WikiHow has a good post on foods you shouldn't feed your dog.
Beyond the usual suspects:
caffeine
macadamia nuts
avocado
PetEducation addresses some of the same points.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Deaf and Adoptable
It's Deaf Awareness Week, so Petfinder is showcasing animals "who are available, adoptable, and deaf," including Lilly. Take a look.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Some Dog Product Reviews
Here are a handful of reviews of dog products from the epinions site:
Greenies
PupPeroni
Alpo
Bio Spot Flea & Tick Control
Greenies
PupPeroni
Alpo
Bio Spot Flea & Tick Control
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Taking Out the Dog
See, this is why I could never be a criminal. Or a cop. This never would have occurred to me.
From the South Africa Independent Online
Gadget to silence dogs 'may aid criminals'
Helen Bamford
September 22 2007 at 12:05PM
A new gadget designed to stop dogs from barking incessantly is on the market, but animal experts have warned there are no quick-fixes and that the devices could be abused by criminals.
Heather Hiscox, of Plettenberg Bay, said she came across the device called a Dazer while visiting relatives in Portugal and was so impressed with it that she had decided to market it in South Africa.
She said the device emitted a discomforting, but harmless, high-frequency sound that only animals could hear and was a humane alternative to items such as shock collars, electric mats and choker chains.
Hiscox said the device could be used to stop nuisance barking as well as to stop the approach of unfriendly, aggressive dogs from as far away as seven metres.
From the South Africa Independent Online
Gadget to silence dogs 'may aid criminals'
Helen Bamford
September 22 2007 at 12:05PM
A new gadget designed to stop dogs from barking incessantly is on the market, but animal experts have warned there are no quick-fixes and that the devices could be abused by criminals.
Heather Hiscox, of Plettenberg Bay, said she came across the device called a Dazer while visiting relatives in Portugal and was so impressed with it that she had decided to market it in South Africa.
She said the device emitted a discomforting, but harmless, high-frequency sound that only animals could hear and was a humane alternative to items such as shock collars, electric mats and choker chains.
Hiscox said the device could be used to stop nuisance barking as well as to stop the approach of unfriendly, aggressive dogs from as far away as seven metres.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Dog Slaughter?
Wow, I never heard of this but it's pretty appalling, if true.
Inuit truth commission to investigate whether RCMP slaughtered sled dogs
An Inuit group is investigating for itself a long-standing accusation that RCMP officers slaughtered sled dogs in the 1950s and '60s to force their owners to give up their traditional lifestyle.
"Once the truth commission has completed their work (we'll) have a clearer picture of what actually happened," Terry Audla of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association said Wednesday.
Many Inuit are convinced that up to 20,000 sled dogs were systematically killed by police officers and other white authority figures as people were moving off the land and into communities. It's long been believed that the RCMP's actions were part of a plan to keep Inuit in settlements - where they were easier to administer - by destroying their main form of transportation.
Much of the social dysfunction in Inuit communities today stems back to that time of transition, giving the sled dog issue tremendous emotional force in Nunavut and Arctic Quebec.
Inuit truth commission to investigate whether RCMP slaughtered sled dogs
An Inuit group is investigating for itself a long-standing accusation that RCMP officers slaughtered sled dogs in the 1950s and '60s to force their owners to give up their traditional lifestyle.
"Once the truth commission has completed their work (we'll) have a clearer picture of what actually happened," Terry Audla of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association said Wednesday.
Many Inuit are convinced that up to 20,000 sled dogs were systematically killed by police officers and other white authority figures as people were moving off the land and into communities. It's long been believed that the RCMP's actions were part of a plan to keep Inuit in settlements - where they were easier to administer - by destroying their main form of transportation.
Much of the social dysfunction in Inuit communities today stems back to that time of transition, giving the sled dog issue tremendous emotional force in Nunavut and Arctic Quebec.
Attacks on Dogs, by Dogs
Update 9/21: the news from Michigan gets stranger and stranger. USAToday reports on a series of murders of dogs.
Earlier:
Of course, sometimes the dogs strike first.
Ten dogs euthanized after fatal attacks
Thursday, September 20, 2007
CHRONICLE NEWS SERVICE
Ten dogs seized last week after some of them allegedly attacked and killed two Livingston County residents have been euthanized.
Anne Burns, director of Livingston County Animal Control, confirmed Wednesday that all 10 of the dogs -- all American bulldogs and bulldog mixes -- were destroyed, even though investigators believe only four of the dogs may have been involved in the attack.
