Jennifer Mead-Brause, executive director at BARCS, just sent this update to Unleashed. The reward fund for information leading to an arrest in the case of Phoenix, the pit bull puppy doused with gasoline last week and set on fire, stands at $3,000. Phoenix died earlier this morning.

Mead-Brause writes:

As her body was trying to heal, her muscles were producing natural chemicals that are excreted through the kidneys. Unfortunately her kidneys could not handle the process and began to shut down. Due to kidney failure, and the long road still ahead for recovery, the Veterinarians that were caring for her decided it would be best to euthanize her.

She touched the hearts of everyone that came in contact with her and anyone who heard her story. We can only hope now that someone will come forward so that there can be a conviction on this case.

BARCS has a reward set up called the “Phoenix Reward” where we are collecting money for anyone who can identify the young men responsible for this cruel act of violence. The reward at this time is at $3,000 and most likely will increase over the next few days.

We have received hundreds of calls from the community and many saying they are contributing to the reward. We will keep posting the updated amount on our website.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 1:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

The staff at Metropolitan Veterinary Associates reports that Phoenix, the pit bull who was doused with gasoline and set on fire in Southwest Baltimore this week, died this morning.

Julie Hirsch, a nurse, told Unleashed that Phoenix was going into kidney failure. Her face and rear quarters, where most of the burns were, had swelled considerably and she wasn't recognizable.

A few hours ago, nurses brought the one-year-old dog outside to be put down. They wanted her to be outside, not in a cage.

Hirsch said the entire hospital staff was moved by Phoenix, her story and her spirit. When the dog was initially treated Wednesday at BARCS, she wagged her tail at doctors despite the immense pain she must have been in.

Staff at Mainline were in tears this morning.

The staff went above and beyond in treating Phoenix, hoping to show the dog love, to show her that not all people are bad.

"It's just really traumatic," she said. "I've been doing this for 10 years and I've seen a lot of abuse, but I have never seen cruelty like this. This is downright disgusting."

On its website this afternoon, BARCS officials wrote that they want to, "thank everyone who came together to try to save this amazing and courageous dog."

More on Phoenix, click here.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (37)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Annapolis retiree Dan McCrady and Sadie, his trusty yellow lab continue to make their way from Annapolis to Maine -- on a bike. 

The two are making the 850-mile trip to raise awareness of the East Coast Greenway trail. 

On her blog, Sadie McCrady's East Coast Greenway Adventure, little Sadie (who's actually 75 pounds and quite a haul for Dan to pedal), reports that despite Dan's slooooow pace, she's having a great time.

Much to Dan's dismay, she frolicked in the mud near Edison, N.J., -- so much so that Dan thought she needed to wash off in the canal. She washed off and then promptly rolled in some more mud. Good times.

In Philadelphia, Sadie says she enjoyed the stop at a school where she got dog-handled by a "zillion" kids.

This weekend Sadie does Manhattan... Hopefully Dan scheduled time for shopping and a show....

Dan McCrady of Annapolis and his yellow lab, Sadie, explore the terrain between Annapolis and Maine. Above, they're stopping for a breather along a trail in Delaware. To the right, Sadie takes a refreshing dip in a canal in New Jersey. Photos by Dan McCrady.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Travel
        

This is an amazing story of a kitty who slipped out the window of an apartment and fell 26 stories -- but was hardly hurt. The footage was captured by window washers across the street. Wow.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Pet videos
        

NAME: Nikolai 

OWNER: Being fostered by Tiffany for Tails of the Tundra Siberian Husky Rescue http://www.siberescue.com/

HOW THEY MET: Nikolai’s previous family realized with a very heavy heart that they could not provide him with the best home, so they relinquished him to our care.

AGE: 1.5 years

HOME: Baltimore

BREED: Siberian Husky

BEST TRICK: Nikolai will hold an entire conversation with you! Dare you speak on the phone with someone else? He’ll make sure to throw his two cents in on the topic of conversation!

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Snuggling under the covers with you.

FAVORITE FOOD: Frozen peanut butter!

FUNNIEST MOMENT: The first time I gave Nikolai a bath he decided he needed to go up to every person in the store and howl and whine to them his sob story about the experience.

A SOFTY FOR KIDS: Nikolai loves people and especially children. His previous home had two young kids and whenever he sees kids he goes bonkers!

IF NIKOLAI HAD A MOTTO FOR LIFE, IT WOULD BE: Play with me NOW!

Photo courtesy of Tiffany

For more information about Nikolai, click here.

To see last week's Ready to be Collared, click here.

If you have an adoptable pet that you'd like to see 'Ready to be Collared' in Unleashed, Click here to download the Collared questionnaire. Fill it out and email it to us, along with a web-sized jpeg, at unleashed@baltsun.com.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Collared
        

Recently freelance photographer Patrick Smith was on assignment with Meredith Cohn for a story about a "forager" at Whole Foods who makes sure the store finds local products to buy. On the assignment, Smith encountered a pretty impressive pooch.

Though the dog had nothing to do with the story, Smith couldn't resist the shot. He captured an amazing leap from Betty, the dog that belongs to Mark Smallwood, the subject of the story.

Smith was kind enough to share the image with Unleashed. Here's how he detailed it on his blog:

...So I make some frames of [Smallwood] in his garden as the reporter and him chat it up. We walk inside and he says to the reporter, "We should take a walk down the block so I can show you the nearby field where I hope to begin my side project."

Instantly, his one-year-old boxer pup, Betty, starts flipping out. Sprinting back-and-forth around the house like her [tail] was on fire. Obviously she likes walks... a lot.

The reporter was in smiling ear-to-ear and laughing aloud, as was I. It totally made my groggy morning and put a smile on my face the rest of the day. I love when moments like this happen.

Is it a great frame? No. Did it go with the story? No. Will it ever run? No. Did it make my day? Yes.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 5:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Emily!!!!

Emily, the owner of a sensitive bulldog, is the big winner in yesterday's Animal House Friday. As you might recall, we discussed the pros and cons of putting cats and dogs on vegan or vegetarian diets. 

Today's winner, since I'm not at work, was selected by Pumpkin. While he was sunning himself on the window sill in the bathroom, I came in and dumped the contestants' names, each on folded pieces of paper, on the vanity. Little P, who's a serious omnivore, hustled right over and sniffed the paper. He batted a few around. Sniffed some more. Then batted one right into the sink. He ran to the sink and lifted it out with his teeth. That was the winner -- Emily!

Emily is the winner of a lovely collapsible travel bowl for doggies. It looks nothing like the bowl the pigeons are bathing in to the right.  It also looks nothing like Bo Obama's bedazzled new bowl.

Thanks everyone who commented. See you all next Friday -- and hopefully before then, too.

Flickr photo of dog bowl by Brandi666.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Animal house
        

Don't take it from us. Take it from a cute gray kitten and a small dog: Southwest is now allowing pets onboard -- in the cabin. Or, just take it from us.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Pet videos, Travel
        

This just came in to Unleashed from Laura, a nurse who says she works at the hospital where Phoenix is being treated:

Hi all, I am a senior veterinary nurse at Metropolitan Veterinary Associates where Phoenix is being treated. She has been my patient for the last 2 days and I just wanted everyone to know that we are not out of the woods, but she is a strong little girl.
I have put my heart, soul and care into her and I wanted all to know that no matter what the outcome is, she will have known love and caring. 
Thank you all for your support and keep her in your thoughts. 
I promise to do my best for her. The doctors that are treating her are amazing and she is getting the upmost care and support

More on Phoenix, click here.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

That Bo is one lucky dog. Eating from a silver spoon and sipping from, well, a bowl that's a replica of the White House.

According to stories all over the British press, including this one in the UK Telegraph, Barack Obama ordered a specially designed travel bowl from Road Refresher.

Designer Natalie Ellis created the bowl complete with Bo's name in rhinestones.

According to the company, the bowl promises to reduce slobber by 90 percent. Bo, are you having a hard time holding your drool?

The plain version of the bowl sells for about 12 pounds. Whatever that is in the U.S. More, I guess. And I suppose it's priceless in the shape of the White House.

Photo of Bo Obama's bowl from Road Refresher. 

For more on the adorable Bo Obama, click here. 

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

Steeler linebacker James Harrison wants to save the life of the dog that recently bit his toddler son.

Harrison's pit bull, Patron, bit the child last week at Harrison's home in Pittsburgh. James Harrison III was treated for wounds and released from an area hospital.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Patron, named after a brand of tequila, was taken to Animal Control of McKees Rocks where the dog would have been put down after a 10-day quarantine.

Apparently Harrison, who was "very close" to the dog, wants to instead find Patron a new home.

The paper quotes Harrison's agent saying: "I just got done talking to James and he would love to find a home for him, but only if it was a home that would provide maximum security. This decision is not being made lightly, and it would have to be in the best interest of the welfare of the animal as well as of people."

Photo of James Harrison/AP

Posted by Jill Rosen at 6:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
Categories: Celebrities and their pets
        

Officials at BARCS just sent out a little more information about Phoenix, the one-year-old pit bull who was doused with gasoline and then set on fire Wednesday in Southwest Baltimore.

They say: Phoenix is stable right now, but still critical. 

The doctor's primary concern is Phoenix's ability to fight off secondary infection from the extensive burns.  She is on IV antibiotics to fight the infection, pain medicine, and supplemental nutrients. 

There are several veterinarians examining the skin to see whether it may need skin grafts or has the potential to heal on its own in some areas. She is receiving constant bandage changes throughout the day in order to help her body through recovery. This will be a long battle, and time will tell how her body will handle what happened

Jennifer Mead-Brause, BARCS executive director, reports:

I wanted to let you know that we have updated our website. There will be updates on Phoenix on our home page and a link there to let people know the 3 ways they can help: Donate to the Franky Fund, Donate to the Phoenix Reward, and Donate to Mainline for Phoenix’s continued care. We also have an additional page for the Franky Fund.

 
Phoenix is stable. There probably won’t be any additional news for a few days. It will be a long road ahead for recovery…several months even.

 
Thank you for helping BARCS in getting the word out about her. We can only hope someone will come forward with information on who did this now that everyone can see the heartfelt response the community has had for this little girl.

 
Thank you,

 
Jennifer Mead-Brause, Executive Director

Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter (BARCS)

Posted by Jill Rosen at 3:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

For $75 each way, you can bring small dogs and cats with you in the cabin on Southwest flights, starting June 17. According to our story, pets must arrive in a carrier that fits under the airplane seat. There's a maximum of one carrier per person, and two pets per carrier.

Will this service make you more likely to fly Southwest?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 12:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Travel
        

Ugh. As if the Baltimore area needed any more sad dog news this week, there's a report out of Elkton that a couple's dog was killed during a home invasion. When the gunmen were fleeing the house, the dog chased them and one of the men shot the dog.

I wish I had some more details about the dog, who was only trying to help his people..... So sad.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

According to a story in today's Sun by Brent Jones, Phoenix, is in stable condition at an unnamed hospital in Pennsylvania. Sounds like the next few days will be touch and go as she fights potential infections and other burn-related issues.

In case anyone missed yesterday's stories, someone in Southwest Baltimore doused the 1-year-old pit bull puppy with gasoline and set her on fire. A police office saw her in flames and put the fire out with a sweater. There is a $1,000 reward being offered for information on who might have done that to the dog.

Unleashed will try to keep you posted on Phoenix's condition and related news.

Photo of poor Phoenix courtesy of BARCS.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

In ABC's new show The Goode Family, the dog, Che, is forbidden from eating meat. The family's vegan, hence, the dog is too. 

(Che is something less than enthusiastic about the "organic flaxseed dog food" his people impose on him. When no one's looking, he snacks on unassuming neighborhood animals.) 

Vegans and vegetarians who force their meatless ways on cats and dogs who live for protein seem to be rather extreme. That said, I'll admit that when I'm food shopping for Leo and Pumpkin, I tend to choose the chicken and fish varieties and skip the beef. It's because with everything I read about the quality of mass-produced beef, I wouldn't want to eat it myself -- and I figure the stuff that makes it into a cat food tin is even worse.

So the kitties don't get any. I wonder if I'm unfairly depriving them of something they'd love.... I also tend to shy away from the Chicken and Liver flavor just cause it sounds yucky...to me. The kitties would probably do back flips for it. Meanwhile, I always buy the 'Shrimp and Salmon Chowder' flavor. Yum!

