Dog Planet - Daily Blog Posts about Dogs

Adorableness in Motion: We Hosted a Muttville Senior Adoption Event at Dogster HQ

We admit it: We have a soft spot for Muttville Senior Rescue. So when our parent company, Say Media, needed an organization to join us for an event called Say Gives, it seemed like an obvious choice.

And so earlier this week, the Muttville-mobile descended on Dogster, bringing with it some of the cutest senior dogs we've ever seen. Knowing that Muttville alum Beasley is somewhat of a star 'round these parts, Muttville board member Patty Staton brought some of her star senior Pekingese.

Including -- but certainly not limited to -- Buddy!

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Buddy's look is unique and precious.

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Beasley and Buddy sitting in a tree ...

Buddy is a cause célèbre here at Dogster. With his "customized" countenance, Buddy first ambled into the heart of Community Manager Lori Malm, who refers to the elderly lap dog as Beasley's boyfriend. You might be familiar with Managing Editor Vicky Walker as Catster's resident Cat Lady, but even she could not resist Buddy's unique charm.

Buddy looks kind of perfect in her arms, right?

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They look perfect together, right?

(Don't worry, we called her husband and began working on him.)

Also representing the Peke pride was Maylee, a slightly younger Muttville adoptable, who had enough spunk and energy to make up for Buddy and Beasley's more low-key personalities.

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Maylee with a volunteer.

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Maylee looked quite content in Anna's arms.

Amid the flurry of lap dog fervor, our Assistant Editor Liz Acosta was drawn more to Tess, an older hound dog with a sweet disposition who wanted to just chill out in the shade. Liz doesn't judge smaller dogs, but she has a penchant for the bigger pups, having grown up under the protection of Akitas.

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Awww, it's Tess!

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Snoozing away ...

We set up a table outside the office and passed out Muttville fliers and Dogster stickers. Editor-in-Chief Janine Kahn took a pause from her work to join us in talking to people and raising awareness about the value of adopting senior dogs. (Associate Editor Keith Bowers would have been out with us, but he's busy working on a brand new Cat Dandy column for Catster -- you're going to love it!)

At day's end, we were sad to see the Muttville crew pack up and go but glad we got to spend a little time with them. We hope we persuaded a few people that, sometimes, it's better to adopt an older dog than a puppy. If you're interested in following or helping Muttville, visit its website and Facebook page.

Photos by our multitalented Liz Acosta, who would like to remind you to follow us on Instagram.

"Bonehead" Is Too Good a Name for Whoever Chemically Burned the Number 300 on This Dog's Skin

This poor dog was found on the streets by a concerned citizen and brought into the Emergency Veterinary Hospital in North Charleston, SC, given fluids and medicine, and released to Charleston Animal Society. As you can see, he had been shaved and the number 300 had been burned, big as life, into his skin.

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"This dog has chemical burns," said veterinarian Dr. Sarah Boyd. "I suspect whatever was applied to the dog was applied after the fur was removed so it was applied directly to the dog's skin, and it has caused severe burns."

The dog also suffered bacterial infections.

"Right now he is in pain ... he is suffering a little bit," Charleston Animal Society spokesperson Kay Hyman told WCSC.

Fortunately, he's going to be okay -- though the burns will become permanent scars. And the man who rescued him from the streets has stepped up and offered to adopt the dog. His new name? Lucky.

Now you're probably thinking, who would do such a thing? The best guess is: Boneheaded hunters. Apparently, some hunters use hair dye, food coloring, or spray paint to number their animals, making it easier to identify them during competitive field trials; also, for general identification purposes. But they don't usually place a "caustic agent" directly on the skin, like our Bonehead did. That would be amazingly painful for the dog.

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Of course, would you want your dog obsessively licking a spray-painted number plastering his side? Paint isn't exactly non-toxic. There's a lot of Boneheads around this story.

Fortunately, Lucky can look forward to a good life with his new owner, far from the reaches of Boneheads.

Photos via Charleston Animal Society Facebook page

This Deserves More Investigation: Stories Differ After an Off-Duty Officer Shoots a Pit Bull

Accusations are flying after an off-duty police officer in Chicago shot a neighbor's Pit Bull while on a walk with his son, and the Independent Police Review Authority is now investigating the incident.

According to the officer, an eight-year veteran of the force, he was out with his young son on North Oketo Avenue, when Maximus, a neighbor's 4-month-old Pit Bull, charged at them. He shot the dog eight times.

"It's supposed to be on a leash. If that dog is on a leash this never happens," the officer told NBC Chicago. "[My son] wanted to ride his bike. So he's riding down the sidewalk. As I'm walking down the street the dog comes out of the gangway charging at him."

Neighbors, however, dispute those events. They say Maximus never barked. They say the boy was nearly a block away during the shooting, according to CBS Chicago.

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The front of the house where the dog was shot.

The dog's owner, Samantha Maglaya, also disputes the story.

“I ran to my dog and my kids were standing all around him screaming and crying,” she told CBS Chicago. “There was no son there. The whole time I was holding my dog and he was bleeding all over us and the kids are screaming and crying, his son was not there."

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Maglaya returning from the vet, with her dog's blood on her shirt.

The dog had accidentally escaped from the backyard after her kids left the gate open. The dog made it to the front of the house, where he was shot.

Maglaya is shocked at the outcome, remembering a dog who was gentle and kind: "He would sit in the yard and listen to the birds. He didn't even bark. He never growled. He was the biggest baby."

“How do you explain to your kids police officers are nice people if they’re shooting your puppy?” she said. “He was extremely friendly. He didn’t bark, he didn’t growl. There was no mistaking this dog for being mean at all.”

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The officer's wife also spoke to the Chicago Sun-Times and provided her version and interpretation of events.

“He’s 5 years old. He was on his bike. This is a Pit Bull. Do you want to take that chance on a 5-year-old?" she said. "I know that my son’s life could have been in danger ... and the fact that my son was protected, that’s what I care about.”

She also said that they had previously asked the family to keep the dog on a leash.

A police sergeant interviewed the officer and the family, and the Independent Police Review Authority is investigating the incident. We'll let you know the results once they're released.

Isn't It Great When the Bad Guys Lose? Dog-Snatcher Gets Four Years

Dog theft is becoming an alarmingly commonplace crime. We keep hearing shocking stories: stolen dogs used as bait dogs, sold to research labs, and held for ransom. One particularly brazen theft occurred just last week, when Actress Tricia O'Kelley, from The Secret Life of the American Teenager and The New Adventures of Old Christine, had her Yorkshire Terrier dognapped right from her yard. Fortunately, the dog was dropped near her home unharmed -- the thieves might have been thwarted by all the media attention the theft had received.

Now, we get a heartwarming story about the other side of dog theft -- sentencing. In the District of Columbia, 18-year-old Christopher Young just got four years in prison for stealing a Yorkie at gunpoint.

And the dog, thankfully, wasn't dognapped for very long -- he escaped right after the crime and made his way home by himself.

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Yorkshirer Terrier by Shutterstock.">

Yorkshirer Terrier by Shutterstock.

Here's how it went down: On Jan. 5 at about 10 a.m., Young approached a woman walking her Yorkshire Terrier in the area of Fifth and Kennedy Streets. He displayed his handgun and said, “Give me your dog. Yorkies cost a lot of money.” The woman gave him the dog, and he ran.

But this was no master criminal -- this was Christopher Young. He dropped his phone when he was running away -- of course he did. Also, Christopher Young was wearing a GPS ankle bracelet, thanks to a previous crime. GPS ankle bracelets allow police to keep tabs on people like Christopher Young. This particular GPS bracelet put Christopher Young right at the scene of the crime and also in the flight path as described by witnesses.

It was the very definition of an open and shut case. And the dog? He escaped right after being nabbed and simply ran home. Nothing to it.

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An amazing Terrier by Shutterstock.">

An amazing Terrier by Shutterstock.

Young pleaded guilty in March 2013 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. During the proceedings, Judge Robert I. Richter hefted the book, judged its weight in his hand for a few beats, and then threw it at Christopher Young, giving him four years in prison followed by four years of supervised release.

