The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter has begun its annual poinsettia sale to raise money for its spay and neuter program.

If you order 12 or more plants, BARCS will deliver them to your home or office.

The poinsettias come in both red and white. There's a $15 medium size (a 7-inch pot, standing 17 inches tall with 10-15 flowers) or the $30 Jumbo (10-inch pot, standing 26 inches tall with more than 20 flowers). Orders must be pre-paid by Friday, November 20th.

People can pick up their plants at BARCS on Wednesday, December 2nd from 9 a.m to 7 p.m. For those who order 12 or more, delivery is Dec. 2, too.

Order online here by clicking here and scrolling down to the sale info.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Events
        

Not sure exactly how this is newsworthy or even surprising but folks, it seems, are upset, angered and disgusted by a new book called "Time to Eat the Dog."

The book, written by two ecologically-inclined New Zealanders, floats the idea that having a dog leaves a greater carbon footprint than having an SUV.

Apparently the authors aren't suggesting people slap Fido on the grill, but rather that pet-owners think twice about the impact of keeping domestic animals. Still, they clearly are reaping the benefits of the inflammatory title....

Author Jonathan Safran Foer chewed over the idea of why we aren't actually eating dogs in a recent Wall Street Journal piece. "Few people sufficiently appreciate the colossal task of feeding a world of billions of omnivores who demand meat with their potatoes," he writes. "The inefficient use of dogs—conveniently already in areas of high human population (take note, local-food advocates)—should make any good ecologist blush."

Here's a story about the backlash in the New York Times.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff
        

Recently I wrote here about a website called FreeKibble that donates food to animal shelters every time someone visits the site and plays a game. It's the creation of a 13-year-old girl named Mimi and she tells me that as of this week, through the site she's donated more than 1.7 million meals to homeless dogs and cats.

Today, however, Nov. 5, FreeKibble will donate five times the amount of food each for every site visit. Halo Pets is sponsoring the event. There's no limit on the kibble, so if a bazillion people visit the site today, that's how much food will go to shelters aross the country.

So everyone should visit the site today AND tell all their friends to do it. It's a fun and easy way to help some animals.

Click here to get to FreeKibble and help!

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
        

A huge, huge new indoor dog park in Texas is apparently not apparently feeling the pinch of the economy.

Unleashed Indoor Dog Park, which opened in March, is going gangbusters, pulling in about $200,000 a month, its owners tell CNN.

The air-conditioned space is 50,000 square feet of play space -- all special dog turf -- also has a pet store, a grooming center, a snack bar for humans and a place for pet parents to watch their dogs play.

Continue reading "Mega indoor dog park thrives, even in recession" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

More than 40,000 family pets die every year in house fires, according to Protection One, Inc., a national home security company with offices in Baltimore.

The company has launched a public service project focused on saving the lives of pets. They are providing FREE pet safety decals that alert firefighters that a pets are living in a home. People stick the decals onto a front door or window where they can be easily noticed in case of an emergency.

Pet owners can get a decal online here.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Health
        

Four-legged screen stars are vying for the Fido Film Awards, billed as the canine equivalent of the Oscars.

Nominees announced Friday include the animated dog stars of "Bolt" and "Up," the titular mutt in "Marley and Me" and — in a rare non-canine choice — the dapper, George Clooney-voiced "Fantastic Mr. Fox," the Associated Press reported.

They are competing for prizes in categories including historical hound, rom-com rover and comedy canine.

The Fidos call themselves the world's first international awards for canine screen stars. Winners will be announced Nov. 22.

Continue reading "Competing for a 'doggie Oscar'" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
        

There's a show debuting tonight on Animal Planet that seems potentially interesting in a bit of a "Rescue Ink" kind of way.

"Pit Bulls and Parolees" is on at 10 p.m. This is how the channel describes it:

"...focusing on a fiery, fearless 49-year-old pit bull rescuer and trainer -- Tia Maria Torres -- who owns the largest pit bull rescue center in the country. Tia, along with her colorful family and a half dozen ex-convicts, rescue, train and rehabilitate pit bulls with the ultimate goal of placing them in loving, safe new homes....

"Combining her passion for animals and her bad-girl attitude, Tia gives the baddest boys of town -- ex-convicts -- the opportunity to redeem themselves and express their goodness through animal love and caring." 

Continue reading "'Pit Bulls and Parolees' premieres tonight" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (37)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

It's hard to say enough about the Baltimore fabulousness that is this costume. Brilliant really. Somehow Tito the Chihuahua didn't win Best Hon costume in BARCStoberfest last weekend in this. I don't know why. A Big Boyz Bail Bonds giveaway pen.... Sigh.... I think the genius might have been too much, ahead of its time.....

Big huge round of Unleashed applause to Healy and Alexey for putting it together.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (11)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Pet accessories
        

While appearing on Jay Leno's new show, First Lady Michelle Obama, looking really pretty in a "Mad Men"-style dress, talked a little about First Dog Bo. Jay asked her 10 questions including one, of course, about the pup: How did you celebrate the dog's birthday? ...A cake made of "veal stuff"? That bro Cappy stole most of? Awesomeness.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, First Dog Bo Obama, Fun stuff
        

Fidos for Freedom, a non-profit that trains and provides service dogs and hearing dogs to those who can't do everything for themselves, is having a fund-raising walk on Saturday.

The group, which also has a therapy dog program and a D.E.A.R.  (Dogs Educating and Assisting Readers) program, is having its annual Fall Stroll 'n Roll on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at Centennial Lake in Ellicott City. Since it's Halloween, costumed dogs are welcome.

Fidos is asking for a minimum donation of $20/person and encourage groups to form teams. There will be raffles, vendors and a flyball demonstration.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff
        

We've got a lot of diversity and flexibility here at Unleashed's Cute Costume Countdown to Halloween. One day we've got sushi, another day we've got witches and today....we've got literature.

Lin, who sent this all the way from California, shows off her pup, Miss Pup, dressed as Lady Catherine de Bourgh from Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice."

Something tells me Lin never runs into another Lady Catherine de Bourgh at the dog park Halloween parade...

She writes, "When Miss Pup was an ingenue, she was the Blue Fairy from Pinocchio."

Continue reading "Cute Costume Coundown: Lady Catherine de Bourgh!" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Pet accessories
        

On CBS, there's a nice interview with the author of the new book, "To the Rescue: Found Dogs with a Mission." It's about people who rescue animals, and then train them to do good in the community, to sort of give back. The author, Elise Lufkin, brings Linus to the live interview, a real sweetie with three legs who volunteers at a hospital.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Pet videos
        

For the first time, dogs will be part of the infamous Fells Point Halloween celebration.

The folks at Koopers Tavern, a place that loves dogs so much, it's even named after a yellow lab, are inviting people to dress up their pups and bring them over for the Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest.

The contest runs from 11 to noon on Saturday, right outside the tavern on Thames Street. There is a $5 entrance fee that benefits Mid Atlantic Bully Buddies. Prizes have been donated by Howl in Hampden. 

Photo of this pig-tailed terrier courtesy of Don Hankin's photostream on Flickr.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff, Pet accessories
        

People really love to dress up Pugs. Here is Gordon, a little cutie whose owners, Patrick and Alison, keeps him looking stylish...or something.... for any number of holidays. Gordon couldn't be more Maryland than this, dressed as a crabcake. He's even licking his chops! (It looks to me, however, that there's a lot of filler in there.)

Patrick tells us this year little G, who's 5, will be dressed as an elf!

Only a couple days left to make your dog's Halloween...Participate in Unleashed's Costume Countdown by sending a JPEG of your dressed-up fur thing to jill.rosen@baltsun.com. 

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff, Pet accessories
        

I know that Garden Variety guru Susan reported that pumpkins are in short supply this year. However, I'm seeing them everywhere and thought this was a really cute idea for anyone planning a Halloween party this weekend.

Better Homes & Gardens online has a big selection of dog breed pumpkin carving stencils. You can just download them. There's everything from Poodle to Golden Retriever to Bulldog and Jack Russell. 

There's even some tips on how to design your own.

Isn't Halloween the best?

Photos courtesy of BH&G.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
        

This is Lexie, who belongs to Bekye Eckert and participated in the Westminster Petsmart's Halloween parade and contest last week. She was dressed as herself, a breast cancer survivor. 

The 10-year-old Maltese rescue had two surgeries for metastatic mammary cancer; in February her prognosis was six months. 

"Of course we're thrilled she's still with us and doing well, and we are grateful for the opportunity to spread the word about cancer in pets because it's surprising how many folks who don't know that pets suffer from many of the same diseases humans do ... diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and unfortunately, cancer," Eckert says.
 