I'm wondering, for Animal House Friday, if anyone else tends to pass down their food issues onto their pets. Any veggie dogs or cats out there? Or anyone who thinks that the very idea of it is insipid? Also, the flavors of dog and cat food these days are pretty hilarious themselves -- clearly designed for the human....no?

Write in. As always, there's a prize out there for one lucky commenter.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (12)
Categories: Animal house
        

NAME: Napali

OWNER: Sasha Draper

HOW THEY MET: I picked the aierdale with the most energy in the whole litter at a breeder in Delmarva.

AGE: Turned 5 on May 21

HOME: Towson

BREED: Airedale terrier

BEST TRICK: He'll sing on command.

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Shaking balls in the air off the dog bed and attempting to catch them.

FAVORITE FOOD: Carrots and green beans

FUNNIEST MOMENT: At Petsmart when a 4-year-old boy said, "Mom look, that dog looks like a carpet."

WATER BABY: He loves to drink water with his entire face in the bowl while chomping it than throwing the water all over the room once his eyes get wet

IF NAPALI HAD A MOTTO FOR LIFE, IT WOULD BE: Sleeping is for cats live life to the fullest.

Photo courtesy of Sasha Draper.

To see other pets that have been featured in Collared, click here.

Want your pet to be featured in Unleashed? Click here to download the Collared questionnaire. Fill it out and email it to us, along with a web-sized jpeg, at unleashed@baltsun.com.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Collared
        

BARCS just released pictures of Phoenix, the one-year-old pit bull that was doused with gasoline and set on fire yesterday in the 1700 block of Calhoun Street.

Read more about Phoenix, the effort to save her and how you can help, here.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 2:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

There's unfortunately no shortage of dogs and cats that need help in Baltimore.

Just today we told you about Phoenix, a pit bull puppy that was doused with gasoline and set on fire. The dog is fighting to live and BARCS is paying for her medical care.

Recycled Love is another local rescue organization that has done much work to treat homeless animals that need medical care and to find them homes. The group helped find families to take in some of Michael Vick's dogs.

Recycled Love is holding a fundraiser next Wednesday, June 3 at Hamilton Tavern, 5517 Harford Road.

From 4:30 until close, a portion of the restaurant's proceeds will benefit the organization's efforts to help animals. There will also be a silent auction with donations from area businesses.

Two of Recycled Love's adoptable pets, including Marvin, pictured here, will be at the benefit for folks to meet. Picture of Marvin courtesy of Recycled Love. For more information on Marvin, click here.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 1:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Events
        

The Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter has an update on the condition of Phoenix, the one-year-old pit bull that someone burned yesterday in Southwest Baltimore.

BARCS reports: 

On Wednesday afternoon, a young female Pit Bull was found in Southwest Baltimore doused with gasoline and left to burn to death.  A Baltimore City police Officer was quickly on the scene and risked her own life putting out the fire with her sweatshirt.

The Pit Bull was brought to BARCS. Despite the severe pain she was in, she wagged her tail and looked for comfort from the BARCS staff members. Seeing her strength and will to live, the BARCS staff quickly decided to utilize the BARCS Franky Fund, created to help homeless animals in need of immediate medical care. She was then transferred to Swan Harbor Animal Hospital for initial lifesaving care.

She has been nicknamed Phoenix, and while she is now safe and in good hands, she is certainly not out of the woods.  She has suffered horrific burns over 95% of her body.  The fire stripped the fur and flesh from her small figure. 

“No animal deserves this type of treatment,” said Jennifer Mead-Brause, BARCS Executive Director. “This is one of the most severe cases of animal cruelty I’ve ever seen.”

Phoenix has a long road ahead of her. Her injuries are vast and she is at risk for infection and in severe pain.  BARCS was able to begin her treatment through a fund called the Franky Fund. This fund has helped hundreds of homeless abused animals receive the care they desperately need. By donating to BARCS’ Franky Fund - for Sick & Injured Animals - you can help cover the cost of Phoenix’s initial treatment and help others like her.  Visit us online at or click here to donate today.

There is a reward of $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who are responsible for setting fire to the dog in Southwest Baltimore, in the 1700 Block of Calhoun Street, on Wednesday, May 27th.  All tips are confidential.  Call 410-396-4698 and ask for the Animal Enforcement Officer Supervisor at the Bureau of Animal Control. 

If you would like to donate to the Reward, you can donate to the “Phoenix Reward Fund” at BARCS. The reward will be held for 6 months and if there are no leads and/or convictions by that time, the money will be transferred to the Franky Fund.

The Franky Fund pays for the treatment of homeless animals who need expensive, specialized treatment.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 1:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (33)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Dolores Hope, the widow of comedian Bob Hope, is joined by her dog Toro as she celebrates her 100th birthday in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Wonder how old that is in dog years? (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Celebrities and their pets
        

The Baltimore Humane Society is redefining 'black tie and tails.'

The organization is opening the door for people and their "well-behaved" pets at its Not-So-Black Tie & Tails Gala, set for June 6.

Wonder what they mean by well-behaved? Extending the pinky paw when sipping from the wine glass? Asking politely to cut in before dancing with someone's date?

In any case, the gala, at $100 a ticket, will include hors doeuvres and buffets provided by Charles Levine Caterers & Events, music & dancing by On The Edge, and a silent & live auction. Guests will also have the chance to meet the Humane Society staff and board of directors and tour the grounds.

People must buy tickets in advance. For more information on the event and to buy tickets, go to the group's website.

A dog models a stylish outfit at a fashion and grooming boutique in Moscow. Looks like a nice outfit for the gala! DMITRY KOSTYUKOV/AFP/Getty Images.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Events
        

WJZ is reporting on a horrific incident yesterday in which a pit bull was set on fire in Southwest Baltimore.

Apparently no one was coming to to the dog's aid. A police officer discovered the dog and quashed the flames with her sweater. 

According to WJZ, the dog is being called Phoenix, for rising out of the ashes.  BARCS is paying for her treatment.

Someone doused the one-year-old pit bull in gasoline and set her on fire Wednesday afternoon, the station reports.

A doctor told WJZ, "There's not one part spared.  I've seen it on the back, on the tail on the ears.  I've never seen it on the whole body."

The pads of the dog's feet were burnt off, but she was still wagging her tail. 

Unleashed will try to get an update on the dog's condition.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (12)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Animal lovers looking for a way to express that sentiment while also helping a good cause might consider an "I'm Tired of Animal Cruelty" T-shirt.

Half the proceeds of each sale benefits Best Friends Animal Society.

For those who want to be a bit more subtle with their wearable sloganeering -- but still help the good cause -- there's a bracelet.

Organic cotton T-shirts sell for $36 and bracelets cost $10.

Brother and sister team, Dan Hoffman and Carrie Pollare launched the “I’m Tired of…” campaign six months ago to combat global problems including world hunger, global warming and cancer.

Half the proceeds from each item sold goes to charities the company is aligned with.

"I enjoy wearing 'I’m Tired of…' T-shirts because they’re direct and to the point, which in turn, is an extension of self expression, and I like that," Richard Crook from Best Friends Animal Society said in a statement.

The “I’m Tired of Animal Cruelty” t-shirts and bracelets can be purchased at www.ImTiredOnline.com. 

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Fun stuff
        

NAME: Manhattan Micki

OWNER: Patricia

HOW THEY MET: I searched for a likely candidate for a pet therapy dog. She is in training now and it could be a while before she graduates. She loves the classes as long as the treats don’t run out. 

AGE: 2 years

HOME: Shoreview, MN

BREED: Border terrier

BEST TRICK: She loves to jump through my arms when I create a circle for her to jump through.

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Walking, running, and greeting people (“long lost friends, all of them”).

FAVORITE FOOD: Cat treats. (Her “sister” is a cat).

FUNNIEST MOMENT: Micki (who's 12-1/2 pounds) and my cat wrestle. Micki runs up to the cat, pushes her with one paw, and the cat (who's 14 pounds) falls down, and then the fun begins.  Micki rushes in for quick nips and dodges away; the cat puts both paws around her neck and bites.  Neither of them is ever injured.

PERSONALITY PLUS:  I asked for the ‘People-Puppy’ in the litter and she has exceeded my fondest dreams

IF MICKI HAD A MOTTO FOR LIFE, IT WOULD BE: “What do you mean, I can’t jump up on people to greet them – how else will they know how important they are?”

Photo courtesy of Patricia.

To see other pets that have been featured in Collared, click here.

Want your pet to be featured in Unleashed? Click here to download the Collared questionnaire. Fill it out and email it to us, along with a web-sized jpeg, at unleashed@baltsun.com.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Collared
        

In a sea of pedigree, it was the stray that stood out.

Chaplin, a stray 2-year-old cat with fetching tuxedo coloring, beat out purebreds and  pampered felines to win top honors in a cat show in New Hampshire, according to a story by the Associated Press.

Just five days before the kitty won "Best Household Pet" at the Cat Fanciers' Federation's regional show in Rochester, he was a nameless stray referred to simply as "the cat."

When he came to the shelter in Stratham, the staff thought his dashing good looks could put the Persians, Himalayans, and Scottish Folds to shame. And so they entered him in the May 16 contest.

Chaplin, with his white paws, is available for adoption.

Catherine Anderson, an adoption counselor with the New Hampshire SPCA, holds Chaplin, a former stray who won Best Household Pet at a regional cat show. The stray 2-year-old black and white cat beat out purebreds and other pampered felines to win top honors. AP Photo/NHSPCA.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

Comic book company Bluewater Productions is set to release a book starring First Puppy Bo Obama.

Puppy Power: Bo Obama, which is for children, is scheduled for a September release. The company is also planning comics about Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Pretty sure those won't be as much fun.

The book is written by Paul J. Salamoff and drawn by Emmy Award winning Disney and Warner Brothers artist Keith Tucker. Bluewater says there will be two covers for the book.

Another Bo title, Bo, America's Commander in Leash, is already available. That one's by Mascot Books.

Getty Images photo of Bo by Saul Loeb

Find out more about Puppy Power and the political comic series from the comic book company here. 

More about adorable Bo, here.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

NAME: Tanner

NICKNAMES: Lil’ Tanner, Buddy, Tanner Bananer, Pudders, Pussycat, Fuzzbutt

OWNER: Amanda & Tim

HOW THEY MET:  We saw this beautiful cream and white cat with the most gorgeous green eyes on PetFinder.com; he was being fostered through the Montgomery County Humane Society.  We first met at the foster home, and fell in love instantly.  Couldn’t fill the application out fast enough.
 

AGE:  5

HOME: Perry Hall

BREED: Cream and White Domestic Short Hair

BEST TRICK: Pouting. Works on his people every time.

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Sleeping – anywhere: on the floor in a sunbeam, his mom’s or dad’s lap, his window perch, dining room chair, living room sofa, family room couch…

FAVORITE FOOD:  French fries and anything from a foil pouch.

FUNNIEST MOMENT: We put a blanket over the living room sofa to mitigate the cat hair. Tanner decided to take a nap on the sofa...under the blanket (see picture).  All we could see was his nose peeking out from under the blanket.  So much for trying to keep cat hair off the sofa.

HE'S GOT WINGS: Tanner’s hobbies are hockey and flying: He plays “hockey” in the kitchen with a bread bag twist tie and leaps from the upstairs balcony to the living room. 

IF TANNER HAD A MOTTO FOR LIFE, IT WOULD BE:  Have lap, will nap.

Photo courtesy of Amanda O’Quinn

To see other pets that have been featured in Collared, click here.

Want your pet to be featured in Unleashed? Click here to download the Collared questionnaire. Fill it out and email it to us, along with a web-sized jpeg, at unleashed@baltsun.com.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Collared
        

Maybe it was the rain. It certainly couldn't be because the Baltimore area is short of cute pets. I mean, have you seen Collared?

Anyway, only one reader answered my call for Memorial Day shots of their pets enjoying the holiday. Pat O. sent in this funny shot of his cat, Otis, challenging the family's two dogs, Nelson, in the blue collar, and Marley, in the pink one. Pat's word for what Otis was doing was "taunting" the dogs. Hee. Brave kitty!

