infections from Veterinary Medicine Guide Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM:
MRSA and Pets - Infection Connection

Poll: Will the threat of MRSA change the way you interact with your dog?

• Not at all, I wouldn't change a thing.
• Maybe - I might start taking some more precautions.
• Yes, I am very worried and plan to make some major changes.
• Other (please leave a comment)
• View Results

The puppy vaccination series is one of the most important aspects of your puppy's early life. It's right up there with housebreaking and obedience training. Vaccinating pets has been a controversial subject for years. Many people worry that we are over-vaccinating out pets, possibly putting them at risk for auto-immune issues and vaccine reactions. That's part of the reason many vets are moving towards a three-year protocol (rather than annual) for adult dogs. However, when it comes to puppies it's a different story. Just like human babies, puppies (and kittens) need basic immunizations at the very least.

If you are worried about the potential risks to your puppy, communicate with your vet about it. Don't skip vaccines entirely - you may be putting your puppy, other dogs and even your family and yourself at risk. Not only are some diseases transmissible to humans, but there may also be legal implications. Most areas require at least a Rabies vaccine. Without it, your dog could be quarantined if she is accused of biting someone (even if she's really innocent) - plus, you may face a hefty fine. Besides all that, each visit to the vet allows your puppy to be examined, potentially leading to early detection of health problems. Things can change in a matter of weeks with a quickly growing young puppy. If you have concerns about the risks associated with puppy vaccines, you should ask your vet to split up the injections rather than giving multiple vaccinations at once. This may mean more trips to the vet, but it's worth it for your peace of mind.

Tell us about your experiences with puppy vaccines. Were they good or bad? Is there something you would do differently next time?

More Vaccine Information

From Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM - About.com Guide to Veterinary Medicine
Is it OK to vaccinate my pet if she is pregnant or nursing?
What is a recombinant vaccine, and how does it work?

From Franny Syufy, About.com Guide to Cats
Vaccine Protocols for Cats
How do you handle the cat vaccine question?

Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images

For many, the Saint Bernard conjures images of huge rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps carrying barrels of an alcoholic beverage on their collars. While it is true that they were skilled search and rescue dogs, the barrels are actually folklore. This is good news for the many thousand travelers assisted by Saint Bernards throughout the 17th-20th century, as alcohol would have actually caused more harm than good. The "barrel myth" likely snowballed into legend after it was portrayed in a painting by Edwin Landseer entitled Alpine Mastiffs Reanimating a Distressed Traveler. In fact, much of the Saint Bernard's history is cloaked in legend and the truth is debated by many.

The indisputable fact is that Saint Bernards are massive dogs with even bigger hearts. Though they still have the ability to be excellent working dogs, Saints are typically seen as gentle, lovable family companions. The breed was also made famous when it was portrayed as a lovable goofball in the film Beethoven and its many sequels.

So, what's your take on the legends? Are you devoted to the giant and lovable Saint Bernard? Tell us more, and send pictures!

Photo © Oni Saints on flickr

Friday, June 26th is Take Your Dog to Work Day (TYDTWD). Started in 1999 by Pet Sitters International, TYDTWD was created to celebrate our canine companions and encourage the adoption of dogs from humane societies, animal shelters and breed rescue clubs. In addition, this annual event encourages employers to recognize the benefits of pets in the workplace.

If you plan to participate in Take Your Dog to Work Day, you have just under two weeks to get prepared. An important part of this event is displaying responsible dog ownership qualities. Here are some steps you should take to get ready:

1. Talk to your boss and co-workers. Before you can even consider bringing you dog to work, it is important to get permission from your boss (unless you are the boss, of course). Either way, the event should be discussed with your co-workers. Find out if others are allergic to dogs or even afraid of them. Make sure there is enough space for other employees' dogs and that everyone can get along. This process is especially important if you have a shared work space.
2. Brush up on behavior. Basic obedience training is essential for all dogs, but consider a refresher course for your dog before bringing him to work. If he is on his best behavior, you will not only make a better impression, you may also may it possible to bring your dog to work more often.
3. Be sure your dog is in good health. It is always important to keep your dog healthy. Before you expose your dog to other dogs, make sure all vaccinations are current and that your dog is in good overall health. A sick dog may not do well in the stress of a new environment.
4. Gather the right gear. Make of list of the dog supplies you'll need. At the very least, you should bring your dog's leash and collar, a water bowl (and possible food bowl), some dog treats, one or two toys, bags for waste, and a dog bed.

Photo © Ryan McVay / Getty Images

The Papillon is a delightful little dog with a dainty appearance. This breed is sturdier than it looks, but should still be handled with care. Full of life, this breed was named after the French word for butterfly because of it's signature erect ears. You may not know this, but some Papillons actually have floppy ears.