Lexie was diagnosed with malignant metastatic adenocarcinoma in February after her first surgery and had a second surgery in June. 

A little more on this sweet pup here.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff, Pet accessories
        

Two area shelters are offering great deals on orange and black cats this week to celebrate Halloween.

At the Maryland SPCA, all adult orange and black kitties are free ALL week!

And then, at Baltimore Humane Society, all cats with any orange and black markings are half off!

Not bad. I looked and there are a TON of eligible kitties at both shelters....

Don't forget, at BARCS, all dogs are just $13 to adopt through Halloween.

Trick or treat!

Picture of a lovely orange kitty, who would be FREE at the SPCA, courtesy of Meormeor's photostream on Flickr.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Events, Fun stuff
        

Bicoastalchickie has shared with us this picture of Baby, her 5-year-old Maltese in this bewitching little outfit. She says she found the witch hat at PetSmart a few years ago, and got the cape at Target last year.

This year Baby will be less-formally celebrating Halloween, wearing a little pumpkin-y Halloween tee Bicoastalchickie's mom bought for her at Old Navy.

Only a week left! Participate in Unleashed's Costume Countdown by sending a JPEG of your dressed-up fur to jill.rosen@baltsun.com.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff, Pet accessories
        

Unleashed reader Jaime sent in this awesome picture of her meeting up with Rescue Ink. She ran into the guys Saturday night at their Baltimore hotel. Just so happens, Jaime got the paw tattoo earlier Saturday at Baltimore Tattoo Museum to benefit the Rescue Ink nonprofit and Baltimore Humane Society. She shows off her new wrist bling, too.

The guys are supposed to visit Golden Ring Middle School Monday morning, stop at the Maryland SPCA and then head back to Long Island.

Anyone else got the paw tats? Send in some pictures. We all want to see what they look like. (Saw Baltimoregal's at BARCStoberfest this afternoon...it looked great!)

At left is Shannon's tat, the paw print of her dog, Lucy. Shannon, btw, was the first of anyone to suggest getting a paw tattoo to get Rescue Ink here.

Continue reading "Rescue Ink in B-more: Looks like this!" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 4:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Celebrities and their pets, Fun stuff
        

Here's Leo, a rough, tough bulldog dressed as a roc kstar for the Fifth Annual Times Square Dog Day Masquerade on October 18. Leo definitely has the rocker snarl....TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images.

Share a picture of your own little rock star! Participate in Unleashed's Costume Countdown by sending a JPEG of your dressed-up fur to jill.rosen@baltsun.com.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff, Pet accessories
        

Cookie the Chow Chow dressed as the "Times Square Alliance Clean Up Crew " during the Fifth Annual Times Square Dog Day Masquerade October 18. The canine costume contest is presented by the Times Square Alliance. This is pretty good. Could imitate this in Baltimore and say it's part of the Downtown Partnership cleanup crew. TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images.

Did you catch the Miracle on the Hudson costume earlier this week. Check it out. It's most excellent.

Participate in Unleashed's Costume Countdown by sending a JPEG of your best (or worst) effort at costuming your pet to jill.rosen@baltsun.com.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff, Pet accessories
        

Here is Beaglemom's little Scout dressed as a she-devil. Scout just turned three last weekend. Happy Birthday puppy!

Participate in Unleashed's Costume Countdown by sending a JPEG of your best (or worst) effort at costuming your pet to jill.rosen@baltsun.com.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff, Pet accessories
        

The Bean would like everyone to remember that BARCStoberfest, originally scheduled for last Saturday, has been postponed to this Sunday. It will still be from 11 to 4 p.m. at Patterson Park, but at the Pagoda area.

The 5th annual fundraiser for BARCS is a festival for animal lovers of all ages and is, they say, the canine social event of the year. The event raises awareness and much needed funds for the 12,000 animals BARCS takes in each year. There will be a silent auction, pet costume contests, local artists & vendors, adoptable pets, animal health & welfare experts and pet demos.

The Strut Your Mutt Walk, which The Bean has been raising money for, will begin at noon and will take participants on a walk around beautiful Patterson Park. Registration the day of the event begins at 11am. Pre-registration with a donation of $40 is required to guarantee a t-shirt and can be done online.  Registration will also be accepted on the day of the event, but t-shirts are limited at the event so people are strongly encouraged to pre-register. The walker who raises the most money for the shelter’s animals will win the Grand Prize - a Dell laptop valued at $500!

Continue reading "Teddy Bean reminds all about BARCStoberfest" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

It looks like a story that started horribly for one Baltimore kitty is getting a happy ever after ending.

Gabrielle, the kitten that was tortured and burned in West Baltimore in August, has almost completely healed and been adopted by a loving owner who not only is a vet tech, but has a home filled with other kitties for Gabby to play with.

Karen Reese from Recycled Love, the organization that took care of Gabby's medical expenses, says the kitten is living with Rob, a veterinarian technician and behaviorist at Route 140 Veterinary Hospital. He says that 90 percent of the kitty's fur has grown back and expects the rest to come in in the next few weeks.

Continue reading "UPDATE: Burned kitty healed, living the good life" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats
        

Phoebe Josephine Pickles, a Baltimore Pomeranian, is dressed at Wonderwoman. The 7-year-old who belongs to Pat Machate, is a therapy dog with more than 300 outfits.   

Participate in Unleashed's Costume Countdown by sending a JPEG of your best (or worst) effort at costuming your pet to jill.rosen@baltsun.com.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Pet accessories
        

Most pet owners would leap into action for an injured pet, even if it meant risking dog breath by going mouth-to-snout.

Fifty-eight percent of pet owners — 63 percent of dog owners and 53 percent of cat owners — would be at least somewhat likely to perform CPR on their pet in the event of a medical emergency, according to an Associated Press-Petside.com poll.

Tammy Parks, 52, of Amherst, Mass., has taken a pet first aid class and wouldn't hesitate to help her 15-year-old mixed breed terriers, Lucy and Julia, or her white fronted Amazon parrot Koko.

"It's not rocket science. The mechanics are the same as humans," said Parks, who was an American Red Cross first aid trainer. "Size is the biggest difference."

In general, though, the poll found few pet owners are prepared to handle pet emergencies. Just 20 percent of pet owners have a pet first aid kit in their home, and 54 percent do not have a fire evacuation plan for their pets.

Read more here.

Continue reading "What would you do for a hurt pet?" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Health
        

This has got to be one of the more clever Halloween pet costumes. It's at least as good as the sushi from last week. LOVE it! Remember the airplane that Sully landed on the Hudson?

Beatrice the Minnie Golden Doodle dressed as a "Miracle on the Hudson" with Herb Westphalen and Kate Schulte dressed as flight crew members during the Fifth Annual Times Square Dog Day Masquerade October 18. TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images.

Participate in Unleashed's Costume Countdown by sending a JPEG of your best (or worst) effort at costuming your pet to jill.rosen@baltsun.com.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
        

So some locals have joined the Unleashed Costume Countdown 2009. Here we've got Johnny Cash, otherwise known as Frothy Brown Porter. That's his name 'cause, as his mom Angela Treadwell-Palmer says: "He looks like the foam of a porter."

Frothy is a rescued German Shorthaired Pointer. He can run 29 laps around Treadwell-Palmer's 1/2 acre lot without stopping. He can also run around our 4-foot diameter tree -- 12 times one way and then 12 times the opposite way -- in 1 minute without stopping. He sleeps head first - under the covers. 

Every year his doggie daycare (Good Doggie Daycare on Ash St.)  has a costume party and this year he went dressed as Johnny Cash because Ms. Barbara, the morning manager greets him each time we drop him off with "Hey Porter" by Johnny Cash.  She calls him her Johnny Cash Porter. 

Continue reading "Cute Costume Countdown: Johnny Cash!" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff
        

This Saturday from 10 a.m to 7 p.m, the Baltimore Tattoo Museum (1534 Eastern Avenue) will sponsor a Tattoo-a-thon to accommodate all those who pledged to go under the needle to bring Rescue Ink to town.

Proceeds from the Tattoo-a-thon will benefit both Baltimore Humane Society and Rescue Ink, helping both groups to continue their important work in animal welfare. Tattoos will be given on a first come, first served basis. There will be two designs to choose from (shown here -- dogs to the left, cat to the right) and the prices will be $100 each. Rescue Ink will not be present at this event. The size of the tattoos will each be about the size of a silver dollar.

