A flight attendant for a private airline says Jennifer Lopez's guard dog bit her pants leg during a flight, causing the attendant to fall and injure her back so badly it required surgery.

Lisa Wilson, 40, claims that because of the injury she can no longer work.

Wilson has filed a lawsuit in Brooklyn Federal Court, seeking $5 million from the singer/actress, the (New York) Daily News reports.

Wilson worked for NetJets, a private airline company that assigned her to work a flight taking J.Lo from Long Island to Burbank on July, 3, 2006.

 Wilson says Lopez boarded the Gulfstream IV jet with Floyd, a German shepherd described in the manifest as "a well-behaved guard dog." Wilson says Lopez gave her instructions on how to act around Floyd. Ninety minutes into the flight, Wilson was walking past Floyd, when he lunged at her and bit her pants leg. In an attempt to get away, Wilson says she "twisted and fell," injuring her lower back

(Photo: AP)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 5:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

If you thought bottled dog water was hard to swallow, then get a load of this.

(And, yes, puns on the Mutts blog are generally intended, and always encouraged.)

The "Pet Potty" is an indoor toilet for your pet, one that hooks right up to your home's plumbing.

Of all the ways our pets are becoming more like humans -- from their own bottled water, beers, spas and resorts -- this one might be the most significant step in that evolution yet, assuming of course it were to catch on, and they learn how to flush.

The Pet Potty "utilizes a unique drain system so your dog can pee in the unit and still have dry feet," according to the website, and comes complete with a pump and spray nozzle that allows you to wash pet waste down its drain. The price: $789.99, plus shipping and handling.

"The solids are washed into the drain area, liquefied and pumped down the sewer ... With The Pet Potty your dog can use the toilet whenever he or she needs to go ... There is no longer a need to take your pet outside ... they can use it at their convenience."

"There is no need for newspapers (I think I resent that comment) or any other refills as everything is flushed down the sanitary sewer system ..."

While we may be poking a bit of fun at the product -- and outlandish pet products in general -- we'll concede that the Pet Potty makes sense on some levels and in certain conditions, such as when a pet (or pet owner for that matter) becomes unable to walk outside. Maybe it could be useful in housetraining. And, all in all, it's probably more environmentally friendly that gajillions of plastic poop-containing bags sitting in our landfills.

So we're not judging, just -- without further ado -- presenting the Pet Potty:

Posted by John Woestendiek at 7:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

While the reported number of dog bite liability claims dropped last year, the amount of money involved in those claims increased 10.5 percent, according to a study released Wednesday by the Insurance Information Institute.

The Associated Press reports that the total number of dog bite claims actually slipped 0.9 percent to 14,531 in 2007, from 14,661 in 2006. But the Institute said the average cost per claim jumped 11.5 percent to $24,511, pushing total claims higher to $356.2 million in 2007, from $322.3 million the year before.

Dog bites represented about one-third of all homeowners insurance claims last year, according to the study.

Increases in the cost per claim are a result of rising medical costs, settlements, judgments and jury awards, the institute said.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 7:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The rising number of home foreclosures is leading to more dogs, cats and other pets being surrendered to animal shelters.

And with the exception of places like Furrytale Farm, a no-kill shelter outside Seattle -- featured in this NBC Nightly News report -- that generally means an increase in the number of animals being euthanized.

Animal shelters across the country are filling up to the point where that grim reality is the only option. And no-kill shelters are having a harder time finding room for animals brought to them. Furrytale, for instance, says it is having to turn away three of every four animals.

As NBC reporter Chris Jansing points out, the numbers are bleak: 261,000 homes in foreclosure in May alone; Los Angeles city shelters report a 30 percent increase in admissions.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 8:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

If you haven't read any dog books by Jon Katz, you're missing out -- but you can get a taste of his work in his latest piece for Slate, in which he describes an inter-species love affair taking place at his upstate New York farm.

"Though I've lived for some years with sheep, cows, steers, goats, barn cats, chickens — and dogs — on a farm in upstate New York, I'd never encountered a situation where animals of different species have fallen in love, or even had much of a friendship.

"But here it is: Lenore, a highly affectionate creature, is utterly smitten with Brutus ..."

Yes, it seems the writer's black Labrador puppy has a thing for one of the farm's neutered rams.

"Each day," Katz writes, "the pair seems more companionable. Lenore looks for Brutus, and when she finds him, she sometimes challenges him to romp, occasionally rolling over and flirtatiously showing her belly. She isn't above giving his nose or ear a lick. Some days, they just graze side by side, Lenore also chomping down the grass."

Katz has posted photographic evidence of the relationship on his Web site, where a few commenters have urged him not to interfere with the relationship, mixed as it may be.

"Please, please don't separate them," a woman named Heather e-mailed from London. "They belong together. Give them a chance to work it out."

"Obviously, Brutus is unhappy and lonely," wrote a farmer from Nebraska. "Make sure to give them support. Nothing wrong with it."

If reading his Slate piece leaves you wanting more, here are some books by Katz: Katz on Dogs; The Dogs of Bedlam Farm; The New Work of Dogs: Tending to Life, Love, and Family; Dog Days: Dispatches from Bedlam Farm; A Dog Year: Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me.

His newest book comes out in September, Izzy and Lenore. In it, Katz writes about his new pup, Lenore, and delves deeper into his relationship with Izzy, his rescued border collie turned therapy dog, as they visit hospices and nursing homes.

(Photo by, and courtesy of, Jon Katz)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 8:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The only two companies in the business of cloning dogs -- one in South Korea, one in California -- are at odds, both claiming they are the sole legally authorized dog cloners worldwide.

We got our first taste of the dispute when we published an entry about the impending birth of the South Korean company's first commercially cloned dog --  a pit bull terrier named Booger, created using cells from the ear tissue of the donor dog.

To update you on that report, there are now three live fetuses -- little Boogers, if you will -- growing in two surrogate mother dogs, both of which are expected to give birth in late July, according to the South Korean company, RNL Bio.

RNL Bio, has cloned previous dogs (see here), but this was its first -- and the first ever, it claimed -- cloned for an individual customer.

When we reported that, the California company -- BioArts International, which has, through a collaboration with a different South Korean company, produced three clones of Missy, the pet of a BioArts' executive -- took issue.

"We ask that you make the following corrections to the blog," wrote Kiley Russell, the media representative for BioArts International. "1) The first commercial pet dog clones have already been delivered by BioArts: the 3 clones of Missy; and 2) That RNL has no legal right to clone dogs, whereas BioArts does, so it is inaccurate to describe the two companies as comparable competitors.

"BioArts has been granted the sole, worldwide license for the cloning of dogs, cats and endangered species," she wrote. "The license was granted by Start Licensing, Inc. and applies to the somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) cloning patents developed at the Roslin Institute for the cloning of Dolly the sheep."

We declined to make the "corrections." For one thing, Missy was the company owner's dog, and was cloned at his behest, which in my view is not exactly a commercial cloning.

For another, RNL Bio, the South Korean company, says that it has the exclusive license for worldwide dog cloning.

Was the exclusive license cloned? Nothing that exotic. The explanation is somewhat simpler. It's two different licenses, from two different entities, for two different types of cloning.

In a press release sent to Mutts by RNL Bio, the company says it was granted the exclusive license for dog cloning from Seoul National University. The licensing agreement signed early this month, between the two organizations, granted RNL the worldwide rights to clone dogs.

The firm says it plans to pursue "available legal action" against BioArts International and its South Korea affiliate, Sooam Biotech Research Foundation, for patent infringement relating to its plan to conduct an online auction for cloned dogs scheduled for July, 2008.

BioArts’ patented technology is related to sheep cloning and has never been successfully used to  clone a dog, RNL Bio says.

The dog that was cloned by BioArts was cloned in conjunction with Dr. Woo-suk Hwang who, while at Seoul National University, was one of the inventors of the world first cloned dog, Snuppy.

Hwang was later relieved of duty for faslifying data, and now works with Sooam Biotech Research, a BioArts affiliate. RNL Bio says he has no right to use the proprietary dog cloning technology from Seoul National University.

No one ever said science was simple.

(Photo: Four pups born in May, that were produced from the cells of a famous cancer-sniffing dog named Marine. Courtesy of RNL Bio)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 1:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Nine greyhounds suffered broken legs at Massachusetts dog tracks in May,
according to state reports completed by racetrack veterinarians.

That brings to 820 the total number of dogs injured since the state began keeping such reports in 2002, greyhound advocates say.

“These broken legs are indisputable evidence of the cruel nature of this industry,” said Michael Markarian, Executive Vice President of The Humane Society of the United States.

“Dogs should be treated like part of the family, not profit machines at constant risk of suffering a serious injury.”

Broken legs comprise nearly 80 percent all greyhound injuries reported to the state each year. Other reported injuries include spinal cord paralysis, death from cardiac arrest and a broken neck, according to The Committee to Protect Dogs, an animal welfare organization dedicated to passing stronger dog protection laws in the state.

Last week, supporters of a ballot question to phase out commercial dog racing in the Massachusetts announced that they had collected 45,000 signatures with an all-volunteer effort, more than four times the number needed to place the Greyhound Protection Act on the November ballot.

If passed, the proposal would phase out commercial greyhound racing by 2010. Committee co-chairs include representatives of the MSPCA-Angell, the Humane Society of the United States and the greyhound protection group GREY2K USA.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 8:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

In Michigan, Genesee County Animal Control officials have apologized to Anette Hetzer for accidentally euthanizing her dog last week.

Junior, a two-year-old black lab had been quarantined at the county's animal shelter to observe for signs of rabies after escaping from Hetzer's home and biting a woman. Hetzer's husband received a ticket for a leash law violation.

Animal Control interim director Mary Conaton said the dog's death was caused when a worker misread a card on Junior's cage and took the wrong animal for the lethal injection.

Conaton said the county's system for tracking animals with handwritten cage cards is flawed and in the process of being reviewed. She offered to charge the family only the fee for spaying or neutering if they wanted to adopt another dog.

"He was the sweetest dog," an Associated Press story quotes Hetzer as saying. "It doesn't seem right. This was a family dog -- almost like a family member. ... He shouldn't have died like that."

Hetzer said the hardest part is explaining the loss to her two-year-old son. "He is really heartbroken," she said. "He wants his dog to come home."

Posted by John Woestendiek at 7:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Wheat bread soaked in antifreeze is suspected as the culprit in a rash of poisonings that has left two dogs dead and four sickened in Toronto's High Park.

One of the dogs that died had eaten the bread, while the other may have licked water from a communal bucket that may have been laced with the sweet-tasting chemical, the Toronto Star reports today.

Dog Hill, the park's off-leash zone, remained cordoned off by yellow police tape yesterday, and police had few comments.

But John Cleary, a member of the High Park off-leash review committee, suspects that someone had soaked whole wheat bread with a chemical believed to be auto antifreeze -- and that the intended victims might have been raccoons instead of dogs.

Cleary told the newspaper he discovered one of the dead raccoons Monday. Others were found up to a year ago, one holding a bouquet of flowers and another posed with a squirrel.

The poisonings prompted Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty to make this comment:

"Maybe it's hard for folks to understand who haven't had a pet but you can't avoid it -- they soon enough become a member of your family.

"This is very difficult for families to cope with and there's something fundamentally wrong with society if you can't take your family pet for a walk in a public park and not be concerned about somehow endangering your pet."

Posted by John Woestendiek at 12:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Out of an Atlanta suburb comes the still unraveling story of one man in his fifties killing another -- ostensibly over an argument about unleashed dogs in the park.

Yellow River Park, in Gwinnett County, doesn't permit dogs off their leashes, and Charles Martin Coats, 57, continually -- over several years -- reminded William Scott Carr, 50, of that fact.

In January, that argument got to the point where Coats, who liked to sit in the park and whittle, fatally stabbed Carr, who liked to let his dogs run unleashed, according to an article in yesterday's Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Opening statements in Coats murder trial Wednesday revealed that, while the two men continually butted heads over dogs, and did so on the day of the murder, there may have been deeper issues, including Coats alleged resentment of gay people, of which Carr was one.

"Get your blankety-blank dogs on a leash!" Coats told Carr on one occasion, said prosecuting attorney David Keeton. The two traded insults, with Carr telling Coats to "mind his own business."

Coats stabbed Carr once in the throat, which Keeton said showed Coats' murderous intent. Keeton suggested Coats was motivated by homophobia, citing testimony by one of Coats' jailmates. Coats' bias helps explain "why he so grossly overreacted in his response to what should have been a minor situation," Keeton told the jury.

"He not only resented Scott Carr's unleashed dogs," Keeton said. He also "resented what he thought was Mr. Carr's unleashed lifestyle."

Coats' attorney Brian Steel rejected Keeton's homophobia argument, saying the allegation comes from a convict looking to cut a deal.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 12:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Deluged, I am.

The response to Tuesday's post on bottled dog water has left me drowning in a sea of comments -- many of them from other (than the four I mentioned) makers of bottled dog waters.

Most regular folks seemed to find the concept silly (not to mention uneccesarily expensive and wasteful).

But makers of bottled, or otherwise contained, water for dogs insist it is both healthy and practical.

The product to the left was one of my favorites.

"John, A friend of mine told me about your blog and I wanted to give you an option of convenience and portability!" Cyndi Allen wrote. 