If you know Papillons, than you know what a pleasure it can be to spend your time with them. Friendly and active, this breed is very interactive and affectionate. With proper training and care, it can be a wonderful addition to all kinds of households. Are you a fan? Tell us more about the lovable Papillon.

Wanted: Dog Pictures! They can be of any breed or mix, just tell me a little bit about them and you might see them show up on the About Dogs site.

Photo courtesy Dan & Jo Olson

I am a big fan of natural and holistic products for myself, so why shouldn't my dog have the same? This is why I choose to feed my dogs natural and holistic dog food. While homemade diets can be great when done right, I don't usually have the time to prepare a high-quality meal for myself, let alone my pets. My guess is that many of you are in the same boat. Buying commercial dog food should not mean compromising your dog's health. That's when these healthy diets become really helpful.

Veterinary nutritionists are now often recommending a rotation diet - this means changing out your dog's food every 2-6 months. Choosing a dog food once can be hard enough, but doing it several times a year can be a real pain. This list includes just a few of my favorite natural and holistic dog foods. See how your dog does on them, and pick your favorites. All companies pledge to provide high-quality ingredients without cheap fillers. They might cost a lot more than generic dog food - but in the long run, you'll save more money on vet expenses because your dog will be healthier. Now you tell us - what do you feed your dog and why?

Photo © Jeff Topping / Stringer / Getty Images

We had a great time selling and promoting our new line of gourmet treats 'Pointers' at two events - Mutt March and Paws in the Park here in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. It was a lot of fun meeting some great dog lovers and their fantastic dogs. Here are a couple pictures of both:

Whole Foods Harbor East grocery store in Baltimore is donating 5% of their sales for the day to Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter. If you were planning a grocery trip, save it for Wednesday June, 3 and help local dogs and cats. There will also be shelter volunteers outside with dogs available for adoption.Whole Foods Harbor East is located at, 1001 Fleet Street. The store is open from 8

Hi Steve,

Bailey, Ami and I just got back from a walk in a very busy neighborhood. Just want you to know that she was “perfect”. Hard to believe this is the same ” out of control” dog I used to walk.

thanks again, Sharon

In the world of all things dog training, service dogs rank up there as the most of the most. The people that work with them are incredible and the amount of effort, time, and patience that goes into making a capable service dog is simply mind boggling to the average human.

With that high praise for service dogs and their trainers a given, I ran across an article in the New York Times today that illustrated some new “Jobs” for these service dogs that have previously not been publicized as much as they should. These dogs in the article are doing wonderful work for their humans and the organizations that train them deserve any spare donations that you could provide.

So without further delay, the article is HERE You may have to sign into the Times for a free logon but it’s worth it.

Steve Haynes
Austin Dog Trainer
Fidelio Dog Works
www.fideliodogs.com

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’ve had a lot of people pay me a lot of ways over the years, but one of today’s clients did it up right!

Here’s the setup:

A great golden retriever puppy that is 14 weeks old.
A very cool client family with 2 kids which are fantastic and work a lot with the puppy.
A lot of hard work done over the last three weeks training with the puppy.

So, after the lesson today the Mrs. says “hey, we need to pay you for the lessons, let me get the checkbook” and walks inside the house. When she comes back outside Stella (the puppy) runs over to her on the front porch and waits while she writes the check. After she finishes signing everything she rips the check out, hands it to the puppy and yells at me to call Stella over. One quick “Here” command and Stella flashes across the yard to bring me the check! No chewing, no slobber, no running off with a multi-hundred dollar check, just straight to me in that wonderful Golden Retriever “I’m doing the right thing” way. Amazing.

Now, I ask you, is that a well trained puppy or not?

So, if I can have a wonderful ending to any Monday I think this would be it. A Golden puppy running across the yard bringing me a check. That makes today a VERY good day indeed.

Steve Haynes
A very PROUD Austin dog trainer
Fidelio Dog Works
www.fideliodogs.com

Steve,

It was a very effective and useful lesson we had yesterday, and I learned a lot from it, I really appreciate your service. Vocal & Skinpy are behaving much better now. I will keep practicing on all you’ve taught me and let you know how it goes in the near future.

Thank you and Vocal & Skinpy want to say thanks to you too!

Carol

Steve,

I was walking Niko last night when a loose dog ran up behind us - you should be so proud of us - I used my big dog voice and Niko went into a down without me saying anything to him and waited for me to deal with the other dog. He didn’t even woof! This morning he got up on the bed, after sleeping in his crate all night, for his early morning cuddle and gave me a “loving” ear nibble - I really love him.