Judge Robert I. Richter is our hero of the day.

Via DCist

Amazing: Oklahoma Tornado Survivor's Dog Is Rescued During a TV Interview

"I never lost consciousness, and I hollered for my little dog, and he didn't answer, he didn't come, so I know he's in here somewhere," says Barbara Garcia of Moore, OK, gesturing to the rubble around her.

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It's a scene of utter devastation, and Garcia is describing how she survived the tornado to a reporter from CBS News. Her voice trails off, her eyes darting around, looking at what's left of her house, her neighborhood. She pushes the thoughts of her dog aside for the moment and gets back to the interview, telling of the horror that flattened everything around her.

And then a quiet, shocked voice from someone from CBS off-camera, interrupting the newscast.

"The dog. The dog."

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The camera turns, lowers, and there, right at Garcia's feet: two eyes peeking out of the rubble. Her little dog, buried, right next to her. At the sound of his owner's voice calling his name, the dog starts moving, wiggling, trying to get free.

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Garcia herself pulls the rubble off of her dog, who crawls out of the wreckage under his own power. He seems stunned, shell-shocked, but he's able to move on his own. It's an amazing scene, and Garcia, overcome, delivers a heartbreaking coda.

"I thought God just answered one prayer, to let me be okay. He answered both of them. Because this was my second prayer."

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Watch the video here.

Aww of the Week: Shih Tzu Saves a Kitten, Nurses Her Until Help Arrives

Last week, animal control officer Michelle Smith of Anderson, SC, got a call about a dog in a ravine behind a Home Depot. She figured it was a local dog who got stuck -- she's seen that before. She followed the dog's bark through some heavy foliage and down steep embankment. Then her jaw dropped. A little Shih Tzu was curled up in some bushes, but she wasn't alone.

She had a little kitten with her. And the kitten was suckling milk from the dog.

"I didn’t know what to think," she told 10 News. "I was shocked and surprised and then of course, awww."

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Safe and sound at the shelter.

Smith collected her precious cargo, amazed at what she'd found, amazed at what the dog had done to save the kitten.

"I think it would have been okay for the dog to walk down the hill," she told Fox Carolina. "But it just didn't want to leave the kitten"

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Where the pair was found.

Yep, the dog had been barking to alert someone to their location. And once they were safe at the shelter, the Shih Tzu's mothering behavior didn't stop. If anything, it intensified. The pair eat together, nap together, stare into each other's eyes. When the kitten strays to the edge of the opened cage, mama picks her up by the nape of her neck and tucks her back into bed.

And the dog is producing milk. She's going through a pseudo-pregnancy, doing all she can to take care of her little kitty.

"She’s producing some, but not all that (the kitten) will need nutrition-wise," said Jessica Cwynar, director of the shelter. Staff members have been supplementing her diet.

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Adding to the bizarre mystery of the whole thing is the dog's condition: freshly groomed, with clean fur and a collar. She's someone's pet -- a pet whose duty to a wayward kitten superseded that of her duty to her owner. This is a pretty amazing pet.

As for the animal control officer who saved the pair, the little dog made a huge impact in a sometimes trying profession.

"Good things happen all the time, but 'great' happens seldom," Smith said. "This is enough to keep me going the next six or eight months.

"This is one example of why I love my job."

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The animals are now at Anderson County P.A.W.S., and the group will hold them for 14 days, waiting for the owner of the dog to come forward -- and hoping that person will adopt the kitten when collecting the dog.

If no owner comes forth, don't worry: Plenty of people are lining up to take them home.

"We have inquiries coming in from across America," Anderson County P.A.W.S. wrote on its Facebook page. "When they are available to be adopted, we will be carefully selecting their new family.

Via 10 News and Fox Carolina

Dog Blog - Dog Product Reviews

Is the Brutal Practice Called "Trunking" Real? We Asked an Expert

Earlier in the month, Dogster's news writer Michael Leaverton shared a story that made everyone on our team cringe. It was the first time we'd heard of "trunking," a disgusting practice where two dogs are put into the trunk of a car and driven around, expected to fight until one "wins" and the other dies. This post included quotes from a video report filed by a Miami news station, WPLG Local 10, which featured group of dogs rescued from a trunking situation by the Miami-Dade Animal Services Department.

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A screen grab from the WPLG Local 10 report about the trunking incident in Miami.

The story struck a nerve well outside our regular readership and has been the most-trafficked story of the month thus far. More than 6,000 readers shared it on Facebook, and the response we've gotten in the comments section, on our Facebook wall, and in emails was overwhelming. Many were furious with the practice itself, and others were mad at us for "sensationalizing" a report they did not believe to be true.

Over the weekend, Dogster Community Manager Lori Malm and I attended the Blogpaws conference in Virginia, and we were invited to a private viewing of the ASPCA's dog fighting exhibit at the National Museum of Crime and Punishment in Washington, D.C. Before the tour (which included a startling map of the number of dog fighting arrests made in the U.S., and a selection of sinister-looking contraptions used by dog fighters), we met with Dr. Randall Lockwood, senior vice president of the ASPCA's Forensic Sciences and Anti-Cruelty Projects.

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Dr. Randall Lockwood talks to us at the Museum of Crime and Punishment on Sunday.

Lockwood has a ridiculously long and impressive resume, and has worked with humane societies and law-enforcement agencies for more than 30 years. He has testified in numerous trials involving cruelty to animals or the treatment of animals in the context of other crimes such as dog fighting, domestic violence, and homicide. He also helped orchestrate the exhibit we were there to see.

Before the tour, he talked about his work on the forensics team, and he called dog fighting "the greatest violation of that relationship between people and dogs."

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Dr. Lockwood's jacket. Photo by Lori Malm.

"Dogfighting does not occur in a vacuum," Lockwood told us. "It almost always involves illegal drugs and illegal weapons." And getting those in law enforcement to see the correlation between the sick sport and other crimes has helped make shutting down dog fighting rings more of a priority.

But trunking isn't something dogfighters necessarily do. After our tour of the exhibit, we took Lockwood aside to ask about the practice, which he confirmed is real (albeit not widespread) and not a Snopes-worthy prank or urban legend. The first time Lockwood heard of an official trunking case was two years ago, and there were rumors about it for years before that.

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A map of dog fighting incidents around the U.S. Trunking isn't classified as dog fighting according to Dr. Lockwood.

"We are hearing some reports of trunking. We had recent reports from Texas, some from, I believe, New Jersey and Missouri, but it seemed to be a relatively [isolated] phenomenon," he said. "Unfortunately it's one of those things that goes viral on the web, that then idiots hear about and think 'Y'know, that might be interesting to try.'"

"It has nothing to do with the 'sport' of dog fighting," Lockwood continued. "It's nothing that a professional or hobbyist would engage in, because it defeats the purpose of recognizing a well-trained dog and breeding a successful fighter. It's just brutality."

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A sad image used in the ASPCA's dog fighting exhibit.

"I still hear very few confirmed cases, but I will no longer say 'Now I've heard everything,' not in this business. There's no limit to the depths of idiocy that some people will go to."

If you hear of a trunking or dog fighting incident in your area, the first step is to alert your local authorities or law enforcement agency. The ASPCA also offers a 96-page dog fighting toolkit for law enforcement.

Cleaning Dog Nose Prints Off Windows

Here's a trick for simplifying cleaning all those dog nose prints off your windows.

Dog Breed of the Week: Silky Terrier

Meet the Silky Terrier! No, your eyes do not deceive you. This does look quite a bit like a Yorkshire Terrier, but it's not the same. Though the two are ...

Walter the Yorkie, Actress Tricia O'Kelley's Dog, Is Returned Unharmed After Being Dognapped

Actress Tricia O'Kelley, from The Secret Life of the American Teenager and The New Adventures of Old Christine, had one hell of time last week. She went through a dognapping, a failed sting operation, countless moments of sheer panic, and then release: Walter, her deaf 11-year-old Miniature Yorkshire Terrier, is now home safe.