Burns said she decided to destroy all the dogs because they were deemed unadoptable.
State police continue to investigate the vicious attacks that killed Edward Gierlach, 91, and 56-year-old Cheryl Harper. They were neighbors in rural Iosco Township, south of Fowlerville.
Police believe the dogs attacked Gierlach, who was in his yard, and then turned their attention to Harper, who was on her daily walk nearby.
Burns said all 10 dogs, which averaged 75-80 pounds, looked "like a boxer on stilts" and had faces similar to a boxer -- with a strong jaw and muscular body. She said none of the dogs looked like they had been used to fight, and there was no indication that dogs were involved in fights on owner Diane Cockrell's property.
Police have not found any witnesses to the attacks, said Sgt. Therese Fogarty-Cremonte.
Fogarty-Cremonte said autopsies on Gierlach and Harper were being conducted in Ingham County.
Trooper Jeff Frasier, one of three officers investigating the attacks, said Wednesday that neighbors are flooding police with reports that the dogs got out of their kennel a number of times.
Frasier said "there have been times they have gotten out." But, he said, in those cases neighbors said the dogs left the property and returned. But, he said, "if they menaced anyone, no reports were generated."
Frasier also confirmed Wednesday that Cockrell was out of town at the time of the attacks Sept. 13, and that a local teenager was taking care of the dogs. He said both Cockrell and the teen are cooperating with police.
Frasier said the investigation is nearly complete, and will probably be turned over to prosecutors for possible charges in the next day or two.
Earlier:
Of course, sometimes the dogs strike first.
Ten dogs euthanized after fatal attacks
Thursday, September 20, 2007
CHRONICLE NEWS SERVICE
Ten dogs seized last week after some of them allegedly attacked and killed two Livingston County residents have been euthanized.
Anne Burns, director of Livingston County Animal Control, confirmed Wednesday that all 10 of the dogs -- all American bulldogs and bulldog mixes -- were destroyed, even though investigators believe only four of the dogs may have been involved in the attack.
Burns said she decided to destroy all the dogs because they were deemed unadoptable.
State police continue to investigate the vicious attacks that killed Edward Gierlach, 91, and 56-year-old Cheryl Harper. They were neighbors in rural Iosco Township, south of Fowlerville.
Police believe the dogs attacked Gierlach, who was in his yard, and then turned their attention to Harper, who was on her daily walk nearby.
Burns said all 10 dogs, which averaged 75-80 pounds, looked "like a boxer on stilts" and had faces similar to a boxer -- with a strong jaw and muscular body. She said none of the dogs looked like they had been used to fight, and there was no indication that dogs were involved in fights on owner Diane Cockrell's property.
Police have not found any witnesses to the attacks, said Sgt. Therese Fogarty-Cremonte.
Fogarty-Cremonte said autopsies on Gierlach and Harper were being conducted in Ingham County.
Trooper Jeff Frasier, one of three officers investigating the attacks, said Wednesday that neighbors are flooding police with reports that the dogs got out of their kennel a number of times.
Frasier said "there have been times they have gotten out." But, he said, in those cases neighbors said the dogs left the property and returned. But, he said, "if they menaced anyone, no reports were generated."
Frasier also confirmed Wednesday that Cockrell was out of town at the time of the attacks Sept. 13, and that a local teenager was taking care of the dogs. He said both Cockrell and the teen are cooperating with police.
Frasier said the investigation is nearly complete, and will probably be turned over to prosecutors for possible charges in the next day or two.
Jail for Dog-Fight Operators
What is the matter with people?
Five facing jail over barbaric dog fight
By Nick Britten
The Telegraph
Five men are facing jail after being convicted of one of the bloodiest and most barbaric dog fights ever discovered.
Police raided a kitchen showroom to find two pit bull terriers on the verge of death after spending around two hours relentlessly ripping into each other.
The RSPCA said there was a worrying increase in dog fighting amongst gangs of young men.
Twenty six men were convicted over the fight in Alum Rock, Birmingham, last February, which pitted the dogs, Elvis and Bullet, against each other.
Birmingham Magistrates' Court was told the battled inflicted “unimaginable” pain and suffering on the dogs.
Graphic video footage taken during the fights shows the dogs' owners encouraging them to fight by shouting and clapping.
Squeals of pain and phrases such as “shake him” and “come on boy” could be heard on the videos as the dogs bit each other so badly that one was left covered in blood with barely any hair around its face.