"My husband (DVM) and I recently started a business called Pet Quenchers. It is to make travel or being on the go more convenient for you and your pet.

"It is bowls of water that are film sealed with an over-lid to continue to use the water for the rest of the day while traveling or on the run.

"This is an easy way to offer hydration already in a bowl ...  Sure you can buy bottled water, or dog water, however you still do not have the bowl. We have combined the two in one."

Can a Nobel prize be far behind? The company goes on to offer to send me some free samples. They say that sometimes the simplest ideas are the best -- and they don't get much simpler than this. For more on "hydration in a bowl," visit petquenchers.com.

We also heard from epetwater, the sellers of "100% Pet Spring Water." Its dog water, according to the Web site it's sold on is "collected only at the spring or through a bore hole tapping the underground formation finding the spring." Its cat water is collected "from the same underground stratum as the spring" through the use of "external force."

One dog water maker asked, "If water is just water, why don't people drink out of toilets too?"

Moving on, we also heard from a few providers of dog water dispensers, most of which come sans water, such as this one available at pawshop.com.

Our favorite response, though, came from Ann, a regular Mutts commenter with a penchant for putting things in proper perspective.

"I  have a great idea. Give your dog a good diet, and let him have all the tap water he wants. Then you can do three things," she wrote. "1) Donate the money you save to your favorite animal-rescue group; 2) Avoid the petroleum and energy costs associated with those attractive plastic bottles; and 3) Preserve those "high mountain" aquifers of "exceptional purity."

"Such a crock o'poo! Dogs don't need bottled water any more than we do. Exotic pets that might be bothered by chemicals can be taken care of with a filter."

Posted by John Woestendiek at 8:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Twenty-eight animals left homeless by floods in the Midwest arrived at their new home in Washington Tuesday morning.

The Washington Animal Rescue League made the 40-hour round trip to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to pick up 19 cats and nine dogs from a temporary shelter set up by the Humane Society of the United States at at Kirkwood Community College, ABC affilliate WJLA reported.

Gary Weitzman, executive director of the Rescue League, said the shelter is currently housing about 900 animals. Some of the animals brought to Washington were living at the Cedar Rapids Animal Shelter, which the floodwaters left under eight feet of water. Others were rescued from the floodwaters by a team lead by the Humane Society of the United States and will be held for two weeks at the temporary shelter to give owners a chance to reclaim them.

Weitzman said the animals include several mix breed dogs, domestic short- and long-haired cats and a full Pitbull who was hit by a car just before the floods.

"We also have two lab puppies who just thought the whole ride was a blast," says Weitzman.

The Rescue League says the cats and dogs brought to Washington on Tuesday will be available for adoption Saturday. The League is planning a second trip to Cedar Rapids for the weekend to pick up additional animals. Storms and flooding in the upper Midwest left 24 people dead, driven tens of thousands from their homes and caused billions in damage.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 1:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

The next Canine & Cocktails event -- they're held the last Friday of every month during summer at the Loews Annapolis -- is Friday, June 27.

If you haven't been to one, here's some video I shot at last month's event.

This month, Luke, resident dog at the hotel, invites all his fellow working dogs in downtown Annapolis to join him as money will be raised for his favorite local charity – the SPCA of Anne Arundel County.

Several available pets from the SPCA are expected to attend the dog-friendly event as well.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

We've posted several times on the phenomenon of "stray voltage," specifically about how lamposts have claimed the lives of at least four dogs in the past couple of years in New York City.

But the phenomenon is not limited to lamposts, dogs or New York City. Hot spots have shocked dogs and pedestrians in Boston, Chicago and all across the country -- and summertime is when the risks run highest.

"All urban and rural areas are susceptible to stray voltage since wherever there is outdoor electrical equipment, there is always some risk," says Blair Sorrel, a New York woman who has been warning about the hazards, and running a website that tries to stay on top of them, for a couple of years now.

The website, infrashock.com, features an interactive map that pinpoints the location of reported hot spots.

"Protect yourself, your family, and your pet. Your first step may be your last!" the Web site warns.

That may sound like overstatement to some, but not to Celia Sing, whose Husky, Sebastian, died this spring, nor to Denise Buffa, whose Mastiff, Mushy, was also electrocuted.

Sorrel says the most gruesome scenario is that of the male dog being electrocuted when it urinates on a lampost, but dogs of both genders have been killed by stray voltage -- sometimes by brushing up against a pole, sometimes by non-electrified pieces of metal like manholes and delivery doors that are carrying a current.

"I'm not suggesting that you and your dog become social shut-ins," Sorrel says. "Just exercise more prudent walking patterns and skirt, whenever possible outdoor electrical equipment -- street and traffic lights, fire call boxes, phone boothes, manholes, service boxes, newer delivery doors, and decorative lighting -- all may be energized year-round.

"It's a minefield out there," she says.

The mission of infraShock is to protect the public from the risk of voltage leakage (commonly referred to as stray voltage).

Last summer, the New York City Department of Transportation announced plans to place LED detectors on 150,000 light poles in NYC. The devices are designed to "glow brightly if the light poles become electrified.

But hot spots, including a good many undetected ones remain -- and dogs aren't their only victims, says Sorrel, who also writes a blog called Between You, Me and the Lamppost.

Humans, too, have been killed and injured, including a third grade teacher who, as the New York Times reported last summer, suffered brain damage when he was shocked by a pay phone located above an leaking underground high voltage vault.

Here in Baltimore, underground electrical cables at a ball field in Druid Hill Park were blamed in the May, 2006 electrocution of Deanna Green, a 14-year-old Randallstown girl. Green was playing softball with her mother and members of her church when she touched two metal fences - one with an unprotected post tip that had come in contact with an underground cable - at the same time, completing an electrical circuit.

The city said afterwards the cable would be inspected and replaced as as part of a "corrective action plan."

Posted by John Woestendiek at 7:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

There are only a few more hours remaining in a contest with an unusual prize -- a cloned canine, my fellow dogbloggers at the Los Angeles Times report.

According to Unleashed, the Times animal blog, the Califronia company that last month announced a series of online auctions ($100,000 minimum bid) to clone dogs is now sponsoring an essay contest in which the winner gets one free dog cloning.

In "The Golden Clone Giveaway," the winning essay writer will get his or her favorite pooch duplicated from DNA, BioArts International has announced.

"Over the objections of our accountant, we have decided to give away one dog cloning slot to the family with the most 'clone-worthy' dog in the world," said BioArts CEO Lou Hawthorne (pictured with dogs cloned from his family pet).

Contestants have until 6 p.m. today to submit a photo of their furry friend and a 500-word essay describing why their pooch's genetic replicas should live on.

BioArts claims to be the only authorized cloner of dogs, but RNL Bio in South Korea has produced several already. The two companies are at odds, with BioArts saying RNL is not licensed to do what is doing, and RNL saying BioArts has yet to actually clone a dog on its own. The dogs pictured with  Hawthorne above, RNL says, were cloned by BioArts in collaboration with Sooam Biotech Research Foundation in Korea.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 2:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

On the heels of doggie dentists, doggie day care, doggie beer and designer doggie clothing lines comes the latest way to make your pooch as spoiled as you are -- bottled dog water.

With bottled water and pet-related goods two of the few areas still experiencing growth in our economy, it only makes sense that someone would come up with a product that capitalizes on that combination.

Century Foods, a maker of nutritional supplements, has introduced a new line of bottled water for dogs, with three unique formulas -- one to promote healthy hips and joints, one to ensure healthy aging and another Gatorade-ish blend designed to quickly replace electrolytes after exercise.

Hero Enhanced Dog Water is "a hydration treat for dogs," says Tim Greene, director of sales for Century Foods.

The water undergoes a "unique triple-filtered, reverse-osmosis purification process" before it is fortified with nutrients, and while according to promotional material "it smells a little funny to people, dogs love to the taste."

Century Foods says it recognized the exponential growth in the pet supply business -- one that shows no signs of slowing down.

It's not the only dog water on the market, only the latest.

In February, Cott Corp. came out with Fortifido, a bottled water that is fortified with vitamins in order to encourage healthy bones, skin, and teeth as well as freshen the breath of household dogs.

PetRefresh also offers special bottled water that does not contain the chemicals used in tap water. It comes from "high mountain streams of unusual purity," and is triple filtered. It can be used for dogs, birds, hamsters, gerbils and other pocket pets, as well as lizards and snakes.

"So, if you're avoiding your tap water and drinking bottled water ... shouldn't you be giving the same consideration to your pet?" the PetRefresh Web site asks.

Other companies are using humor, as opposed to guilt, to sell their versions of bottled dog water.

K9 Water Co. jokingly offers the following flavors: Toilet Water, Puddle Water, Hose Water
and Gutter Water (actually chicken, beef, liver and lamb).

Posted by John Woestendiek at 7:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (12)
        

Professional driver Andrew Prendeville is donating proceeds from last weekend's Jeld-Wen 100 race in Iowa to Best Friends Animal Society to help fund the animal welfare organization's rescue efforts in the flood ravaged state.

Through an ongoing "Racing Laps for Best Friends" promotion, Prendeville raises money at every race of the Firestone Indy Lights season. The funds go to Best Friends, but this is just the second time they are being allotted to a specific effort.

The promotion encourages animal lovers and race fans to pledge a nominal amount -- as low as 25 cents -- for each lap Prendeville completes in a single race or throughout the season. They can also donate a one-time flat amount.

Less than halfway through the season, Prendeville has raised $32,400 on the track. Combined with other “fund-racing” features, including merchandise sales and a raffle, the Prendeville/Best Friends partnership has brought in nearly $42,070 so far this season, Best Friends says.

Based in Kanab, Utah, Best Friends is home on any given day to about 2,000 dogs, cats, and other animals, who come from shelters and rescue groups around the country.

It also works with humane groups and communities to set up spay/neuter, shelter, foster and adoption programs. Best Friends, as it has in previous disasters, like Hurricane Katrina, is taking part in rescuing pets and animals from floodwaters in Iowa. For more on that effort, click here.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 7:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

What has three legs, one eye and virtually no hair?

The winner of the World's Ugliest Dog contest in Petaluma, Calif. -- that's what.

A pedigree Chinese crested named Gus, who sports a mere white tuft of hair on his head, won Saturday's contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Northern California.

His owner, Jeanenne Teed, brought Gus all the way from St. Petersburg, Fla., to compete.

"Well, I think right now he's ready for a nap," she said after Gus received the honor.

For lots more photos from the event, click here.

The Chinese crested breed is a popular choice in this annual contest. Last year's champ, Elwood, was a Chinese crested and Chihuahua mix.

Gus' owner won $500 and will be flown to New York to appear on "CBS This Morning." The event will be aired on the Animal Planet network in October.

(Photo by Associated Press)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

We're coming up on the peak time of year for dogs to disappear. Between June thunderstorms and July fireworks, more than a few spooked dogs bolt from their homes and go missing.

Luckily, the Baltimore area has two full-time pet sleuths, one of whom, Laura Totis, is the subject of a feature story in today's Sun.

Totis and her her trusty sidekick, a German shepherd sniffer dog named Chewy, operate LJT Training, a training and tracking business in Hampstead.

As with her competition, Sam Connelly of Pure Gold Pet Trackers, Totis fields several calls each week about a missing pet. Usually it's a lost dog or cat, but not always. They have found themselves on the heels of a ferret in Canton, a llama, even a pet skunk in Pennsylvania, Scott Calvert reports in today's piece.

Both trackers have four-legged associates to help in tracking down pets who have strayed.

Totis and Connelly will both tell you it's easier to prevent a pet from going missing than it is to find one that has.

They offer practical advice -- like making sure you dog is registered, wears tags, is microchipped, and doesn't roam off leash. They also recommend well-placed posters when a pet does disappear, with a phone number in large type.

(Photo of Laura Totis and Chewy by Jed Kirschbaum, Sun photographer)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 8:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Anybody else notice that -- on these really hot days -- your dog seems to (A) play a lot less (B) pay a lot less attention to you, and (C) is much less likely to come when called?

On my last few trips to Riverside Park, Ace (in addition to just moving a lot slower) has been acting that way. For the first time ever, while we were heading back home and he was on the leash, he stopped and laid down in the shade, stubbornly refusing to go on.

On top of that, he seems to be in a zone of his own when the temperature hits the upper 90s. I can call him, and call him, and call him, and all I get is an aloof look -- and this from a dog who 99 percent of the time is looking to please.

We can't lower the temperatures outdoors, but we can do something about getting our dogs to come when we call -- in fact, for those with dogs that go unleashed, it's an outright responsibility.

In this a helpful Associated Press article, these tips are offered:

•First, figure out what is really rewarding to your dog -- whether it's a pat, a treat, or a toy.

•Then, run away from him and say "come" in a cheerful tone of voice." Condition him to think "come" means good times are ahead.

•Next, start at a short distance from the dog. If you have help, have someone hold and then release the dog when you say "come." Otherwise, you can leave a small handful of treats on the ground. Back away as the dog eats them, and then as he eats the last one, call him to come. Reward the dog when he comes to you. Gradually increase the distance, and don't just stand there as you call, move. Turning and running away is inviting to a dog, but standing and looking at him can be intimidating.

•Once he responds reliably to your call, it's time to get him to come amid distractions, such as the other dogs at the park. Keep your tone cheerful (I have trouble with that, generally my third and subsequent "comes" take on an increasingly irate tone) and never punish the dog if he doesn't come in a new situation.