It started May 16, when Walter was snatched from the backyard of O'Kelley's Hollywood home by dognappers. That night, Trisha received a call from a blocked number, a man who demanded a "reward" for finding the dog. According to Zap2It, when asked how much he wanted, he said, "Why don't you tell me how much your dog is worth? I could keep him; I could sell him ... "

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“I totally knew the second I heard the guy’s voice that he was not a good guy,” she told CBS.

The pair sorted out a reward of $1,000, and the man told Trisha and her husband to post "lost dog" filers around the neighborhood stating that there was a "$1,000 reward." This was so the man could tell any interested parties -- like the police! -- that he was simply collecting the reward. It was a good plan. Foolproof, really.

Trisha, of course, just called the police, who sent a plainclothes officer over to accompany them to the meeting place.

Then, weirdly, it all went to pot. Before they had even left, the man called and said. "You f***ing lied to me ... I'm at the location and there are cops there. I'm keeping your f***ing dog."

Trisha believes the dognapper sent a scout to the location, and that person saw an unrelated patrol car there and freaked out. Trisha believes the people who took her dog are part of an Armenian street gang, based on information from witnesses in the neighborhood.

"This is like a bad movie," she said. "I want whoever has Walter to know that he's deaf, to know that he's 11 -- he's a senior."

Trisha also said the dog has a collapsing trachea and he could be hurt if kept on a standard leash.

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The actress also took to her Twitter account, which was receiving intense play after she had posted a drop-dead-adorable photo of the dog (see above). She began telling her followers to keep an eye out for the dog in the area where they were going to make the exchange. One said: "N Hollywood, look out for a man walking around w/ my dog. Tried to extort $ from us & won't give him back. Please RT"

Fortunately, it all ended well. In the midst of increasingly intense interest on social media, the thugs seem to have simply abandoned the dog on the street near Trisha's house. Little Walter was picked up by some Good Samaritans, and he was soon safe at home.

A relieved Trisha announced the news with series of "We got him back!!!" messages on her Twitter, accompanied with this photo:

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Yes, that dog is smiling.

Via Zap2It and CBS

Banjo the Dog Almost Lost His Life to a Train; Now He Gets a Home Near the Beach

Remember the 78-year-old man who tied a 10-month-old terrier mix to railroad tracks in early April, later telling authorities his family "didn't want the dog" and he "didn't know what to do with him?"

Remember how a train was coming and the conductor slammed on the brakes, stopping just yards before the dog? Well, this story has finally come to an end -- and it's a good one.

Banjo -- so named by the train depot employees who saved him -- has finally found his forever home.

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Meet Jeff and Louisa Moore and their Tibetan Terrier, Lali. Their plea to adopt Banjo was among the more than 1,300 emails from potential adopters that flooded Riverside County's Department of Animal Services after the story of Banjo went viral. People wrote from around the world, crashing the department's site at one point for 24 hours.

"We saw his picture and we both fell in love with him, the most beautiful dog we've ever seen," Louisa told KABC.

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Jo Marie Upegui, Banjo's temporary caretaker -- and the one with final say on who would take Banjo home -- was thrilled with the decision.

"I'm just so happy with the choice we all made," she told USA Today. "It's just such a loving family."

How did the Moores pull it off? By caring. They "constantly" checked in on Banjo via email. And they also live near the beach (Huntington Beach in Southern California, no less) as well as a dog park.

Still, they were shocked when they got the call.

"We had no clue that we were actually the ones who would be picked, so we feel pretty special," said Jeff.

"This family is so dedicated to their animals," Upegui told KABC. "They never leave the dog alone, and I thought that was really important to Banjo because Banjo's had such a ... it's been a scary trip for him."

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Banjo shortly after being rescued from the tracks.

"Tonight we're just going to go home and hang out," Jeff said. "We have a big field that's right next to our place that about a dozen of us all go out with our dogs, and they all get along really well, so it'll be fun introducing him to all the dogs. I'm sure they'll love him."

The Moores plan to keep the public updated on Banjo's life though new Instagram and Facebook pages; we'll update this post when those go live.

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LOOK AT THAT FACE!

Via KABC USA Today; photos via Riverside County's Department of Animal Services' Facebook

Is San Francisco the Best City in America for Dogs?

Estately recently released it's "17 Best Cities for Dogs" list, with Portland, OR, coming out on top. If you don't live in Portland, YOU LOSE! THANKS FOR PLAYING.

Granted, these sorts of lists, patched together by disparate statistics and hearsay, are typically best at not naming the best cities for dogs but rather riling up readers and commenters. They're used to draw page-views. They're used to generate controversy. They're used to get otherwise well-intentioned dog owners to say weird things like, "You want to step outside, Estately?"

We thought we'd play along, obviously. Dogster is based in San Francisco, so we're batting for the home team, and we have to wonder what Estately is smoking. San Franciso should be first -- and second. Whatever particular city you live in should be ranked third. (And fourth? Sure!) Then Estately can have its Portland.

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Dogs in S.F. by Shutterstock.">

Dogs in S.F. by Shutterstock.

Okay, we'll stop. We've had our fun. We really don't mind the list all too much. Estately put S.F. at No. 5 because of our 27 dog parks, our dog-friendly restaurants and gyms, a dog newspaper, and this dog who hangs out in a cab. What it didn't mention is the shocking lack of decent backyards, thank God.

Portland, however, has 33 dog parks. So, you know, whoopee for Portland!

To be honest, the list is a pretty good way to get a bead on some great dog things in the different cities. Did you know Austin has a food truck for dogs? That Tucson hosts an annual Pitbulooza in honor of National Pit Bull Awareness Day? That dogs are welcome at the local Ghost Town Wild West Museum in Colorado Springs? (Um, yay?)

We also learned that some Vegas casinos allows dogs, that Portland is considering a $150 fine for people who don’t scoop their dogs' poop, that San Diego is the dog surfing capital, and that Kramer the Famous Rock Dog is famous for fishing for rocks in Austin's rivers and lakes.

The list also made sure to mention that Seattle-based REI sells more than 150 dog-related outdoor adventure products online, so, you know, move to Seattle?

Here's the full list, and we encourage you to click on the story to read about each city. You're also welcome to be outraged in the comments. Your call.

Portland
San Diego
Seattle
Austin
San Francisco (really? Are you serious? Fifth? Not first? What's above first? Shouldn't we be that?)
Albuquerque
Tuscon
Boston
Phoenix
Minneapolis
Colorado Springs
Chicago
Las Vegas
Miami
Washington
Denver
Cleveland

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Dog on a beach in San Francisco by Shutterstock.">

Dog on a beach in San Francisco by Shutterstock.

Puppy-Mill Survivors Teddy and Harley Are on a Rescue Mission

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Teddy and Harley are two Chihuahuas who were rescued from separate puppy mills, but their stories are all too familiar. Confined to wire cages with hardly enough food and water to survive, the two Chihuahuas endured lives of misery. They were used to breed litter after litter, without a single concern for their physical or emotional well-beings.

Finally, at the age of seven, Teddy was rescued by the National Mill Dog Rescue and transferred to Lily's Haven in Colorado, from which he was adopted into a loving home. Teddy's former puppy-mill days manifest themselves in the dog's missing teeth, uneven hips, and torn ears, but his spirit is intact.

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You can see where Teddy's ears are all torn up, probably as a result of cage fights.

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Teddy is ready to help stop puppy mills, so no other dog has to suffer like he did.

Harley, however, fared worse. The older dog was given three months to live after being pulled from a puppy mill by Because of You Chihuahua Rescue. He is missing an eye and had to have most of his teeth removed as a result of them going bad from negligence, his tail is broken, and his heart is bad. His spirit, however, remains undaunted.

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If Harley had two eyes, he'd be TOO adorable.

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Harley is pint-sized with a BIG heart.

Not only have Teddy and Harley recovered, they are now leading a charge against puppy mills. Instead of wallowing in the injustices of their past lives, the two little survivors have become the spokesdogs for National Mill Dog Rescue, and they are heading a campaign called Harley to the Rescue to raise funds to send the organization on another puppy-mill rescue.

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Use this on Facebook to show your support!