Continue reading "Rescue Ink/Tattoofest: Here's what's up" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (19)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Celebrities and their pets, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff
        

The Unleashed Cute Costume Countdown to Halloween resumes this week with another great one: a takeoff on New York City's Naked Cowboy. Not bad!

Georgie the Pekingese dressed as a "The Naked Cowboy" during the Fifth Annual Times Square Dog Day Masquerade October 18. The canine costume contest is presented by the Times Square Alliance . TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images.

Did everyone catch the geishas the other day?

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
        

B-More Dog is having a fundraiser happy hour and silent auction tonight at Bad Decisions in Fells Point.

It's a nice opportunity to get out and help the group that does so much to help pit bulls. Or, heck, just celebrate the fact that it's finally stopped raining. It starts at 6 p.m.

On Oct. 25 the group will also be marking "Pit Bull Awareness Day" at the Baltimore Humane Society -- at the same event alongside Rescue Ink. There will be a control class from noon to 1 p.m., pit bull-centric demonstrations, weight pull demos, a narcotics-dog demonstration from Mutt Magic, an agility dog demo, and more. All The event will take place from noon to 4.

Continue reading "B-More Dog Happy Hour/Auction tonight" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff
        

This photo taken Oct. 4 shows pugs Mochi, left, and Olive posing for a photo dressed as Geisha girls at their home in Huntington Beach Calif. The stepsisters have been geisha girls, surfer girls and sushi over the years. Lower, a closeup of Mochi. They belong to costume designer Lisa Woodruff. (AP Photos/Richard Vogel)

Participate in Unleashed's Costume Countdown by sending a JPEG of your best (or worst) effort at costuming your pet to jill.rosen@baltsun.com.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Pet accessories
        

Here's an Unleashed way to throw some good thoughts to all the thousands of walkers and runners participating today in Maryland's Race for the cure in Hunt Valley.

It's a picture of breast cancer Survivor Missy Fish and her cat, Jack. Missy and Jack are a part of the Purina Cat Chow's Connected for the Cause campaign to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Photo: Business Wire.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Events
        

The best-dressed pugs are at it again. This time hanging 10 -- at least.

We're counting down to Halloween here at Unleashed with a costumed pet photo every day. Send in yours, in JPEG form, to jill.rosen@baltsun.com. We'll post 'em. And laugh at 'em.

This photo taken Oct. 4 shows pugs Mochi, left, and Olive both 4 years old, pose for a photo dresses as surfers on a surf board and in their styrofoams made wave at their home in Huntington Beach Calif. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

Did you miss the sushi costume yesterday? It's awesome. Check it out.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Pet accessories
        

There's been some confusion brewing about the Rescue Ink tattoo -- what it will look like, what it will cost, how the tattooing will work. Tracy Santos of the Baltimore Humane Society wrote me just now and wanted to clear up at least a few things. More to come later, but in the meantime, she says:

The design for the paw print has not been released yet, I plan on doing that as soon as I have all the details for that day in place. There will be two designs to choose from. The price discussed was $100, but still has not been confirmed. Baltimore Tattoo Museum has stated that if they can accomodate people's requests they will, but it is likely that they won't be able to, due to the sheer number expected to show up that day.

I feel like due to the misinformed person's comments many people are backing out and deciding to just donate directly to Rescue Ink. While it's each person's choice, we are just trying to think of the best way to accomodate everyone in a timely, orderly fasion. I hope to have more info asap, however I still need to touch base with a few people to get the details in place.

The event will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m on October 24th at Baltimore Tattoo Museum, and it will be on a first come, first served basis.
 
Thanks,
 
Tracy

Posted by Jill Rosen at 2:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events
        

Saturday is the day to celebrate your pet and hope Baltimore's animal shelter raise some much-needed money.

BARCStoberfest, the shelter's annual shindig, will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Patterson Park -- at the southeast corner, Linwood and Eastern Avenue.

There will be plenty of dogs, many, like Teddy Bean, dressed up, because there's a costume contest. You can see fundraising pups like The Bean walk the walk in Strut Your Mutt. Then there's a vendors, a silent auction, a chance to question an animal behavior expert, crafts, childrens' activities and micro-chipping.

BARCS needs support.

"We have seen a 10 percent increase in the number of animals surrendered to our shelter; many that were sick, injured, or even abused," Jennifer Mead-Brause, Executive Director of BARCS, said in a statement. "We are in need of support from the community more now than ever so we hope to see you at BARCStober Fest."

Money raised at the fest will help BARCS buy food, spay and neuter animals, and provide medical care and vaccinations.

There's a possibility of a rain date -- which would be Sunday, but with the forcast for both days less-than-perfect, BARCS officials said Thursday they expected to hold the event Saturday unless there was thunder and lightening. 

For more information, visit the shelter's website or call (410) 396-4695.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff
        

For day two of Unleashed's Costume Countdown to Halloween -- could this be any cuter? Any more clever? It's a dog dressed as sushi! The owner is soy sauce. I love, love, love it.

This photo taken Oct. 4 shows Lisa Woodruff, right, dressed as a bottle of soy sauce standing with her 4 year old pug Olive posing as a piece of sushi at her home in Huntington Beach Calif.  (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

Send in your costumed furry one and I'll post as we countdown with a costumed pet every day till Halloween. Send JPEGS to jill.rosen@baltsun.com

Check out Olive yesterday and her step-sis dressed as flowers.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Pet accessories
        

Teddy Bean, good dog that he is, has been working behind the scenes these last few weeks, trying to round up donations in support of dogs and cats, who, like he did just a few months ago, need to be rescued. He's doing Strut Your Mutt on Saturday at BARCStoberfest, and so far he's earned more than $300 for the shelter, making the little Bean one of the top fundraisers. But he can still do even better, if anyone wants to help.....

Posted by Jill Rosen at 2:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

Here's something you don't see everyday. A carrot cake recipe for dogs. The folks over at Guideposts.com wanted people to know about it. So read more about the story behind the cake here.

And let us know if you make if for the pup. Or, if you have other favorite pet recipes.

Doggie Carrot Cake

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon soy flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

¼-½ cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)

1 egg

¼ cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup honey

1 cup baby carrots, grated or ground

Continue reading "Want to make your dog carrot cake?" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 1:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Pet accessories
        

With Halloween right around the corner and BARCStoberfest on Saturday, I thought it would be fun to have a Cosume Countdown, featuring an animal in a costume every day up till Halloween -- and even right on afterward if you guys keep the costume pictures coming. SEND IN PICTURES! We'll show off the best, the silliest, the cutest, the craziest --- anything really. Just send it with an explanation of who you are and who's the lucky fur thing in costume. (Send JPEGS to jill.rosen@baltsun.com)

I'll start with great pictures that I've collected from the wire -- including a number featuring these adorable pugs who are lucky enough to have a costume designer mom.

This photo taken Oct. 4 shows pugs Mochi, left, and Olive posing for a photo dressed in their flower costumes at their home in Huntington Beach, Calif. The stepsisters have been geisha girls, surfer girls and sushi over the years. They may not understand the tradition, but "pugs understand positive energy," explained dog owner, partner and costume designer Lisa Woodruff.

AP Photo/Richard Vogel.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Pet accessories
        

Brrr. It's cold today. Walking Teddy Bean this morning I wore mittens. But he was nude, harness aside.

Does The Bean need a sweater? Maybe a little coat?

Yes, he has built-in fleece, sort of, but is that enough? Since I bought the Halloween costume a few weeks ago, I feel like I've opened the door to potentially slide down the slippery slope of dog wardrobe-ism. I have to say, considering I was utterly against the dog clothes concept until recently, I've since run into many quite reasonable people who say they put their dogs in things to keep them warm.

And I'm not just talking small dogs! And I'm not just talking women! I ran into a man at the park a day ago with a quite stately Weimaraner and he said with its flat coat, the dog likes to slip on a sweatshirt when the temperature dips. He said the dog gets all excited when he sees the sweatshirt because that means walk time.

So what do you think? Who's down with the sweater or coat concept? Who not so much?

I think there will be some prizes in this one, depending on how responses go.....

Continue reading "Does the dog need a sweater?" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (15)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Pet accessories
        

I am a huge, huge, huge fan of Simon Tofield.

You might not know who he is, but you might know about his adorable and funny videos that have been such a hit on YouTube. They're not just cute. If you have a kitty, you'll realize what a genius Tofield is at depicting the character and mannerisms of a spunky cat.