I could email you all the time with these moments and I don’t think any of them would be possible without the help you gave us - thanks.

We adopted all three of our dogs from an animal rescue service. Ali, our first adoptee, came from a puppy mill environment. She used to go ballistic every time she saw another dog. She’d start foaming at the mouth and snarling, and I had trouble keeping her on a leash. She nipped the dog next door, and even threatened one of our neighbors. Then, when we adopted two more dogs, they all forgot they’d been house-trained. What a nightmare!

Not only did Steve solve the house-training issue and help the dogs accept each other in our home, he changed Ali from a maniac into a calm pet. Now, when other dogs come around, I can tell her to “sit” and she’ll obey me.

Steve knows his stuff inside-and-out. When one of our dogs started peeing in the house, he diagnosed that the problem wasn’t emotional – it was a bladder infection. He has a solution for everything. His methods are so creative, and they always emphasize positive reinforcement. His training is very gentle and loving. He helps me to think like my pets, and understands the psychological and emotional reasons for my dog’s behavior. I would recommend him to everyone who has a dog.

When he was in the house and with family, Cosmo was wonderful. But there were a lot of problems the minute I walked him out the door. He wouldn’t heel, he was aggressive toward other dogs, he cut himself on his leash, and he dragged me around my neighborhood for eighteen months – Cosmo weighs 55 pounds! I just couldn’t reconcile the two halves of his split-personality.

When Steve told me he could fix Cosmo’s problem in one session, I laughed. So did my friends and neighbors. I worked as a Humane Society officer for ten years. I’d trained dogs before. I even had the equipment – but I didn’t have the technique.

Steve was very confident dealing with Cosmo. He understood what my dog was thinking, knew exactly what to do, and fixed the problem in one session. The next time I walked my dog, my neighbors thought I’d put him on sedatives. I was so impressed with Steve’s training, I hired him for two more sessions. Now, I can walk Cosmo off the leash most of the time.

Rikki was donated to us by the animal shelter to serve as a friend and companion for over fifty teenagers at our drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. She was very shy around the kids before Steve started his training program.

He worked so hard, not just with Rikki, but with all the kids and staff, to make everyone feel important and valued in the process. The patience, care, and enthusiasm he showed us was absolutely artful. I wore out before he did, and I work with these kids for a living!

Since Steve’s training, Rikki is much more sociable. The kids love her, and they can really communicate with her. Even our staff members who used to be afraid of dogs enjoy spending time with Rikki. She’s like a member of the family.

Before meeting with Steve, my husband and I thought we might have to do the unthinkable – find a new home for our dog Gloria. She and our older dog Dora began to fight on a regular basis. One time, my husband was bitten breaking them up. Gloria was always a sweet puppy but as she got older she wanted to stake her claim as alpha dog. She also had a hard time in public. She would become very nervous, almost frantic.

Steve came over for a visit to examine Gloria’s behavior both in and out of our home. He also examined our behavior and Dora’s. He gave us some very simple rules to follow and some new rules for the pups. Not even one week later, the change in Gloria was amazing. Four months later, my husband and I are very happy. There have been no fights, and for the first time ever we had a group of people to the house and Gloria behaved like a saint! She wasn’t uncomfortable or scared, and was quite happy with all the petting she was got.

Steve was wonderful and we have recommended him to many people, including our vet’s office. He makes it very easy for dog owners to take charge of their furry friends without upsetting the pups. Our cats even liked him!

Steve was great with both my dogs and me. I am an extensive reader and have read more dog training theories than I can even begin to count. Steve knew all of them and more. He was gentle-yet-firm with my dogs, and left every step of their training up to me and what I wanted. After three visits, Steve left me with enough information and guidance to keep me busy training the dogs on my own.

I will definitely use Steve’s services again, and would highly recommend him to anyone who wants a trained family member. Steve is the type of trainer for someone who wants a family member, complete with all their faults and idiosyncrasies. He trains family members, not automatons.

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."

***********************************************************************************

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

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...

This video is more amazing than it is funny, but it makes me feel better about not eating turkey on Thanksgiving this year.  The turkey was raised with the dog so they are actually playing!

Driving down to West Virginia and missing my exit was my only experience with Delaware, but these 5 dog-friendly aspects of the state make me want to go back and explore!

1. The Lazy L Bed and Breakfast is super dog-friendly.  They have a dog run and welcome all housebroken and well socialized dogs to visit their establishment.  I love this quote: Children over 10 are welcome.  Gotta love a place that puts a bigger restriction on children than dogs!