For many, the effort of survival consumes all their energy, but for Teddy and Harley, it was the beginning of a mission to help others just like them. It takes a very special spirit to be able to return to such horrors, but Teddy and Harley can't seem to be able to rest until puppy mills vanish. Now that's a Monday Miracle.

Click here to find out how you can donate to Harley to the Rescue, and make sure to pass this on -- news this good deserves to be shared with everyone!

Photos via Teddy's and Harley's respective Facebook pages, where you can also stay up to date on what the two dogs are doing.

Read about other miraculous dogs on Dogster:

A One-Eyed Dachshund Named Captain Morgan Has a Touching Reunion with His Foster Mom

A Dachshund called Captain Morgan (so named because he has only one eye, like a pirate -- arrgh) was headed to a bad place fast. He was stuck in a high-kill shelter in Selma, AL, and his number was nearly up. He slept on a cold concrete floor. During bath time, staff sprayed him with a hose. He had heartworm, which was untreated. It looked like it wasn't going to end well.

But Sara Cross, founder of Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue, and Eva Armstrong, one of the group's rescuers, didn't want to see that happen. The rescue works with Alabama's Wannabe Rescued to help bail dogs out of the Selma pound. The two groups do so because dogs don't stand a chance at that place. Once local foster parents in Alabama are fully tapped, Badass Brooklyn steps in to bring the dogs up north to place them in foster homes.

Badass has saved more than 800 dogs from high-kill pounds in the South.

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At one of Badass Brooklyn's apoption events. Photo by Hilary Benas via Badass Brooklyn's Facebook.

"We really want people to understand the urgency here," Cross told the New York Daily News. "You either take the dog or the dog gets killed the next day. There's no other option."

Captain Morgan got his ticket out in March alongside 30 other dogs that day. In New York, the group typically fosters out the dogs, but Captain Morgan was a special case -- he had heartworm. He needed treatment. Armstrong let the one-eyed dog stay with her while he got healthy, and Cappy (short for Captain Morgan) jumped right in. Bonding, as they say, took place.

Cappy slept in Armstrong's bed. They watched TV. They took walks. The dog learned how to be a happy puppy to a loving caretaker, and Armstrong's kindness made a big impression on the little dog. After he was adopted to a couple in Park Slope, Brooklyn, Cappy didn't forget his rescuer. When the two were reunited earlier this month at one of Badass Brooklyn's block parties, Cappy spotted Armstrong from a distance, ran over, and leapt into her arms.

Photographer Hilary Benas caught the embrace at the perfect time. The photo went viral. You can see why:

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Photo by Hilary Benas via Badass Brooklyn's Facebook.

"It's great that he found a home right here in Park Slope," Armstrong said. "When he sees me, he goes nuts."

Cross told the told the Huffington Post that she see this a lot: "Whenever any of us run into dogs that we have fostered or rescued, they always recognize us and are so excited to see us. Dogs remember the person who saved their life and helped them on their way to a forever home."

If you would like to help facilitate more happy reunions like this one, you can donate to Badass Brooklyn via its Facebook page and website.

"Cappy would not be alive were it not for a small group of dedicated volunteers in Selma, Alabama," Cross told the Daily Mail. "We would not even know these dogs exist, let alone be able to rescue them, if it were not for amazing volunteers."

• Does Your Dog Have a Strong Prey Drive? Mind Does -- Here's How I Curbed It
• Is Your Dog Really Ready to Go Off Leash?
• 5 Myths About Dog Behavior That Often Lead to Tragedy

Do Police Shoot Innocent Dogs? It Happens -- And It's Preventable

Police officers killing innocent dogs might be something you've never thought about. But there's evidence to suggest it's more common than we might imagine. According to a story in the Seattle Times, there is no documented incident of a dog killing a police officer in the United States. Yet police officers have killed many dogs.

A study by the National Canine Research Council concludes that a majority of intentional police shootings involve dogs. The study says several law enforcement agencies in California indicated that at least half of their police shootings involved animals. The percentage was more in Milwaukee. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to track such statistics nationwide because no government authority documents these killings. Regardless, we've commented and reported on such incidents, including a Pit Bull killed in Riverside, CA, in his own back yard by a police officer who was assisting in an arrest taking place two houses away.

While shooting a dog is a crime in most states, it isn’t a felony. The general tendency of review committees and juries to give police the benefit of the doubt means that those shootings rarely result in formal charges or convictions, or victories in lawsuits brought against departments. This danger to beloved pets exist whether you live in a big metro area such as New York City or a small one such as Vallejo, CA.

If dog shootings weren’t serious enough, dogs are also hit with stun-guns such as Tasers as well as pepper-sprayed, kicked, and and battered with batons or night-sticks. Officers inevitably claim self-defense, and charges are even less likely when they use these “less than lethal” methods.

The Colorado Senate in April passed Senate Bill 226, called “Don’t Shoot My Dog,” which enjoys bipartisan support and is making its way through the Colorado House. The law, which could become a model for other states, requires training for police on how to deal with domestic dogs. The bill would require training in how the animals act and react, and how to minimize the dangers to themselves and the dogs. Further, the bill will require that police receive additional training in the area annually.

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Police dog training by Shutterstock.">

Police dog training by Shutterstock.

Such trainings are held on topics such as DUI investigation, correct use of pepper spray, and community interaction. Only time will tell whether these trainings, should the bill pass and be signed into law, will reduce or prevent police-on-dog violence.

Dog owners also play a role in protecting our fur children from police. The National Canine Research Council includes as a major factor in the shootings "reckless, uneducated, or inhumane owners." Some of the things we can do involve training and obedience, others involve handling, and still others involve managing certain situations.

Training

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Weimaraner paying attention by Shutterstock.">

It's safer if you can train your dog not to stand up and bark at the approach of strangers. Weimaraner paying attention by Shutterstock.

Training is important to keep your dogs safe. Police are most likely to react violently to a dog who barks, jumps toward them, or looks like it’s going to bite. Getting your dog as comfortable as possible around strangers is important. Where you can’t do that, having a dog who obeys when you order “sit,” “down,” or “heel” can prevent harm. Preventive training that keeps your dog from barking, advancing, or attacking initially is incredibly important, because most dog shootings happen quickly when police feel threatened.

Handling

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Labrador Retriever on a leash by Shutterstock.">

Labrador Retriever on a leash by Shutterstock.

Handling of your dog as important as training. Anecdotal evidence suggests that leashed dogs have been victims, but, statistics show leashed dogs falling victim to police with far lower frequency than off-leash dogs. We all love playing off-leash with our dogs, but the place for that is in a fenced yard, or a dog park, or another contained area. Walking your dog off leash greatly increases the risk of police violence.

Situation

Situation is also key to keeping your dog safe. Most dog shootings happen in the dog’s own yard or home. Often, they happen when a police officer enters a fenced yard and then feels trapped between a dog or dogs and the fence itself. Police don’t always knock or seek permission before entering a fenced yard, especially if they're pursuing a suspect on the run or -- as in the case mentioned above -- guarding against a suspect fleeing. So if you want to keep your dogs safe, make sure that they’re supervised when they’re in the yards. It gives you the opportunity to intervene if a police officer has to visit.

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Fenced-in dog area by Shutterstock.">

Not everyone agrees with the idea of a dog-run or large pen, but for unsupervised time, it has its advantages. Fenced-in dog area by Shutterstock.

If your dogs have to remain outside unsupervised, keep them in areas segregated from the front yard. A separate fenced enclosure or dog-run can greatly protect your beloved pets. If you don’t have the resources or live in a rental unit, even though it's a highly controversial practice, consider keeping an unsupervised dog tethered in the back yard, so the police officer is less likely to wander into the dog’s area or can at least move to a place the dog can't roam.

I recommend everyone send a message to their elected officials recommending a local version of the “Don’t Shoot My Dog” law. In the interim, following these steps will help protect your dogs from police errors.

About the author: Now that he has finished law school, Cassady's most reliable income is working as a stand-up comedian at a suburban movie theatre (yeah, he spells it the English way, so what?). Cassady specializes in the areas where pet ownership and the law overlap. Mina the Cat taught Cassady everything he knows.