Well, Tofield has published his first book called "Simon's Cat in his Very Own Book." Just released September 24, it's really sweet and would make the perfect stocking stuffer sort of thing for any kitty lovers on your holiday list.

If you're going to go do a You Tube search, might I suggest you start with this one, my personal favorite. You'll soon see why it's gotten more than 10 million hits. Simply brilliant.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Celebrities and their pets, Fun stuff, Pet videos
        

If you're not running in the Baltimore Marathon on Saturday, and you're an animal lover, you really have just one place to be: Dogfest.

It just sounds like such a cool event -- and a big one that raises money for the Baltimore Humane Society.

First off, despite it's name, it's not just about dogs. Sure, there will be TONS of stuff for dogs, but there will also be cats to see and even horses. For the dogs, there will be contests (like for the Best Kisser! and the Best Costume judged by First Lady Katie O'Malley --who I hear is bringing one of the O'Malley family dogs, Rex.), swimming pools and games. For the pet lovers, there will be plenty of vendors, exhibits and demonstrations.

The gates at Shawan Downs in Hunt Valley open at 10 a.m. and close at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. Dogs are welcome, but not on retractable leashes.

Teddy Bean will be there!

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff
        

Thanks to continuous support from friends of The Bean, the little guy has managed to rally $275 to support BARCS. He's one of the dogs participating in Strut Your Mutt, the fundraising angle of BARCStoberfest, which happens Oct. 17 in Patterson Park.

Though he's just a rescued pooch himself, he realizes how good life is on the other side, and hopes his little furry effort can help other Baltimore dogs and cats get help, too. Thanks to everyone who's helped BARCS through Bean! And there's still time to sponsor him, or your own favorite doggie.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

I said I wasn't going to do it, that I wasn't the type of pet parent that would put their dog in a costume.

And yet, we're approaching Halloween and Teddy Bean has, I'll admit it, a selection of things to wear.

Hee.

If he'll permit himself to be outfitted, he's going to look ADORABLE. But if he doesn't want to be costumed, I'm not going to force him.

I just decided it's the spirit of the season -- where's the harm in a little festive costume? Especially, if, hint, hint with the picture to the right, its would be ridiculously perfect for him? Heh.

Does anyone have strong feelings about pets in costume? I'm pretty sure my deskmate to the right, keeper of the B'More Green blog, would dress her Dizzy up over her dead body.

If you are pro-costume, want to share some of your all-time greatest Halloween hits? Or perhaps what your furry one will be dressing as this year, if, of course, the little dear will keep it on?

(You can also upload a photo to our pets in costume reader photo gallery.)

Continue reading "Someone furry has a Halloween costume...or two..." »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

Boomer may be a buster: Measuring 3 feet tall at the shoulders and 7 feet long from nose to destructive wagging tail, his owner thinks she may have the world's tallest living dog.

Caryn Weber says her 3-year-old Landseer Newfoundland keeps all four paws on the floor when he drinks from the kitchen faucet in her family's farm house in eastern North Dakota, the Associated Press reports.

Boomer can stare into a car window eye to eye with a driver. A 20-pound bag of dry dog food lasts a couple of weeks.

Weber says the fluffy black and white dog "comes into the house and his tail is so high everything gets knocked around."

Continue reading "Boomer might be World's Tallest Dog" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
        

First Michael Vick gets out of prison. Then he's signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Now? He's getting his own television show.

According to this report in the LA Times, Vick, who was convicted for his role in a dogfighting ring, Vick is working with BET on an eight-part docu-series to run early next year. It's tentatively called "The Michael Vick Project."

"I just want people to really get to know me as an individual," Vick told the paper last week in an interview from his home in Philadelphia. "What I want to do is change the perception of me. I am a human being. I've made some mistakes in the past, and I wish it had never happened. But it's not about how you fall, but about how you pick yourself up."

It's unclear how much Vick is getting paid for the show.

Continue reading "Michael Vick to star in his own TV show" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Celebrities and their pets, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Apparently very, very, verrry small piggies are the latest must-have pet in the U.K. The tiny teacup pigs, or "micro-pigs," as they're called, grow to about knee-height and cost, well, quite a bit -- about $1,100 in U.S. dollars.

However, they're supposed to be clean, intelligent and very loveable. They're clearly cute as can be. Oh, and Rupert Grint, of "Harry Potter" movie fame, has reportedly bought two!

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Fun stuff, Pet videos
        

Animal advocates are banning together, hoping to whisper a little message into President Obama's ear: Bo Needs a Friend.

That's actually now an official campaign to get the First Puppy a playmate, with its very own website.

Organizers, which include representatives from Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Los Angeles, Best Friends and the Companion Animal Protection Society, are trying to organize a letter writing and email campaign so that the First Family will adopt a shelter dog to keep Bo company. Bo, a Portuguese Water Dog, came from a breeder, a gift from Sen. Edward Kennedy.

There's an unmistakeable undercurrent of anger in the group's mission -- they're upset that the Obama family missed an opportunity to send a message about the pet overpopulation in the country and the importance of adopting.

For whatever reason, I'm sure Bo would enjoy some dog play on the White House lawn.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, First Dog Bo Obama, Fun stuff
        

The Dog Whisperer, who you can see all the time on cable TV, is going on tour...and he's kind of a pricey ticket.

Cesar Millan will bring his PackPower Tour to the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Va., on Dec. 6. Tickets will cost anywhere from $39.50 to a whopping $150. That seems like quite a bit of money for a guy whose act is usually free. And he's not exactly Bruce Springsteen, performancewise.

Tickets go on sale October 10 at 10 a.m.

According to his press release the live show  will be quite something: “From Sheepdogs to Schnauzers, Poodles to Pomeranians, Cesar Millan will have audiences spellbound as he shares his amazing insights on dog psychology and how people can inadvertently play a role in their dog's behavioral issues,” said tour producer Bill Silva.

Continue reading "Would you pay to see 'The Dog Whisperer' live?" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (15)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Celebrities and their pets, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events
        

You'll have to trust me on this one. Clever and more fun than it should be. Try: Roll over...

Click here for the most obedient dog ever!

And Happy Tuesday!

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Pet videos
        

Though Baltimore now boasts two dog parks, and Quiet Waters Park recently earned high marks as one of the country's best dog beaches, no area dog parks made Petside.com's list of the best dog parks.

If your dog is up for a drive, however, two of the top parks are in Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Petside applauds the 24/7 access at Bea Arthur Park in Norfolk, and its water features, toy bin and scenic view.

As for Jackson's Howlabaloo Dog Park in Edinboro, Pa., they call is "58 fenced acres of doggy fun." Creeks, hiking trails and paw showers -- wow! The picture above, courtesy of the dog park, shows off one of its dog lakes.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Here's some great news for all of us who can't bear the thought of parting one day from our furry ones.

According to this story in the New York Daily News (apparently re-purposed from MSNBC), the average pet is living as long as 15.

“Just as the average life expectancy for people keeps reaching closer to the century mark, we’ll continue to see the same parallels in our pet population,” said Martha Smith, director of veterinary services at Boston’s Animal Rescue League.

How long your pet lives can vary with breed though. Small to medium-sized pooches live longer than larger dogs. Toy dogs stick around for the longest time, while giant breeds like Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, Great Danes and Irish wolfhounds have the shortest life span.

In general, cats outlive dogs, with many indoor ones living long enough to celebrate their 20th birthday. Siamese and Abyssinians live the longest.

Pictured above is the remarkable Mookie, who just this week, began experiencing his 23rd October. Mookie lives in Baltimore County and was featured earlier this year in Collared. Go Mook go!

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

So about a zillion of you are waiting and waiting for more word of what's up with Baltimore's effort to get the Rescue Ink tough guys to town to rally support against animal cruelty in town.

Well, after last week when MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED OF YOU volunteered to get paw print tattoos if they guys would come here, that got the attention of the network, their fundraisers and, as I told you late last week, the guys themselves.

On Wednesday, one of the show's producers called, sounding quite interested in the possibility of bringing the show to Baltimore. While she made no promises, she was really impressed with everyone's passion about animal issues and wants to further the explore of doing a Rescue Ink episode in town.

Continue reading "Rescue Ink Update: The producer gets in touch!" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (15)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Celebrities and their pets, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

If you love Crocs -- or perhaps even if you despise them -- this just might be on your holiday wish list.

The Sasquatch Pet Bed company (Bigfoot, get it??) is offering the world a bed for dogs or cats shaped like a giant shoe, specifically like what has to be the least attractive plastic shoe ever created.