The action took place near the fish pond of Pat's parents' home in Severna Park.

Hopefully Unleashed readers will be more prepared to capture the pet action during the next holiday. July 4, I think, has a lot of potential. I suppose, however, that if anyone still has some Memorial Day shots they can send, we'd certainly like to see them.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
        

Actor Patrick Swayze, who has stage-four pancreatic cancer, is writing a memoir with his wife, Lisa Niemi.

In this photo released by the couple's publicist, Swayze and Niemi pose this month with their dogs, poodle, Lucas, left, and Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy, Kumasai, at their ranch in New Mexico. 

The couple has apparently been working on the book at their ranch. The picture was taken during a writing break, Swayze's publicist tells E! News.

Hopefully the dogs are as comforting to Swayze as they look in the picture.

The book is set to be published by Atria Books this fall.

AP Photo/WKT Public Relations

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (94)
Categories: Celebrities and their pets
        

After the mother of a litter of kittens was hit by a car and killed, Lakota, a 7-year-old Australlian Shepherd, stepped in to nurse the brood. The dog and kitties are at the family farm of Colleen and Robert Nesseth in Snohomish, Wash. Lakota's not mom, but close enough. AP Photo/The Herald, Dan Bates.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

NAME: Dizzy

NICKNAMES: Dizzy Monster, Muttyface

OWNER: Baltimore Sun reporter and B'More Green blogger Meredith Cohn

HOW THEY MET: Horrified by the images from Hurricane Katrina, human and canine, we responded when the Maryland SPCA called for volunteers to foster dogs the group saved from New Orleans. Dizzy, named for jazz great Dizzy Gillespie, was a 9-month-old black and tan ball of scared.

He had been beat up and wouldn’t sleep or let his new dad near him. He also wouldn’t eat, except for the random piece of furniture or clothing, and on the anniversary of the storm, a big piece of drywall. After a lot of love and patience, Dizzy became happy, hungry – and ours permanently.

AGE: 4

HOME: Federal Hill

BREED: Junkyard

FAVORITE FOOD: Whatever his pal Chi Chi’s mom has in her pocket. And anything he finds on the sidewalk.

BEST TRICK: Toss a cookie and he catches it, no matter your aim.

FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Circling the field at top speed in Riverside Park with his pals Hank and Sophie. Sitting on the sofa with his lady friends Erin and Anne. Napping in our bed. And scoring a treat from Chi Chi’s mom.

IF DIZZY HAD A MOTTO FOR LIFE, IT WOULD BE: You gonna eat that?

Photos courtesy of Doug Beizer

To see other pets that have been featured in Collared, click here.

Want your pet to be featured in Unleashed? Click here to download the Collared questionnaire. Fill it out and email it to us, along with a web-sized jpeg, at unleashed@baltsun.com.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Collared
        

Were you able to capture your pet in the act of enjoying Memorial Day? If so, send those pictures to Unleashed -- we'd like to see 'em and post 'em. Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, fish, ferrets -- whatever. If your pet was having a time, luxuriating in the three-day weekend, that's good enough for us.

Send them ASAP over to unleashed@baltsun.com and I'll post what I get tomorrow. Make sure they're JPEGs and include a little information on who the pet is and what he or she is doing. We'll have a holiday montage.

Hope everyone's been having a great weekend -- rain or otherwise....

Memorial Day weekend, btw, is my one-year anniversary with Pumpkin. I brought him home a year ago -- he was just a tiny orange puff. 

Photo of Australian Shepard lounging on a picnic table courtesy of Madaise on Flickr.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 3:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Fun stuff
        

NAME:  Bubba Gump

NICKNAMES:  Bobo, Bob, Bandit, Bubs, Gump, Bump

OWNER:  Sarah Almon

HOW THEY MET:  Bubba and I are a match made in Internet Heaven. I found Bubba through Petfinder.org which lead me to Pet Rescue of Maryland. Pet Rescue of MD had rescued Bubba after Hurricane Katrina and he was living in a kennel at the time. He couldn’t participate in many of the group events since he doesn’t get along with cats very well. I was lucky to find him online!

AGE:  6-ish

HOME:  Baltimore

BREED:  Beagle, German shepherd, Rottweiler mix

FAVORITE ACTIVITIES:  Chasing squirrels in the park, playing football, sleeping on his couch, hiding treats, doing laps around the apartment, having his ears scratched, talking to ladies on his iBone.

BEST TRICKS:  Peeking out of the blinds to say goodbye when I leave for work in the morning.

FAVORITE FOODS:  Anything that humans eat

GIRL’S BEST FRIEND: I can’t think of any dog that would be more perfect for me then Bubba. He is a laidback, go-with-the-flow kinda guy who is always down for a walk around Federal Hill or just hanging out on the couch.  He looks out for me in the big city and is always there to cheer me up after a long day at the office. There’s nothing like a hug from your best friend to make everything okay again.

IF BUBBA HAD A MOTTO FOR LIFE, IT WOULD BE:  Keep the good times rolling.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Almon.

To see other pets that have been featured in Collared, click here.

Want your pet to be featured in Unleashed? Click here to download the Collared questionnaire. Fill it out and email it to us, along with a web-sized jpeg, at unleashed@baltsun.com.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Collared
        

President Barack Obama runs away from the family dog, Bo, during a brief break from meetings on the South Lawn of the White House on May 12, 2009. The president is pretty dressed up for football on the lawn. Then again, Bo is still wearing his leash. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza.

For more on First Pup Bo Obama, click here. 

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

And they're off! An Annapolis retiree and his trusty yellow lab, Sadie, embarked this weekend on their big adventure -- biking from Maryland to Maine.

Man and dog are making the trip to promote the East Coast Greenway trail system. It's an 850-mile ride from start to finish. Dan McCrady's neighbor's sent him off with mimosas. Guessing he needed a drink even more at the end of the day -- he planned to bike 55 miles.

On her blog, Sadie McCrady's East Coast Greenway Adventure, Sadie reports the ride on Saturday was hard. With the temperature hovering around 90 and her master pulling not only her 75 pounds but a 40-pound bike AND a 40-pound trailer AND gear.

But when they two finally neared the end of the first leg, the welcome party at their host's home made it worth it -- or so Sadie thought. "They had seven screaming people on the main road with signs! One said "Free Beer!" and another said "I'll drive you to Maine for $100," the dog blogged. "I don't know what these mean because I can't read!"

Sadie has promised to keep us updated along the 22-day trip. If anyone has any questions for her or Dan, be sure to ask -- I think they'll be reading. Dan, at least.

Annapolis Mayor Ellen Moyer gives Dan and Sadie a proclamation this week before they set off on their big adventure. Moyer also gave Sadie a blue crab toy. Photo courtesy of Dan McCrady.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
        

As far as cats and keyboards go, this is much more my style. A friend pointed it out to me a while ago. Sage area kitty Mookie is a big fan. Nora is incredibly sweet. And rather talented!

Posted by Jill Rosen at 3:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Fun stuff, Pet videos
        

Believe it or not, this is the latest Internet sensation. The keyboard cat.

Sort of like the punchline to a bad joke, the "keyboard cat" has become a way to punctuate videos of people caught in embarrassing situations. For instance, the kitty plays his keyboard song in the above video right after a salesman falls from a ladder he just assured people was safe. (The keyboard kitty is something less than compassionate.)

More than 1.2 million have viewed various versions of the cat on YouTube. According to a story by the Associated Press, the creation of Brad O'Farrell, a 22-year-old  syndication manager for the website MyDamnChannel.com, has sparked hundreds of copycats. Pun intended. People film their own silly act, then add the kitty: "Play Him Off, Keyboard Cat."

The videos feature a kitty named Fatso. I'm not sure why they're so popular. They're actually kind of mean.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Fun stuff, Pet videos
        

Once a week, we will highlight a pet -- or pets -- available to be adopted... 

NAMES: Waverly and Hampden

OWNER: Being fostered by Erin Harty via the Maryland Feline Society

HOW THEY MET: Waverly and "Hammie" were feral kittens trapped by city animal control in August 2008 at Lyndhurst Elementary School. They went to a foster home and were adopted out last fall, but were returned this spring because a child in their new home developed severe asthma.

AGE: 11-12 months

HOME: Baltimore (Pigtown).

BREED: Waverly is a domestic longhair female while Hampden is a domestic shorthair male.

BEST TRICK: Waverly can open just about any door without a latch… cabinet doors, closet doors, etc. Nothing and no one are safe from her prying paws!

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Hampden loves sleeping on sunny windowsills. Waverly likes to curl up on your pillow and snuggle at night.

FAVORITE FOOD: Pounce cat treats

WHY THEY STAY TOGETHER: Hampden and Waverly have been bounced around a lot during their short lives, but have never been separated and are very bonded to one another. That's why they're being offered for adoption as a pair. They can be shy, so they would do best in a quiet home with a patient and cat-savvy person.

MOTTO: Two cats are double the fun!

Photos courtesy of Erin Harty.

For a bit more about Waverly and Hammie, click here.

To see other pets that have been featured in Collared, click here.

Want your pet to be featured in Unleashed? Click here to download the Collared questionnaire. Fill it out and email it to us, along with a web-sized jpeg, at unleashed@baltsun.com.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Collared
        

That barking dog? Yes, it IS annoying. To seals, anyway.

San Diego officials, in fact, have decided that the best way to get seals to pack up and leave a popular beach area is to play a tape of dogs barking.

The plan, which according to reports would cost $700,000, is aimed to get rid of about 200 seals.

Animal rights groups are already barking themselves.

If they're going ahead with the plan, they might want to set up a tape recorder at my back window. I know a few vocalists who'd probably have the seals halfway up the coast in about an hour....

Photo of barker courtesy of Sylvar on Flickr. Seal photo courtesy of Mike Baird on Flickr.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
        

Jane Fonda and her refined looking dog, Tulea, were spotted this week heading into the Ed Sullivan Theater for an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman.

According to Fonda's website, Tulea made a break for it during a curtain call for 33 Variations, darting away from her dog sitter for a little Broadway bow -- right on the stage. Fonda had to scoop her up as the actress left the stage.

Tulea, by the way, is a Coton de Tulear, a breed known for its fluffy, cotton-like coat. Check out Tulea's own page on Fonda's site.

Photo by AP/Charles Sykes.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 1:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Celebrities and their pets
        

The website Oddee has a fun item on its 10 Most Fascinating Dogs. 

The list includes some dogs of history -- even one or two with stories appropriate to remember on Memorial Day weekend. For instance there's, Stubby, who saved his regiment from a mustard gas attack in 1918. The pit bull was the most decorated dog of World War I, according to the site.

There's also Jim, a "wonder dog," who apparently could predict the future. Wonder if he knew that someday he'd make this Top 10 list?

Photo of an English Mastiff named Brinna courtesy of BobMarley753 on Flickr.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

NAME: Winston

OWNERS: Ashley and Patrick

HOW THEY MET: Winston had run away from his previous owners and was found in someone’s garage covered in ticks. After finding his original owners, they said they didn’t want him anymore and to take him to the pound. When we heard about him, I went to meet him and fell in love instantly. Despite the fact that he had obviously suffered abuse in his prior home, he is one of the most loving dogs I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.

AGE: Approximately 7 years old

HOME: Elkridge

BREED: Dachshund

BEST TRICK: I guess his best “trick” (what can I say, he is a spoiled little guy and we don’t ask for much!) would be hiding his toys and favorite things.

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Actually his favorite thing to do is cuddle in bed! He would sit in bed with us all day if we let him. You should see the look on his face when the alarm goes off!

FAVORITE FOOD: He LOVES chicken.

FUNNIEST MOMENT: Watching him swim is always good for a laugh, but he is getting much better at it! However, I think he’s much happier floating on a chair in the pool than swimming in it.

FIVE THINGS YOU PROBABLY DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT WINSTON: 1. Winston is a funny little dog that has been through a lot, so quirks come with the territory. Despite his broken tail, broken teeth and a horrible experience with Lyme disease a few months ago, you’d never guess he’s ever been in any pain in his life. He is one happy dog!

2. He actually originally lived in Alaska before moving to Maryland, which would explain him loving to play in the snow!

3. He is terrified of popping noises, whether it be from a crackling fire, or from preparing dinner in the kitchen. I so much as turn on the oven and he’s outta there!