•Once you've trained your dog, be careful that the call to come never leads to anything unpleasant. Go and get your dog if you need to cut his nails, don't call him to come.

•If your dog starts to hesitate or look uncertain when you call him, you've probably accidentally "poisoned" the command. Pick a new word and retrain him to come to that; it's faster than trying to "fix" the word that's gotten a bad association.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 7:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

All dogs deserve vacations, but Dizzy -- a survivor of Hurricane Katrina, a pooch subjected to nearly daily jogs (gasp!) in Riverside Park, and a close personal friend of mine -- merited one more than most.

So his people, Doug and Meredith, recently showed him a good time at the beach in Delaware, while staying at the truly dog-friendly bed and breakfast, the Lazy L at Willow Creek, just outside of downtown Lewes.

As Joanne Cassidy, one of the innkeepers, notes in Meredith's story about the trip, in today's travel section of The Sun, there is a difference between "pet tolerant" and "pet friendly."

The inn sports a large dog run for ball chasing, cookie treats for snacking on, and ear scratching for pleasure. It even allows its canine guests on the furniture.

"We're on a first-name basis with Stanley Steamer," Cassidy said.

Dizzy had plenty of fellow canines to hang with at the beach, Meredith reports:

There was a beautiful golden retriever named Heather, a set of happy-go-lucky black and yellow labs named Mya and Porsha, an extra-furry border collie mix named Ralphie and a pair of standard poodles. Somehow, we didn't get many human names.

Of the five sets of guests this weekend - some from as far away as North Carolina and Pennsylvania - only one didn't bring along a dog. It's not a requirement, though not minding dogs and not being deathly allergic to them seem necessary.

(Photo by Meredith Cohn)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 8:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

While backers of a statewide ban on dog racing in Massachusetts say they have enough signatures to put the issue before voters, a lawsuit filed by dog track operators could keep the matter off the November ballot, the Boston Globe reports.

The Committee to Protect Dogs said it submitted 45,000 signatures -- far more than the 11,099 needed -- to local election officials for certification Tuesday, a day before the deadline.

The proposed dog racing ban would shut down the state's two tracks, Raynham-Taunton Greyhound Park and Wonderland Greyhound Park in Revere, by Jan. 1, 2010.

But a lawsuit filed by attorneys for one of the track owners argues that the referendum, since it singles out the two tracks, rather than applying to the whole state, is unfit for a referendum. The Supreme Judicial Court took the matter under advisement after a hearing May 7.

In 2006, the same track onwer used a lawsuit to successfully block a similar ballot initiative. Animal rights activists were successful in getting a ban on the ballot in 2000, but it was narrowly defeated.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 8:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

A powder puff of a Pomeranian, named "Peter," is pictured here posing precociously -- or perhaps petulantly -- as he is prepared for competition during a recent All Breed Championship Dog Show in Ahmedabad, India.

Peter, owned by Steve Almeida, bagged first prize in the Toy Group category of the event which was organized by The Ahmedabad Canine Club. About 150 dogs from across Gujarat and other states participated.

(Photo by Getty Images)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 7:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Randy DeCarlo, the Georgia man facing up to 12 years in jail because his beagles and basset hounds violated a county noise ordinance, is going to do a little barking himself.

DeCarlo, whose hearing on the charges has been postponed until late August, says he plans to address the Gwinnett County commissioners about the county's new animal ordinance and euthanization policies next week.

DeCarlo, 55, received 24 citations for violating Gwinnett County's noise ordinance last year, each punishable by 6 months in jail.

Prosecutors offered him a deal -- give up 10 of his 25 dogs and accept 24 months probation. But DeCarlo, an animal rescue advocate, turned it down.

DeCarlo told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that he has replaced his attorney and is seeking a dismissal. He has also made open records requests of the county's animal advisory council for meeting minutes, seeking information to bolster his claim that the county's policy-making process on animal issues hasn't been open to public scrutiny.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 7:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

They make it easier for humans to connect. They make everyone happier. They teach us about loyalty, patience, acceptance, perseverance, gratitude -- and that's just for starters.

And, since their owners don't have to rush home and let the dog out, they make workers more likely to stay late.

All these points are made in a USA Today column by Rhonda Abrams, written for "Take Your Dog to Work Day" under the auspices of her dog, Cosmo. You can read it here.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 9:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

We just showed up to watch, but a photo was snapped and some forms were filled out and next thing we knew my dog Ace was officially in the running to be the next Milk-Bone spokesdog.

Your dog can be too -- just show up at one of the remaining stops the Milk-Bone-mobile is making in the Baltimore area, or enter online at milk-bone.com.

A steady stream of dogwalkers stopped by the Milk-Bone campsite in Patterson Park yesterday, including Luna (right) for free treats and to enter their dog for chance to win a $100,000 contract as spokesdog.

It's part of a nationwide tour, in conjunction with Milk-Bone's 100th anniversary.

Once Milk-Bone culls through the entries, the best -- photos or videos depicting a "Milk-Bone moment" -- will be voted on online.

A Milk-Bone moment doesn't have to involve a Milk-Bone -- more important, it should reflect the special bond between dog and owner.

"Pets parents have a special connection with their best friends that makes them smile laugh or just feel good inside," the webstie explains. "That's what we call a Milk-Bone moment."  

It's like a "Kodak moment," with drool.

More than 7 billion Milk-Bone biscuits were made last year. 

In the 1860s dog biscuits were accidentally invented in London when a butcher shop owner was experimenting with a new biscuit recipe. They tasted terrible, but he tossed one to his dog who gobbled it down.

The snack was introduced in the U.S. 100 years ago here when a New York baker bought the British recipe. The F. H. Bennett Biscuit Company was established and began selling the treats under the name "Malatoid" which was changed around 1915 to "Milk-Bone" (cow's milk being one of the ingredients.)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 9:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

We ran across this sweet girl yesterday while visiting the Milk-Bone-mobile in Patterson Park.

Her name is Missy Moo, and she's available for adoption from the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS).

Two BARCS volunteers brought Missy Moo to the function, in hopes of finding her a home. She's a one-year-old terrier mix, house-trained, seemed to get along great with other dogs and hits it off immediately with most humans -- if how close we came to taking her home was any indication.

She's also entered in the Milk-Bone spokesdog contest, so here's your chance to adopt a potential celebrity.

She has one bad habit, BARCS volunteers says -- and it's the reason she was surrendered to the shelter. She tends to chase cars. (Imagine how far she'd chase the Milk-Bone-mobile, seen in the background.)

She'd make someone a great indoor dog, though. For more information about Missy Moo, call or visit BARCS, 301 Stockholm St.. The phone number is 410-396-4695.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 9:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

They may have had a few dog owners cursing their name back when -- in the name of art -- one of their students  surrounded Mount Vernon Place with gold chain link fence, but the Maryland Institute College of Art is really a very dog-friendly place.

Faculty and staff at MICA are allowed to bring their pets to work -- as long as said animal is wearing his special MICA Pet ID tag, and said animal keeps out of designated "pet-free zones."

MICA doesn't allow dogs in campus owned or managed housing, and they're not allowed in Meyerhoff House Dining Room, Café Doris, Java Corner or other areas where food is served.

But, otherwise, MICA's pets and animal policy permits dogs that are registered, up on their shots, and cleared by the Environmental Health and Service manager to enter most buildings and stroll about campus, as long as they're on leashes.

Today being Take Your Dog to Work Day, we'd love to hear from more dog-friendly employers -- workplaces that allow employees to bring their dogs to work not just today, but everyday.

 I bet there is a correlation between how dog-friendly employers are and how employee-friendly they are.

(Photo: Artist and MICA student Lee B. Freeman, by Sun photographer Jed Kirschbaum; id tags, courtesy of MICA)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 8:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Take Your Dog to Work Day is here, and for all you party-pooping bosses who didn't go along with it -- and you know who you are -- here's hoping you wise up by next year.

Dogs in the workplace can make for a more relaxing, lively, stress-free, upbeat, warm, friendly and -- here comes your favorite word -- "productive" environment.

That's what the following employers -- rated the top ten dog friendliest by simplyhired.com -- have found out:

Google

Amazon.com

Banfield, the Pet Hospital

Petsmart

Autodesk

ValueOptions

Nature Conservancy

Be Your Best

Advent Software

Posted by John Woestendiek at 8:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Milk-Bone, which turned 100 this year, is looking for their first ever SpokesDog, and today the Milk-Bone-mobile will be in Patterson Park, welcoming all contenders.

The grand prize winner of the "Make a Milk-Bone Moment" contest will receive a $100,000 contract to serve as the Milk-Bone SpokesDog.

The winner will be chosen based on photos and videos submitted to Milk-Bone that best caputure a special moment between a human and their dog.

The top 100 finalists will be posted on Milk-Bone's website, and chosen through online voting.

To find out more, and perhaps give your dog a chance at stardom, drop by any of the Milk-Bone-Mobile's stops this weekend: Today, at Patterson Park from 4 p.m.-8 p.m.; Friday and Sunday, at the Bowie Town Center Mall from noon-6 p.m; and Saturday, at the Humane Society of Baltimore County's play day and flea market, which will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The society is at 1601 Nicodemous Road in Reisterstown.

Milk-Bone has been celebrating its 100th all year. Part of the celebration included building the World’s Largest Doghouse out of Milk-Bones and a $1 million donation to Milk-Bone’s Canine Heroes program.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 11:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Tyson, a 10-year-old Yorkie (who functions both as a desktop or laptop model) has been coming to work with Denise Iannatuono for years.

As a hairdresser, she snuck Tyson into the salon. As editor and publisher of Baltimore Dog Magazine, whose one year anniversary edition came out this month, not only does Denise bring Tyson to the job, but she and her husband's three big dogs, too -- Star, a yellow lab; Astro, a black lab; and Skye, a weimaraner.

The quarterly magazine is published just down the block from the Shot Tower, in the Fayette Street offices that her husband, Bruce, built to house his company, Chess Communications.

For him and Denise, everyday is Take Your Dog to Work Day.

"They love to come to work," she said "Skye sees me getting ready in the morning and starts pacing until I'm ready."

In addition to their own dogs, at least six others belonging to employees showed up for last year's Take Your Dog to Work Day, and, after settling in, all seemed to get along fine.

"Its real purpose is to promote adoptions -- for people in the workplace to be exposed to dogs and see how calming and relaxing they can be," Denise said of TYDTW Day. "That's the reason my husband started bringing them in in the first place. If he's having a stressful day, it kind of took the edge off."

The magazine has had one employee who was fearful of dogs, but he eventually came around, she said.

The dogs of Baltimore Dog Magazine have it pretty good: air conditioning, dog beds, a brick doghouse out back (though none uses it), and plenty of grassy patches in the company's fenced-in parking lot,

Tyson and Star spend much of day in Denise's office, while Astro lays around until lunch hour, then starts cruising trash cans for leftovers. If food is left out, Astro will generally find it -- as we found out during our visit with Denise. We were interrupted when an employee stepped into her office:

"Uh, whoever left brownies on the counter by the coffee machine ... "

Just then Astro walked in, licking his chops.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 9:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Here we go again, this time in the city of Wapato in the state of Washington, which has banned several breeds of dog -- pit bulls, pit bull mixes, mastiffs, Rottweilers and American bulldogs, attaching a fine of up to $500 for violation of the new ordinance.

As the entry just below this one shows, it's not the breed, but the humans raising a dog that determine it's viciousness. But places like Wapapto aren't researching deeply enough to realize that, and instead are taking what they see as the politically popular approach.

Wapato's City Council members unanimously passed an ordinance Monday that outlaws ownership of those breeds and imposes a $250 fine for the first offense and $500 fines for each subsequent offense. The only exceptions are for trained service dogs and for dogs certified as Canine Good Citizens by the American Kennel Association.

Council members hesitated to act on the proposed ban earlier this month, the Yakima Herald reported, and had been exploring other ways to outlaw "vicious dogs." But support for the ban increased after a dog chased people and cars through town until it was shot and killed by police.

The city, which has no animal control office, has seen two children seriously hurt by dogs in the last four years. Last year, a 4-year-old girl was hospitalized after being mauled by dogs in an alley behind her home. In 2004, a 4-year-old boy nearly lost his arms after being viciously mauled by a pack of stray dogs that invaded his grandmother's yard, just outside the city limits.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

One of the dog's seized from Michael Vick's dogfighting ring is now working as a therapy dog in California, bringing comfort to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Leo -- a pit bull who was chained and trained to kill as one of the former NFL quarterback's dogs -- now makes the rounds at the Camino Infusion Center, as you can see in this MSNBC report.

The transition took about five weeks.

“He is wonderful, and all the patients love Leo,” said Paula Reed, the facility’s oncology director. “They really love his eyes and gentleness.”

Leo was among the dogs seized when officers raided Vick’s Bad Newz Kennels in Smithfield, Va., last year. They found dogs, some injured and scarred, chained to buried car axles. Forensic experts discovered remains of dogs that had been shot with a .22-caliber pistol, electrocuted, drowned, hanged or slammed to the ground for lacking a desire to fight.

Vick, an All-Pro quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, was suspended indefinitely and is serving 23 months in federal prison after pleading guilty in August to bankrolling the dogfighting operation and helping to kill as many as eight dogs. Three co-defendants also pleaded guilty and were sentenced to prison.