Other stories on dog training:

Dog Bite Prevention Week

May 19-25 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week. A collaborative effort among the AVMA, the AAP and the USPS, Dog Bite Prevention Week aims to promote responsible dog ownership and increase awareness of dog bite risks. According to the AVMA, 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and 800,000 of those dog bites results in injuries that require medical attention (half of these being children). What can you do to help prevent dog bites? Plenty. Here are some ways to get started:

...

Hero the Service Dog Puts on a Cap and Gown to Join a Graduate on Her Big Day at U. of Illinois

If you read out story about the Bonehead who took a fake service dog into court and bamboozled a judge, here's your antidote: A woman who took her legitimate service dog with her to accept her diploma from graduate school at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.

The dog wore a cap and gown, too, and stole the show.

“I’ve never had so many Facebook friend requests for my dog in his entire life,” the dog's owner told Today.com. “I’m just along for the ride!”

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Bridget Evans, who graduated with a master's degree in community health and hospital administration, was born with spina bifida, which impairs her mobility. She uses a wheelchair, and has a service dog named Hero to help her get through the day.

“He’s been with me through all my classes,” Evans said. “He deserved a cap and gown as much as I did.”

Evans' story swept through social media, thanks to this photo that user f3b14 posted of Evans and the dog on Reddit:

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“This picture is everything that is right in the world,” Reddit user AndreThreeHundred wrote.

Evans even joined in the discussion on Reddit, writing details of her life with Hero and posting more pictures.

“Hero knows over 40 commands to assist me! He loves to retrieve objects for me like envelopes, pens, and my crutches. He also turns off the lights, opens doors, and he pulls me in my wheelchair up ramps! I couldn’t have gone to college without him!”

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She also wrote how much Hero enjoyed the day.

“He loved it! He loved all the attention too! When we were walking outside to reunite with my family, we were stopped every 10 feet for pictures by random people that loved his cap and gown! He was like a celebrity; I think he realized it was a special day!”

Evans is an old hand with service dogs -- aside from working with Hero since he was a pup, she has trained 20 service dogs herself as the founder of Illini Service Dog Program, a student program at her school that allows college students to train service dogs. After the dogs are trained, they are placed with a person with a disability at no cost.

“We can read each other’s minds,” Evans said of Hero. “We’re so attuned to each other. He’s my best friend, roommate, classmate, and like my sibling. I’m so grateful that I got to celebrate my day with Hero by my side and my family in the audience.”

Via Today.com

Win a Gift Bag in the Dogster Dog Show Instagram Contest

Hey, Dogsters!

It's your devoted Assistant Editor Liz here. While it's part of my job to make sure I deliver the very best in cuteness, my duties also include keeping in touch with all of you through our various social media outlets. I was taking a look at our Dogster Instagram account and thought it was looking a little lonely. If you haven't already, you should totally follow us, because we love looking at your adorable dogs.

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Nigel Sussman ">

Feel free to share this! Illustration by the very talented Nigel Sussman

But more than just following us, let's do something fun, shall we? Let's host our very own virtual Dogster Dog Show! We don't need all the pomp and circumstance and pedigree and papers of an actual dog show -- what's so cool about Dogster is that we can come together from all over the world to talk about dogs.

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Editor-in-Chief Janine's Italian Greyhound, Moxie. ">

Editor-in-Chief Janine's Italian Greyhound, Moxie.

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Community Manager Lori's Pekingese, Beasley.">

Community Manager Lori's Pekingese, Beasley.

So now's your chance to show off your pup and win a sweet Dogster gift bag, too.

Sit, stay, and listen, because this is how it's going to work:

1. Follow us on Instagram@Dogster.

2. Between May 17 and May 19, upload photos of your dogs via Instagram and make sure to tag them with #DogsterDogShow2013 and either #PureBreed or #MuttBreed, depending on your pup. In other words, your entry should have two tags: #DogsterDogShow2013 and one of the breed tags.

3. Between May 22 and May 27, we will upload your entries to our Instagram and open them up to voting. The top dogs who receive the most hearts and comments will move onto the final round.

4. Between May 29 and June 2, we'll post the final-round dogs here on Dogster for a lightning round of voting. There will be a winner to represent purebred dogs and a winner to represent all the beloved mutts out there. We'll announce the winners on June 5.

Got it? Good dog!

Now, ready, set, Instagram! And may the cutest dogs win.

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Ramona is an honorary member of Dogster.

Contest subject to change. Only U.S. residents are eligible to win. We'll make every effort possible to contact winners; however, if we can't get in touch, we'll pick someone else. Only U.S. residents are eligible to win. Thanks, and good luck!

Hero photo: Hipster dog in cool sunnies by Shutterstock

Now THIS Is Brazen: A Woman Brings a Fake Service Dog to Court -- and Fools the Judge

Lots of people have fake service dogs. This unsavory practice is bad for folks who truly rely on service dogs to get through the day, and it erodes the goodwill of the public toward service dogs. And every day we hear about more people running around with the fake certificates, confronting anyone who dares to question that the dog eating garlic twists from their lap at the Sbarros is anything but a medically needed hearing dog -- or therapy dog. Uh, I mean, seeing-eye dog. Wait, what was it again?

Then we hear this, courtesy of PhillyBurbs.com. A Pennsylvania lady -- a Bonehead? Yes, lets call her that -- goes into court, in front a judge, with her little fake service dog.

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Dog in front of convict poster by Shutterstock.">

Dog in front of convict poster by Shutterstock.

Bucks County District Judge Daniel Baranoski regrets to inform the court that he got bamboozled by the bold women, who waltzed into his courtroom with her Dachshund and sat down in the gallery. She was there for a hearing on a traffic ticket. The dog was there because the woman is a Bonehead. As she was waiting for her case to be called, Baranoski piped up.

The judge questioned her about the dog.

The woman responded that he was a service dog.

Judge: "What service does the dog provide?"

The woman: "Psychological!"

And then she swept a business card from her purse and presented it to the judge with a flourish (which is to say, we like to think it was a flourish). The paper said the dog was “properly registered” with the “United States Service Dog Registry.”

Hah! Have you seen the United States Service Dog Registry? It looks official, sure. But for $50, you can buy whatever credentials you like, including a "documentation package" with a fancy certificate. (One PetsAdviser writer who did just that said, "We’re talking digital watermark, security foil hologram, color-shifting printing, the whole works.")

You'll also note the fine print on the Service Dog Registry home page: "Not affiliated with any government agency. Registrant data is based on assertions by dog owner. Registration is not required by the ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act]."

Our judge, about as knowledgeable of the United States Service Dog Registry as a salesperson at Anne Taylor, let the woman stay with her dog.

But he took the woman's case next, to get the dog out of the courtroom. Yes, he gave preferential treatment to a woman who brought a fake service dog into a court of law.

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Lissandra Melo / Shutterstock.com">

Lissandra Melo / Shutterstock.com

Later, because the judge was in a place full of people busy figuring out laws, he found out that he had been (probably) bamboozled. His staff told his honor that the Americans with Disabilities Act does not require such "documentation" (namely, a fake business card that says your dog is "properly registered") and that the United States Service Dog Registry is considered "questionable" by people who know such things.

It looks like our Bonehead was just another brazen person who is uses the delicate nature of the law to circumvent the hell out of it.

The problem with this, of course, is that your typical fake service dog is not an expertly trained machine who's undergone years of study to behave like a pro in public. Your typical fake service dog is just a dog the owner really wants to be around all the time. Kind of like most dogs.

As the article says, "Such deception is making life harder for people with disabilities who rely on service dogs and face additional scrutiny and skepticism from business owners."

At least Judge Baranoski won't be fooled again. He has told colleagues to be on the lookout for this crap.

Via PhillyBurbs.com

Click here for a full listing of rewards.

Did You Know You Can Earn Rewards for Searching for Cute Dog Photos on the Internet?

Earn rewards for searching for dog photos? Could it be true? If we could backtrack and earn rewards for all the dog photo-searching we've done here at Dogster, we'd be one group of highly decorated individuals! And our pups aren't the only ones who enjoy rewards -- we're all about the treats.