4. He loves to hide in Patrick’s laundry basket when he gets scared (and unfortunately likes to leave my husband surprises in there).

5. He is also becoming a great little swimmer, so I am sure he is thrilled summer is right around the corner. When we first adopted him, he was very shy (basically very un-dachshund-like!) but he has really blossomed into his dachshund attitude. He makes me smile everyday!

IF WINSTON HAD A MOTTO FOR LIFE, IT WOULD BE: Don’t worry, be happy!

Photo by Ashley

Posted by Mary Corey at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Collared
        

Ian!!!

Ian was one of a great heap of responses that came in this morning and this afternoon. Everyone had tons of nifty ideas about where in town to dine with the doggy. Seriously, you have to read the comments. Tons of suggestions -- and some are places I'll bet you wouldn't have thought of.

Ian recommended On the Hill Cafe in Bolton Hill. He reported that they treated his dog extremely well last time he went there -- complete with a bowl of water for the pooch on the house. Nice.

For his efforts, Ian, and his lucky, non-thirsty, dog, win a set of political dog toys made by Doggy Hoots. There's a Barack Obama, a Hillary Clinton and a John McCain. They all squeak. I hope Ian writes back to let us know which doll his dog chews up the most -- and whether or not that's a hint at his political leanings.

Today's winner was chosen by Reality Check's very own Sarah Kelber. She tore herself temporarily away from the drama of So You Think You Can Dance and American Idol to help me out. To make it official and kind of Unleashed-y, she did the drawing with bunny ears on. I'm not sure why she had bunny ears at the ready, right at her desk, but she did.

Looking forward to next week's installment!

Posted by Jill Rosen at 3:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Animal house
        

I just heard on Twitter from @ReneeATNutro. She sent me this link with more information for any cat owners who are concerned about the company's recall of some of its dry food.

Among other things, there's a number there people can call for a full refund.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 2:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Health
        

The Humane Society of the United States marks World Turtle Day on Saturday, celebrating all the things people are doing to protect turtles and turtlekind.

Just in time for the party, my colleague Mike Dresser who does the Getting There blog, breaks some interesting turtle news.

To be nice to turtles, the State Highway Administration is creatively mowing the grass near the Hampstead Bypass project which is quite close to the habitat of the the threatened bog turtle. It's having goats chew down the grass.

The agency apparently considered using cows but voted them down as "too big." And the turtles said they'd rather work with goats.

The Humane Society, by the way, offers information for people considering getting a turtle as a pet.

A male Eastern Box Turtle moves across a path at Wildwood Lake Sanctuary in Harrisburg, Pa. The red eye of this turtle indicates that it is male. The Eastern box turtle is a step closer to being named Pennsylvania's official state reptile because of a campaign launched by a suburban Philadelphia elementary school class. Associated Press Photo/Carolyn Kaster.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Events, Fun stuff
        

Petside.com  has released a list of the Top Five Pet-Friendly Hotels -- just in time for Memorial Day weekend.

Motel 6 earns a “four paw” rating by welcoming pets at all of its locations. One pet is allowed per room and the hotel doesn't charge extra fees for animals. The chain has welcomed pets since 1962.

“Keeping costs low is a top priority for pet owners as they make summer travel plans this year,” said Petside's director, Joshua Fried, said in a statement. “We are thrilled this list provides so many affordable options for pets to have their summer vacation, too.”

The other hotels that made the list are La Quinta Inns & Suites, Red Roof Inn, Best Western and Candlewood Suites.

You can find the group's list from last year here. It's a bit more upscale than this year's budget-friendly selections.

From left: Shinaku, Aksala and P.D. recently check out the street scene from the window of a hotel on Stedman Street in Ketchikan, Alaska. The dogs look like they're ready for a vacation -- and thanks to dog-friendly hotels, they can come along. AP photo/Ketchikan Daily News, Tom Miller.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Travel
        

Once upon a time, dogs used to be a welcome presence in some Baltimore restaurants.

They'd stake out a spot by the bar. They'd greet customers. They'd leave good tips.

And then the health department decided fur mixing with food wasn't the best of ideas.

No more dining doggies.

How decidedly non-European.

However, now that's it's warming up and some area restaurants are setting up their outdoor dining tables, I thought it might be fun to ask readers where they like to dine al fresco avec Fluffy? (Or, hey, Fido, as the case might be....)

Are there any Baltimore or Baltimore-area spots that are particularly good to bring animals?

Does your dog like to order off the menu?

How does the little beast handle himself at a restaurant?

Also, would you like the city to change its policy and allow animals in city dining establishments? Let's get a discussion going. ... It's Animal House Friday, which means one lucky commenter will win a little something. The Sun's vast blogging staff will help me pick a winner around 3 p.m. ...

Sun photo of the dining dog, above, by Monica Lopossay. At right, Duke, a German-shepard mix, used to be a fixture at One-Eyed Mike's in Fells Point until the Health Department cracked down on animals in dining establishments. Sun photo by Elizabeth Malby.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (31)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Travel
        

NAME: Lucky

OWNERS: The Mather family

HOW THEY MET: Lucky walked up to our house -- he had been abandoned.

AGE: About 10 years old

HOME: Sparks

BREED: They say pug and Chihuahua.

BEST TRICK: Balancing a treat on his nose and waiting till someone tells him to get it

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Snuggling

FAVORITE FOOD: Cheese

FUNNIEST MOMENT: We came home and couldn’t find a loaf of Italian bread that was left on the kitchen counter.  Apparently Lucky had jumped onto the kitchen counter, grabbed the bread that was almost as big as he was and then buried it upstairs in my son’s bed under the pillow!

WHAT LUCKY LIKES AND DISLIKES: Loves people and hugs and hates the noise the heat/ac makes when it starts up. He thinks there’s a monster living in the floor vents. 

IF LUCKY HAD A MOTTO FOR LIFE, IT WOULD BE: I don’t care where you’re going, please take me with you.

Photo courtesy of the Mather family

To see other pets that have been featured in Collared, click here.

Want your pet to be featured in Unleashed? Click here to download the Collared questionnaire. Fill it out and email it to us, along with a web-sized jpeg, at unleashed@baltsun.com.

Posted by Mary Corey at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Collared
        

Cat owners need to be aware that the cat food company Nutro is recalling some of its dry food.

This notice in Truthaboutpetfood.com details exactly what is being recalled and why.

The voluntary recall, underway in the United States and 10 other countries, is due to incorrect levels of zinc and potassium in the food. 

Cat owners who think they may have bought the food are instructed to stop giving it to their cat and to watch their pet for signs of vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or a reduced appetite. 

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Health
        

When people lose a pet and consider cremation, they hope to honor a beloved part of the family and perhaps keep a tiny part of that former cat or dog in a meaningful place.

Which makes the following story all the more horrifying.

The website Consumerist just reported on a really disturbing situation in Maryland where a man who brought his cat to be cremated was left anything less than sure that the ashes he was given belonged to his kitty.

In the story,  Matthew took the body of his 15-year-old cat, Spike, to a vet, the Cat and Dog Hospital of Columbia, to be sent to be cremated. When his mother picked up the remains, she got a box of ashes and an accompanying certificate with someone else's name on it. The vet's office said the cremation company, Valley Pet Cemetery in Williamsport, Md., explained that someone had called them and told them to change the name.

The back and forth that happens ensued between the vet's office, Matthew and the cremation company is so disturbing, it's clear that Matthew can't be at all certain that the remains in the box he got belong to his Spike.

This cat named Nin was the mascot for Mount Washington Observatory in New Hampshire for a dozen years. Photo by the Associated Press.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

NAME: Shadow (named at shelter)

OWNERS: The Sadaka family (Mary, Norm, Jon, Nick)

HOW THEY MET: My mom found our treasured canine family member at an animal shelter. The people at the shelter were told that sweet little Shadow was thrown out of the car (who could be so cruel to such a beautiful, loyal, loving creature?) It was shocking that my mom would pick a bigger dog, but she felt there was something special about our buddy and boy was she right! We loved him from day 1, and he truly went from rags to riches both in treatment and in love.

AGE: 10

HOME: Marriottsville

BREED: Mutt (thought to be mostly German Shepherd with maybe some Rottweiler and others)

BEST TRICK: As Bart Simpson says, “He doesn’t want to learn, and we don’t want to teach him…We get along great.” Obeys very well-no particular tricks that stand out, but seems to understand everything remarkably well.

FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Walks without a doubt, although begging and keeping sentry run a very close second and third.

FAVORITE FOOD: Our joke at our house is “Blank is Shadow’s favorite”…you can fill in the blank with anything you’d like because he’ll eat almost anything and loves it all!!!

FUNNIEST MOMENT: His funniest moment is one he repeats. When he sees us working out in the garden (especially when weeding), he desperately wants to help. All we have to say is “Shadow, dig, dig, dig…dig, dig, dig” in that doggy high-pitched voice, and he furrows his brow and starts digging like a madman. It’s quite a scene and one that makes us belly laugh every time we see it. He exhausts himself very quickly and he always plops right in the middle of the cool freshly dug soil, which always elicits a new wave of laughter. When he dig, dig, digs, the soil that he ends up with looks pristine and almost fluffy…It looks like you could plant the most delicate flower ever in it -- just perfect soil.

SHADOW TO THE RESCUE: Again, Shadow is a special dog. He seems to know when anyone in the house is upset and instantly gives that person attention. My dad had MAJOR back surgery and was in enormous pain and Shadow stayed with him the whole time during his recovery.

Our included pic is also of the fire across the street that Shadow alerted on at about 3:30 in the morning. Although the house was completely destroyed, no one was hurt and we’d like to think Shadow was part of the reason.

IF SHADOW HAD A MOTTO FOR LIFE, IT WOULD BE: My pack (family) is my life…I am them and they are me. They watch out for me and I watch out for them.

Photo by Nick Sadaka

To see other pets that have been featured in Collared, click here.

Want your pet to be featured in Unleashed? Click here to download the Collared questionnaire. Fill it out and email it to us, along with a web-sized jpeg, at unleashed@baltsun.com.

Posted by Mary Corey at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Collared
        

File this in the 'what is wrong with people?' files....

The Associated Press just reported the following:

Pittsburgh police say a high school student was facing charges for using a biology class snake as a jump rope.

Police said the incident happened Monday at Taylor Allderdice High School. Police aren't identifying the 17-year-old suspect because he's being charged in juvenile court. The boy will be charged with theft and cruelty to animals.

The animal survived the ordeal and was being examined by a veterinarian. Pittsburgh Public School officials on Tuesday were not immediately able to say what kind of snake it was.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Former NFL player Michael Vick was released from prison today. According to ESPN, Vick, who's spent the last 19 months in jail for his role in a dogfighting ring, has promised to work with the Humane Society of the United States.

ESPN reports: Vick has said he wants to work with the Humane Society on a program aimed at eradicating dogfighting among urban teens, society president Wayne Pacelle said Tuesday. Pacelle said he recently met with Vick at the federal prison in Leavenworth. Vick requested the meeting, one his attorneys, said.

The former Atlanta Falcon was charged in 2007 with dogfighting conspiracy. The court case revealed gruesome details of how Vick's Virginia-based operation treated pitbulls. Authorities 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.

Two of Vick's former dogs found homes in Maryland through Baltimore's Recycled Love.

Read more about Vick and the plight of some of his former dogs here.

This file photo shows the scarred face of Lucas, a pit bull used in the Michael Vick's dogfighting operation. Lucas in January was staying at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, north of Kanab, Utah. Vick left a Kansas prison before today to begin home confinement in Virginia. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Nearly 5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and one in five dog bites results in injuries that require medical attention, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

May 17 to 23 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week. The CDC wants to be sure people are aware there are ways to decrease the liklihood of dog bites.

Almost one in five of people who are bitten by dogs, or 885,000 people, require medical attention for their injuries, the CDC says. And In 2006, more than 31,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery because of dog bites.

Children, adult males and people with dogs in their homes are the most likely to get bit, according to the CDC. For kids, most dog bites happen to those who are 5 to 9 years old. 