Five facing jail over barbaric dog fight
By Nick Britten
The Telegraph
Five men are facing jail after being convicted of one of the bloodiest and most barbaric dog fights ever discovered.
Police raided a kitchen showroom to find two pit bull terriers on the verge of death after spending around two hours relentlessly ripping into each other.
The RSPCA said there was a worrying increase in dog fighting amongst gangs of young men.
Twenty six men were convicted over the fight in Alum Rock, Birmingham, last February, which pitted the dogs, Elvis and Bullet, against each other.
Birmingham Magistrates' Court was told the battled inflicted “unimaginable” pain and suffering on the dogs.
Graphic video footage taken during the fights shows the dogs' owners encouraging them to fight by shouting and clapping.
Squeals of pain and phrases such as “shake him” and “come on boy” could be heard on the videos as the dogs bit each other so badly that one was left covered in blood with barely any hair around its face.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
'Greenies' Suit Settled
Greenies dog treat lawsuit settled
By DAVID TWIDDY
KANSAS CITY, Mo.
The makers of Greenies, one of the nation's best-selling dog treats, have settled a class-action lawsuit claiming the teeth-cleaning product injured or killed close to a dozen dogs.
U.S. District Judge Gary Fenner on Monday agreed with a joint request to dismiss the case.
Alan Sash, who represented 10 dog owners against Kansas City-based manufacturer S&M NuTec, said the case was settled but the terms were confidential.
An attorney for S&M NuTec, which was acquired last year by McLean, Va.-based candy conglomerate Mars Inc., also declined further comment.
"All issues between the parties have been resolved," said Laura Fey.
Greenies are hard, dark green treats shaped like a bone on one end and a toothbrush on the other. Designed to scrub dogs' teeth while being chewed, the treats have become extremely popular in recent years, with pet owners snapping up more than 300 million a year.
But beginning in 2005, media outlets began carrying stories of pet owners claiming their dogs either choked on pieces of Greenies or suffered medical problems when undigested pieces became trapped in their intestines. A CNN report last year estimated at least 13 dogs had died of Greenies-related problems.
In their lawsuit, Sash's clients claimed S&M NuTec, the company that invented the treats, knew of the dangers Greenies posed for dogs but refused to adequately warn consumers or pull the treats from the shelves.
The company repeatedly said Greenies were safe when used as directed, which included buying dogs the correct size of treat and making sure the animal adequately chewed it and didn't gulp it down.
By DAVID TWIDDY
KANSAS CITY, Mo.
The makers of Greenies, one of the nation's best-selling dog treats, have settled a class-action lawsuit claiming the teeth-cleaning product injured or killed close to a dozen dogs.
U.S. District Judge Gary Fenner on Monday agreed with a joint request to dismiss the case.
Alan Sash, who represented 10 dog owners against Kansas City-based manufacturer S&M NuTec, said the case was settled but the terms were confidential.
An attorney for S&M NuTec, which was acquired last year by McLean, Va.-based candy conglomerate Mars Inc., also declined further comment.
"All issues between the parties have been resolved," said Laura Fey.
Greenies are hard, dark green treats shaped like a bone on one end and a toothbrush on the other. Designed to scrub dogs' teeth while being chewed, the treats have become extremely popular in recent years, with pet owners snapping up more than 300 million a year.
But beginning in 2005, media outlets began carrying stories of pet owners claiming their dogs either choked on pieces of Greenies or suffered medical problems when undigested pieces became trapped in their intestines. A CNN report last year estimated at least 13 dogs had died of Greenies-related problems.
In their lawsuit, Sash's clients claimed S&M NuTec, the company that invented the treats, knew of the dangers Greenies posed for dogs but refused to adequately warn consumers or pull the treats from the shelves.
The company repeatedly said Greenies were safe when used as directed, which included buying dogs the correct size of treat and making sure the animal adequately chewed it and didn't gulp it down.
Pet Fundraiser
"Furry Tails Can Come True" – Wednesday Oct.3. Pet Peeves, Inc. is holding its fifth annual social and business networking gala to raise funds for no-kill shelters, animal rescue groups, humane education, and pet therapy initiatives. Tickets are $100 and should be ordered in advance. All proceeds go toward supporting Pet Peeves. Call 516-692-PETS to purchase tickets or to obtain more information. 6 p.m., Crest Hollow Country Club 8325 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury.
Representing the Dog
Lawyer for the dog
Inside the booming field of animal law, in which animals have their own interests -- and their own lawyers.