About 50 dogs were rescued.

One of the dogs seized at Bad Newz was put down as too aggressive, but the others were dispersed to sanctuaries and training facilities across the country.

One of them was Leo, who ended up in the care of Marthina McClay, a certified trainer and counselor in Los Gatos, near San Francisco. McClay is president of Our Pack, an advocacy group for pit bulls.

“He was a little like a caveman at a tea party,” McClay said. “He didn’t have a lot of training.”

Leo also works with young people on probation at the Alternative Placement Academy in San Jose, where the young men seem to identify with the former tough guy.

“I think they saw this dog’s awful background, and it communicates to the kids that you can end up being what you want to be,” McClay said.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (14)
        

The Locust Point Dog Park Committee is hosting another fundraiser Thursday, starting at 6 p.m. at Hull Street Blues, 1222 Hull St., in Locust Point.

The group is raising money to begin construction of fenced-in area where dogs can play off leash in Latrobe Park.

The event will include $3 mojitos and sangrias, $1.75 domestic bottled beer, and free shots every time the O’s score a run.

There will also be a raffle, t-shirts for sale and an all-you-can-eat buffet for only $15 ($5 of which goes directly to the dog park.)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 11:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Developers of a new gene therapy that has helped dogs with cancer live longer say their discovery could potentially improve the quality of life of people with cancer as well.

The single treatment works by increasing muscle strength and correcting common complications of cancer such as weakness, weight loss and anemia, said principal investigator Ruxandra Draghia-Akli, a researcher with VGX Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Complications such as those occur in more than 50 percent of cancer patients and, along with loss of appetite and fatigue, can result in poor quality of life.

"With our type of gene therapy," Draghia-Akli said, "we can 'trick' certain types of cells in the body to naturally produce specific hormones." These hormones have a muscle-building, or anabolic, effect.

Science Daily reports the researchers tested the gene therapy in 55 companion dogs that had cancer and anemia and were receiving cancer treatment. Three months after the injection, 54 percent of the dogs had responded to gene therapy.

Dogs that responded to therapy survived 84 percent longer, compared with dogs that did not respond to gene therapy and untreated control dogs that received a placebo injection. Although the response rate dropped to 47 percent at 4 months, it was still 22 percent higher than in control dogs.

The study data also showed quality of life, especially appetite, dramatically improved with the gene therapy, and complications of chemotherapy, such as vomiting and diarrhea were greatly reduced.

The therapy uses a nonviral DNA molecule, called a plasmid, which is injected into a muscle, and "electroporation" -- short, mild, controlled electric fields -- in the area of the injection, which open the cell membrane pores and traps the DNA inside the cells.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 7:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Wear your drool-friendly slacks, watch where you step around the office and put your sack lunch up somewhere high -- "Take Your Dog to Work Day" returns Friday.

For the second straight year, Pet Sitters International is sponsoring the day, aimed at calling attention to the joys and benefits dogs bring to life, and to the fact that there are many that need homes.

Pet Sitters International is the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, representing nearly 8,000 independent professional pet-sitting businesses in the United States, Canada and abroad.

If the company you work for, like mine, frowns on such frivolity, take off work early, pick up your dog and go to the Maryland SPCA, 3300 Falls Road, where they will be celebrating Take Your Dog to Work Day with the first of three Wine & Wag summer happy hours, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

If you do get to take part, here are some suggestions. My fellow dog blogger, Newsday's Denise Flaim, passed on these helpful tips for ensuring your dog makes a good first impression on your co-workers:

1. Tire him out -- take him for a long morning run before you get to the office.

2. Bring some distractions, like a toy stuffed with his favorite treats. (Avoid giving treats when your dog is among other dogs, as that can create some ill will.)

3. Create a refuge -- a place where your dog can retreat and be alone, like under your desk. To counteract the new situation, bring his bed or blanket from home.

4. Take the stairs, as some dogs fear elevators.

5. Avoid accidents. Take your dog outside often, and keep him on the leash when you do.

6. Make sure your dog is up to it -- that he's friendly and sociable enough that he will fit in with the other dogs and humans.

For a full downloadable guide on bringing your dog to work, visit takeyourdog.com.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 7:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Jessica Simpson was photographed as she arrived at the Los Angeles airport Friday wearing a "Real Girls Eat Meat" T-shirt.

It didn't take long for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) to pounce on her for her non-vegetarian ways.

The photo to the right is one doctored (the word "stupid" has been inserted) and posted on "The PETA Files," a PETA blog.

"For a gal who's best known for her less-than-stellar brains (Chicken of the Sea, anyone?) and her ability to proportionately fill out daisy dukes, I'm gonna go on record saying that if anyone had to wear a ridiculous shirt like this, I'm glad it was Jessica — as people are more likely to follow the opposite of her lead," a PETA blogger wrote. Maybe the meat-eaters of the world will be embarrassed to be categorized in the same field as Jessica Simpson."

Simpson family insiders told OK! Magazine that the slogan is a dig at boyfriend Tony Romo’s ex-girlfriend, country superstar Carrie Underwood -- who has twice been named "World’s Sexiest Vegetarian" by PETA.

In case this doesn't already have you feeling like you're back in junior high, the PETA blog also lists "the top five reasons that only stupid girls brag about eating meat."

Here they are in their entirety:

1. Meat increases the risk of breast cancer. A 2007 study of 35,000 women published in the British Journal of Cancer found that women who ate meat were far more likely to develop breast cancer than women who consumed none. Will Jessica's next t-shirt will say, "Real Girls Smoke 3 Packs a Day"?

2. Real girls don't support animal abuse. Compassion is super sexy, if the huge number of hot celebs ditching meat is any indication. Young women turn vegetarian in droves when they learn that the meat industry cuts the sensitive beaks off newborn chicks and cuts off the tails of baby piglets.

3. The meat industry is destroying the Earth. The only thing that's hot about the meat industry is that it's toasting the planet. According to the United Nations, raising animals for food causes more greenhouse-gas emissions than all the cars, trucks, SUVs, planes, and ships in the world combined.

4. Meat will make you fat. All the saturated fat and cholesterol in chicken wings, pork chops, and steak eventually leads to flabby thighs and love handles. I hope the upcoming "Jessica Simpson's Intimates" line comes in plus sizes! Going vegetarian is the best way to get slim and stay that way.

5. Eating meat steals food from starving kids. Jessica's trip to help kids in Africa got a lot of media buzz, but by gnawing on meat, she's essentially stealing food from the mouths of starving children since it takes up to 16 pounds of grain to produce just 1 pound of meat. If more people went vegetarian, we'd free up enough grain to feed every person in the world.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (30)
        

Lance Cpl. David Motari, the U.S. Marine who was videotaped throwing a puppy over a cliff in Iraq, is getting kicked out of the Marines and will receive "non-judicial punishment."

I don't know what exactly that is -- apparently his privacy supersedes us regular citizens' right to know -- but the Marine Corps said in a statement that Motari and a second Marine, will receive unspecified punishment.

Motari, based in Hawaii with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, is being "processed for separation" based on his role in the "episode which generated international attention," the Marines said.

The incident appeared on the Internet web site YouTube in March, sparking outrage from animal rights groups around the world.

On the video, Motari smiles as he is holding the puppy and then hurls the dog over a cliff. An unknown person operating the video camera is heard laughing and another voice saying "that's mean, Motari."

The statement said the Marines conducted an investigation as soon as the YouTube video came to the attention of commanders. "The actions seen in the Internet video are contrary to the high standards we expect of every Marine and will not be tolerated," according to the statement.

Janice Hagar, a spokeswoman for the Marines in San Diego, said the second Marine, San Diego-based Sgt. Crismarvin Banez Encarnacion, received non-judicial punishment as well. Hagar said Encarnacion shot the video, according to this CNN report.

The Humane Society of the United States applauded the Marine Corps' decision to punish those involved.

"The bad actors in this case have been dealt with by the Marine Corps, which rightly recognizes that harming animals is unacceptable conduct," said Dale Bartlett, the group's deputy manager for animal cruelty issues. "Now, the Department of Defense and the Congress must step up protection from cruelty for all animals under the law governing military conduct."

The HSUS also renewed its call for the inclusion of a broad animal cruelty prohibition in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The organization believes that in cases involving animal cruelty convictions, jail time, psychological evaluation, treatment and community service are important consequences for sentencing.

While reports of animal cruelty in the military do not appear to occur with any greater frequency than in the civilian population, instances of animal cruelty linked to Americans in conflict zones have led The HSUS and its international affiliate, Humane Society International, to write to the Department of Defense four times since mid-2005.

In the most recent letter, sent in response to the puppy-throwing incident, The HSUS' President and CEO Wayne Pacelle urged U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to take agency-wide steps to raise awareness of the relationship between cruelty to animals and socially maladapted behavior.

The video can be viewed here.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 9:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Korean biotechnology company that took part in cloning the world's first dog reports that it has successfully produced four cloned pups from the cells of a famous cancer-sniffing dog named Marine.

With training, the company expects the four cloned canines to be able to sniff out cancer cells as well, according to a report in today's Korea Times.

"The four black retrievers were born on May 28,'' Ra Jeong-chan, president of RNL Bio said. They were named as Marine-R, Marine-N, Marine-L and Marine-S. The cloning team of RNL Bio, led by Seoul National University (SNU) professor Lee Byeong-chun, implanted cloned fetuses from Marine into a surrogate mother in April.

RNL Bio says the four retrievers will be sent to Japan after three months to join the training program for cancer detection. Each cloned dog will be priced at $480,000, the company said.

Research has shown some dogs have the ability to detect breast, prostate, lung and skin cancer at a treatable stage. The cancer cells give off a scent that is not present in healthy cells, which can be detected by dogs in breath or urine samples.

RNL Bio recently recreated seven drug-sniffing dogs last year at the request of the Korea Customs Service. The team also says it cloned the world's first commercial dog, ordered by a California woman who wanted her dead pitbull terrier cloned.

The Seoul National University team created the world's first cloned dog, an Afghan hound named Snuppy, who was cloned in 2005.

(Photo courtesy RNL Bio)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 7:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Leona Helmsley's dog, a 9-year-old Maltese named Trouble, is going to have to get through life on a measly $2 million.

The New York Post reports today that a Manhattan judge has reduced the dog's $12 million trust fund and signed off on a deal that also sees Helmsley's two disinherited grandchildren reinherited to the tune of $6 million.

The grandchildren had argued that Helmsley, who died last August at 87, wasn't mentally competent when she signed her will in 2005.

The grandchildren quietly worked out a deal with the executors of Helmsley's estate in March, and it was signed off on by both the state Attorney General's Office, which oversees charities, and Surrogate's Court Judge Renee Roth, the Post reports.

The trustees of Trouble's fortune didn't contest the agreement, saying the dog probably didn't need all $12 million.

Under the deal, the dog will get $2 million, and $10 million will go into Helmsley's multibillion-dollar charitable foundation.

Trouble lives in Florida with Carl Lekic, the general manager of the Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel, who said in an affidavit that the dog appears happy in her new home.

"Two million dollars ... would be enough money to pay for Trouble's maintenance and welfare at the highest standards of care for more than 10 years, which is more that twice her reasonably anticipated life expectancy," he said.

Lekic put the dog's annual expenses at $190,000: $60,000 for his guardian fee, $100,000 for the dog's security squad, $8,000 for grooming, $3,000 for miscellaneous expenses, $1,200 for food and anywhere from $2,500 to $18,000 for medical care.

(AP photo)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 1:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

"Days of Our Lives" (not to be confused with "Dogs of Our Lives") actress Kristen Renton was there with two of her rescued boxers.

Jai Rodriguez, the former "Queer Eye" guy who now hosts Animal Planet's "Groomer Has It," was there with his five year-old Yorkie Nemo.

And “Access Hollywood" host Maria Menounos showed up as well at a Beverly Hills mansion Saturday for a benefit for Dogs in Danger, a group that promotes the adoption of shelter dogs.

Menounos (left) came toting her handicapped poodle, Noelle, in a pet-purse.

The aging dog’s back legs are crippled and the front ones are prone to sores, so she wears yellow protective pads made by Menounos’ mom, the Los Angeles Times animal blog Unleashed reports.

Also in the crowd were two of the contestants on the upcoming CBS show, “Greatest American Dog,” which pits 12 human-dog teams against each other in a $250,000 competition for the title of America’s greatest dog.

(Photo by Los Angeles Times)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

CBS has announced the 12 human/dog teams that will be living together and competing on its new series, "Greatest American Dog" -- and there are only two mutts among them.

If you don't mind suffering through a commercial, a CBS preview of the show is above.

The show, hosted by zoologist Jarod Miller, will follow the 12 teams as they compete in a series of challenges designed to measure each owners' ability to train their dogs. It premieres July 10 at 8 p.m.

At the end of each episode, a judging panel will eliminate one team. The winning team takes home the show's $250,000 grand prize.

I think we will be pulling for one of the two mutts -- Bella Starlet, who is described as a Chihuahua, Labrador Retriever, Shih-Tzu, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retreiver and Pomeranian mix.