The editors and writers at Dogster recently took the Bing It On blind challenge. We're not a cocky bunch or anything, but we like to think we're pretty skilled at identifying a choice pooch pic. So you can trust us when we say that Bing beat Google in four of our five searches for specific dog images. Then we encouraged Dogster readers to take the challenge and gave away a $250 gift card to one lucky participant. Pretty cool, huh? When was the last time someone offered you money for looking at cute dog photos? You're welcome.

Editor's Note: Speaking of which, congratulations go out to Dogster reader Jen and her pup Elka, winners of that $250 gift card. We'll be in touch soon to find out how to get it to you.

Now that we've all seen how searches via Bing produce the preferred image results, we're here to give you another reason to use the search engine! Did you know you get rewarded for using Bing? Can you hardly believe it? Dogs and rewards? Right now you're probably thinking, "Go on..." OK, we will.

How it works

After signing up for the the Bing Rewards program, users (that YOU!) receive credits just for searching with Bing. You can also earn additional credits by participating in awesome daily offers that demonstrate all the cool ways Bing helps get things done. You're already not going anywhere -- there's a giant dog lying in front of the door, for heaven's sake. Go ahead and search for sleepy puppies on Bing for some credits! Then you can redeem points for rewards by visiting the redemption center.

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Cute dog photos AND rewards? Yes! Cute Puppies Sleeping by Shutterstock

What are the rewards?

Do you like to read? Drink coffee? Play video games? Watch movies? They've got you covered. Credits earned can be redeemed for some pretty fantastic rewards, which include some of your favorites:

Amazon.com
Starbucks
Xbox LIVE
Redbox
Hulu Plus
Groupon

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The sooner you sign up, the sooner you'll enjoy the rewards! Chihuahua and Pile of Treats by Shutterstock

It's easy to join!

Right now you may be thinking, "This has got to be a hassle. It sounds way too good to be true." Not so, dear readers. It couldn't be simpler to join Bing rewards -- just sign in with Facebook from the Join Bing Rewards page! And don't say you're never on Facebook -- 'cause that's just a lie. After you sign up, don't forget to claim your bonus in the redemption center.

Do you Tweet? Sure you do. When you follow Bing Rewards on Twitter, you'll be sure to be on top of the newest rewards, news and not-to-be-missed opportunities.

So what are you waiting for? Start earning rewards!

Editor's Note: This is a sponsored post; however all opinions expressed here are Dogster's own.

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A Michigan City Returns to the Stone Age with Its Laws on "Dangerous Dogs"

One city in Michigan is taking an incredibly hard line against "dangerous dogs." New regulations in Royal Oak that take effect today require owners of dogs deemed "dangerous” and even "potentially dangerous" to carry $1 million in liability insurance.

They're also required to post signs around their house, take an obedience class with the dog, and keep the dog in a locked, fenced-in area. Also, the dog must be muzzled and leashed when outside the enclosure, according to the Oakland Press.

Officials say the move is in reaction to the number of attacks last year, with 32 reports of dog bites and “vicious” incidents reported to police.

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Bernese Mountain Dog by Shutterstock.

According to officials, a dog will be considered dangerous if the dog bites or attacks a person, or causes serious injury (disfigurement or impairment) to another domestic animal. The law won't apply if the dog bites someone committing a crime (like assaulting the owner) or trespassing on the owner's property. Nor will it apply to dogs who bite someone provoking or tormenting them.

However, there's a gray area, and a nasty one at that -- dogs who are deemed "potentially dangerous" also fall under the law. According to the Oakland Press, a dog can receive that designation if he or she poses a threat to public safety by:

Causing an injury to another domestic animal that is less severe than a serious injury.
Chasing or menacing a person or domestic animal in an aggressive manner without provocation.
Being impounded by the animal control officer three or more times in a 12-month period.
Acting in a “highly aggressive” manner within a fenced yard or enclosure that the dog appears able to jump or escape.

An animal control officer can designate a dog as dangerous or potentially dangerous. The potentially dangerous designation, however, can be removed if the dog isn't involved in any incidents in 18 months, pending a review of the case.

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Dog behind a fence by Shutterstock.

Lori Wosnicki, who owns a Bernese Mountain Dog, believes the law goes too far.

“Look at this dog, who goes to schools and has kids lay all over him," she told CBS. I have a really hard time with [the ordinance], because how do you decide what’s dangerous?”

Royal Oak resident John Scott, however, supports it: “If you’re a dog owner, you know that dogs are protective of their territory. There’s an old saying that there’s no bad dogs, just bad owners.”

While we have yet to see how this law will play out, it's amazing to us that a dog who simply acts "highly aggressive" in his own yard can be hit with the label, simply because he "appears" able to jump over or otherwise escape his enclosure. The potential for officials to abuse this law is staggering.

Via the Oakland Press and CBS

Los Angeles Tops the 2012 List of Dog Attacks on Mail Carriers

Dogs bark at mail carriers. Everyone knows that. It's one of the enduring images of the American family, along with the white picket fence and the two-car garage.

But some dogs also bite mail carriers, and that's where the whole pretty scene falls apart. After the U.S. Postal Service released its list of dog attacks on letter carriers in 2012, we were saddened by the numbers.

Nationwide, 5,879 postal employees were attacked, according to the Postal Service.

The worst area? Los Angeles. Last year, the city had 69 attacks on letter carriers, leading the Los Angeles Times to label the city "Most Vicious."

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Golden Retriever by Shutterstock.

Ken Snavely, L.A.'s acting postmaster, said, "Many dogs are cherished members of their family, and people believe their dog won't bite, but given the right circumstances, any dog can attack."

He also said that problem pets or dogs roaming a neighborhood can result in a suspension of services until the delivery area is deemed safe.

“If our letter carriers deem your loose dog to be a threat, you’ll be asked to pick up your mail at the Post Office until it’s safe to deliver,” Snavely said.

San Antonio and Seattle were next on the list, each with 42 attacks last year. Then came Chicago, with 41, and San Francisco, with 38.

The full list is as follows:

Los Angeles: 69
San Antonio and Seattle: 42
Chicago: 41
San Francisco: 38
Philadelphia: 34
Detroit: 33
St. Louis: 32
Baltimore and Sacramento: 29
Houston and Minneapolis: 27
Cleveland and Dayton, OH: 26
Buffalo and Brooklyn, NY: 24
Denver: 23
Dallas and Tacoma, WA: 21
Wichita, KS: 20

The numbers, while alarming, pale in comparison to the 4.7 million Americans annually bitten by dogs -- more than half of whom are children -- according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Dog by Shutterstock.">

Dog by Shutterstock.

The Postal Service released the list to kick off National Dog Bite Prevention Week, whose partners (including the American Humane Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association) offer the following tips to avoiding attacks:

Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.
Don’t run past a dog. The dog’s natural instinct is to chase and catch you.
If a dog threatens you, don’t scream. Avoid eye contact. Try to remain motionless until the dog leaves, then back away slowly until the dog is out of sight.
Never approach a strange dog, especially one that’s tethered or confined.
Don’t disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
Anyone wanting to pet a dog should first obtain permission from the owner.
Always let a dog see and sniff you before petting the animal.
If you believe a dog is about to attack you, try to place something between yourself and the dog, such as a backpack or a bicycle.
If you are knocked down by a dog, curl into a ball and protect your face with your hands.

Dog Breed of the Week: Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a happy and energetic medium-sized dog that makes a loving companion. A native of Ireland, the Wheaten was historically kept as an all-purpose farm ...

Prepare Your Dog for a New Baby

Are you expecting? Congratulations! As are a dog owner, you may be wondering how it is all going to work out - especially if this is your first child. Having a baby does not mean you have to give up your dog, but it also means you have some preparation to do. No matter how sweet your dog, do not assume she will accept the new baby's arrival with open paws. However, many dogs simply fall in love with the household's newest human addition.

...

Dog Breed of the Week: Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is best known for, of course, the beautiful and unique ridge of hair along its back. After that, many of us think of its large size and ...