The dog and cat version of the Croc comes in blue and pink and camo -- just like the real things. The little Schnauzer above even looks authentically dismayed to be photographed in one -- except that, of course, just like the real Crocs, the beds look undeniably comfortable.

They're $99.95 each. Please Santa!

Photos courtesy of Sasquatch Pet Beds.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Pet accessories
        

The U.K. always thinks of all the good stuff first.

The country's animal advocate, PDSA, has come up with the Pet Fit Club, a kind of "Biggest Loser" contest to whip oversize dogs and cats into shape while drawing national attention to the dangers of animal obesity.

Socrates, the long-haired kitty pictured, weighed 22 pounds at the beginning of the contest, thanks largely to a diet heavy on cheese and onion crisps. His target is to be less than half the kitty he started as -- or about 9 pounds. He's five years old and belongs to Bill Duncan.

Socs has 100 days to reach his target goal. He's on prescription diet food, and, according to Duncan, doesn't much care for the portions. Go Socs!

Check out Socrates progress in this story.

Cheer on the other contestants here. 

(Photo courtesy People's Dispensary for Sick Animals).

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Health
        

Authorities in Pennsylvania are offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in dogfighting.

The reward was announced Monday by Attorney General Tom Corbett and The Humane Society of the United States, the Associated Press reports. It also applies to other animal combat, such as cockfighting.

The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has received more than 400 complaints about dogfighting in the first six months of this year. That's up from 245 complaints during all of 2008.

Maybe Baltimore (or Maryland) could borrow this idea if it looks like it's working in Pa.?

The reward is funded through a grant from the Holland M. Ware Charitable Foundation.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

On Monday I went to observe an emergency preparedness drill for Baltimore County. What made it special is that for the first time in the state, officials were rehearsing opening a shelter that people and pets could share together. After Hurricane Katrina, it was clear that state and local governments needed an emergency plan to handle animals -- officials estimate as many as 600,000 pets died or were lost in the Gulf Coast storm and its aftermath. What makes this option pretty great for people with pets, is that you wouldn't have to leave your pets in the middle of a disaster -- you could be in the same building and able to check in on them. So much more peace of mind....

Here's a video Sun photographer Algerina Perna put together at the site, Eastern Technical High School in Essex:

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Health, Pet videos
        

Just saw this video story on CBS news tonight. Such a sweet, poignant story that shows just how strong the bond between a family and a pet can be. Watch it. You won't be disappointed.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Pet videos
        

Ok. So yesterday afteroon two of the guys from Rescue Ink called me -- their publicist had told them about the amazing tattoo pledges underway in Baltimore.

I had a conference call with Johnny O, the one in the hat, at left, and Eric. They only go by first names.

Anyway, they were floored with the tattoo pledges. And they really would like to come back to the city -- they were here quickly a number of months ago after Phoenix, the pit bull, was burned and died. As a non-profit, they've got to figure out a way to pay for a trip, but it sounds like something that they're at least now thinking about. Read my whole story here.

"We never say no, especially when it comes to animals," said Johnny O. "We have an idea of what Baltimore is about."

In the meantime, Eric said stopping animal abuse is all about working together. Not being vigilates, but being aware and together as a city. That attitude, he says, will have potential abusers on guard.

If I'm an abuser and I’m worried that everyone is watching me, it’s going tomake me think twice," Eric said. "That’s kind of what we do to people. They say, 'I better not screw around cause I never know who’s going to call on me.' No one take crap....."

By the way, we're now up to 64 people pledging to get paw print tattoes if Rescue Ink comes to town!

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (22)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
        

For those of you caught up in the organically growing movement of sorts to tempt the guys of Rescue Ink to come to Baltimore to kick some animal-abuse butt, you'll want to know that two of the people who pledged to get a tattoo if they guys come here have created a Facebook page for the effort.

See it here. It's the work of Emily and Jacob.

I just got off the phone with two of the guys from Rescue Ink -- Eric and Johnny O. More coming on that later.....Meanwhile NEARLY 60 Unleashed diehards and animal lovers have promised to get paw print tattoos if the guys can make it to town. Wow. You are all pretty impressive!

(Of course if anyone's headed to Facebook, don't forget to become a fan of the Unleashed page, if you haven't already!)

Posted by Jill Rosen at 3:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Celebrities and their pets, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
        

Seven of the dogs rescued this summer from a house in Pasadena where they lived in deplorable conditions are ready for adoption.

“These animals have been through a terrible ordeal and I am pleased that we can now relocate them into loving homes,” County Executive John R. Leopold said in a statement. “Animal Control is still treating several other dogs, who we hope will make a full recovery."

On Aug. 28, Animal Control responded to 7915 Sea Breeze Drive in Orchard Beach and found 19 dogs inside the residence and an additional two dogs in a trailer outside. All of the dogs were suffering from severe skin issues and some from of malnourishment and a lack of vet care. 

Continue reading "Rescued dogs ready for adoption in Annapolis" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

The nonprofit Beagle Rescue of Southern Maryland, Inc. will host its fourth annual fundraiser and alumni celebration “Beagle Bash 2009” at Countryside Kennels in Owings, MD from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The kennel is at 9214 Boyds Turn Road.

Beagle Bash is a free for both dogs and people. There will be a variety of activities in a fenced in area, so that dogs can be off leash. You can see how much fun the pups had at last year's event in the above photo.

Activities will include Canine Good Citizen testing, swimming and lounging by the doggie swimming pool, contests like Cake Walk with Your Beagle, Best Look-a-Like, Best Bugler, Dancing with the Hounds, raffles, pet photographs and vendors.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events
        

In response to the Unleashed throwdown yesterday, asking readers to make pleas to the muscled, inked men of Rescue Ink to come to Baltimore in the name of stopping this city's animal abuse....not one but TWO brave readers offered to get paw print tattoos if the guys come to town. (Note from Jill: As of 12:56 p.m., it's now THREE thanks to Lindsay!) (Another note from Jill: As of 1:15 p.m., we've got FOUR thanks to Carol and a few more folks on Twitter acting interested....) (Um, at 1:26 p.m., we've got FIVE!!!) (Update: As of 1:53 p.m., thanks to Reada and DCDiva, we're up to SEVEN!!!!) (Update. 2:01 p.m. Kathy says she'll be EIGHT!) (Update: Betsy and Shannon make NINE and TEN.) (BIG UPDATE!!! 2:29 p.m. Two of the Rescue Ink guys are going to talk to me tomorrow afternoon! I'll tell them all about everyone's pledges!) (2:32 p.m....Julianna and V make 12.) (2:43 p.m. Steven and "BehindBJ" make 13 and 14.) (Caitlin makes 15 at 2:51 p.m.) (2:58 p.m. Spam and his girlfriend Anna make 17!) (Samstersmom makes 18 at 3:09 p.m.) (At 3:31, Stephanie makes 19.) (Tracy makes 20, providing it's not too expensive, she says. 4:07 p.m.) (4:30 p.m.: SoboJosie makes it 21.) (4:45 p.m.: Lauren and Dawn join the pack, making 23.) (6:48 p.m. Baltimoregal and Jen are in, rounding out a nice 25.) (7:37 p.m. Janet makes 26.) (8:07: 27 = Michelle!) (8:12 p.m.: K.M. says it would be "a pleasure." So, 28.) Phew! (9:19 p.m.: We've got four more: Megan and Andy her housemate, Gina and Frank. That would be 32.) (Add in Wendy C. to make 33.) (And Anna = 34). (And at 11:18, the last of the day, Stephanie, to make 35.)...(Thursday morning: Larissa said overnight she'd be willing to be "inked for the cause." 36!) (10:08 a.m., Valerie says she'd get her 1st tat for this. 37.) (10:26 a.m. Brian confirms. He's 38.) (Davida makes 39 at 10:40 a.m.) (10:49 a.m. Husband and wife Barbie and Joey are in, as is "Cynical Eastern Shorn Girl." That would be 42.) (And Melanie. 43.) (44 with Josh.) (12:04 p.m. And apparently Tara, to make 45!) (At 46, Jacob says "Bring it," Rescue Ink!) (Emily R. makes 47.) (12:15 p.m. Patrick L. and Meekrat make 49.) (12:19 p.m.: Plus WendyLou, even though she doesn't live in Baltimore anymore. 50.) (Lauren and Emilie make 52!) (12:43 p.m.: Amy for 53.) (No. 54 is Mila.) (We've got Darlene at 55.) (Jackie is 56.) (Hope is 57.) (4:10 p.m. Shaun, another B-more ex-pat is in. 58. Deborah might make 59.) (Theresa and Sara, the latest to join the potential tat club. That's 61!) (Make it 62, says Maegan.) (JillyBean, no apparent relation to Teddy Bean, would like to be No. 63.)...FRIDAY: John says he's 64. Liz is 65. Pat and Kerry make 67. No. 68? That's Adel! Mary and her husband are in, for 70. 11:30 a.m. Tim T. proudly joins the pack. 71....No. 72 is Sara who says, "Anything for the animals." ..Justine says she's ready for paw prints. 73....Tattoo and kitty lover Kim is 74....75 is Michele.....Sisters Diane and Dona are ready for paws. 77. James is 78...Dave is 79. Stacey makes it an even 80....Stephanie says she'll make tat No. 8 a paw. She's 81... Leonard's daughter convinced him: He's 82. Making 84, there's Cynthia and Jennipea.... Couple Toni and Tony, Krystal, Melissa are in for tattoos. It will be Melissa's first! 88. Co-workers Casey and Tiffany make 90! Add Joshua. 91. And Angela: 92. Virginia and Andrea want in: 94....Michael and another person who together have four dogs and two cats. 96....Pat, Mike and Jacq for 99...Tara is 100. Wow. 100...Shaun is 101. 102 is Joshua.