The CDC recommends teaching children the following techinques and tips to help them interact safely with dogs:

* Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
* Do not run from a dog or scream.
* Remain motionless (e.g., "be still like a tree") when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
* If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., "be still like a log").
* Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
* Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult.
* Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
* Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
* Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
* If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.

A puppy named Simba takes a bite at one of many bubbles to come her way as she and owner Althea Bacon stroll down Main Street in Ellicott City. This week is National Dog Bite Prevention Week. Baltimore Sun photo.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Health
        

Everyone knows there's much to be learned from their pets -- not just the flip side of that equation.

From having Leo and Pumpkin, among other things, I've learned quite a bit about patience, which isn't typically my strong suit. (Leo, I see you've made me a pile of shredded toilet paper again....Yay!) (No Pumpkin, lasagna isn't for kitties. No, it's still not for kitties. Nope, not now either....)

One writer has written an essay for Beliefnet on just that: 10 Life Lessons My Dog Taught Me.

Joanne Brokaw writes that her border collie, Scout, who's three-years-old, has taught her many important things, including "looks can be deceiving."

She writes: "One morning Scout found an apple-shaped Christmas ornament that had been under the couch for months. It looked like a ball, so Scout licked the red lacquer off the faux fruit until there was Styrofoam. I didn't find out about his discovery until hours later, when I stepped in a puddle of bright pink dog vomit and found a very sick puppy hiding under my desk.

"Like Scout, I've often been deceived by things that look attractive but turn out to be bad for me. Slick ads, promises of greener grass on the other side of the fence, and the sparkle of expensive things have led me down the path to heartache more times than I can count. Just because something looks good doesn't mean it's good for me."
 

Scout, a border collie, is full of good advice for his owner, if she cares to look for it. Picture of Scout courtesy of Joanne Brokaw.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

NAME: Mac Christian Barksdale
 

OWNERS: Lisa, Darnell & Brittany

HOW THEY MET: We were looking for the perfect addition to our family, which took us back to the same breeder we got our Yorkshire Terrier, CoCo, from. When CoCo gave his "wag" of approval and wouldn't stop licking and playing with his new buddy, we knew he was the one for us.

AGE: 2 1/2 years

HOME: Catonsville

BREED: Yorkshire Terrier

BEST TRICK: Barking at the top of his lungs to go outside accompanied by extreme tail wagging (It's something that you have to see to appreciate..LOL)

FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Sleeping and chasing the females (typical male…LOL)

FAVORITE FOOD: Canine Carry Outs Chicken Grillers -- yum

FUNNIEST MOMENT: It's just funny everyday watching Mac with his little legs and big ego trying his best to keep up with CoCo.

LITTLE DOG, LOUD BARK: Since Mac has a Napoleon complex, he tends to always bark and growl at everything bigger than him (including Rottweilers). Mac's bark is really bigger than his bite; he is actually a spoiled rotten baby.

IF MAC HAD A MOTTO FOR LIFE, IT WOULD BE: "I'm a big dog trapped in a little dog's body --help!"
 
Photo by Darnell

To see other pets that have been featured in Collared, click here.

Want your pet to be featured in Unleashed? Click here to download the Collared questionnaire. Fill it out and email it to us, along with a web-sized jpeg, at unleashed@baltsun.com.

Posted by Mary Corey at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Collared
        

As some readers might have noticed, Unleashed marked a sad milestone over the weekend -- for the first time that we know of, one of our Collared pets passed away.

Newt, a gorgeous and gentle English Setter that we featured this last weekend, succumbed to kidney failure. He was 14.

Newt wasn't just beloved by his people, Jim and Diana Hartnett of St. Louis. Diane, the principal of a boys junior high school, brought Newt to school over the years and the kids embraced him. The doggy even had a picture in the yearbook.

At Unleashed, we not only felt terrible about Diana's loss, we wanted to know how she was handling things...if there would be a memorial...how she managed to break the news to the kids at school.

She writes:

As I mentioned in Newt's bio, he came from the Franklin County, MO, Humane Society.  When we saw his picture on Petfinder, we were thrilled, for he looked so gentle and sweet, and he was.  When we arrived to pick him up, we were seated in a small room, and Newt was brought in.  He walked straight up to me, buried his head in my lap under my arm, and sighed.  I could almost hear him say, "Thank God, you are finally here."

Newt integrated himself immediately into the family and tolerated the two current dogs and also the two other rescues who came after him.  But it was clear that this aristocratic, solemn, kind, and loving dog was something special, something apart, something extraordinary.
 

I began bringing Newt to school about five years ago, when there was a little boy in the seventh grade, Matt, who was paralyzingly shy.  So once a week, every Wednesday, Newt became Matt's dog.  Matt took him to class, walked him, got him water, and kept him nearby.  You can imagine when Newt was with Matt, there were a hundred little hands trying to reach him.  What an incredible difference it made for Matt that year, and afterwards, too.  Matt continued to be Newt's person every Wednesday during eighth grade as well.  It was wonderful.

Newt celebrated his birthday at school with the boys every year on February 17, the anniversary of the day we took him home.  On this day, we all ate cake and ice cream, wore party hats, and sang happy birthday.  The party welcomed all of our families, siblings, and friends, including any and all canine companions.  It was just perfect.

In ninth grade, Matt went to the high school building, which is just down the way.  But Newt still came on Wednesdays and of course, every Wednesday, Matt would come up to the Junior High to see his friend.  In the past four years, Matt has never missed a Wednesday, to come and give Newt a hug and to whisper in Newt's ear the secrets that he knew Newt would keep.  Once during Matt's sophomore year, he was sick on a Wednesday and did not come to school.  But he called and asked me to put the phone to Newt's ear, just so Newt could hear the secrets he was sharing with his buddy.

WIthin these past six months, Newt began to show real signs of age.  His back legs began to give out and he developed kidney issues.  In spite of many trips to the vet and significant medications for a variety of ailments, Newt succumbed to kidney failure last week.

I shared the news privately with Matt, now a confident and thoughtful young adult, and he cried.

I have an 8 x 10 photo of Newt, the same as the one posted on your blog, which I put in a frame and hung on the office door on the day he died.  On the photo, I had a small sign which said, "Rest in peace, dearest Newt."  Word spread quickly that Newt had died, and the boys were subdued and hurt by the news.  Newt has been cremated, and upon receipt of his ashes, he will be buried in our back yard, underneath a small statue of St. Francis and alongside others, both dogs and cats, who have preceded him.

Newt is greatly missed by us all but I am so grateful that his life intersected with ours.  If there is any message that I would love to convey, it is that the adoption of an older pet into the family is a blessing without measure.

Photo courtesy of Jeff and Diana Hartnett

Posted by Jill Rosen at 4:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Collared, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

This has got to be one of the cutest things I've seen in a while. This doggie and this wild boar are having the time of their lives -- and clearly are enamoured with one another.

The five-week old boar, named Manni, is playing with Candy, a Jack Russell terrier. Manni was found abandoned in a forest near Ehringhausen, western Germany, and is being hand-fed. All photos by Sascha Schuermann for AFP/Getty.

The Sun's Captioncall blog had a little fun earlier with another of the Mannie/Candy pictures, letting people try their hand at writing a caption for the little guys. See here.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 1:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
        

Though Baltimore dog-owners worry about this city's commitment to canines, Chicago is certainly not afraid to prove its love to its dogs.

The Windy City just revealed a new sticker that will go on all city vehicles. It reads: Dog Friendly Chicago.

Chicago City Clerk Miguel del Valle held a vehicle sticker art contest for all Chicago high school students, grades 9-12. He partnered with the city's Department of Animal Care and Control for this year's sticker with the dog-friendly theme.

Students were asked to submit artwork highlighting the city's efforts to make Chicago dog-friendly, including incorporating dog friendly areas, allowing dogs at outdoor cafes and promoting the benefits of registering a dog with the city.

At a recent leash-law hearing, Baltimore's dog-owners made it clear that with so few dog parks and such high fines for people who let dogs off-leash outside, Baltimore might be gaining a reputation as anti-dog.

Denise Ferguson, a senior at Corliss High School, had the winning sticker design so her dog art will be displayed on approximately 1.3 million vehicle stickers beginning in June. Second and third place winners are Brittany Byrne, a senior at Resurrection High School and Ricardo Silva, a senior at John Hancock High School, respectively. Poster images courtesy of the Chicago city clerk's office.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Dan McCrady will take off from Annapolis on Saturday for an 850 mile journey on a bike -- with his yellow lab, Sadie.

The two hope the ride will help raise awareness for the East Coast Greenway, the nation's longest urban train for non-motorized uses. The 22-day trip will take McCrady and Sadie from thier home in Annapolis to Portland, Maine.

McCrady said he's looking foward to the ride but Sadie can hardly wait.

"She loves running beside me -- she prances," McCrady says. "When she's in the trailer, she never naps. She keeps her eyes open, checking out the scenery."

McCrady and Sadie plan to average 55 miles a day. The three-year-old yellow lab will trot along beside the bike for about five miles a day and ride in a trailer specially designed for dogs the rest of the time.

McCrady will be charting his and Sadie's progress on his blog. However, Unleashed will link to the blog every once in a while so that everyone can follow along easily.

The two expect to pass through Baltimore at about 4 p.m. Saturday -- give or take who knows how long. McCrady, a 61-year-old retired federal worker, isn't exactly sure how fast his pace will be. He's never taken on this long of a cycling trip. Certainly never one hauling a 75-pound dog AND a 40-pound trailer.

They'll be biking the daily 55 miles rain or shine without a support vehicle to help out if anyone should get tired.

McCrady expects Sadie, who can play dead, offer a high five and hold off on eating food placed on her paw until McCrady signals it's OK, will easily handle the trip. The only issue might be missing her best friend back at home, Rocky the kitty.

"[The cat] doesn't like when Sadie's gone," McCrady says.

Dan McCrady will be riding a Sun EZ Sport CX recumbent bicycle donated by Sun Bicycles and has received technical support from Pedal Pushers Bicycle Shop in Severna Park. Sadie will ride in a Solvit dog trailer when not trotting beside McCrady. Solvit Products is also a sponsor.

People can help McCrady and Sadie raise money for the Greenway by  visiting this website.

Photos courtesy of Dan McCrady.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Travel
        

NAME: Cody

NICKNAME:  The Codester, Shepherd Pie

OWNERS: Jen Badie (The Baltimore Sun's Education Editor) and her husband, Darius

HOW THEY MET: Darius' sister adopted Cody as a puppy but didn't realize that he would enjoy herding her 8-year-old daughter every chance he got (she was the size of a sheep back then, after all). When she told us she was thinking about finding him a new home, we volunteered to take him because he was such a good-tempered dog and we thought another dog might alleviate our beagle's separation anxiety.

AGE: 8

HOME: Owings Mills

BREED: Australian shepherd

FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Playing with Baxter, his beagle brother (especially if it involves putting a paw on his head), running around in the backyard (the muddier it is, the better), standing guard at the front door, following us from room to room, getting a belly rub

BEST TRICKS: Herding beagles; imitating Tigger in the yard when it snows (it involves a lot of bouncing)

FAVORITE FOODS: He recently got ahold of a raw almond and now when we have the jar out, he practically jumps in our laps to get one from us. But he's also kind of taken on some beagle traits, in that he'll eat just about anything.

FUNNIEST MOMENT: A few years ago, our pet sitter fell through at the last minute and my friend, who works for a vet, offered to watch Cody at her house for our weeklong vacation. But we decided it'd be best if he met her three dogs first, to make sure everyone got along. So we took Cody over there, he met the dogs, everyone was getting along smashingly. We let him back into her house, and it never crossed anyone's mind: THE CAT! Cody got one look at that cat and went streaking across the room after it and Darius had to lunge after him to stop him. Obviously he'd never seen one before and was very interested in playing with it. It goes without saying, that arrangement didn't work out.

IF CODY HAD A MOTTO FOR LIFE, IT WOULD BE:  "Born to herd."

Photo by Jen Badie

To see other pets that have been featured in Collared, click here.

Want your pet to be featured in Unleashed? Click here to download the Collared questionnaire. Fill it out and email it to us, along with a web-sized jpeg, at unleashed@baltsun.com.

Posted by Mary Corey at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Collared
        

Baltimore's City Council, as expected, voted tonight to lower the $1,000 fines for leash law violators.