By Drake Bennett
Boston Globe
In recent years, Dr. Amy Marder, a veterinarian practicing in Lexington, has found herself called upon to decide which human "parent" a pet prefers.
Pet custody disputes have become an increasingly common fixture in divorce cases and Marder, an animal behavior specialist, has consulted in several. To do a proper evaluation, she likes to spend at least an hour and a half with the couple and the pet. She asks the owners a barrage of questions: which of the two spends more time with the animal, who plays with it more, who feeds it. She asks about the pet's upbringing, its temperament, how much it exercises.
Marder frowns on so-called "calling contests," a method used by lawyers in some custody cases, in which the owners stand at opposite ends of a room and call the pet to see which way it will go. She prefers to observe the animal's body language as it interacts with its owners. She looks at whether it sits closer to one or the other, and how it reacts when each pets it.
At the end of the session, Marder makes her recommendation, based not only on who she thinks would take better care of the pet, but whom she has decided the pet has a stronger bond with - the same sort of considerations that would go into deciding a child-custody case. Sometimes she recommends joint custody, but only if she thinks the animal can handle it.
Inside the booming field of animal law, in which animals have their own interests -- and their own lawyers.
By Drake Bennett
Boston Globe
In recent years, Dr. Amy Marder, a veterinarian practicing in Lexington, has found herself called upon to decide which human "parent" a pet prefers.
Pet custody disputes have become an increasingly common fixture in divorce cases and Marder, an animal behavior specialist, has consulted in several. To do a proper evaluation, she likes to spend at least an hour and a half with the couple and the pet. She asks the owners a barrage of questions: which of the two spends more time with the animal, who plays with it more, who feeds it. She asks about the pet's upbringing, its temperament, how much it exercises.
Marder frowns on so-called "calling contests," a method used by lawyers in some custody cases, in which the owners stand at opposite ends of a room and call the pet to see which way it will go. She prefers to observe the animal's body language as it interacts with its owners. She looks at whether it sits closer to one or the other, and how it reacts when each pets it.
At the end of the session, Marder makes her recommendation, based not only on who she thinks would take better care of the pet, but whom she has decided the pet has a stronger bond with - the same sort of considerations that would go into deciding a child-custody case. Sometimes she recommends joint custody, but only if she thinks the animal can handle it.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Nova's Show
If you get a chance to see Nova's Dogs and More Dogs, do it. It's a wonderful program, lots of explanation of how different breeds developed, how dogs adapt to their environment, etc.
From the program's description:
Why do we know people are the key? Think of your favorite species of wild animal—elephant, eagle, barracuda, whatever. Does its kind come in as wide a range of shapes, sizes, and colors as the dog? Not even remotely. "You never get that kind of variation in wild populations," says animal behaviorist James Serpell of the University of Pennsylvania. "For the most part, selection in the wild is towards one particular type that does best in whatever environment the species has to deal with. In fact, divergent individuals tend to be selected against."
Dogs are diverse largely because of artificial rather than natural selection, because of us rather than nature. But just how much of their variety can be laid at our feet versus Mother Nature's remains unclear.
Face-Off
A face-lift for a dog? Brazilian vet does it all
'Good symmetry is very important'
By MEI-LING HOPGOOD
COX NEWS SERVICE
SAO PAULO, Brazil -- Is Fido in need of a face-lift?
Go see Edgado Brito, who is advancing the practice of pet plastic surgery in a land with a worldwide reputation for making people beautiful by any means.
Brazilians have long been known for their penchant for cosmetic surgery, and Brito has been adapting those techniques for use on animals.
"Plastic surgery is good for dogs!" said Brito, 45, a Doberman breeder who has worked as a veterinarian for 20 years.
He can make protruding ears droop and uses Metacril to straighten bent ears. He uses Botox to fix inverted eyelashes. He has even tightened the mammillae of a couple of female dogs, whose owners wanted to show them after they had given birth.
Simple surgeries usually cost from about $100 to $200.
In Brazil, the United States and Europe, pet plastic surgery is increasingly in demand, despite objections from animal rights activists and some dog breeders.
'Good symmetry is very important'
By MEI-LING HOPGOOD
COX NEWS SERVICE
SAO PAULO, Brazil -- Is Fido in need of a face-lift?
Go see Edgado Brito, who is advancing the practice of pet plastic surgery in a land with a worldwide reputation for making people beautiful by any means.
Brazilians have long been known for their penchant for cosmetic surgery, and Brito has been adapting those techniques for use on animals.
"Plastic surgery is good for dogs!" said Brito, 45, a Doberman breeder who has worked as a veterinarian for 20 years.