Go Shannon and Jaime!

"We need some muscle to rough up the scum who abuse innocent animals," Jaime writes....

Wow. How can they refuse that? These are men who respect the tattoo. ... Someone also offered to buy them a round of drinks.

I'm still trying to get these offers in front of the Rescue Ink crew. Hopefully they'll even respond.

Image of paw prints in the snow courtesy of rmceoi's photostream on Flickr.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (126)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Celebrities and their pets, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Pets on Wheels, a not for profit volunteer group that coordinates volunteers to bring animals to institutions for visits is having it's annual Dog-a-Thon. For instance, this Saturday while the event is happening, some dogs from the group will be at the Pratt central library on Cathedral Street in Baltimore at 2 p.m., for a literacy program where they'll be read to by children. Very cute.

To walk at the Dog-a-Thon, just register your dog online, maybe get some folks to sponsor you and help the group raise money. Whoever raises the most money will win a portrait of their pet by Carl Woerner of Pencil Works Studio.

In addition to the walk around the Cockeysville park, there will be various demos, contests and vendors. There will be items up for raffle, a silent auction, food and a disc jockey. Events run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Continue reading "Dog-a-thon this weekend at Oregon Ridge" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff, Health
        

Have you heard of the Rescue Ink guys? They're a gang of heavily tattooed, none-too-dainty chaps on a mission to, perhaps surprisingly at first blush, stop animal abuse.

They've got a new TV show that premiers Friday night on the National Geographic Channel. And they've also got a new book -- a few copies of which I'm willing to give away to folks who can come up with the best pleas to get the guys to come to Baltimore.

This city has animals in need. Big time. So write up a few lines beseeching the be-inked crew to get down here and start busting some heads or whatever they do in the name of furry ones.

They say they "stop at nothing within the bounds of law" to help helpless, abused and abandoned animals.

Don't you think we could use them? Get your pleas in.... I'll pick some winners by the end of the day..... And I'll do my best to make sure the guys see what you write.....

Continue reading "Win book by tempting Rescue Ink to Baltimore" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (24)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Celebrities and their pets, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Joel Silverman, host of Animal Planet's "Good Dog U" and author of "What Color Is Your Dog?" is coming to Camp Bow Wow on at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday for a free talk.

The one-hour seminar, at 7165 Oakland Mills Rd. in Columbia, is expected to include topics such as: Silverman's background as a Hollywood dog trainer and building a relationship between you and your dog.

He'll also talk about his book and how to train your dog based on personality. You can find out which of five colors represents your dog's personality and how training will vary based on that color conclusion.

There will be time for a question and answer period and book signing.

The talk is free, but Camp Bow Wow is encouraging a small donation to help support area shelters -- things like dog treats, dog food and lightly used blankets or toys.

Space is limited; please RSVP to reserve a spot and to leave your dogs at home. Call 410.964.BARK (2275).

Posted by Jill Rosen at 1:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Celebrities and their pets, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events
        

Interesting piece from the Chicago Tribune, previewing an animal rights/free speech issue that the Supreme Court is expected to tackle next month:

A tiny white kitten squeals in pain as a flame from a lighter burns his fur. Another terrified kitten cries in agony as it is crushed by a woman's spiked heel. Another video clip shows pit bull dogs viciously ripping into the neck of a trapped pig.

The Supreme Court has often said freedom of speech includes ugly and foul speech, but this fall, the justices will be looking at some of these video clips to decide whether selling films of dog fights or the torture of helpless animals is protected from prosecution under the First Amendment.

The dispute, due to be heard in October, has driven a wedge between traditional free-speech advocates and the defenders of humane treatment of animals.

What do you think? Read the rest of the story here. Here's the New York Times' take on the issue.

Photo of sweet kitty from Katie Tegtmeyer's photostream on Flickr.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Health, Pet videos
        

Here's a clever idea that would be cool to try in Baltimore:

A group of upstate New York dog owners thinks it has a plan to profitably compost dog doo left behind by the roughly 50,000 canines that use the city's dog park each year, the Associated Press reports.

If their pilot project is successful, the Tompkins County Dog Owners Group and Cayuga Compost hope to market usable compost within two or three years.

Finding a use for the billions of pounds of pooch poop produced yearly in the United States could greatly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, said Leon Kochian, a spokesman for TC DOG, the not-for-profit volunteer group involved in funding the project.

"There was a large Dumpster at the park, and it was just always overflowing with plastic bags of dog poop. The amount was unbelievable," said Kochian, a Cornell University biology professor who owns a yellow Labrador retriever.

"Ithaca has a reputation as a green community. ... It made sense to us to find a way to compost and spare the landfill from all the plastic bags," Kochian said.

Leon Kochian, a Cornell University biology professor, is seen with his Labrador, Sophie, right, at the Treman Marina Dog Park in Ithaca, N.Y. Kochian helped organize a dog waste composting effort that could help reduce dog excrement in landfills and provide a usable fertilizer. (AP Photo/Heather Ainsworth)

Continue reading "Dog owners reconsider value of poop" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
        

All pet owners should glance through this new website -- it could save your dog or cat's life...or at least save you some money at the vet....

HealthyStuff.org, a new site that compiles the results of hundreds of consumer products tests, lists, in addition to many other things, information about pet toys.

The site tested more than 400 products, including beds, toys, collars and leashes. Disturbingly, many of them contained toxic substances. They found collars and dog beds with high levels of lead, a flowered puppy collar with a lot of cadmium and a squeak toy for cats with too much lead -- among other things.

They also list a number of products -- things by Kong and Nylabone, for instance -- that passed the tests with flying colors.

A beagle steals a hazardous pet toy from a display during a news conference at the Central Vermont Humane Society in Barre, Vt., on Wednesday. The Vermont Public Interest Research Group and the Central Vermont Humane Society announced the launch of a new Website that shows which consumer products – including those for your pet – contain potentially dangerous toxic chemicals. AP Photo/Toby Talbot.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Health, Pet accessories
        

Who can resist this face?

Join Lexie, a rescued Maltese from Hampstead as she and other dogs meet Friday in D.C. for the Canine Cancer Caucus.

The event is designed to raise awareness of the disease in dogs and to memorialize pets lost to cancer.

Lexie, by the way, a 10-year-old rescued Maltese, was diagnosed with a malignant mammary in February.

Walkers should meet at Lady Bird Johnson park at 10 a.m. Organizers hope the event will set a record for the longest dog march.

The event is organized by Luke Robinson, who is walking his two dogs more than 2,000 miles to raise awarness of canine cancer. More information is available here.

Photo of Lexie courtesy of John and Bekye Eckert.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Health
        

Dog bites account for a third of all homeowners liability claims, according to an insurance organization.

The Insurance Information Institute says that bites cost more than $387 million a year in 2008, up more than 8 percent from 2007.

Perhaps even more shockingly, the average dog bite costs $24,461, the group says.

“The rise in dog bite claims over the course of the past five years can be attributable to the increased medical costs as well as the size of settlements, judgments and jury awards which have risen well above inflation in recent years,” Loretta Worters, the organization's vice president, said in a release.

Diane Krieger with her dog Cotton, a small little dog who has such a bad problem with biting people that he even flunked training with the dog whisperer, so she is having his canine teeth filed down to stop the biting. Brian Vander Brug/Los Angeles Times.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Health
        

Looking for something fun to do Friday with your dog?

How about a cruise in Annapolis? For a good cause!