The council voted to change the fine for getting caught with an off-leash dog to a staggered penalty system. First offenders would pay $200, and those caught the second and third times would pay $400 and then $600.

Officials also voted to work on establishing off-leash hours in some parks and to lower the fine for those who fail to scoop up their dog's excrement from $1,000 per offense to $200.

The leash-law issue came to a head in March, when animal control officers began enforcing changes made to the law in 2008 as part of a broad measure boosting fines for various animal control violations.

Dog owners rallied against the fines, collecting more than 1,600 signatures on a petition. According to the city, 35 people have been hit with $1,000 fines as of May 8.

Councilman James Kraft said he would try to get Mayor Sheila Dixon to sign the legislation as soon as Tuesday to make it official.

Read more on people's views of the leash law here.

More Unleashed leash law coverage here.

Judith Kunst of Remington shakes hands with her dog Mollie Madison McKinley in Wyman Park. In the background is Tweefie Millspaugh of Charles Village, with Freckles on the left and her dog Riley. They and other dog owners met at the park after last week's City Council hearing on the leash law. Sun photo by Kim Hairston.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 6:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Does anyone in Baltimore have a dog with star quality?

Three lucky dogs will be selected to appear in a "dogumentary" to debut on Mighty Dog's website next January. The winners will also star in a 30-second film trailer that will air as a commercial during the “National Dog Show” on NBC on Thanksgiving Day. 

All you have to do is capture your dog's fabulousness on video and submit it to the Mighty Dog contest. It seems kind of fun. If your dog makes it, make sure he/she gives Unleashed a shout-out in the film....

Entries must be in by June 20 at 11:59 a.m. Eastern. People can enter videos by completing the online Citizenship Application form at the Might Dog website, then submitting a video up to two minutes in length that showcases their dogs mighty behavior in one of five categories:

* Front Porch Defender -- Mighty soldier on the front line of life, these smart and fearless friends perk to attention with every new visitor, smell, or passing car, and promptly report back on the outside activity.  Always on call to alert you to trouble and wondering what took you so long to get there.

* The Couch Paw-tato -- Although the untrained eye may mistake them for sluggish, these knowledgeable creatures watch with intense focus as life moves all around them.  They live by a different set of rules that reward those who can spot the cat on TV first or get to the best seat in the house before their owner.  These smart and spirited dogs are most comfortable overseeing house activities from atop their elevated, cushioned perch.

* The Inquisitive Headmaster -- Whether it’s for your sake or theirs, these masters of your domain have plotted the land thoroughly and are to be kept abreast of everything – EVERYTHING!  What is in the sack?  Why are you behind that door?  Why aren’t we leaving yet?  And where is the food that should’ve been served promptly at six?

* The Inventive Adventurer -- These tenacious titans WILL succeed no matter the cost.  Blocked Path?  Re-routed.  Too High?  Jumped.  Just out of reach?  Finagled.  These puppies have a thirst for adventure and an imagination mightier than the laws of physics.

* The Wagging Walk-On Role -- Is your dog Mighty in another way?  Create your own mighty role and tell and show us your dog’s Mighty behavior.

The video can't be longer than two minutes and they can't have any third-party music, logos, or branded products in them. Entrants can upload videos to the Mighty Dog Web site or mail a VHS tape or DVD to “Mighty Dog Nation: The Movie,” P.O. Box 19784, Seattle, WA 98109. No purchase is necessary to enter.

Judges will pick winners based on the following criteria: Appropriateness to the “Mighty Dog Nation: The Movie” theme (demonstrates attitudes bigger than size – maximum 35 points); Mightiness of the Moment (clear demonstration of the entry category behaviors described above) – maximum 35 points; Star Potential (engaging and entertaining) – 30 points. 

Finalist videos will be posted on the Mighty Dog website on July 3. People will then be able to vote on them -- American Idol style -- to help select the three winners. Internet voting will account for 10 percent of the total score assigned to the finalist videos. Celebrity judge Maria Menounos will have the most say -- her pick counts as 90% of the final score.  

The three winners get:

* A role for the winning dogs in the Mighty Dog Nation: The Movie, a short "dogumentary" film, and a one day film shoot in their home with a professional film crew.

* A role in a 30-second film trailer that will air during a commercial for the National Dog Show on NBC on Thanksgiving Day.
 

* A hometown film premiere party for the winning entrant, dog, and friends and family in early 2010. (Make sure you invite Unleashed!)

* A one-year supply of Mighty Dog canned dog food.

Each finalist will receive a six-month supply Purina® Mighty Dog® brand canned dog food.  For the complete Official Contest Rules, please visit www.mightydog.com.  No purchase necessary.  Contest ends 6/20/2009.
 

In April, TV personality and contest judge Maria Menounos led about 250 dogs on a Might Dog march in Boston. Associated Press photo.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

I'm sure the anticipation has been building all weekend for the big reveal on who won Friday's Animal House.

Well, the winner is Leigh!!!

She and Wally, a dog who loves himself a peanut-butter-filled Kong, will soon be able to sit back and enjoy movie together. As you might recall, Friday's Animal House was about "things your pet can't live without."

Leigh and Wally have won a DVD of the movie Hotel for Dogs. We're throwing in a squeaky bone chew toy for Wally. I suggest Leigh consider popcorn.

Beverage maven Rob Kasper, known in the Sun blog world for Kasper on Tap , helped me draw the winner from the "hat."

Thanks everyone for entering. And I apologize for the delay in announcing the winner. I was on deadline with a story on Friday.... Occasionally news might get in the way of our blog fun...but only temporarily.

Looking forward to this Friday's round.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Animal house
        

NAME:  Pogo

OWNER: Ting and Gregory Contreras

HOW THEY MET: We met at the Baltimore Animal Shelter. We noticed she hid in the back of the cage. We thought: That is it! That is what we want!

AGE:  2

HOME:  Baltimore

BREED: Lab/Pit bull mix

BEST TRICK: Playing innocent when making mistakes

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Chasing squirrels

FAVORITE FOODS: Italian sausages with BBQ flavor, Portabello mushroom with garlic and basil, roasted Peking duck and light sautéed beef dumplings. Pretty international.

FUNNIEST MOMENT: Walking into a field and picking up the baseball when a kid's game was still going. More than 10 kids chased after her and yelled "Give me the ball!!" She definitely had a wonderful time because she thought everybody loves Pogo.

A RETICENT DOG: Pogo always thinks that she is a panda. I mean, peaceful, but sort of in danger and insecure. Maybe she would like to be trained and serve in the underground military force in the future.

IF POGO HAD A MOTTO FOR LIFE, IT WOULD BE: Life is too short, so make every moment count. Wait a minute. I think what she means is "What is the dinner for tonight?"

Photo by Ting-Yu Yeh

To see other pets that have been featured in Collared, click here.

Want your pet to be featured in Unleashed? Click here to download the Collared questionnaire. Fill it out and email it to us, along with a web-sized jpeg, at unleashed@baltsun.com.

Posted by Mary Corey at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Collared
        

Today we introduce a new twist to Collared. Once a week, we will highlight a pet available to be adopted. First up is a howling basset hound named Henry.

NAME: Henry

OWNER: Being fostered by Kate Lighty through Basset Rescue of the Old Dominion (BROOD) 

HOW THEY MET: Henry was given up in a divorce and turned over to BROOD to be placed in a new home.

AGE: 10

HOME: New Freedom, PA

BREED: Basset Hound

BEST TRICK: He can catch, with 100% accuracy, any food item being thrown at him.

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Henry may have some age to him, but he still has a little bit of puppy left in him. He loves to play with toys, especially a stuffed duck.

FAVORITE FOOD: Henry will eat just about anything given to him.

FUNNIEST MOMENT: I hate to admit this, but Henry will howl when I sing.

AN EASY-GOING HOUND: He gets along great with young kids and other dogs. 

IF HENRY HAD A MOTTO FOR LIFE, IT WOULD BE: Adopt a senior, you won’t regret it!

Photo by Kate Lighty

To learn more about Henry, click here.

To see other pets that have been featured in Collared, click here.

Want your pet to be featured in Unleashed? Click here to download the Collared questionnaire. Fill it out and email it to us, along with a web-sized jpeg, at unleashed@baltsun.com.

Posted by Mary Corey at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Here's a very sweet tale of two pigs and their best buddy -- a duck.

Henry the duck just won't do without his big, pig friends, Potato and Tomato. And the pigs seem to like Henry quite a bit, too.

The trio were found together, mistreated and malnourished and then rescued by the Oregon Humane Society and placed on a foster farm. You can't miss the video of the three amigos.

The humane society is looking to find them a permanent home -- together.

Photos courtesy of the Oregon Humane Society.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 1:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Fun stuff
        

Ashton Kutcher thought he was such hot stuff when he beat CNN in the race to a million Twitter followers.

Well, Ashton, looks like you've got only marginally more celebrity than a cat.

There's a grey kitty with white spots named Sockington -- @Sockington on Twitter -- that just cruised past the 500,000 follower mark without barely mussing his whiskers. Known as Socks for short, the kitty lives near Boston with his human, Jason Scott. Check out this account of the cat's triumph.

As of this morning, 502,110 people were apparently spellbound from such Tweets from Sockington:

"and so I slept and then I walked around and then I slept again and then I saw a cobweb..."

Photo of Socks by Jason Scott. See other picture's on the kitty's Flickr feed here. Photo of Ashton Kutcher by Associated Press.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

NAME: Newton

NICKNAME: Newt, Newmie, Newie, Mr. New, and the Newminator

OWNERS: Jeff, Diana, Andrew and Liz

HOW THEY MET: Newt came to us six years ago as a rescue from the Franklin County (MO) Humane Society.  We had been looking for another dog to join our English Cocker Spaniel Indiana, and when we saw Newt’s photo on Petfinder, we knew that he was The One.

AGE: About 14 years old

HOME: St. Louis, MO

BREED: English Setter

BEST TRICK:  Newt doesn’t really have any tricks, unless you count being a great listener when someone whispers a secret in his ear.  And he never, ever tells!

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Coming to work with me.  I am the principal of a boys’ junior high school, and Newt comes to school once a week just to be with the boys, who all love him.  He has been wonderful helping the shy boys make new friends.  Newt even has his picture in the yearbook.

FAVORITE FOODS: Newt is a picky eater but he does love cinnamon rolls, Cheerios and tomato soup.

FUNNIEST MOMENT:  Newt’s life before us wasn’t very funny, so he is a rather serious dog, but he is very serious about being loved.

HIS SWEET WAYS: Newt loves to be petted.  When anyone pets him, he collapses on the floor.  He always wants to be near people.

IF NEWT HAD A MOTTO FOR LIFE, IT WOULD BE: All you need is love.

Photo courtesy of Jeff and Diana Hartnett

To see other pets that have been featured in Collared, click here.

Want your pet to be featured in Unleashed? Click here to download the Collared questionnaire. Fill it out and email it to us, along with a web-sized jpeg, at unleashed@baltsun.com.

Posted by Mary Corey at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Collared
        

On Sunday, animal lovers will be able to show their support for Poolesville's Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary by participating in the sanctuary's 6th Annual 5K Run for the Animals and 1-Mile Fun Walk.

The event begins at 8:30 a.m. at Wheaton Regional Park, 2000 Shorefield Road, in Wheaton. Registration is $25 in advance, $28 on race day. Dogs can walk alongside their humans. 

People can register for the run and walk here.

Poplar Spring is a 400-acre, non-profit refuge for more than 200 animals, including horses, cows, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese. Its mission is to care for, rehabilitate and give a home to unwanted farmed animals as well as protect habitat for wildlife. The Sanctuary also runs a lot of programs to teach people about animal and wildlife issues while promoting compassion and humane treatment for all animals. 

“This year’s race is vitally important to all of the animals at the sanctuary," Terry Cummings, the Sanctuary's co-director said in a statement. "With the slump in the economy, our donations are down well below average and this benefit goes a long way in helping to take care of the animals. All proceeds go to supporting the sanctuary.”

Cummings is proud of the green measures Poplar Spring is taking for the event. The organization will plant a tree for every runner -- and they're expecting about 700 runners. Runners bibs are made of seeds that can be planted after the race. Plus, all the food is vegan and the T-shirts are made of organic cotton and water-based ink.