Here, then, are the teams:

-- Beth Joy, an acting manager from New York City, and Bella Starlet, a 10-year-old Chihuahua, Labrador Retriever, Shih-Tzu, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever and Pomeranian mix

-- Bill, a building maintenance employee from Flint, Texas, and Star, a 7-year-old Brittany

-- Brandy, a fashion designer from Orange County, Calif., and Beacon, a 1-year-old Miniature Schnauzer

-- David, a doctor from New York City, and Elvis, a 2-year-old Parson Russell Terrier

-- Elan, an aspiring dog salon owner from Portland, Ore., and Kenji, a 1-year-old Giant Schnauzer

-- J.D., a dog entertainer from Bend, Ore., and Galaxy, a 9-year-old English Pointer Border Collie and Labrador mix

-- Laura, a film producer from Los Angeles, and Preston, a 5-year-old Pomeranian

-- Laurie, a doggy day care owner from Stafford, Va., and Andrew, a 5-year-old Maltese

-- Michael, an aspiring comic from Los Angeles, and Ezzie, a 2-year-old Boston Terrier

-- Ron, a construction manager from Oxnard, Calif., and Tillman, a 3-year-old English Bull Dog

-- Teresa, a dog sitter from Fairfax, Va., and Leroy, a 5-year-old Border Collie

-- Travis, a bartender from Los Angeles, and Presley, a 1-year-old Boxer

Posted by John Woestendiek at 7:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (12)
        

For Pits' Sake, Inc. has teamed up with martial art fighters from the American Kickboxing Academy to "Knock Out Dog Fighting" by teaching kids that it is not a symbol of strength, power or greatness to abuse or fight animals.

Josh "The Punk" Thomson, Mixed Martial Arts Lightweight Champion, speaks out against dog fighting with a new public service announcement as part of the "Knock Out Dog Fighting" campaign by For Pits' Sake, Inc.

"Dog fighting is animal abuse, plain and simple," he says. "Torturing animals is not cool; nor is it a sign of being a real man. Real fighters stand up for what's right and protect those who are unable to do so."

For Pits' Sake is a nonprofit organization involved in animal rescue efforts, humane education and safety programs for children for over a decade. Founder Kris Crawford believes that one of the most effective ways to stop the cycle of violence is to teach young people about the proper treatment of animals.

"That's why we have recruited the American Kickboxing Academy, the premier Mixed Martial Arts training facility, to help," Crawford said in announcing the new campaign.

"Many children look up to these fighters and view them as role models. In addition to the PSAs, we visit schools and children's groups to teach children that it is not a symbol of power, strength, or greatness to abuse or torture animals."

To view the public service announcement go to http://www.knockoutdogfighting.org.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 7:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Some vacationers return from the Caribbean with something that will last far longer than a suntan, a piece in last weekend's Los Angeles Times reported.

Take Todd Weller. He visited the turquoise waters of the Caribbean last fall to kick back and relax. But he returned to his Bay Area home with a wiggling, 9-week-old puppy named Mardi.

Weller's new best friend is a potcake dog, a mixed breed common in the West Indies. In bringing the animal back to the United States, he became part of an international rescue effort that transports homeless digs on the Caribbean -- where life for canines is often less than kind -- to the United States and Canada.

Most of the couriers resemble Weller -- upscale tourists flying home from holidays. Some adopt the animals themselves, as Weller did, but most just transport them to North America. Nearly 400 dogs have been relocated in the last two years from the Turks and Caicos Islands alone, where Weller found Mardi.

Potcake Place, a nonprofit group, was founded about two years ago. The organization rounds up homeless island pups, gets them vaccinated, provides carry-on bags and pays airfare charges. "We could not stand by and allow the death of perfectly healthy puppies," said Jane Parker-Rauw, director of Potcake Place.  

Most pups make the flight before they're 14 weeks old, while they're still small and light enough to avoid airline weight and size regulations that would force them to ride in the baggage compartment instead of the passenger cabin.

The group arranges homes for them in the United States, either with individuals or with no-kill dog-adoption groups. Potcakes -- the name developed because locals give them the caked remains in the bottom of the pot to eat -- are medium size with a shepherd-mix look. They're hardy, smart and make good house pets, Parker-Rauw said. "And they smile a lot."

Other programs rescue dogs from the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and St. Croix. In the Turks and Caicos, a popular celebrity playground east of Cuba, the airlift program evolved because stray dogs were jeopardizing the tiny nation's burgeoning tourism industry -- running in packs, fighting over scraps of food and frightening visitors. Many of the dogs were shot, and others were poisoned; few lived beyond the age of 3.

In Freeport, the Humane Society of Grand Bahama  uses a combination of programs, including puppy lifts by ferry boat to Florida and spaying/neutering to help deal with the problem.

To those who say the United States has enough strays without adding potcakes, Parker-Rauw replies that her group doesn't want to deny homes to American dogs: "We think all puppies deserve a home, including potcakes."

Photo: Judy Smith, a visitor to the Turks and Caicos Islands, bonds with a young potcake. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 4:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The latest addition to Dublin Zoo is this female Southern White Rhinoceros, shown here running in an enclosure after being unveiled to the public.

The baby white rhino, one of the world's most endangered animals, was the result of years of plotting by keepers at Dublin Zoo.

Its mother, Ashanti, is one of the six white rhinos at the zoo.

Late last year, zookeepers took unusual steps to determine her pregnancy.

They put non-toxic glitter into the feed of Ashanti and one of the other females, Zanta. One got silver glitter, the other blue.

That allowed keepers to identify Ashanti's dung and test it for increased hormone levels

White rhinos were once hunted to near extinction and the animal is listed as a critically endangered species.

(Photo by Niall Carson/ Associated Press)

To see the actual birth, click on the video below.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 8:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

A Boston terrier returning from a walk with his owner was sucked into a fast-moving street sweeper and killed in an accident in the Bronx.

"It happened so fast," said, Robert Machin, who was holding his dog Ginger's leash when she disappeared.

Machin, according to a story in todays Daily News, had been walking his dogs in the Soundview neighborhood Thursday morning. He had the door to his car open and was about to get inside with Ginger and his other terrier, Buster, when the sweeper struck the dog.

Witnesses said the Department of Sanitation vehicle was speeding, according to the newspaper.

Machin said he chased the sweeper for about 2 1/2 blocks, shouting for the operator to stop.

The Department of Sanitation called the death "a rare and unfortunate accident ... Sanitation offers condolences to the family . . . It is important for all New Yorkers to remember to maintain the safety of their animals while walking city streets."

On the heels of several cases of dogs being electrocuted by light poles in New York, Ginger's tragic death is another reminder of the special set of hazards urban dogs face -- and urban dog owners need to be wary of.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 8:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Beauty, a bald eagle, sports a new artificial beak -- a temporary one that allows her to eat, drink and look regal until her final surgery.

Beauty has been recuperating at the Birds of Prey Northwest ranch in Idaho since she was shot by a poacher three years ago.

She was found scrounging for food and slowly starving at a landfill in Alaska in 2005.

The bullet had shattered her curved upper beak, leaving her tongue and sinuses exposed.

According to an Associated Press article, the Boeing Co. and a maker of artificial skin in California have agreed to fashion the new permanent beak for the 15-pound bird.

(AP Photo by Young Kwak)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 8:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Residents of Mount Pleasant, S.C., showed up at a council meeting earlier this week with their dogs to voice support for a dog park -- but police wouldn't allow them inside.

Instead, the demonstrators held their pooches up to a window for town council members to see.

The citizens were pushing for a 4.5-acre canine play area at Mount Pleasant's Memorial Waterfront Park, according to a story in the Charleston Post & Courier.

Several of the dog park supporters said they signed up to address the council later during a public comment period while a friend tended to their dogs outside.

The proponents of a dog park fear that the council will instead develop the 4.5 acres at the rear of the park. The state Department of Transportation offered the town 22 acres for free but required that the land be used for the park. The council voted last month to explore purchasing the 4.5 acres, which would open the land to other uses, including a corporate meeting center or a performance venue, both of which have been suggested.

Memorial Waterfront Park, including a 1,200-foot pier, a visitor's center, a war memorial and sweetgrass center, is scheduled to open on Memorial Day weekend 2009.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 7:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

We interrupt this blog for a special news bulletin.

OK, that was a little silly. But then I've seen real press conferences where -- despite words spewing from human mouths -- even less is said.

The dog holding the press conference in the video above is Schmitty, a New York Yorkie who has been working to get out the vote since 2004 -- and otherwise being a role model for civic responsibility.

She posed for a line of greeting cards to raise money for firefighters after 9/11. She founded DOGS WHO CARE to help pets in need after the hurricanes of 2005. She appeared on cards thanking the employers of soldiers from the National Guard and Reserve troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

And, as she did in 2004, she's working again to get out the vote -- to "take a bite" out of voter apathy, as her owner, Elly McGuire, an Upper West Side media sales consultant and political junkie, puts it.

According to a Newsday article in 2004, Schmitty -- whose biography refers to her gender as "not a leg lifter" -- began her campaign around then.

With more than 4 million pet owners in New York City alone, McGuire said she thought, "Wouldn't it be fun if Schmitty and myself could unite their pooches to walk their two-legged friends to the polls on Nov. 2 to exercise their right to vote?"

For the campaign, McGuire developed neutral T-shirts and buttons carrying the message: "Schmitty says Bark the Vote." She also provides free posters with the slogans: "Be a Party Animal," "It's a treat to vote" and the tongue-in-cheek message, "What's wrong with this country going to the dogs?"

The T-shirts, buttons and posters are available at Schmitty's Web site

McGuire said 100 percent of the proceeds from sales of the T-shirts and buttons will go to Animal Care & Control of New York City.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 9:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Now here's a fine idea, worthy of consideration by those who sponsor outdoor movie nights in Baltimore -- a “take your dog to the movie night” featuring a dog movie.

They're doing just that in Kansas City's Penn Valley Park, where an off-leash dog park is located.

The evening starts with a dog fashion show, followed by a dog talent contest, followed by a free outdoor screening of the film “Best in Show.”

By charging a few bucks, this might be a good fundraising idea, as well, for shelters, rescue groups and dog parks.

The event is sponsored by the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department, the Friends of Penn Valley Park and the Dogpark Improvement Group.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 8:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Owners of perpetually barking dogs -- perpetually being defined in this case as 30 continuous minutes with no break of greater than five minutes -- will be subject to fines of up to $500 and could lose their dogs upon a third conviction under an ordinance approved last night by the Board of Supervisors in Albemarle County, Va.

The original proposal subjected dogs that were repeat offenders to the death penalty, but that was removed from the law at the last minute.

“We need to give recourse to people, particularly in the urban areas, with regards to nuisance dogs,” Supervisor David L. Slutzky said.

The new ordinance makes it unlawful for an owner to harbor a dog that disturbs the neighborhood’s peace and quiet through loud barking. As described in an article in today's Charlottesville Daily Progress, a neighbor upset with a barking dog can go to the magistrate’s office and swear out a warrant. If the magistrate finds the complaint is justified, a court date is set.

In court, the complainant must show proof that the dog’s barking lasted at least 30 consecutive minutes, with no cessation greater than five minutes. If the judge agrees that the dog’s barking disturbed the peace, the dog’s owner can be fined up to $500.

If three violations occur within 12 months, the judge can order the dog taken away. The supervisors passed the measure Wednesday on the condition that euthanizing the dogs -- the “death penalty,” as Supervisor Sally H. Thomas termed it -- was taken out of the ordinance.

The city of Charlottesville has had a similar ordinance since 1953. No dog has been taken away from its owner there in recent memory. The county ordinance does not apply to dogs that live on rural properties larger than five acres.

According to the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, there are more than 30,000 dogs in Albemarle County. In 2007, there were 71 complaints about noisy dogs. So far in 2008, there have been 28 complaints.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 5:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Owners of bed and breakfasts in Europe have been banned from keeping dogs in their kitchens under a European Union ruling that could see hundreds of family-run businesses close.

Officials claim that the animals pose a potential health and safety hazard to guests, but, as an article in the Telegraph points out, many bed and breakfast owners have vowed to close rather than turn out the family pet.

Tish Bowditch, 51, said her Labrador, Maisie, is routinely fussed over by guests at their home, Parnham Farm, in Dorset, where they rent out three rooms.

"Maisie's home is in the kitchen. ..." she said. "We haven't got a suitable outhouse for her. I am always very particular when it comes to preparing food and I am extra careful to keep her away. "She wanders around the dining area, but I always make sure the guests are okay with her first," she added. "Most of the time they are and make a fuss over her. I think we would have to ask ourselves if it is worth carrying on as Maisie is part of the way we live."

The directive from EU -- a political and economic community of 27 member states, located primarily in Europe -- places small bed and breakfasts in the same category as hotels and restaurants, which are not allowed to keep pets in the kitchen.

David Weston, the chairman of the British Bed and Breakfast Association, said that he had never come across a case of food poisoning linked to the family dog in any of his 10,000 members.

"The regulations weren't designed to cover people's homes, which is essentially what a bed and breakfast is," he said. "Most of our members practice good standards of cleanliness and we think the regulations should be enforced in a common sense way. "

Posted by John Woestendiek at 2:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Jakcass Acres in New River, Ariz., wins the honor of the nation's top dog park in June's issue of Dog Fancy magazine.