A Jack Russell terrier named Ben is invited people and their dogs on a three-hour cruise. Tickets are $55 per person (dogs are free) and the proceeds benefit the Animal Legal Defense Fund, which helped rescue Ben.

The event is sponsored by Paws pet boutique, the business owned by Ben's owners, Michelle and Larry Kownacki.

There will be music and food for the people, and canine cake for the furrier guests. There will also be a silent auction with merchandise provided by Annapolis businesses

Tickets must be purchase in advance at the store, 64 State Circle or call 410-263-8683.

Ben is looking forward to seeing everyone about the Harbor Queen on Friday.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 1:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff
        

Since Teddy Bean is a very social dog, and there are so many dog lovers on Unleashed, it might be nice to arrange something of a doggie social in Baltimore.

A couple people in the office just game over to my desk and flat-out demanded a puppy playdate. So I'm throwing down the gauntlet: If you're into it, we can plan a little mutt meet-'n-greet for an upcoming weekend. Maybe I can get the Sun to sweeten the pot with a few prizes people can win for showing up. Otherwise it would just be fun to meet a few of the dogs we hear so much about....

So what do you think? Should we do it???? 

Teddy Bean hobnobs with a white dog named Katrina and another friend at Heritage Park in Monroeville, Pa. Photo by Jennifer Rosen (Bean's aunt).

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

Here's a kitty who's head over heels in love -- with a bowl.

To be fair, it is a really nice bowl. I can see the attraction. The kitty belongs to Sun reporter Scott Calvert. When he was stationed in South Africa, he brought the bowl along just because he knew how much it meant to Georgi.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Fun stuff, Pet videos
        

                                                            Today is the Ravens season opener. And what better way to mark the occasion, Unleashed-style, than to showcase the team spirit of a few area pets.

Here are Lori B's three little football fans: From top left: It's Ricki, Lola and Chi-Chi. They model -- and I do mean model -- their Ravens gear atop Baltimore's Federal Hill.

By the way, Chi-Chi won the Dog Snuggie contest a few weeks ago, so when the weather cools a bit more, look forward to pictures of him in his pink prize.

Continue reading "Area pets say: Go Ravens!" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff, Pet accessories
        

Shh. What's that? It's either the rustling of money or Cesar Millan whispering about a new venture...maybe both.

The canine trainer famously known as The Dog Whisperer is launching a new magazine called Cesar's Way. This is in addition to his book, products and TV show about helping dogs with behavior issues.

The Wall Street Journal reports: Cesar's Way, which hits newsstands next week, is filled with slick photos of celebrities such as Mariah Carey, Paris Hilton and Jennifer Aniston with pets in tow. Articles include "Can Your Dog Fix Your Marriage? Just Ask Jada Pinkett Smith" and "7-Day Doggie Detox." IMG says it plans to publish two issues this year and six in 2010.

Continue reading "Dog Whisperer launching magazine" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Celebrities and their pets, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Pet accessories
        

One animal rescue is trying to make something good for D.C. dogs from Michael Vick's signing with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Main Line Animal Rescue, in an ad in the Washington Post, pledged to donate food every time someone tackles the quarterback, who recently got out of jail for his role in a dogfighting operation.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports: Each time the Eagles' new gadget guy-backup quarterback is tackled during the Oct. 26 away game against the Redskins, five bags of dog food will be donated to a D.C. animal shelter.

"Because there are no second chances on an empty stomach," the ad says.

I guess Redskins fans and dog lovers will have a little extra reason to cheer offense during that game.....

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (17)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
        

As we approach Sunday's season opener for the Ravens, wondering if anyone has pets with passion for the purple? Will anyone be dressing their dog or kitty in the team colors? Getting out the violet leash for the weekend?

I've run into THREE Black Labs around the area named Raven. At least. And I saw a dog a couple weeks ago in a Ravens Jersey at Patterson Park -- and that was just preseason.

So I know some of you folks must be in on this decorated team spirit pet thing. ...

Tell Unleashed what you do to get your pet ready for the game. Send pictures (of course) if you've got 'em. Or tell on your friends and family who might have embarrassed their dog or cat by going too far....

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff, Pet accessories
        

As soon as I heard what my colleague and mom to Tig was doing with her new dog stroller, I had to have her write a blog post about it. So, here it is, Nicole Fuller in her own words about her something-less-than-lawful use of a pet accessory. Please, please discuss after you read -- would you be this brazen with your so-called fur baby?:

Ever get annoyed with those “No Dogs Allowed” signs? Do you want to be able to take your four-legged friend with you to more public places?

I’ve got the answer for you: buy a dog stroller.

I recently bought my Miniature Pinscher – Tigger “Tig” Fuller – a brand-new teal blue doggy stroller on Ebay for $49.99 with the express reason of being able to take him EVERYWHERE with me.

And let me tell you, the doggy stroller has worked like a charm! Tig has been to all sorts of places that dogs aren’t really allowed – supermarkets, clothing stores and pharmacies. And not a single store manager has tried to kick him out.

Tig has slopped on his own cup of iced water while in the comfortable confines of his stroller at a Starbucks in a Barnes & Noble while I read celebrity gossip magazines. (A man playing Chess at a neighboring table complimented Tig’s good behavior.)

As I perused the luscious produce at Whole Foods, Tig lay quietly in his stroller, only reacting when I picked up a package of his favorite Wellness dog treats.

Continue reading "Is that a dog or a baby in that stroller, ma'am?" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (27)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Pet accessories
        

When Kujo fell into a well recently, things didn't look good.

But thanks to daring work by Prince George's County firefighters, the 140-pound dog owned by Daniel Ellis made it out safely.

The tale was featured a day or so ago on "The Today Show."

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Pet videos
        

Frisky dog?

Long weekend?

You might want to check out why Ellicott City was chosen by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top places in the country for pet lovers.

We're pretty sure your dog would like to check it out, anyway. Here a number of area dog's seem to be adoring Worthington Dog Park on Hillsborough Road.

Check out, clockwise from top right, Hurley, a Minature Schnauzer running a ball back to his owner, Jody Scofield. And, Mary Grace with her owner Sister Anna Mae Crane, seemingly grinning from ear to ear. And, last there's Jackson, a Chocolate Lab hurrying a ball back to his owner, Tom Burns.

Don't miss the video.

Here's the corresponding story.

All photos by Sun Photographer Gene Sweeney.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff
        

If any of you out there like reading Unleashed, you can become an "official" fan of it on Facebook.

All the cool blog kids are doing it -- Garden Variety, Picture of Health, Midnight Sun...

They just created the Unleashed fan page this morning and we have a whopping total of 37 fans. (Yay early fans!!) But if any of you would like to show the love (or at least the like), then click away... and perhaps your animals with Facebook pages, can too.

Here's the link to get there and make it happen.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 3:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff
        

In a new promotion, you can get food to needy dogs with just a click of your mouse.

The company Halo Purely for Pets has teamed up with Freekibble.com to help Freekibble launch its Twitter page. For the first 200,000 followers for both Halo and Freekibble on Twitter, Halo will donate one meal of Spot's Stew.  

(I just signed up to follow Freekibble and was follower No. 2,131, so there's plenty of opportunity left to help....)

Freekibble was created last year by a 13-year-old girl in Oregon who wanted to help feed animals at her local shelter. The site donates a bit of food every time someone visits and plays a game. It's a great cause and costs nothing to use but a second or two of your time. It's actually a fun site....I just was able to "donate" 10 pieces of kibble for answering a question correctly about poodles -- if I got it wrong Teddy Bean would have killed me!

Halo is a food company part-owned by Ellen DeGeneres.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
        

Judging from everyone's reaction when Rory, the Frisbee-catching dog, edged toward the finals in "America's Got Talent," there are a lot of relieved folks out there this morning....

The dog didn't advance, getting the boot in last night's round.

For a dog, he sure got far!

But the zillions of people who commented on my last Rory post clearly thought the pup had made it a lot farther than he ever should have. Oh well, Rory. You're a good dog.....

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
        

There are a lot of very, very silly pets out there.

And because the silliest, clumsiest dogs and kitties are, in a way, the bread and butter for the Veterinary Pet Insurance Co., the company is honoring them with an award: The Hambone.

In the running for the not-so-coveted honor are Toby, a Spaniel who was eating a bone from a roast and got it stuck on his jaw, Quincy, a Lab who inhaled a fishing hook and Lulu, an bulldog who ate -- count them -- 15 binkies.

See the other Hambone nominees here.