This Week is All About Pets

Hug your dog, because May 5-11 is all about pets! First of all, this week is National Pet Week. Created by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), National Pet Week is intended to help reinforce the human-animal bond, encourage responsible pet ownership, and promote public awareness of veterinary medicine. Next, this week is also Be Kind to Animals Week. American Humane Association founded this event to help make a better world for animals. It's about helping animals in need, adopting homeless pets and taking good care of your pets. Finally, this Wednesday, May 8th is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day...

Inspiring Dog Quotes

We love dogs, and after almost ten years in the dog supply business, we've come across plenty of inspirational quotes about dogs. It recently occurred to us that sharing them with our readers might be a great idea!

So, we've started a favorite Quotes About Dogs page.

Check it out and maybe you'll find a quote that hits close to home. Have a quote we should add? Let us know!

Dog Breed of the Week: Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is one of the world's tiniest dogs, but the breed makes up for its tiny size with a pretty big personality. While lovable and loyal, Chihuahuas are also ...

We're Having A Tweet-a-thon

Are you on Twitter? If so, make sure to Tweet @PupLife this week, during our first ever Tweet-a-thon! Simply let us know your favorite thing about your dog, and you might just win a $25 PupLife Gift Certificate.

Read the Official Rules here and then tweet us as many things as you like (we know it is hard to choose just one thing you love about your dog). We'll pick a random winner on May 6th. Good luck!

Summer Travel Season Coming Soon

dog traveling in car

Memorial Day weekend is less than a month away, and it kicks off the summer travel season. I know many of you are looking forward to getting away. But what is the plan for your dog? Planning ahead for your canine companion is just as important as making your own travel arrangements. Bringing your dog along on trips can be lots of fun if you do it right. If you've decided to travel with your dog, make sure you plan accordingly to ensure a fun and safe trip.

...

Hey Michiganders! Participate In The 2013 Kalamazoo Humane Society Dog Walk

Looking to support a good cause and have fun at the same time? Check out the dog walkathon in Kalamazoo, Michigan on May 4th, 9 A.M.-2 P.M.

Profits from the Dog Walk go toward the Kalamazoo Humane Society in their search to find the sheltered dogs a home. There will be prizes, giveaways, T-shirts, and much more. Plus, you get to see an array of dogs.

This year the entertainment consists of; Skyhoundz Hyperflite Flying Disc Competition, The Classic K9 Show and America's Best Frisbee Dogs. When not watching the live entertainment participants can enjoy a two mile walk along with lunch, pet adoptions, raffles and much more. It is a great time for your whole family (including fido).

Contact & More Info: Kalamazoo Humane Society Dog Walk

Dog Breed of the Week: Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large and lovable dog breed that thrives upon the companionship of people. Affectionately called "Berners," this working breed has a solid history as a ...

Parvo: a Devastating Disease

Last ...

Ever Wonder What Your Dog Knows About You?

If you have ever wondered what your dog knows about you, you sure aren't alone.

As pet owners, it is only natural to wonder what dogs think and what they can sense from us. Since pets can't talk, we have to rely on recent studies. After doing some digging, we found it surprising just how much our dogs learn from our body language, facial expressions and tone.

For more, check out PupLife's original article entitled Dogs Understand: 5 Things Your Dog Knows About You.

Are Dogs Good For Children? Yes!

Wondering if getting a new dog for the family will impact your children? The answer is yes - in a very positive way. New studies are proving that dogs and children are a healthy mix, and the presence of a pet in the house may bring significant benefits to the health and well being of your child. Read our latest new dog owner tip, entitled Kids & Dogs: 3 Great Reasons Why Children Need Pets.

PupLife Named To List Of Top 15 iPad Friendly Retail Sites

If you have an iPad, you probably already know that we've optimized the PupLife site for the best tablet display possible. In fact, our site is responsive in terms of design. If you scale it from a full screen down to a tablet format, it automatically readjusts. It even scales down for great display on the iPhone, too. So, we are very proud to see that Practical eCommerce magazine recently listed PupLife as one of their favorite 15 iPad Friendly Retail Sites. Hooray!

If you use an iPad (or any other tablet) feel free to share your thoughts on our site design. We always love hearing from our customers. Woof woof!

Thanksgiving Leftovers: Good For Your Dog?

The following is a guest post by Louise Blake

Thanksgiving is great for humans, but it can be hellish for a dog.

Dozens of new and unfamiliar faces invading your cherished territory, terrible punishments for breaking those precious dioramas, and worst of all, the tantalising smell of a sumptuous feast without any possibility of getting to eat any yourself. So how do you know what Thanksgiving leftovers are safe for your pup to enjoy? Check against this list and you should be off to a good start!

If in doubt, check with your vet. A poor diet can lead to anything from dog skin problems to serious health issues.

Turkey
Avoid feeding turkey to your dog. The risk of salmonella from raw or incompletely-cooked scraps is just too great, let alone the risk of choking on bones.

Dogs are also unable to digest turkey skin properly, which could be fatal, and if they avoid choking on the bones straight away, there is a chance that larger bones will splinter in their mouths. This can be extremely painful and could also lead to bone fragments damaging their internal organs.

Dogs simply shouldn't be fed turkey scraps. So please don't do it.

Vegetables
A surprisingly large number of vegetables are OK for your dog to eat, but certain groups are very much not-OK.

'Sweet' vegetables like carrots are fine in small quantities but be careful about portion size – while we adults may enjoy pigging out during Thanksgiving, excessive pup portions could give your dog digestive problems later in the day.

Sweet potatoes and winter squash can be genuinely helpful to doggie digestion, as can green beans as they're high in fibre.

In general, you should avoid feeding your dog sugary fruit and sauces, and you should definitely avoid starchy vegetables such as potatoes, peas, or corn in large amounts. These are fattening foods that will only serve to damage your dog's health.

Chitterlings
Chitterlings are pork intestines, and form a traditional Thanksgiving side dish in many households but don’t add them to your dog’s bowl.

While some dogs cope ok with eating small amounts of raw meat, for dogs that are not adjusted to raw diets yet, this can result in a upset tummy. Suffice it to say that if you think the chitterlings smell bad before you clean, boil and pick them clean for your dog, you are in for a heck of a shock once the dog has started providing you with some solid results.

Furthermore, if they've been prepared for human consumption, they may be too salty for dogs, or have too much chemical preservative left on them. This preservation process also wipes almost all the nutrition out of them, making them a fairly useless, if tasty, treat.

Stuffing
Stuffing contains onions and sage, neither of which are ideal for dogs.

If you use breadcrumbs to help bulk out your stuffing, or if the sausage-meat provider used breadcrumbs to bulk out their product, you could cause your dog to suffer from bloat.

Once you've stripped out all the potentially harmful and definitely unhelpful ingredients from the stuffing, it'd basically be easier to feed your dog, well, food already esigned for consumption by dogs.

More Trouble Than It's Worth?
For the purposes of Thanksgiving, then, it is suggested that you treat your dog like a very fussy, old, sensitive, allergic vegan.

Either that, or treat them like an actual dog and buy him or her some special doggy treats!

Human food is human for a reason. Don't be afraid to give your young dog some vegetables now-and-again, but they get very little out of human food and can get some serious health problems.

Personally, I won't feed my pup any human food except squashes and pumpkin. But what about you? Do you have any healthy and nutritious human food that your dog just can't get enough of?

Please share in the comments!

About Louise Blake

Louise Blake is a career-focused mum-to-be with a passion for animal welfare. She can’t wait to be a mum, though she worries about how her beloved pets will cope with the new arrival. When Louise isn’t working as a Client Manager she can be found blogging for GKBC.

Friend Of PupLife: Hershey Kiss

This 5.5 pound chocolate toy poodle is named Hershey Kiss. Appropriate, given her colour and the fact that friends of PupLife adopted her as a puppy on February 14th. Isn't she a cutie?

New Dog Owner? Here's How To Get Off To A Great Start

Adding a new dog to your family is always exciting. Pets bring so much to our lives and of course, we always want to do the best for them. If you are planning on adopting a dog, we have a new article on the Top 3 Mistakes That New Dog Owners Make. By avoiding these mistakes, you can help your pet get off to a great start!