"What pushed Jackass Acres K-9 Korral to the top of the list this year are its efforts to be green," said the magazine's editor, Susan Chaney. "The park has solar-powered lights, a security system, and water pumps, as well as decorative metal flowers made from old cars, furniture crafted from fallen timber, and recycled artificial turf. How could we not love a park like that?"

Each year, Dog Fancy has readers submit nominations for America's best dog parks. To be considered, parks must have fencing, double gates and free clean-up bags. Winners are chosen based on a list of criteria including water for dogs and their people, shade, lights, parking availability and accessibility, support organizations and special events.

The rest of the Top 10 are:

Bow Wow Beach, Stow, Ohio

Broemmelssiek Park Off-Leash Dog Area, St. Charles, Mo.

Frankfort Bark Park, Frankfort, Ill.

Hammel Woods Forest Preserve Dog Park, Shorewood, Ill.

MonDaug Bark Park, Fort Washington, Pa.

Paw OK Dog Park, Oklahoma City, Okla.

South Brohard Beach Paw Park, Venice, Fla.

Wantage Dog Park, Wantage, N.J.

Woof! Pac Park, Santa Maria, Calif.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 8:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Ohio's famous dog park, Bow Wow Beach, will have a separate entrance to the small-dog area after a puppy was attacked and killed by a larger dog last weekend.

According to a report in the Stow Sentry, a Maltese/poodle mix was killed June 7 after being attacked by a standard poodle.

The puppy's owner, Jane Gsellman, called the Stow Police department June 9, saying a standard poodle charged her from behind, knocking the puppy out or her hands and biting it on the neck. The puppy was taken to a veterinary emergency room, where it died. Police referred the matter to animal control.

That's Sophie to the left, in a photo provided to the Mutts blog by Jane.

"I don't want this to ever happen to another poor puppy ever again," she told Mutts in an email. "I want people to know how vitally important it is that a separate entrance be installed at all dog parks for small dog owners.  At our dog park, they knew this was an issue and it wasn't until Sophie was killed that they finally took action -- within 8 hours of my telling them.  Amazing and sad."

The park has a separate area for small dogs, but one must go through the large dog section to access it. Stow Parks and Recreation Director Nick Wren said his department plans to install a separate entrance that "would be adjacent to the small-dog area."

"As seen on a daily basis at the dog park, many pet owners consider their dogs as integral members of the family," he said. "We understand that the loss of a pet is very devastating and we are very sorry for the owner's loss."

"Our goal has always been, and continues to be to provide a safe and wholesome recreational outlet for all pets and their owners that visit Bow Wow Beach," he said.

The 7.5-acre fenced-in park has a 3-acre lake, and includes a sandy beach and grassy areas for dogs to run. The facility opened last summer in Silver Springs Park and recently had been named by "Dog Fancy" magazine as one of the top dog parks in the country.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 10:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Council members in Santa Cruz, Calif., met well into last night to consider a measure that would add four new dog parks to the city.

That's right, four. They already have three spots where dogs can wander without a leash.

Granted, Santa Cruz isn't exactly middle America, but the city of Baltimore -- with its one official dog park -- might want to pay a little heed.

In a discussion that stretched late into the evening, council members considered whether to set aside space for canines to run free in three parks and a vacant lot. They also pondered whether to fence off the dog areas, the children's play areas or both in the parks where dogs would be allowed, according to an article in today's San Jose Mercury News.

Already, dogs can wander without a leash at designated spots and times in three parks and beaches. City staff recommended council members approve the new dog parks in hopes of corralling owners who already let their dogs run loose in various parks around the city.

Dog park supporters made up two thirds of crowd at the meeting; opponents expressed fears that they or their children might be attacked by out-of-control canines at the parks.

Councilman Mike Rotkin said he supported the idea of dog parks but sharply rebuked those who said they had never seen a dog jump on a child and therefore did not want their four-legged friends fenced in.

"We're dealing with the reality that this is an urban area that is 95 percent built out. This is not the countryside," Rotkin said. "We're put in a position of compromising somewhat competing interests."

Posted by John Woestendiek at 9:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

The New York Post reporter whose bullmastiff died after being jolted by electricity from a lamppost is suing the city and Con Ed.

"How many more people, how many more pets, have to give their lives to make this point clear?" Denise Buffa said as she announced the legal action.

Buffa's 5-year-old dog, Mushy, died June 6, 2007, after being zapped by what she believes was "stray voltage" from a lamppost in Harlem's Marcus Garvey Park.

Buffa also had a tearful first meeting yesterday with fellow dog lover Celia Sing, whose 7-year-old Siberian Husky, Sebastian, was electrocuted in Queens two weeks ago.

Buffa's lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of the city and Con Ed.

"Tomorrow it could be your pet or, worse yet, your kid," said Buffa, who also has founded the Mushy & Mama Foundation to help foster the protection of dogs. Mushy's death was one of several in which "stray voltage" is suspected.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 7:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Dog owners in parts of Australia know the dangers of the Cane toad, a toxic green jumper that, if consumed, can kill a dog in as little as 20 minutes.

So when a three-year-old pooch named Bella accidentally swallowed one while scarfing down "pies and pasties" in the back yard of her owner, a rugby league player named Jackson Crews, Crews immediately called an animal hospital.

"I went to feed the dogs some left over pies and pasties,'' Crews said. "I threw them on the grass and as I did I noticed a cane toad. Bella saw it and thought it was one of the pies. She swallowed it whole."

Crews, as instructed, took Bella to the animal hospital, where they injected her with a drug to make her vomit, according to a Northern Territory article

"She vomited a lot of pies and pasties but nothing else came up," Crews said. Eventually, after about 40 minutes had passed since toad consumption, "they gave her another needle and she spewed up the cane toad.''

Both dog and toad survived the episode, as you can see in the Associated Press report above. The toad is being kept at the animal hospital where staff have named it "Spew."

Scientists believe hundreds of dogs and cats in Australia's Northwest Territory have fallen victim to the cane toad's deadly toxins. The toads release a poison when under stress and can kill a large dog within minutes.

Crews said it was probably Bella's greedy nature that had saved her life: "She swallowed it whole - that's probably why she survived.''

Posted by John Woestendiek at 12:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Manny, a one-year-old Labrador  trained to sniff out pirated DVDs in Malaysia, has died of unknown causes, officials said Monday.

The death of Manny (that's him on the left) deals a setback to Malaysia's plan to use dogs to sniff out counterfeit DVDs.

(The dogs cannot distinguish between real and pirated DVDs, but they point officers to hidden caches of discs.)

Authorities were investigating the cause of death but did not suspect foul play, said Mohamad Roslan Mahayuddin, an official in the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs. "We are quite shocked," an Associated Press story quotes him as saying.

Manny was one of two dogs trained in Ireland to sniff out a chemical used in manufacturing DVDs. They arrived in Malaysia in February.

Malaysia had sought to form the world's first permanent canine anti-piracy unit. Last year, after borrowing two dogs — Lucky and Flo — from the U.S. Motion Picture Association, the government discovered 1.6 million pirated DVDs in six months. Lucky and Flo's success reportedly caused movie pirates to place a bounty on their heads.

(AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The Humane Society of Baltimore County held its "Black Tie & Tails" fundraising gala this past weekend, and Ace and I were there, along with our video camera.

The formal sit-down dinner -- along with silent auction, dancing, costume contest and more -- has been one of the society's chief fund-raising events. This year, though, it's adding a new one -- DogFest, to be held Saturday, Oct. 4 at Shawan Downs.

Watch this space for details.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 8:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

As Ace and his good friend Joey can tell you, it has been pretty darned hot -- meaning it's time for our annual list of tips to help your dog cope with summertime heat.

For starters: Make sure your dog always has water, and never leave him in a parked car.

Even with the windows cracked, even in the shade, a parked automobile can quickly become a furnace.

On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. At 110 degrees, pets are in danger of heatstroke, according to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

A recent study by the Stanford University School of Medicine showed that temperatures inside cars can rise dramatically even on mild days. With outside temperatures as low as 72 degrees, researchers found that a car's interior temperature can heat up by an average of 40 degrees within an hour, with 80 percent of that increase in the first 30 minutes.

While people can roll down windows or turn on the air conditioner, pets cannot -- and they don't sweat like we do, either. Their sweat glands, which are on their nose and the pads of their feet, are inadequate for cooling during hot days. Panting and drinking water helps cool them, but if they only have overheated air to breathe, dogs can suffer brain and organ damage after just 15 minutes.

Short-nosed breeds, like pugs and bulldogs, young pets, old pets and pets with weight, respiratory, cardiovascular or other health problems are especially susceptible to heat-related stress.

If you are going out, bring plenty of water along -- for you and your dog.

If the dog is staying home, leave a little air conditioning on for him, and make sure when he is outside, he has a good supply of water and a shaded area.

A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a good idea, including a test for heartworm, if your dog isn't on year-round preventive medication. You can also ask your vet about a safe and effective regimen for those summertime pests, fleas and ticks.

Try to take your dog out to play in the cool of early morning or evening. And keep in mind that sidewalks and asphalt can really heat up.

When walking your dog, steer clear of areas that may have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals and be alert for coolant or other automotive fluid leaking from your vehicle. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste, and ingesting just a small amount can be fatal, according to the ASPCA, whose complete list of summertime tips can be found here.

If you're considering shaving your dog, never go down to the skin. A dog's coat provides protection from the sun.

Signs of overheating in pets include excessive panting and drooling, mild weakness and an elevated body temperature. Keep a closer eye on your dog during these steamy days of summer.

Got some tips of your own? Pass them on.

(Photo by Tamara S. Granger)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 11:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Boston hip hop artist Dwayne "Dagha" Simmons has been named winner of the first ever "Hip Hop for Hounds" contest, sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States.

The contest -- click on the picture above to play the HSUS video about it -- was launched in January to find the best rap song that stands up for dogs, and against dogfighting.

Celebrity judge Darryl "DMC" McDaniels chose Simmons' "Dog Fight" as the first-place entry.

"The Humane Society of the United States is honored to have one of the legends of hip hop speak out against dogfighting," said Laurie Maxwell, deputy campaign manager of The HSUS' animal cruelty and fighting campaign. "Dwayne 'Dagha' Simmons' anti-dogfighting lyrics are heartfelt and his talent is undeniable."

Entries in the rap contest came in from around the country, and the contestants ranged from elementary school children to professionals. Simmons is the educational director for America SCORES New England, a subsidiary of America SCORES, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing soccer, writing, creative expression and service learning to kids across the country.

A compilation CD of selected Hip Hop for Hounds entries will be available for purchase later in 2008. All of the contest entries can be found here.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 7:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a limited return of a reformulated heartworm prevention drug for dogs, ProHeart 6.

Manufactured by Fort Dodge Animal Health in Kansas, ProHeart 6 (moxidectin), had been withdrawn from the market in 2004 because of adverse reactions, including loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, seizures, difficulty walking, jaundice, bleeding disorders, allergies, convulsions and death.

The FDA approved its limited return to the U.S. veterinary market under a "risk minimization and restricted distribution program." The program is intended to educate veterinarians and pet owners regarding the possible risks associated with the use of ProHeart 6. Veterinarians who wish to purchase ProHeart 6 will be required to register with the company and participate in a Web-based training program before obtaining the product.

The return of ProHeart 6, an injectable drug, to the market is based on results of additional toxicological and pharmacologic studies by Fort Dodge Animal Health coupled with the low adverse reaction frequency in international markets.

The FDA says the manufacturer has improved the manufacturing specifications for ProHeart 6 to decrease the presence of solvent residues. Few adverse events have been reported with this reformulated product, the FDA said.

Dog owners who suspect their dog is experiencing an adverse reaction to ProHeart 6 should immediately contact their veterinarian. Veterinarians should contact Fort Dodge Animal Health to report any adverse events at (800) 533-8536.

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition for dogs. The parasite that causes heartworm disease is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 7:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

“Kitten Season” has arrived in Baltimore, and the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) reports it is receiving kittens by the box load.

In May 2008, BARCS took in 1,010 animals, the largest number received this year. Of those animals, 619 were cats or kittens.

“Kitten Season” is the unofficial name for the mating season for cats. It begins in the late spring and runs into the early fall. Cats can begin having kittens at six months, and can go into heat every three weeks. The size of an average litter is four to six kittens.

Through June, BARCS has lowered the adoption fees for cats and kittens from $65 to $30 for one, or $50 for two. BARCS is also seeking foster homes willing to care for kittens that are too young to be adopted. Kittens under the age of 8 weeks cannot legally be adopted. If you are interested in fostering cats or kittens contact Debra Rahl at debra.rahl@baltimorecity.gov

Posted by John Woestendiek at 9:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Today would be a good day to float down the river with a dog on your belly -- well, at least if you had an easily portable dog like this.

That's Esmerelda Rosas with her Chihuahua, Louie, on the Colorado River in Yuma, Arizona, where they're used to temperatures of 100 and above.

(AP photo)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 9:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

This Dalmatian is:

A. Looking for the 100 other Dalmatian stand-ins during a break in shooting of a sequel on a movie set in Hollywood.

B. Poking his head out the upstairs window of a volunteer fire station in upstate New York after realizing that the human members of his firefighting team left without him.

C. Leaning over a balcony in the harbour of Port d'Andratx on the island of Majorca, a favored holiday destinations for German tourists.

 Answer: C

 (Photo by Getty Images)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 9:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Volusia County, Fla., thinks so, and this week it became the first jurisdiction in Central Florida to order pet owners to sterilize their dogs and cats.