You can submit your own crazy pet mishap stories or just vote for your choice with the best story.

Or, better yet, let all of US know what your crazy dog or cat did. We want to share in your misery, too! 

(Once my ever-hungry Pumpkin ate an entire bag of salmon cat treats. How did I know? The empty bag was left as Exhibit A on the kitchen floor, and a kitty for the first time in history, wasn't hungry for breakfast. The orange fuzzy required a visit to the emergency vet, but ended up fine, the silly beast.)

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff
        

After the recent success of their first puppy importing operation, the Baltimore Humane Society is flush with even more puppies after another batch arrived at the shelter from rural Tennessee.

The Baltimore County shelter is taking on the puppies to save them from being euthanized in Tennessee, where the shelters are too crowded. But since a lot of those out-of-state dogs are just the kind that are in demand in our area, there's a great chance they'll all be placed in good homes.

The newest batch includes 40 puppies and 22 adult dogs.

Check out some of the new selection of puppies here. They're quite adorable. What a variety of breeds!

Pictured above is Dana, left, and Connor, right, two of the puppies that just came in from Tennessee. Find them and other new puppies at the Baltimore Humane Society.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

This morning I opened my inbox to find a press release from Dexter, a dog.

Actually, it wasn't from Dexter. It was from his PR company, letting me know about Dexter's new blog that will be done entirely in his first person doggie voice. It's called Dexter Speaks.

Just what the world needs -- another blogging, Tweeting, pen-in-hand animal. Seriously?

The adorable four-year-old Goldendoodle, Dexter, is writing the blog with "help" from his owner, a copywriter named Chuck Kent. Exactly how far is this literary conceit supposed to go? If Dexter gets a book deal out of this, which certainly has crossed the mind of Kent, I hope that Dexter spends the entire advance on gourmet bones and fresh tennis balls. It's only fair, right, since he did all the "writing."

I'm sure some people now think I'm no fun, but sorry, I just don't get it. I love my animals, perhaps a snippet more than the next guy maybe, and even I don't think the world would want ongoing daily missives from Teddy Bean. Or, more to the point, from me pretending to be the Bean. (Maybe from Leo, he's a bit more soulful....) It just takes anthropomorphism to a new, weird level.

What do you think? Have you found some well-written cats out there or philosopher dogs to prove me wrong? Dexter -- care to defend yourself? (What? "Bark? Bark?" I don't understand that. English, please.)

Picture of the extremely cute but inexplicably verbose blog dog, Dexter, courtesy of his blog, DexterSpeaks.

PS: I'm not saying one can't write eloquently in the voice of an animal. The recent book "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" comes to mind. Beautiful, poignant passages in a novel, from the mind of a dog.....

Posted by Jill Rosen at 1:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff
        

U.S. News & World Report thinks that of all the places in the country, Ellicott City is one of the best for pet lovers.

The magazine honored the Howard County spot in a recent issue, saying it's "an easy drive from Baltimore's animal shelters and also offers more than 100 square miles of green space within 15 miles of the city."

County Executive Ken Ulman didn't miss the chance to boast.

 “Lately I’d been hearing other good things from both Fishy and Bait, the pets who live at my house," he wrote in a news release. " Fishy and Bait are Beta fish who seem to be thriving, thanks to the tender loving care of my daughters Maddie and Lily.  I guess it was only a matter of time until U.S. News & World Report caught on (pun fully intended) to the fine life pets and their owners are enjoying in Howard County.”

So what do you think, pet people? Is Ellicott City really the best around here for dogs, cats, goldfish? Or are there some other spots that are more worthy? Basing this designation mainly on average weather and amount of green space seems a bit off. What about dog parks? And pet laws? No?

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
        

Guinness World Records has recognized a Carroll County pet as the world's oldest living rabbit.

According to the Associated Press, Owner Jennifer Russell of Silver Run says she received confirmation earlier this month.

Russell figures Heather is between 15 and 16 years old. She was adopted in 1995 with papers saying she was 2 years old. Guinness says most rabbits live to be 6 to 8 years old.

According to Guinness, the oldest rabbit on record was a wild rabbit named Flopsy, who lived to be 18 years, 10 months in Tasmania, Australia, in the 1960s.

Russell says Heather was “a diva” in her prime, growling if the cat got too close. Now, she says Heather is still sassy, but spends her days resting on a comforter, munching on hay and enjoying the sun.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff
        

SF Weekly has an interesting story about service animals, specifically about how a man who keeps an iguana to help deal with his depression might be forced to give it up if his apartment complex gets its way.

The man featured, Cosmie Silfa, keeps his iguana, Skippy in his apartment along with an assortment of other lizards. He has a note from his doctor attesting that Skippy is part of his treatment plan for depression.

"[S]he provides companionship and motivation for him to stay well," the doctor wrote.

His apartment says the doctor's note is not enough proof and demands more or Skippy gets the boot.

Interesting. One usually thinks of dogs as service animals. Does anyone know of any other species -- birds, cats, rabbits, lizards -- that have been granted "service animal" status?

Photo of Cosmie Silfa and his mood-brightening iguana Skippy courtesy of SF Weekly.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff
        

As regular Unleashed readers know, we love Nora, the piano playing kitty from Philadelphia. She's been a YouTube sensation for quite some time, but lately, she's getting a second wind of buzz from the traditional media.

Here are some freshly-released fun facts about the famous kitty:

* Nearly 20 million people have watched her play. She has made the television talk show circuit and has videos, two books, her own Web site, a blog, three calendars, mugs, greeting cards, T-shirts and posters.

* She lives with five other cats: Gabby, Max, Rennie, Miro and Clara.

* She was found at a Cherry Hill, N.J., shelter where there was a sign on her cage that said "bossy." She doesn't like other cats.

The Associated Press just moved all of these pictures of Nora voguing for the camera at her home. She's the kitty of piano teacher Betsy Alexander. AP Photo/Matt Rourke.

Continue reading "Nora the piano kitty: A photo extravaganza" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Fun stuff
        

The kitty that falls asleep on your pillow purring every night -- is she worth just the $30 you paid for her at the shelter?

Or your loyal dog, who you walk with every day -- what, $150?

That's the value that showed up on your credit card -- but is their real value about more than the pricetag? In a court of law, that might not be the case.

A courtroom in Virginia is wrestling with that very issue, according to this interesting story in Monday's Washington Post.

According to the story, Jeffrey Nanni has sued his former domestic partner, Maurice Kevin Smith, alleging that Smith maliciously killed their 12-pound Chihuahua, Buster, two years ago by hitting him with a wooden board. The suit says, Nanni, 42, a paralegal, "continues to suffer severe emotional distress" and should be compensated for it. He's aksing for monetary damages for Buster's worth, "which includes Buster's unique value . . . as a companion animal."

Continue reading "How much is your dog or cat worth?" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Here's a happy ending from our metropolitan brother to the northeast:

In Philly last March, a stray dog was hit by a car. The apparently homeless dog, named Miss Mickey by folks, suffered a broken pelvis.

But according to this story in the Philadelphia Inquirer, shop owners who witnesses started a fund-drive to raise money for Miss Mickey's vet bills. 

South Street merchant Tony Fisher, who screamed when he saw the accident, solicited money from his customers at the eco-friendly retailer Big Green Earth. He and Marianne Ahern, the dog's foster parent, also used Facebook to get the word out about her condition.

The fund-raising effort netted $4,000, which covered the 25-pound dog's medical expenses, with enough left over for a donation to the city's Fallen Officer's Fund.

Miss Mickey, seen in the above picture, is virtually healed and available now for adoption through the Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Association.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
        

An Unleashed reader brought this to my attenion: A Michigan lawmaker has proposed a $3,500 tax deduction for pet care. How great would that be?!?!?!

U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, R-Mich., recently introduced a bill known as the HAPPY Act. House Resolution 3501, or the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years, would amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual to deduct up to $3,500 for “qualified pet care expenses.”

Not surprisingly, the pet care industry thinks the bill is the greatest thing ever.

Read more, here.

Who with pets wouldn't want this???

A Boston Terrier named Tsimmes and a Ragdoll cat, Lardie, (Lardie?? Isn't that mean??) bond at a recent animal event in Manhattan. Feature Photo Service.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff
        

On the one hand, it doesn't look comfortable. But on the other hand, it looks like the dog is having a good time.

According to the folks who poasted this, their dog here, Sara, has been swinging like this in the park for years and LOVES it.

The video has been making the rounds. It's got more than 110,000 views on YouTube. There are number of other videos posted there of dogs swinging, but this seems to be the most popular by