2. The Home for the Holidays party sponsored by the Delaware Humane Society is taking place November 30th at the shelter.  Join the festivities that include food, drinks and pictures with Santa!

3. Olivia & Olive: The Two Little Pugs Who Live Here…Check out this adorable blog (pic below) from dogs that live in Delaware (at least I think they do).  Love the logo and I am completely jealous of their Mom’s creativity!

4. “Doggin Delaware: The 40 Best Places to Hike with Your Dog in the First State“.  Who knew Delaware was such a great place to hike with your dog? 

5. Safe Haven Sanctuary is a no-kill shelter that aims to make Sussex County in Delaware no-kill and expand to the state level and eventually recruit bordering states to adopt the same goal. 

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.

Why is it that pugs are so darn funny? 

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.

This week’s Dog in America is featuring 5 reasons Connecticut is a dog friendly state.  If you know of any other reasons why CT is a great dog state please feel free to share in the comment section below.  Here we go…

1. Does your dog need a break from the tough job of being a dog?  Check out the Interlaken Inn of Lakeville where dogs can enjoy off-leash hours at the lake, go on hikes on the Appalachian Trail and be welcomed with an optional VIP package just for them.

2. Stubby the hero dog (see pic below) fought side by side with soldiers during WWI and was honored by three Presidents and a lifetime member of the Red Cross, YMCA and American Legion for his courage in Germany (he was snuck on the SS Minnesota) and the morale boost he provided the soldiers.

3. Want to see the winners of an AKC Dog Show and possibly become a winner yourself?  Check out the Mohegan Sun AKC Challenge Dog Show this coming weekend, come for the show and stay for the slot machines!

4. The Connecticut Humane Society was established in 1881 and has many dogs that are looking for new homes.  There are a couple days left in Adopt a Shelter Pet month so check them out today.

5. Puppy Restraining Order: Riley, a 6 month-old Golden Retriever was awarded a restraining order against his owner’s ex-wife due to alleged abuse by the woman while taking care of Riley.  Connecticut gets a thumbs up from me for passing this new law since many animals are punished to get back at the other party in divorces and domestic violence cases.

This dog thinks he learned a new trick, until he figures out the trick is on him!




 

Send your Funny Dog Friday pictures, videos or jokes to blog@barkslope.com.  Have a great weekend!

Kim

I’m feeling a bit miffed right now with two dog shelters that are ruled by the rules instead of common sense and compassion.  I will preface this by saying that I understand policies are put in place for the ultimate safety of animals and the placement into homes, but it upsets me nonetheless.

Monday I posted about Dogsindanger.com which lists dogs that are essentially on “death row” and scheduled to be put to sleep within days.  On one of our pet industry forums a member wanted to save the life of a dog in Virginia, but the shelter would not adopt to someone from out-of-state so today that dog is on their “In Memorium” page.  Why put the plea out there if you are not willing to place the dog in a home and save his life?!?  Somebody wanted to give him a home and it makes me feel that maybe these shelters do not care enough to be running a shelter.  Enough said on that point since I could go on forever!

If anyone watches The Ellen Degeneres show they probably saw her plea to Mutts and Moms (she didn’t name them on the show) to return her adopted dog Iggy to his new home with her hairdresser’s family.  Ellen rehomed the pup to the family because after spending 3k on training and neutering Iggy, he was not adjusting to Ellen’s house with three cats.  Iggy had a new family including two young girls and Mutts and Moms took the dog out of the house because Ellen broke her contract with them.  Now, I do know that they don’t want to adopt out dogs and have them placed in new homes that may not be a good fit, but now Iggy is back in the shelter system instead of a home and they wasted resources (and obviously some brain cells) by not letting him stay with a loving family.  I hope they come to their senses and give him back!

 

I have only flown over Colorado, but I’d love to take a trip there one day because I’m sure the hiking is much more adventurous than the Chicagoland area!   If you’re a dog owner living in Colorado I’m sure you know how great it is for dogs, but for the rest of us I have found the following 5 reasons Colorado is dog-friendly (please feel free to add to the comments below as always):

1. Hiking with your dog: The folks at Denver Hound Hikers take your active dog on a 2 hour supervised trek which makes for a super happy (and tired) dog!

2. Celebrity Dog Owner from Colorado:  OK, I’m trying to stay with the theme of having a celebrity dog owner from each state and I use the term “celebrity” loosely here, but Kristin Cavallari (see pic) is a native of Colorado and her dog is pretty gosh darn cute.  I would be more than happy to take suggestions on another celebrity dog owner from Colorado!