If participants bring old shoes, the Sanctuary will either send them to be recycled at the Nike factory or to Africa as part of a program to provide shoes to those who have none, Cummings says.

Groups sending teams to the event include: The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and The Humane League of Baltimore.

Photos courtesy of Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Events
        

My Leo has a little something that's terribly special to him. More meaningful to him than I am, probably. And perhaps more important than food on his priority list. It's his little red pom-pom ball.

The kitty loves this pom-pom like nobody's business. It's actually the inside of what used to be one of those glitter-tinsel balls. He ate all the tinsel off, piece by piece, until the bald ball was all that remained. The best part -- his Tootsie Roll in the middle of the lollipop.

Anyway, Leo loves this toy. He loses it for a few weeks, under the sofa, under the oven, and then it reappears. The joyous coming together of cat and pom-pom, this is what Peaches and Herb were singing about in Reunited.

For Animal House Friday, I thought it would be fun to talk about the toys -- or mundane objects -- that make your furry ones go bonkers. As usual, all commenters with stories in by about 3 p.m. will be eligible for a prize. Something better than a pom-pom -- though Leo would beg to differ.

This Aqua Garden by Drinkwell was a gadget for a cat's amusement that recently came on the market. The cat seems to like it, but not as much as Leo likes his pom-pom. Photo by Associated Press.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Animal house
        

NAME: Zoe

OWNERS: Ashley and Patrick

HOW THEY MET: Zoe was pulled from a kill shelter in North Carolina on her last day before being euthanized. She was brought up to Maryland, but when her adoption fell through, she ended up with us! She was over 15 pounds underweight (you could see every bone in her body) was very sick with worms and didn’t seem to have any socialization whatsoever. She walked into our house and immediately got sick in our living room. We knew right away we had a long road ahead of us!

AGE: Approximately 2 years old

HOME: Elkridge

BREED: Black Lab mix

BEST TRICK: Zoe took obedience classes and did wonderfully (quick shout out to Jackie at the Columbia PetSmart, she is amazing!). Our favorite trick so far is she will lay down on the floor, and you can put treats all over her paws without her eating them. She probably hates it, but we find it very amusing!

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Running, running and running. Zoe can run forever. We don’t even need to bring a toy, because she will just run in circles. Usually we have to bring her inside because she doesn’t know when to stop. She is so graceful when she runs, sometimes we wonder if there is some greyhound in there!

FAVORITE FOODS: Zoe loves anything and everything, but mostly fresh meat, like chicken or steak.

FUNNIEST MOMENT: Zoe loves to play tug of war with our dachshund Winston. She obviously could take the toys away from him without breaking a sweat, but she always lets him win. It’s always fun to see a 45-pound dog lose tug of war to a 10-pound dachshund.

ZOE'S TRANSFORMATION: What can I say about Zoe? She has been a TON of work. She is afraid of everyone except family, came to us with no training, and was sick as a dog (no pun intended!). She had never even seen a toy before, because when we gave her one she just stared at it. This has however been one of the most rewarding things we have done to date. She has truly turned into a great dog and a special part of our family. She has also helped our adopted dachshund become more confident and has really helped with his separation anxiety. We are so proud of her for how far she has come, and we are so thankful she ended up on our doorstep (literally)!

IF ZOE HAD A MOTTO FOR LIFE, IT WOULD BE: Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.

Photo by Ashley

To see other pets that have been featured in Collared, click here.

Want your pet to be featured in Unleashed? Click here to download the Collared questionnaire. Fill it out and email it to us, along with a web-sized jpeg, at unleashed@baltsun.com.

Posted by Mary Corey at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Collared
        

The newest member of the Beanie Baby family is a shaggy black and white pooch who looks a lot like First Puppy Bo Obama.

According to a story in Huffington Post, the Bo beanie is selling fast.

Ty Inc. introduced the stuffed animal on April 16, two days after Bo the Portuguese Water Dog made his White House debut in a photo session with President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters, 10-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha, the Associated Press reported.

"We are very proud of the First Family and wanted to join in celebrating their choice of a family pet," Ty chief executive officer Ty Warner said in a statement. He also told the Associated Press the company will donate a portion of its profits from the "Bo" doll to local animal shelters.

Beanie Bo doll sells for $4.99.

According to the Huffington Post story, they toys auctioned Wednesday on eBay for between $5 and $139.95.

All this is going to go to the puppy's head!

That said, has anyone bought one locally? I kinda want one!

A display of "Bo" the Beanie Baby dolls by Oak Brook, Ill.,-based Ty Inc., are seen on sale at a bookstore in Chicago. Bo was inspired by the first family's new puppy, a black and white Portuguese Water Dog. AP Photo by Scott Stewart.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

NAME: Dexter Bandit Walsh

OWNER: Felicia Walsh but all bragging rights came from his Aunt Stef

HOW THEY MET: Love at first sight

AGE: 13  

HOME: Hunt Valley

BREED: Shih Tzu

BEST TRICK: Very conversational but somewhat limited in vocabulary

FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Running on the beach, kicking his soccer ball, March for the Animals -- he loved meeting so many new friends he didn't know existed.

FAVORITE FOOD: Puppy Treats and on special occasions rotisserie chicken

FUNNIEST MOMENT: So many, but one that stands out was Dexter in the kitchen, and he saw a squirrel right outside the screen door and flipped out trying to chase after him by running right into the screen door. (He wasn't hurt, but I think he was embarrassed!)

HIS QUIRKY SIDE: When someone is in the bathroom, Dexter must go in also but will not leave the bathroom until the toilet flushes (not sure where he learned that).

HIS HEROIC SIDE: He has the best smile. When I would take Dexter to visit my mom when she was in a rehab facility for seniors, Dexter would visit everyone and bring a lot of smiles to many of these people. For maybe just 5 minutes they were able to forget the pain they were in or whatever was troubling them, and Dexter stayed with each person as long as he thought they needed for him to be there for them.

IF DEXTER HAD A MOTTO FOR LIFE, IT WOULD BE: If at first you don't succeed, then destroy all the evidence (as in shoes!)

Photo by Aunt Stef Allori-Hillis

To see other pets that have been featured in Collared, click here.

Want your pet to be featured in Unleashed? Click here to download the Collared questionnaire. Fill it out and email it to us, along with a web-sized jpeg, at unleashed@baltsun.com.

Posted by Mary Corey at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Collared
        

Cat people know that springtime means kitten season. All across the country shelters and feline rescue operations are being innundated with boxes and baskets of furry little newborns.

Because the kittens are often too young to be separated from their mothers -- and much too young to be adopted out by a shelter -- agencies need to find foster homes for all of these kittens.

Baltimore's no exception.

Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter has written to Unleashed saying they've got way too many kittens than homes that can take care of them. They're urging people who would be willing to foster kittens to contact the agency immediately.

Here's what BARCS officials say people should know about fostering kittens through the agency:

We are particularly desperate for foster homes for motherless kittens who need to be bottle fed.  Bottle feeding must be done every two hours.  But we also have mothers with kittens who need to be fostered and do not require bottle feeding.  No experience is necessary.  We will provide training.  All that is required is some love!  In general, cats and kittens need to be fostered from one to eight weeks. 

To adopt an animal from BARCS, stop by our facilities (behind M&T Bank Stadium), call us at 410-396-4695 or visit us online.  We are open for adoptions Monday through Friday from 12:30 pm to 6 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm.  From our website, you can check out some of our adoptable animals.  If you can’t adopt a pet, please consider donating or volunteering for BARCS.

If you can help, please email: debra.rahl@baltimorecity.gov or frank.branchini@baltimorecity.gov or call BARCS at 410-396-4695.

Kittens rescued by the Baltimore animal advocacy group Recycled Love await adoption. Sun photo by Jed Kirschbaum. 

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats
        

The Baltimore Sun's Editorial staff seems to have created a microcosm of the city's leash law argument right in its Second Opinion blog. Everyone, it seems, has or wants a dog in this fight.

Editorial Page Editor Andy Green, who's a runner, rants in a post called "Leash that lab!": "The city is fining people who let their dogs roam off leash $1,000. I say good." Green, it seems, has been snapped at by a dog once too many times.

Here dog owner Leigh Dowdle tries to set Andy straight in a post called "Free Fido!" "I know not everybody sees my dog as an adorable, sweet, cuddly little furball of cuteness," Leigh writes. "What I don't understand is why there are still people who think an off-leash dog is a great enough threat to merit the increased $1,000 leash fine."

Here's what I Tweeted  from the leash law hearing earlier today, where, despite Green's advice, a City Council committee voted to reduce the fine.

The full City Council is expected to vote on the revised law May 18 and the mayor could make it official as soon as May 19.

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: Andy Green also wanted me to let you know that the Editorial page is working on more leash law fodder for Thursday's paper: See here.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (38)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

NAME: Lucy

NICKNAMES: Little Miss, Lu, Lulubella, Puppy Doc, Honey Honey

OWNERS: Jim & Shannon

HOW THEY MET: One of Shannon’s former coworkers was Lucy’s Recycled Love foster mom. She knew we were looking to adopt a dog, and it was love at first lick! (For Lucy, it was love at first treat.)

AGE: 2 years

HOME: Glen Burnie

BREED: Pit bull, probably with a chaser of black Lab

BEST TRICK: Helicopter tail! And if you ask her, “Who wants a treat?” she’ll raise her paw.

FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Running like mad around the backyard, barking at her friends across the fence, playing fetch, sleeping on the couch or “the big bed”

FAVORITE FOODS: Anything the humans are eating, but especially cheese, apples, and anything (but especially almond butter) in her Kong!

FUNNIEST MOMENT: Running straight through the screen door. Somehow, she still managed to ace obedience school.

LUCY'S PAST AND FUTURE: Lucy was rescued as a tiny puppy from a suspected dogfighting operation in East Baltimore. Her ears had been cut down to nubs -- which gets us lots of questions, but we love her ears and Lucy loves to have them scratched. She loves all people and animals (even cats!), and we think she could be a great therapy dog someday.

IF LUCY HAD A MOTTO FOR LIFE, IT WOULD BE: You’re HOOOOOOOME!!!!!!!!

Photo by Shannon Davis

To see other pets that have been featured in Collared, click here.

Want your pet to be featured in Unleashed? Click here to download the Collared questionnaire. Fill it out and email it to us, along with a web-sized jpeg, at unleashed@baltsun.com.

Posted by Mary Corey at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Collared
        

With the temperatures beginning to creep up again, an animal advocacy group wants to remind pet owners that dogs can be extremely vulnerable to the heat.

United Animal Nations released this creative public service poster to remind people that a car with the windows up is, well, essentially like an oven.

Every year, dogs die after being locked in cars while their people work, shop and run other errands. These tragic deaths are entirely preventable, the organization says.

The group wants everyone to know: It's "just not cool to leave a dog in a hot car, even for 'just a minute.' " They created a website with information on how to protect dogs in the summer heat. 

People can download the oven poster on the website. 

This poster illustration from the United Animal Nations shows a dog in an oven as a reminder to dog owners not to leave their pets in the car during the summer. AP Photo/United Animal Nations.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 2:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Health
        

The Baltimore City Council leash law hearing -- postponed during the great downtown flood of 2009 -- is rescheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday at City Hall.

The council will be hearing testimony on reducing the leash law fine from $1,000 to $250. As it stands now, the fine is also $1,000 for those who fail to scoop their dog's poo. This is a hugely controversial issue for dog owners and park users in Baltimore.

I just checked the online petition against the fines. Looks like more than 1,500 people have signed. Are any Unleashed readers planning to be there? I plan on going and will report back on what happens.

Holly Arnold plays catch with her dog Eliza, in Mt. Vernon where police have been ticketing dog owners who fail to have their dogs on leashes. Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Events
        

Isn't this a great license plate? Too bad you have to live in Maine to get it.

Someone should try to get us one in Maryland!

The Maine Adoptions Leaders Team lobbied state government for the creation of the new animal welfare specialty plate. The organization is is a partnership of Maine private businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies working on behalf of Maine's companion animals.

The group, which formed last May, managed to find 2,000 people who were willing to prepay $25 to get one of the plates by September 1st. The plate will benefit the Maine Animal Welfare Program. The new plates are targeted to be available for the public to purchase on October 1st.  Drivers will pay $20 for the plate the first year and $15 every year after that.  