Winners Of The 2012 PupLife Dog Halloween Costume Contest

Congratulations to Odie The 3 Headed Chihuahua, the top winner of PupLife's 2012 Dog Halloween Costume Contest. Second place goes to Daphne as Harry Paw-ter and third prize goes to Odysseus the Kosher Hot Dog. Aren't they awesome?

Thank you to everyone that entered this year. This was the best costume contest ever and it was very difficult to decide. In fact, we have named several entries as Honorable Mentions this season, so check your email accounts for special notifications on that.

We hope everyone had as much fun with this year's costume contest as we did. Stay tuned as we'll be starting up a new contest soon for the holidays!

Dog Halloween Costume Contest: Elton John The Knight

Elton is a cavalier king Charles spaniel. The breed originated from Royal Spaniels of King Charles II. They can truly act like they think they are Royal and especially Elton. I sometimes call him Sir Elton and that is why I thought a knight costume was perfect.

I adopted Elton over a year ago and he has quite the personality. He thinks he is King of the Castle. He sleeps in the bed with me. Sometimes I get pushed to the side of the bed, but if Elton is comfortable he will not budge. He is only 12 pounds but he can hang with the big dogs. As you can see from this photo, he has eyes and can look at you and your heart melts.

Thanks

Dog Halloween Costume Contest: Lucy The Giraffe

My little Giraffe Lucy is a Mini Pincer/Chihuaha mix who just turned 1 year old on Oct 29th. She loves being dressed up and loves to pose for the camera. She is fun loving and a bundle of energy, and loves to give puppy kisses!

I saw this costume on a website and the cost was $45, i made this costume for under $10. With her log legs, I knew she would look perfect in it, and as you can she, she comes pretty close!

Dog Halloween Costume Contest: Ice

This is ice my standard poodle she is a very bouncy little girl truly a gem. Full of life and loves everyone she meets here is here halloween costume she was a web for the spider poms were candy corns.

Dog Halloween Costume Contest: Buddy As Michonne From Walking Dead

This is Buddy dressed as Michonne, from the Walking Dead tv series on AMC. The inspiration came from being fans of the show and dressing the family as the group in the show and included our pet too. Buddy is such a loving dog, sometimes he forgets he's a dog and thinks he's human. He loves to play and lots of attention. I assume he likes these crazy outfitts because he never tries to take them off and allows it haha! He loves kids and is very friendly. One last thing he is a fan of traveling in the car.

Dog Halloween Costume Contest: Magic Max

This is Max my 1 year old poodle. I had just finished watching the Magic Mike movie when I realized that Max's belly band would work as one of the outfits the scantily clad men in the movie wore. So I just inserted a few dollar bills in it and Magic Max was born. Needless to say, Max wasn't amused. Being the sweet pup he is he tolerated it very well...at least for a picture or two.

Dog Halloween Costume Contest: Sadie The Wonder Dog

The inspiration behind Sadie's costume came to me because she is my Wonder Dog and looks like a doggie version of Linda Carter. Sadie is my best friend and is who keeps me inspired every day. She knows how to make my neighbors, strangers walking on the street and friends happy even during sad times. A dog who likes to pose, who likes to dress and will do anything to make her mommy smile, now that is a Wonder Dog! I am blessed to have this little Wonder Dog Angel in my life and I hope she inspires others to vote for her and smile when they do.

Dog Halloween Costume Contest: Jack The Bad Boy

This is Jack.

He decided he wanted to dress up as a bad boy pup. He has an attitude of a rockstar and this costume suited him perfectly!

Jack would love to win!

Dog Halloween Costume Contest: Pongo The Dalmatian

Ziggy the Italian Greyhound as Pongo the Dalmatian

Dog Halloween Costume Contest: Nina The Mata Hari

Nina the Cocker-Mix as the Mata Hari

Dog Halloween Costume Contest: Marley The Geisha

This is Marley. She is a five year old shih-tzu with quite a personality. She loves dressing up and shows off her outfits to anyone who will look! She decided the Geisha contest was the winning look for this Halloween!

Dog Halloween Costume Contest: The Shihtzuation

I have lived at the Jersey Shore my whole life, so has my shih tzu, Pokerface... so naturally, he had to become the SHIHTZUation!

Dog Halloween Costume Contest: Tippi Hedron

This is my dog Apple she is dressed as Tippi Hendren from "The Birds" the inspiration for her costume was based on how much I love Alfred Hitchcock. It dawned to me how amazing would it be if my dog was Tippi!? And this magnificent creation happened. The costume is homemade by my mom. Apples personality is like mine she mimics the things I do she's my daughter. She is a sophisticated little well mannered dog.

Dog Halloween Costume Contest: Darth Vader & Yoda

Attached photo of Sprocket (as Yoda) who is s 2 year old boxer mix and Ratchet (as Darth Vader) who is a 2 1/2 year old boxer. The inspiration was that Sprocket has a funny little face and quirky ears, so we usually call her Yoda ---and with any good Yoda, you need the big guy (87 lbs) Ratchet to be Darth! :)

Dog Halloween Costume Contest: Achilles The King

I would like to enter my nephew “Achilles” into your Halloween dog costume contest. Achilles is three years old and we (my brother, his wife and myself) rescued him from a dog shelter (Shamrock House) in Kentucky. We saw him on-line and fell in love with him. We live in New York State, so we had to drive about 13 hours to bring home this adorable puppy dog! Achilles was no longer wanted by his owners so they kept him in a cage in the basement and tied to a tree. He never got any attention and was barely fed. A neighbor reported this abuse and that’s when the Shamrock House stepped in.

Since we brought him home…he has lived like a king. He is my brother and sister-in-law’s dog and they spoil him to no end. My brother travels a lot in his job, so when he is away my Mom and I watch him at my house. This dog is never left alone. He gets more attention than most kids. He has turned out to be a beautiful, loving …sweet dog that is so smart and he understands a huge vocabulary of words.

My Mom (Achilles’ Grammy as we call her) sewed the costume below. We felt that since Achilles now lives in a beautiful house, is very spoiled and lives like a king, only a king’s robe and crown would be appropriate for this very special dog.

Thanks for considering Achilles as a candidate in your contest.

Dog Halloween Costume Contest: Bishop As Toothless

Here is our entry for PupLife's Halloween Photo Contest 2012.

Bishop is a black labrador mix and is 4 years old. When we saw the movie How to Train Your Dragon, we had a lot of fun watching the similarities in personality between the Night Fury named "Toothless" and our dog Bishop. When "Toothless" is happy, his pupils become larger and more dog-like. The dragon is also playful and protective like our dog. After watching the movie we knew that Bishop should definitely dress up as "Toothless" for Halloween.

Dog Halloween Costume Contest: Cupcake

Dog Halloween Costume Contest: Rambo The Pumpkin

Hello Puplife!

My name is Rambo, and I am a 9 month old Morkie (maltese-yorkie) puppy. I love to dig holes, sniff smells, and steal clean socks out of the clothes basket and hide them under my dog bed (shhh, don't tell my human, but I save them for when a late-night snack craving hits!). An interesting fact about moi: I have a Facebook page and quite a few fans, which is cool because I get to meet humans from all over the world!

About my costume: I am dressed up as a Pumpkin Pooch. I went the "minimalist rout" with my costume because, well, frankly, I encountered several costume problems when trying to find the perfect one. I'm still growing, but I'm at what my human likes to call "That Awkward Stage" (which I don't understand because I don't FEEL awkward...) where I am too small for most medium-sized costumes and too long (and round!) for small-sized costumes. Which I am totally ok with, by the way. The last thing I want to be doing is walking around in some silly panda/cow/lobster outfit, but that's beside the point...

A note from the human: if you need any other information, please let me know! As you can tell, Rambo has a mind of his own and likes to say what he means 100% of the time. :)

Thank you!

Dog Halloween Costume Contest: Lexi As Jack In The Box

This is a picture of my sweet chihuahua Lexi. She is dressed up as a Jack in the Box. She loves dressing up, and we try to be very creative with her costumes. She would love to be the Puplife contest winner!