The ordinance, while controversial, has "limited bite," the Orlando Sentinel reports. When it takes effect in September it will be enforced only through complaints, and there are lots of exemptions.

The ordinance, designed to reduce the number of unwanted animals, relies heavily on people to comply voluntarily.

Similar laws have been considered across the country in recent years, and are generally opposed by breeders, who argue that they are unconstitutional because it unfairly targets responsible pet owners and could put animals' health at risk.

Breeders and some others will be exempt from the Volusia County law.

Representatives from shelters applauded the County Council's move. It comes at time when the shelters are overrun with kittens. At Halifax Humane Society in Daytona Beach, more than 11,000 animals were euthanized in the past fiscal year, said Mel Stack, president of the animal shelter's board.

(Photo by Barbara V. Perez/Orlando Sentinel)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 9:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

According to his attorney, former NFL linebacker Steve Foley, who was charged with a felony after his pit bulls bit a woman and killed her puppy, kept the pits as "show dogs and pets, not fighting dogs."

"It was a tragic accident and Mr. Foley is very sorry that his neighbor and friend was injured, but these dogs were his pets. They had no previous history of aggression," his attorney Paul Nugent is quoted as saying in the Houston Chronicle.

A Fort Bend County grand jury indicted Foley, accusing him of failing to secure the dogs. The two adult pit bulls attacked neighbor Twana Schulz on March 26, causing serious bodily injury when they bit her on the arms and face, according to court documents.

Schulz, 36, was walking to the corner to pick her daughter up from the school bus when she and the puppy were attacked. Foley's dogs were seized by animal control officers and put to death.

Foley surrendered at the Fort Bend County Jail on Wednesday and was released on a $10,000 bond. The 32-year-old Foley played with the Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans and San Diego Chargers. His career ended after he was shot by an off-duty police officer in San Diego in 2006. The Chargers released him in March 2007 with two years left on his contract.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 9:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

There's a new feature on the ol' blog -- one designed to give your comments better play.

As of this week, the opening words of the five most recent viewer comments will be posted in our rightside rail, that shaded area over there ------->

As a lot of our comments are on entries posted weeks ago, this will increase the likelihood your's gets seen -- as well as let everyone else know what's being talked about.

To find it, scroll down the shaded rail, past the little blurb about me, past the clickable links to the movie on my dog's heritage, past the link to "Dogs of Our Lives," our ongoing dog park soap opera, past the links to Adoption Alley, reader photos, recent posts, our blogroll and our categories. There you will find the recent comments.

One more reader tip -- since a lot of people tell me they have trouble finding the blog through the Sun's main page. Googling the words "mutts" and "blog" will bring up a list at which we are at the top. Of course, we prefer you to bookmark us, or enter through the Sun's front door, but you can use this as a back-up plan if your having a senior computer moment.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Of all the songs Langhorne Slim played during his First Thursdays concert at Mount Vernon Place last night, this one was the most Muttsworthy -- so here's a version of it recorded in Bermuda.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 12:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

A North Carolina state trooper who was fired after he was videotaped kicking his dog while it was suspended from a deck has been ordered reinstated with back pay.

A state administrative law judge ruled that state officials fired Charles Jones without sufficiently investigating the incident or giving him a chance to explain himself, according to a report in the Raleigh News & Observer.

The judge's ruling goes to the State Personnel Commission, which will make the final decision on Jones' dismissal.

The Highway Patrol fired Jones in September, a month after another trooper used a cell phone to record footage of Jones suspending his dog, Ricoh, from a railing, then kicking him at least five times. Jones insisted that what he did was not abusive and that Highway Patrol trainers had used several other rough methods on police dogs. He said he was trying to get the dog to release a piece of fire hose that he had been given as a reward for finding drugs during a training exercise.

Ricoh, a 7-year-old Belgian Malinois, has since been retired from the patrol. He was not seriously hurt.

Morrison said the state failed to show it had just cause for firing Jones. He said the trooper was making "a good faith effort" to train the dog, and noted that the Highway Patrol had no clear guidelines on techniques for training dogs.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 10:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Every day in New York City, 15 undercover agents of the Sanitation Department’s Canine Task Force fan out across the five boroughs to enforce the city’s “pooper scooper” law.

That's nearly twice the staff of previous years, according to an article in today's New York Times that describes a day in the life of one such agent.

The city’s 311 complaint line received about 3,000 complaints about dog waste last year, up from 2,100 in 2004, and the beefed up poop patrol has issued 869 summonses in the first 11 months of this fiscal year -- a 40 percent increase over the year before.

The maximum fine of $100 has not changed since the law was passed 30 years ago -- and went on to serve as a model for other cities.

The penalty is likely to go up soon, the Times reports: A bill increasing it to $250 is awaiting Gov. David A. Paterson’s signature. A spokesman said Wednesday that the governor is reviewing the measure.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 8:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

A couple in Denton, Texas, wants the city to pay them $206,000 for accidentally euthanizing their dog.

Shawn Snider and Beth Bayless-Snider say they arrived at the animal shelter to pick up their 3-year-old black Labrador mix on May 15 and found out a worker had killed it that morning after apparently failing to notice an entry on the dog's records indicating the owners would pick it up May 16.

"I'm not going to just let them get away with an apology," he said. "They can't bring my dog back, so the only thing they can do is give me money."

An investigation is underway and the shelter worker could face discipline, police said. The Sniders filed a liability claim, seeking to be compensated for the loss, future breeding opportunities and emotional pain.

Animal control officers picked up their dog Amicus after it escaped from the couple's yard. Bayless-Snider called the shelter the next day and arranged to pick up Amicus on May 16. They couldn't get the dog sooner because they were waiting for payday to afford the $109 recovery fee, Snider said.

The full Associated Press story can be found here.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 8:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

She wasn't doing research after all -- but was driven to buy cocaine to help cope with the loss of her dog, actress Tatum O'Neal says.

The former child star originally told police when arrested in New York Sunday that she was "doing research" for a film role, but she's now saying the death three weeks ago of her Scottish terrier, Lena, is what set her off.

The former child star was arrested by police when she was spotted by a narcotics team exchanging money with a man three blocks from her home in New York.

O'Neal chronicled her recovery from a heroin addiction in the book "A Paper Life."

O'Neal told the New York Post that the dog was "the fabric of our family ... My daughter and I had to put her down. It was too horrible for words." O'Neal, who also has an alcohol problem, thanked police for catching her -- and keeping her from straying from sobriety. She was charged with one misdemeanor count of criminal possession of a controlled substance and is due in court on July 28.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 12:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Bridget the humping Yorkie isn't the only dog in the new "Sex and the City" movie.

In what may be a sign of dog-friendlier times -- or may be an indication that directors find dog actors easier to manage -- all three of Carrie Bradshaw's (Sarah Jessica Parker) sidekicks are pet owners in the movie version of the popular television show.

And that gives the folks at the American Kennel Club, and animal shelters everywhere, a bit of pause.

Dogs breeds featured in mega-movies often tend to become fads, leading to impulse buys that don't always work out well.

In the movie, Charlotte (played by Kristin Davis), still owns the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel “Elizabeth Taylor,” but has added two high-energy Parson Russell Terriers to her family. Miranda (played by Cynthia Nixon) has a Border Collie and Samantha (played by Kim Cattrall) has a rescued Yorkshire Terrier.

“People who see 'Sex and the City' may think about owning one of the dogs featured in the film,” said Lisa Peterson, AKC spokesperson. “Each of these wonderful breeds has its own distinct traits and personalities. ... But remember before you add a new member to your family, realize that ownership will be a 10-to 15-year commitment for the life of the dog.”

The AKC recommends researching different breeds before getting a dog, and offers the following breed-specific advice regarding the canines featured in the movie:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Cavaliers are house dogs who want to be with their human family members and will follow them from room-to-room. Puppies need socialization and training to become well-adjusted, well-trained members of the family. This breed loves children who are gentle and well-behaved. Children who are loud, boisterous or rough may frighten the Cavalier. Cavaliers are a long-haired breed and need regular grooming to avoid a tangled or matted coat. A fenced in yard is a must for a Cavalier. The gate must be secure enough at the bottom so the dog cannot slip or dig out from underneath and at least 4 feet tall.

Parson Russell Terrier: A perky, devoted, and loving dog. Spirited and obedient, yet absolutely fearless. They are friendly and generally kind to children who have been taught not to tease or strike the dog. They like to chase and explore. Be careful not to let them off-leash unless they are very well-trained. The Parson Russell Terrier needs to be taken on a long, daily, brisk walk and tend to get restless and destructive if not kept occupied and exercised. Parson Russell Terriers are very active indoors and can be slightly difficult to train. A first-time owner may need the help of an experienced trainer. The Parson Russell needs early socialization and training in order to get along with other dogs.

Yorkshire Terrier: Yorkies are a small toy breed, weighing 3 to 7 pounds, yet behave like a big dog in a small body. This breed loves to play and investigate and receive attention. Yorkies are best with children who are gentle, well-behaved and over the age of six. Yorkies are popular with those who live in large cities. Their small size makes them ideal for an apartment. The Yorkie’s long, silky coat needs to be brushed every day so it won’t get matted. It will also need shampooing once a week and some trimming.

Border Collie: One of the most athletic sheep-herding dogs, the Border Collie loves to work. They will herd almost anything that moves – including children, cars, and other dogs. Border Collies are extremely high energy, need a lot of daily physical exercise, and constant mental stimulation to be happy. They are best suited with an athletic person or family that is ready to engage the dog in directed activities such as playing Frisbee or performing in agility competitions. If Border Collies aren't continuously challenged, they can easily become destructive in their boredom. Border Collies do shed and require regular grooming.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

More than 14 Kenwood High School special education students received certificates and awards at a graduation ceremony Wednesday to mark their completion of an eight-week class conducted by the therapy dog organization Karma Dogs.

Students in the school’s Functional Academic Learning Support (FALS) Program learned how to care for a dog on a daily basis, how to groom and train a dog, and when and why it’s important to take a dog to visit the vet.

The program was funded by Erickson Retirement Communities and public donations and conducted by Karma Dogs in conjunction with the FALS Program.

Karma Dogs is a Baltimore-based nonprofit organization dedicated to rehabilitating rescued dogs into therapy dogs and has developed various program aimed at working with people with special needs.

Among its canine members is my dog Ace. A video of his experience as a therapy dog can be found here.

(Photo courtesy of Karma Dogs)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

It kicked off later than expected, but the world premiere of musical journalism -- a groundbreaking new genre in which newspaper articles are set to music -- was a resounding success.

Okay, maybe not resounding. But some people clapped.

As a slightly less than capacity crowd at Charlotte's regular Tuesday open mic night looked on, I took the stage last night with Casey, my musical accompaniest, and read a two-year-old newspaper story, complete with guitar background and harmonica interludes.

Musical journalism -- a combination of beat poetry, music and newspaper articles -- was invented by Casey and me a couple of weeks ago, while enjoying Charlotte's Wednesday night wine tasting.

It is a mostly tongue-in-cheek invention, intended to breathe new life into the printed word at a time when the industry is going to new extremes ("do you have b?") in an attempt to reverse falling readership.

The late start was due to a book club that meets every Tuesday evening at Charlotte's, at Light and Randall Streets. On this night, almost fittingly, the book club was watching a movie and it ran long.

But eventually, the microphone was set up and our turn came. The work performed was a story I had written for The Sun, entirely in rhyme, about feral cats. You kind of had to be there. But if you weren't, you can read it here.

For our encore performance, if we have one, Casey and I are considering either "Obama Gains the Nomination," or "Panel OKs Crab Limits."

Posted by John Woestendiek at 7:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Now that cat day is over, we can move on to bad taste day.

Our first post of questionable taste (at least in the view of two commenters, one of them my mother), was about  Gidget, the Yorkie hired as an actress in the new "Sex and the City" movie because of her tendency to hump, well, pretty much anything.

Now we move on to an item posted yesterday by my friends over at Dogster.com, who -- apparently having some time on their hands -- compiled a list of the five most flatulent dog breeds.

"While researching and compiling the history and traits of hundreds of breeds to write our comprehensive dog breed profiles, we learned the innermost secrets of popular pooches, some of which we’re sure they wish we didn’t know!" the Dogster post says.

Here's the list:

1. Bulldog

2. German Shepherd

3. Mastiff

4. Boxer

5. Labrador Retriever

Thanks for sharing, Dogster.

(AP Photo)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

There's no reason for your dog to be bored this weekend.

Canton Dog Park -- the city's only official dog park -- will be holding its annual fundraiser Saturday. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (with a rain date of Sunday, June 8). It's held at the park, at the corner of Clinton and Toone streets, and will feature raffles, a silent auction and food provided by Austin Grill,.

Saturday night is the Humane Society of Baltimore County's "Black Tie and Tails Gala," a dog friendly fundraiser that includes a seated dinner -- sit! -- and a silent auction.

And in Western Maryland, the McHenry Highland Festival Celtic Dog Show continues.

On Sunday, the Yuppy Puppy Pet Boutique will host the 4th annual "A Dog's Day in Ellicott City," featuring adoptions, crafts and contests. To learn more about the event, sponsored by the Ellicott City Business Association, click here.