He can make protruding ears droop and uses Metacril to straighten bent ears. He uses Botox to fix inverted eyelashes. He has even tightened the mammillae of a couple of female dogs, whose owners wanted to show them after they had given birth.
Simple surgeries usually cost from about $100 to $200.
In Brazil, the United States and Europe, pet plastic surgery is increasingly in demand, despite objections from animal rights activists and some dog breeders.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Dogs on the Scene
Zowie, this is an appalling story, with dogs playing a key role. It's the people's behavior that seems pretty awful; the dogs were being dogs.
From the Telegraph in India
Stray dogs bite into ‘cremated’ bodies
OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
Patna, Sept. 16: In death, they lost the right to live; after death, they lost the right for having last rites.
While villagers in Dhelphodwa took law in their hands to beat 10 thieves of a nomad community to death on Thursday, stray dogs today were up for feast on at least two of the bodies “cremated” at Konhara ghat on Friday.
In his report filed on Friday, Vaishali district welfare officer J.K. Mathur, who was also the magistrate in charge of the incident, said that all the 10 bodies were “cremated” after post-mortem.
This morning had a telltale evidence that something was wrong in the process when local people went to the ghat — on the confluence of the Ganga and Gandak — to take bath. “About six dogs were feeding on the two bodies swept ashore. Another seven bodies were also floating,” said Surendra Tiwary, the pundit at the ghat who takes care of the funeral process of bodies.
From the Telegraph in India
Stray dogs bite into ‘cremated’ bodies
OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
Patna, Sept. 16: In death, they lost the right to live; after death, they lost the right for having last rites.
While villagers in Dhelphodwa took law in their hands to beat 10 thieves of a nomad community to death on Thursday, stray dogs today were up for feast on at least two of the bodies “cremated” at Konhara ghat on Friday.
In his report filed on Friday, Vaishali district welfare officer J.K. Mathur, who was also the magistrate in charge of the incident, said that all the 10 bodies were “cremated” after post-mortem.
This morning had a telltale evidence that something was wrong in the process when local people went to the ghat — on the confluence of the Ganga and Gandak — to take bath. “About six dogs were feeding on the two bodies swept ashore. Another seven bodies were also floating,” said Surendra Tiwary, the pundit at the ghat who takes care of the funeral process of bodies.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Dog a Day
So, you don't want to actually own a dog, but would enjoy having one to cavort with on occasion? Hmm, FlexPetz to the rescue!
Here's how the service describes itself:
FLEXPETZ provides our members with local access to a variety of dogs, all of whom are rescued or rehomed, very lovable and fully trained. FLEXPETZ members can spend from just a few hours to a number of days with each of our dogs. FLEXPETZ dogs are available in varied breed sizes to ensure compatibility with our member's individual lifestyles and unique circumstances. Local drop-off and collection to your home or office is available in some locations.
CURRENT LOCATIONS
FLEXPETZ LOS ANGELES
FLEXPETZ SAN DIEGO
Coming soon:
FLEXPETZ NYC (Manhattan)- Coming in September, 2007
FLEXPETZ San Francisco- Coming in September, 2007
FLEXPETZ London, UK- Coming in November, 2007
FLEXPETZ Boston - Coming in Spring 2008
FLEXPETZ Washington, DC - Coming in Spring 2008
Here's how the service describes itself:
FLEXPETZ provides our members with local access to a variety of dogs, all of whom are rescued or rehomed, very lovable and fully trained. FLEXPETZ members can spend from just a few hours to a number of days with each of our dogs. FLEXPETZ dogs are available in varied breed sizes to ensure compatibility with our member's individual lifestyles and unique circumstances. Local drop-off and collection to your home or office is available in some locations.
CURRENT LOCATIONS
FLEXPETZ LOS ANGELES
FLEXPETZ SAN DIEGO
Coming soon:
FLEXPETZ NYC (Manhattan)- Coming in September, 2007
FLEXPETZ San Francisco- Coming in September, 2007
FLEXPETZ London, UK- Coming in November, 2007
FLEXPETZ Boston - Coming in Spring 2008
FLEXPETZ Washington, DC - Coming in Spring 2008
Monday, September 10, 2007
Hi-Tech Dog Searches
Experts hope high-tech police dogs will 'revolutionize' rescue
TORONTO - Search-and-rescue dogs mounted with two-way cameras will revolutionize how lives are saved during a 9/11-scale crisis, says a canine handler and constable with Ontario's elite Provincial Emergency Response Team.