3. The Dumb Friends League: I giggle a little every time I see the name, but their cause is nothing but serious.  Established in 1910 the Dumb Friends League is the largest animal welfare organization in the Rocky Mountain region.

4. Colorado Springs is #1: According to Forbes, Colorado Springs is the top ranked pet-friendly city in the U.S.  The city has more than 10,000 acres of public park space, or almost a tenth of an acre for every pet. It also features seven dog parks and 113 veterinarians.

5. Fun Denver Dog Blog: Random Musings of a Denver Dog Blog is a superbly written blog from an adorable dog in Denver (pretty obvious, huh?).  Maybe his owner will see this post and let us know what kind of dog he is?!

Next week I’ll tackle Connecticut, so if you know of any dog-friendly aspects of CT please email me at blog@barkslope.com.

I just discovered the site www.dogsindanger.com and knew I had to post as soon as possible.  Dogs in Danger lists shelter dogs all over the country that will be put down within days (and even hours).  PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE visit the site and pass along the information if you are in the position to help save these dogs.  Many of them are older or need homes without other pets or children, but many are being killed because the shelters are overcrowded.  Please note that their site is pretty slow to load, but be patient.  There are dogs that will be put to sleep as soon as tomorrow that need homes!

It does appear that the site is getting so much traffic that it is hard to access.  If you are a shelter manager that has desperate cases please contact me directly so I can post the information, I would hate to have these dogs put down because people cannot see the website.  Our contact is blog@barkslope.com and put “Dogs in Danger” in the subject line with information on who to contact at the shelter, the dog’s information and when the dog is scheduled to be euthanized.

Kim

 

 

 

As I reach the ripe old age of 30 and read books like “Eat, Pray, Love” I have learned to take control of my own happiness.  Don’t get me wrong, I love doing the blog, but my previous plan to make a Top 10 list for every state in this country was made before “real life” set in.  Soo…I ammend that promise and plan (see, I’ve learned not to promise b/c it only leads to disappointment) to list the Top 5 reasons each state is a wonderful place for dogs.  I welcome any state specific events, places of interest or fun facts that relate to dogs and you can add the comments at the bottom of any Dogs in America post or email me directly at blog@barkslope.com for the states I have yet to cover.  This week I bring you California, next week will be Colorado, the following week will be Connecticut, you get the idea!

I think California is one of the top places for a pampered pup to live it up, check out the Top 5 list for California to see why:

1. California Dog Beaches: Beaches abound in CA with your pick of wonderful dog-friendly beaches

2. October in California is a blast with the World’s Largest Halloween Pet Event in Long Beach.  The Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade is hosting it’s 7th annual parade and expects over 500 dogs on Oct. 28th, 2007.  Last year they raised over 10k to help dogs!

3. Famous Celebrity Pet Owner: California is full of them, but Jessica Alba is known as one of the top celebrity dog owners and proud owner of a lovable Pitbull named Bowie (see pic)

4. Dogs Rule: A City Council order in Belvedere, California reads “No dog shall be in a public place without its master on a leash.”  Sounds like the people in Belvedere truly understand dogs!

5. I have to put in a personal plug for BarkSlope.com by mentioning the luxurious accommodations that the St. Regis Monarch Beach offers truly pampered pups.  The gorgeous resort has a pet package that includes a St. Regis bed, personalized silver water & food bowls, treats, magazine and fabulous toys from BarkSlope.com. Rooms start at $545 a night so your dog better have a good job!

 

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?

In honor of October and Halloween all of our Funny Dog Friday posts in October will feature dogs in funny costumes.  Have a funny picture of your dog in a costume, send it to blog@barkslope.com and your dog may be featured in one of our posts! 

Have a good weekend everyone! 

After my unoffical summer hiatus I am really excited to be posting again on the Bark Slope Blog!  I love fall and love October for all the fun festivals, food and Halloween events.  We brought in a new line of dog costumes which we know you will love, our very own Kiku is going to be a monkey this year (pictures to follow)! 

Our Dog of the Month contest continues to bring us smiles and our newest winner is Hazel, a 13 year-old pup who runs the show at her house (sound familiar fellow dog owners?).  You can enter your dog in our contest at any time for the chance to have your dog’s picture on our homepage and win a $25 gift certificate to BarkSlope.com.

We are ramping up with a ton of new products for the holidays and chilly weather, but we need to make room for all the great new products.  That’s why we are having our Semi-Annual Clearance Sale which is running the whole month of October, with up to 75% off dog beds, clothing, collars, etc.!

Last but not least, please remember that October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month through the ASPCA.  If you are looking for a new furry friend, why not give a deserving dog a home and visit your local pet shelter? 

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.