And in Howard County on Sunday, the 7th Annual Pet Expo will be held at the Schooley Mill Park in Highland, Md., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include microchipping, animal massage demonstrations, therapy dog presentations, food and music. It's free.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

A New York “puppy actress” that has a supporting role in the much-hyped "Sex and the City" movie was chosen for the part because of her -- brace yourself -- humping ability.

Gidget Gormley, whose owner likes to call her a "New Yorkie" terrier, stars as Samantha's (Kim Cattrall) dog in the movie.

Michael Patrick King, the writer-director, cast the sexually precocious dog based on her unique ability to hump on cue.

Says Cattrall, “She was very sweet and incredibly over-prepared for her role. I particularly loved it when we had matching outfits. It’s tough working with animals because sometimes they’ll do it and sometimes they won’t. But she was very well-trained.”

According to the U.K.'s Sun newspaper: "... Kim Cattrall as sex-mad Samantha may steal all the big laughs with the help of a humping dog..."

More behind-the-scenes details about the Yorkshire terrier's adventures in filming the movie can be found on Gidget's blog. 

Gidget is owned by music company executive Mary Gormley.

Her resume includes TV, print and film projects from all over the world, and she can next be seen on the big screen this fall alongside Paris Hilton in the film, “Pledge This.”

A portion of Gidget’s earnings goes towards Friends of Snuffy, a non-profit animal organization located in upstate New York.

(Photos courtesy of gidgetgormley.com)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

The group trying to establish a dog park at Locust Point's Latrobe Park will be holding a meeting at 7 tonight at the Locust Point Recreation Center.

Anyone interested is welcome to attend and hear the latest updates on the project.

The group also has another fundraiser scheduled -- Thursday, June 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Hull Street Blues.

Currently, Baltimore has only one dog park, Canton Dog Park. Locust Point would be the second.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 8:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

As you've maybe seen from our three previous posts, we're honoring the cat today (something we occasionally do to make up for neglecting them the rest of the time).

Today, we're all cats all the time -- beginning here on the Mutts blog and culminating tonight in a groundbreaking live performance that will be the debut (and perhaps death) of a new art form.

It's so significant, so ... well, "cutting edge," I may try to get Sam Sessa to put it on his Midnight Sun blog.

There is much talk these days about the demise of newspapers -- about how printed words sitting lifelessly on a page (though, if we reporters do our jobs right, they shouldn't be lifeless) can no longer hold the interest of the reading public. There are others who'll tell you that reading public is down to oh, six or seven folks.

We at Mutts disagree with all that, believing that there are still readers and they still like substance and depth (in addition to their daily blog intake).

But we recognize, despite our age, that these are changing times, and we make every effort -- through the use of things like video and Google and podcasts and blogging -- to not just keep up, but stay fairly close to the forefront of these changes (lest we become an anachronism).

We worry so much about becoming an anachronism (anachronophobia) that it leads us to the kind of "opposite extreme" behavior that will take place tonight, when we'll be dancing so far out on the cutting edge that we may slice our feet.

We are presenting for the first time anywhere in the world a brand new genre: the musical newspaper story.

How better to breath new life into the printed word? But what, you may ask, does this have to do with cats?

Digging through my vast personal archives (which can be hazardous; I recommend using a Q-Tip), I came across the perfect story to use for this experiment -- and it's about feral cats.

That's all I'm going to say for now. Should you wish to attend, this will take place sometime after 8 p.m. (but not too late, I hope) at open mic night at Charlotte's, at the corner of Light and Randall streets in what the pretentious among us like to call South Federal Hill.

Charlotte's has a five tastes for $5 wine night on Wednesdays -- one of which served to inspire tonight's performance.

Admission to open mic night is free, much like the cats at the Maryland SPCA, until the middle of this month.

(AP Photo)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Routinely, workers at Jevic Transportation Inc. in New Jersey fed and sheltered the feral cats who called the trucking company's plant home.

But rising fuel prices and a slumping economy forced the company to abruptly close last month, ending the employment of 1,036 workers -- and terminating the cats' meal ticket.

Former employees still want to feed the cats -- about six of which remained after the shut down -- but they say the company won't allow them on the grounds and hasobstructed efforts to trap the cats and send them to a new home.

A Jevic spokesman said the company is willing to work out an agreement as long as it doesn't compromise plant security, a story in today's Camden Courier Post says.

"We don't know how they will fend for themselves," said Annemarie Harrington of Blackwood, who started caring for the cats four years ago, and since then has taken two kittens home.

Over the years, the friends of the felines succeeded in trapping all but one of the adult cats, paying to have them spayed or neutered before releasing them.

"We set up little houses for them, with blankets," Harrington said. "We fed them every day."

After the plant closed May 19, security guards barred former employees from returning to feed them, she said.

"After 18 years, it hurts my feelings," Harrington said. "They trusted me to do their legal contracts but they can't trust me to feed cats."

Posted by John Woestendiek at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The price of everything else may be going up, but cats are a better deal than ever -- especially during the first half of this month when the Maryland SPCA is making the unprecedented (at least as far as I know) offer of one free adult cat per household.

So not only can you free a cat, but -- from now until June 14 at the SPCA, 3300 Falls Road in Baltimore -- your first cat is free.

Your second has an adoption fee of $40, which is half the normal cost. From June 15 until June 30, adult cats will be $40 for one, and $60 for two.

The Maryland SPCA defines adult cats as those four months or older.

The SPCA's cat shelter often fills up in early summer. The adoption promotion is designed to reduce their length of stay and find them homes.

The fellow above isn't from the Maryland SPCA -- he was photographed at an international cat exhibition in Minsk, Belarus. But there are some fine ones in Baltimore as well.

For more information, visit the Maryland SPCA, its Web site, or call 410-235-8826.

BARCS -- the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter -- is also offering a cat discount: one cat for $30, and two for $50.

(Photo: Sergei Grits, Associated Press)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 9:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

If and when you go to the Maryland SPCA to adopt a FREE CAT!!!!, don't forget to consider the black ones.

Traditionally, they have a more difficult time of getting adopted.

For reasons ranging from superstitious to cultural to just plain silly, they tend to linger longer in shelter.

To find out more about the problem, and black cats in general, I recommend this website.

(AP Photo)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 9:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Wearing a stationmaster's cap of Wakayama Electric Railway, this nine-year-old cat named "Tama" sits on a ticket gate at Kishi station in the city of Kinokawa, in Wakayama prefecture.

Railway officials credit the cat with helping to increase the number of passengers who travel along the Kishigawa line by 10 percent over the past year.

Dubbed the "stationmaster cat," the female tortoiseshell just showed up one day at the small unmanned station in Japan.

(Photo: TORU YAMANAKA, AFP/Getty Images)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 9:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

These cats residing in and around the FEMA Diamond trailer park in Port Sulphur, La., enjoyed a meal in what appears to be a trash can lid last week. Where they are this week is anyone's guess.

FEMA federal trailer parks that house many Hurricane Katrina victims were set to close May 31, prompting fears that people will be left homeless -- and probably a few pets, too.

FEMA says it has moved 95 percent of the households out of the trailers.

(The Mutts blog is celebrating cats today -- you can read more about it here)

(Photo: Mario Tama, Getty Images)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 7:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

The first commercially cloned dog is expected to be born in September -- a pit bull terrier created using cells from the ear tissue of the donor dog, named Booger.

RNL Bio, a company in Seoul, Korea, received its first commercial order in February from a California resident who will pay $150,000 for the cloning.

Company officials have said the owner of Booger -- the dog died, but its tissue was saved -- is a woman whose dog had helped her with a disability.

RNL is one of two biotech companies that have launched dog cloning businesses this year. A California company, BioArts International, also has plans to commercially clone dogs. Both RNL and BioArts use expertise developed at Seoul National University.

In the procedure, cells from Booger will be inserted into ova which are then implanted into surrogate mother dogs.

``The project is doing much better than our initial expectations. Booger (Junior) will be born no later than September,'' Ra Jeong-chan, president of RNL Bio, told The Korea Times Monday.

Ra said he expects the demand for cloning to explode when the market price is lowered to between $20,000 and $30,000. ``We can produce about 30 cloned dogs every year, and we plan to expand the capacity to around 200 soon," Ra said.

It was a team at Seoul National University team, led by Hwang Woo-suk, that produced the world's first cloned dog, Snuppy, in 2005. Hwang was later fired by the university for fabricating and using incorrect data in research papers, but he and his staff continued the dog cloning research at the university and other research institutes.

BioArts, which is acting as a sales agent for Hwang's new team in Seoul, is to auction off five dog cloning slots on June 18 with a starting bid of $100,000.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 3:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

This 10-month-old black Newfoundland-Labrador mix is one of the newest staff members in the Carroll County state's attorney's office: a therapy dog in training, brought on to work mainly with young victims and witnesses of crime.

Therapy dogs are increasingly being used in the court system, popping up in places such as Florida, New York and Washington state over, but the state's attorney's office in Carroll County appears to be the first in Maryland to employ animal assistance.

Joyce Schaum, director of the Carroll County office's victim witness assistance unit adopted Buddy from the local Humane Society last fall.

A therapy dog can be a source of comfort in interviews with children, easing them into conversation, Schaum said: "You bring him in any situation and people smile. They just melt."

"Children don't want to talk about bad stuff that happened, especially if it's somebody they loved or still love," she said. "Lots of times, they're told not to talk. …They probably never were told not to talk to a dog."

Sun reporter Arin Gencer has the full story about Buddy and the program here.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Dog blogger (and five time Academy Award nominee) Glenn Close is the author of "Lively Licks," which appears on the website Fetchdog.com, a company owned mostly by her husband (biotechnology entrepreneur David Shaw) that sells high end dog products over the Internet.

Close, as pointed out in this Associated Press story, is a longtime lover of dogs and supporter of dog related causes -- despite the anti-animal bent of many of the characters she has portrayed.

It was Close, after all, who boiled a bunny in Fatal Attraction, plotted to skin dalmations in 101 Dalmatians and, in her role on the FX cable network's legal drama Damages, helped arrange the killing of a dog to get a witness to testify.

Those roles are "the opposite of how I am," says Close, who has had dogs throughout her life, including a rescued mutt from Tennessee who was her companion at William & Mary College and accompanied her when she went to New York to become an actress.

Close is the public face of Fetchdog, one of a burgeoning number of companies seeking a piece of the so-far mostly recession-proof pet spending pie (Americans spent $7.3 billion last year).

Fetchdog contributes a portion of its profits to charity.

In her blog, Close interviews celebrities about their dogs and allows them to pick a favorite dog-related cause. Mary Steenburgen and Ted Danson directed contributions to Little Angels Pug Rescue and Dan Zelman and Debra Messing selected Animal Rescue New Orleans.

(Photo by Associated Press)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 7:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

A judge granted initial approval Friday to a settlement in which companies that manufactured or sold contaminated pet food would compensate pet owners for all costs related to the death or illness of their dogs and cats.

Under the deal, granted initial approval by U.S. District Judge Noel Hillman, pet owners in the United States and Canada would be notified of the settlement by June 16 and would have until early December to submit claims.

A final hearing on the $24 million settlement is scheduled for Oct. 14. Menu Foods Income Fund, which makes dog and cat food under about 90 brand names, and other companies that make or sell pet food announced April 1 that they were settling lawsuits with pet owners.

Last year, some of their products were discovered to contain wheat gluten imported from China that was contaminated with melamine, a chemical used to make plastics. Lawyers for the plaintiffs said more than 1,500 animals in the U.S. died after eating the food last year.

The settlement allows pet owners to apply for expenses associated with deaths and illnesses, including the costs of veterinarians, time missed from work to care for sick animals, replacement pets, burial expenses and even property damaged because animals got sick.

Pet owners can request up to $900 for undocumented claims in case they didn't save all their receipts. The settlement doesn't pay pet owners for pain and suffering from injuries to their pets.

For the full AP story, click here.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 9:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

This freshly shaved alpaca was one of many that came together recently for a joint shearing session at Alpacas of Montana farm, just south of Bozeman and about an hour from Yellowstone National Park.

Five Bozeman-area alpaca owners brought their alpacas to the farm for the animals' annual shaving.

About 80 alpacas live on the farm, which makes organic, naturally colored alpaca/wool blend yarn.

You can visit the farm's website here.

(AP photo)

Posted by John Woestendiek at 8:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

An Iowa man who crashed his car and was arrested for driving while intoxicated, it turns out, was apparently suffering the effects of having taken his dog's pills by mistake.

Authorities say that blood tests showed Clarence Fenton had phenobarbital in his system when he hit a utility pole last November, according to an Associated Press story.

Phenobarbital is used to control seizures in people and pets.

Police say they found a bottle of pills prescribed for "Saturn" at the scene. They say Fenton admitted taking pills and that "Saturn" is his dog.

Officials with the Iowa Statewide Poison Control Center say people taking their pet's medicine by mistake is not uncommon. They say the center has taken about three similar calls this year.

Having come close to doing this myself a few times -- all those orange-ish pill bottles and small print labels look the same when I'm not wearing my glasses -- I propose veterinarians start using a different kind of pill bottle, one that is distinctly dog (or cat).

True, it would be cheaper if I just wore my classes, but for the lazy, absent-minded, stupid and preoccupied among us (I admit to degrees of all four), it might be a smart idea.

Posted by John Woestendiek at 8:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)