"What's great about a dog is that they can actually get into smaller spaces; they can search much more effectively with their nose," Const. Kevin Barnum said as he crouched in the debris of Toronto's half-demolished Regal Constellation hotel with his rescue dog Dare.
"With the camera it allows us a proper mapping system and you can actually know exactly where the victim is and what we have to expect as rescuers."
"I truly believe that this could revolutionize search-and-rescue dogs."
The camera-mounted harness, which now sports two pan-and-tilt infrared lenses on either side of the dog, was subject to ridicule until they found a model that worked, said Ryerson University professor and project leader Alex Ferworn.
"At first? People thought it was a horrible idea," Ferworn said with a laugh.
"People don't see the relationship between the technology and the animal . . . and as soon as I wanted to mount something on a dog, it became a huge problem."
TORONTO - Search-and-rescue dogs mounted with two-way cameras will revolutionize how lives are saved during a 9/11-scale crisis, says a canine handler and constable with Ontario's elite Provincial Emergency Response Team.
"What's great about a dog is that they can actually get into smaller spaces; they can search much more effectively with their nose," Const. Kevin Barnum said as he crouched in the debris of Toronto's half-demolished Regal Constellation hotel with his rescue dog Dare.
"With the camera it allows us a proper mapping system and you can actually know exactly where the victim is and what we have to expect as rescuers."
"I truly believe that this could revolutionize search-and-rescue dogs."
The camera-mounted harness, which now sports two pan-and-tilt infrared lenses on either side of the dog, was subject to ridicule until they found a model that worked, said Ryerson University professor and project leader Alex Ferworn.
"At first? People thought it was a horrible idea," Ferworn said with a laugh.
"People don't see the relationship between the technology and the animal . . . and as soon as I wanted to mount something on a dog, it became a huge problem."
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Katrina Rescues
This story last week was truly disturbing, an account of clashes between the owners of dogs pulled from the Katrina floodwaters and the people who rescued them and now won't return them. The story, in my opinion, reeks of class and race issues. If you wanted to do good and save the dogs, why not return them to owners?
And, unless they're being abused but you think they're not being as well cared for as you like, why not give the owners money? Why abscond with the dog?
See what you think.
And, unless they're being abused but you think they're not being as well cared for as you like, why not give the owners money? Why abscond with the dog?
See what you think.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Thinking About Buying?
The Humane Society has a good list of topics to consider before buying a puppy. Topping the list: Choosing the right dog.
I'll say. We bought a yellow Labrador pup almost two years ago, with no recognition of just how much energy a Lab could actually expend. She turned 2 last month and is just beginning to calm down.
That's after she destroyed a neighbor's door, ate the cables on the side of the house, chewed her way into a food cabinet, broke into the shed and ate two bicycle seats, chewed numerous shoes and other items around the house, and, the topper, ate into the plastic fuel sensor underneath the car, leading to a $500 repair bill. She thinks cars are her friend and, until recently, if she managed to burst out of the house without a leash, would run all over the place, including in front of cars, hoping we would chase her.
But we love her and would never consider getting rid of her. She's an absolutely fabulous dog, tons of personality, playful, great to have around. It's hard to describe how many tricks this dog has to get her way. But had I realized what people were saying about Labs having a lot of energy, we never would have bought her in the first place. Shh, don't mention that the the kids.
I'll say. We bought a yellow Labrador pup almost two years ago, with no recognition of just how much energy a Lab could actually expend. She turned 2 last month and is just beginning to calm down.
That's after she destroyed a neighbor's door, ate the cables on the side of the house, chewed her way into a food cabinet, broke into the shed and ate two bicycle seats, chewed numerous shoes and other items around the house, and, the topper, ate into the plastic fuel sensor underneath the car, leading to a $500 repair bill. She thinks cars are her friend and, until recently, if she managed to burst out of the house without a leash, would run all over the place, including in front of cars, hoping we would chase her.
But we love her and would never consider getting rid of her. She's an absolutely fabulous dog, tons of personality, playful, great to have around. It's hard to describe how many tricks this dog has to get her way. But had I realized what people were saying about Labs having a lot of energy, we never would have bought her in the first place. Shh, don't mention that the the kids.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Stubby the War Hero
Stubby was a hero of the Great War, serving in France with the American 102nd Infantry out of Connecticut:
Stubby did his part by providing morale-lifting visits up and down the line and occasional early warning about gas attacks or by waking a sleeping sentry to alert him to a German attack.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