Main Adoptions Leaders designed the brightly colored plate that displays a cat, dog, rabbit, horse, and bird, with the words "respect. love. adopt."

"This specialty plate will enable animal lovers in the state of Maine to show their support and make a difference for Maine's homeless animals," Norma Worley, Director of the State of Maine Animal Welfare Program, said in a statement.

Photo of the license plate courtesy Planet Friendly Public Relations.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Pet accessories
        

American Idol judge Paula Abdul gives Idol Scott MacIntyre, who is blind, a guide dog. Abdul, along with Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods, Petco and independent pet stores, have teamed up to raise money and awareness of guide dogs. May is National Guide Dog Month. AP Photo/Natural Balance Pet Foods, Glen Lipton.

Sun reporter Meredith Cohn wrote a story Monday about a program to help guide dogs. See it here.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Celebrities and their pets
        

Sun reporter Meredith Cohn writes Monday about a wonderful event where the American College of Veterinary Opthalmologists offers free exams for thousands of service dogs -- the dogs who help with search and rescue missions, who assist disabled people and who spend time with the needy.

The dogs can't work in field without good eyesight. The vets in the program waived their usual $50 to $100 examination fees.

One of the dogs Cohn wrote about was Tali, a 6-year-old sweetie with big brown eyes and a wagging tail who lives in Columbia with Meg Meyers and works as a goodwill ambassador in a high school for girls and also visits an assisted living facilty. He left the exam healthy as can be.

The Sun video by Kenneth Lam shows dogs from Maryland, Virginia and Washington getting their eyes examined.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Health
        

Sometimes when I'm driving these days, I'll see a dog out for a walk with its owner and think: Is that Greyson? Could that be Scooter Rae? That bulldog looks just like Bosco.

That's the effect Unleashed has had on my life. I dream about cats and dogs now. I skip meetings at work, neglect laundry at home to write about pets. 

The first thing I did after semi-recovering from a recent surgery was get back to the blog. My mother was staying with me at the time and said, "You're obsessed."

That makes it all the harder to tell you that I'm no longer going to be taking the lead here.

I've accepted a new position on the print side of the paper and need to give that my undivided attention. I'm leaving Unleashed in the excellent hands of Jill Rosen, who has been guest posting for the last week and who is the (very proud) owner of Leo Sesame and Milo Pumpkin.

I didn't want to go without saying thanks to all of you and without letting you know what fun you have made the last few months. When I look back on it now, I realize relaunching this blog (John Woestendiek, now of the entertaining ohmidog! blog, actually started it) was my way of not giving in to what Churchill called the black dog.

There was a lot in my life -- sickness, chemotherapy, surgeries -- pushing me in that direction. In the middle of my treatment, my sweet dog, Gracie, died, an experience I wrote about in my first post. (Some of you have said you'd like to hear more about her. You may get your wish in future guest posts by me.) 

Every visit my oncologist asked, "How are your spirits?" They got a lift from writing about a cat wedding, a Rottweiler in a bathrobe and a Husky "saying" I love you. Fending off despair, I learned, is easier with dogs and cats in your corner.

I may not be as brave as Nala, a cat I met at the March for the Animals. Her motto, according to her owner, is: "I fear nothing." But I'm trying.

Your pets, and your wonderful stories about them, have been great medicine. Thank you, thank you. Please keep them coming. I'll be reading every day and guest posting when I can.

You all have inspired me to consider asking a question of my oncologist the next time I see him: Doc, do you think I'm healthy enough to get a dog?

I'll let you know what he says.

Photo by Michal Cizek/AFP/Getty Images// Dogs piled into a baby buggy last week in Prague.

Posted by Mary Corey at 7:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (15)
        

PET: Humphrey

OWNER: Hannah, 14, of Mount Hebron High School

TYPE OF PET: Goldfish

HOW THEY MET: I won Humphrey at the neighborhood pool carnival when I was 6 years old.
I threw a ping-pong ball into a fish bowl and he was mine. He is almost 9 years old now.

HOW HUMPHREY GOT HIS NAME: Humphrey's name is actually part of a much bigger story. You might have noticed the "H" on his fish bowl. One day, a few years after I had won this unnamed goldfish, my friend Brooke came over.  She noticed that I had some dry-erase markers lying around and mentioned that they wipe right off of glass. Off course, we experimented with writing all over mirrors and windows in my room.  Then, Brooke decided it would be fun to write "Hi" on the fish bowl.  Little did we know, the bowl wasn't made of glass, but plastic.  We managed to wipe the "i" off quickly, but the "H" hasn't come off. 

After a while, I got tired of people asking me what the "H" was for because I would have to explain the whole story.  I figured if I named the fish something beginning with "H", I wouldn't need an explanation.  Somehow, Humphrey was the first name that I came up with, and I liked how original and goofy it was for a fish, so it stuck!

HOME: Ellicott City

AGE: Almost 9

FAVORITE FOOD: We don't feed him any special food except tetra flake fish food. He gets fed once at night.

BEST TRICK: He actually "speaks" to you when he is hungry by gulping air at the top
of the water when you walk in the room.

THE SECRET TO HUMPHREY'S LONG LIFE: We use only distilled water in his bowl and never wash it with detergent. Maybe that is why he has lived so long.....We have thought about putting him in a big goldfish pond at my grandparents' but decided he must be happy in his small bowl in my room.

IF HUMPHREY HAD A MOTTO FOR LIFE, IT WOULD BE: Keep swimming.

Photo by John

To see other pets that have been featured in Collared, click here.

Want your pet to be featured in Unleashed? Click here to download the Collared questionnaire. Fill it out and email it to us, along with a web-sized jpeg, at unleashed@baltsun.com.

Posted by Mary Corey at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Collared
        

Show cats -- and of course their people -- are eligible for discounts at Motel 6.

Though such fine-breeded felines might prefer something fancier, say a Four Seasons, Motel 6 has stepped up to offer the owners of cats registered with the Cat Fanciers’ Association a 10 percent off discount.

“We’re happy to offer CFA registered cats and their owners a place to rest on their way to and from their competitive events,” Olivier Poirot, CEO for Accor North America, Motel 6 and Studio 6, said in a statement. “We look forward to offering CFA registrants a discount at our properties nationwide.”

To reserve discounted rooms at Motel 6, CFA registrants can log on to the hotel chain's website and enter access code CP542766.  For discounted rooms at Studio 6, registrants can visit this website and enter the access code CP542767. 

An Abyssinian cats licks another after winning a champion title among young cats during an international pedigree cats exhibition in Poland. If the kitty was in the United States, he's be available for motel discounts. AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Travel
        

NAME: Gingersnap 
 
NICKNAMES: Ginger, Snappie. She came across her name because of her color, and she is a little spicy.
 
OWNER: Tami Harman
 
HOW OWNER AND PET MET: Fell in love at the SPCA
 
AGE: 6
 
HOME: Sparrows Point
 
BREED: Boxer, shepherd mix
 
BEST TRICK: Can say "Mama"
 
FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Chasing squirrels and ducks
 
FAVORITE FOOD: Pupperoni's
 
FUNNIEST MOMENT: Howling/singing to the theme from Titanic.  While watching the DVD, Ginger walked up to the TV, sat down and starting howling.
 
SHE'S A FROG LOVER: Right before she goes to sleep at night, she sucks the head of her plush frog. She has done this every since she was a puppy, we must go through about 3-4 frogs a year.  
 
IF GINGERSNAP HAD A MOTTO FOR LIFE, IT WOULD BE: "Hakuna Matata" (no worries)
 
Photo by Tami Harman

Posted by Mary Corey at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Collared
        

I knew Bo, the First Dog, would factor into a few punchlines at tonight's White House Correspondents' Association dinner. President Barack Obama only mentioned Bo by name once, but the Portuguese water dog puppy was a presence in two of his jokes. Bo got off easier than Dick Cheney, Rush Limbaugh or Larry Summers. The jokes were more political than pet-oriented, but here they are:

-- "All this change hasn't been easy. Change never is. So I've cut the tension by bringing a new friend to the White House. He's warm, he's cuddly, loyal, enthusiastic. You just have to keep him on a tight leash. Every once in a while, he goes charging off in the wrong direction and gets himself into trouble. But enough about Joe Biden."

-- "In the next 100 days, we will house train our dog Bo, because the last thing Tim Geithner needs is someone else treating him like a fire hydrant."

Wild woman Wanda Sykes (above), who was the featured entertainer at the event, closed with a joke that mentioned the First Dog:  

-- "They even gave you grief about the dog, about Bo. You know, animal rights people on you, 'Why didn't you get a rescue dog? Why didn't you get a rescue dog?' Look, the man has to rescue a country that's been abused by its previous owner. Let him have a fresh start with a dog."

Photo by Richard Hartog/Los Angeles Times 

Posted by Mary Corey at 11:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: First Dog Bo Obama
        

Don't get me wrong, I think Christie Brinkley is a stunningly gorgeous woman. But I came across this picture in our photo system, and one thought crossed my mind: Christie Brinkley looks a little like her dog.

Or maybe it's that Maple Sugar resembles the model. A dog should be so lucky, right?

Maple Sugar is a Labradoodle, a cross between a Labrador retriever and a poodle. Doodles, as they are sometimes called, had their moment of fame when President Obama and his family  seriously considered getting one. We all know that a Portuguese water dog they named Bo won out, but the Labradoodle has plenty of fans. Tiger Woods and Jennifer Aniston are among them, according to Peoplepets.com. (To see a way-cute Labradoodle, click here.)

The photo above was taken last week at an event for the publication of Today show correspondent Jill Rappaport's new children's book Jack & Jill: The Miracle Dog with a Happy Tail to Tell.

One other thought I had: Given the tough time Brinkley has had with men in recent years, maybe it's better for her to just stick with dogs. 

Photo by Richard Drew/Associated Press

Posted by Mary Corey at 9:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Celebrities and their pets
        

In case anyone needed even MORE reasons not to smoke -- here's a little furry one.

The ASPCA lists tobacco smoke as a toxin that is dangerous to pets.

The American Legacy Foundation, an anti-smoking organization, wanted to take the occassion of National Pet Week to urge smokers with pets to quit.

Toxins in secondhand smoke can cause lung and nasal cancer in dogs and lymphoma in cats, the organization says. A new study cited by the group shows that nearly 30 percent of pets live with at least one smoker.

"Nicotine from secondhand smoke can have effects to the nervous systems of cats and dogs,” Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, Medical Director of the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center, said in a statement. “Environmental tobacco smoke has been shown to contain numerous cancer-causing compounds, making it hazardous for animals as well as humans."

Gwaltney-Brant also said that studies have shown increases in certain types of respiratory cancers in dogs that live in homes with smokers. In addition, she said exposure to secondhand smoke causes many of the same inflammation in the airways and lungs of dogs as their human counterparts.

To join a community of smokers who are quitting for their pets, visit this site.

Extinguished Lucky Strike cigarettes sit in an ashtray. Studies show that secondary smoke affects pets. Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg News.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Health
        

NAME: Peanut 
  
NICKNAME: Oreshek [o’re-shek] -- Russian for Peanut, which was his shelter name and we decided to keep it. Daniela, our 4-year-old daughter, speaks mostly Russian, and she was asking what Peanut was. When we told her the Russian word for it, she really liked it and banned using Peanut in our house. We do use it, though, for his vet’s appointments and for introducing him to our English-speaking friends.

OWNER: Daniela Gutman 

HOW THEY MET: The preface to the whole story is that I used to have a dog for 17 years, and she passed away last October. Daniela was begging me for an orange kitten for a couple of months to introduce the cat to the dog –- she didn’t realize that the dog was gone as the dog was old and never paid attention to the baby anyway....So when I broke the sad news to Daniela in February, she was very upset, but said that it was great to have the dog for so long, even though now she is all alone and has nobody to play with. Then I was ready to bring home the whole shelter-worth of cats just to make her stop crying. So I promised her to go to a shelter together for her to choose a kitten.

The next day I was being a bit sneaky about the choosing part and checked out Petfinder.com looking for orange kittens. I found Peanut right away and after work dropped by the Baltimore County Humane Society to meet him before I let my da