There are seriously, seriously, seriously sooooo many dog books out there, I'm starting to lose track. At least a couple times a week a new one or two arrives in the mail.

There are heartwarming memoirs of man and beast, manuals for keeping the hound healthy, those that explore ways to understand the canine.

It seems that ever since Marley & Me skyrocketed to the top of the bestseller list, leaving sequels, a movie and who-knows-how-much-money and wet tissues in its wake, dog lovers have gotten really busy typing.

Continue reading "Drowning in dog books: Which titles rise to the top?" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (40)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
        

NAME: Stellaluna, or Stella – excellent for yelling from the porch when she’s out in the yard.

OWNER: The Hartney family.

HOW THEY MET: We’ve always had Labradors, and my mom decided, in 2001 that she was ready for a new puppy. My brother and I were in school at the University of South Carolina, and my parents were living in Virginia, and they sent me to look at some nearby pups that they would come pick up when we moved out of the dorms for the summer.

My parents had given me a list of attributes to look for in a healthy, smart puppy, and I went to meet baby Stella’s owner at a rest stop near Orangeburg, S.C. She was so tiny, a ball of black fur and gangly paws, but she ran right over to me and started licking my toes. She let me pick her up without issue and inspect those gangly paws, and I was hooked.

My parents took my word for it that she would be our dog, and she’s been our smartest and sweetest Lab yet. She rode home with us in a cardboard box.

Continue reading "Collared today: Stella" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Collared, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

This is the guy that ran the puppy mill that Teddy Bean and more than 200 other dogs were rescued from last summer:

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A former eastern Pennsylvania dog breeder is scheduled to go on trial on animal cruelty charges after withdrawing his guilty plea.

Lehigh County Judge Robert L. Steinberg granted Derbe Eckhart's request to withdraw his plea Monday. Steinberg set Eckhart's bail at $25,000 and ordered him jailed. He also ordered Eckhart to quit working with animals.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Jay Jenkins says Eckhart faces trial in December on charges including cruelty to animals and operating a kennel without a license.

Authorities who raided Eckhart's Almost Heaven kennel in October 2008 say they found 189 dogs crowded in filthy conditions. They say they also discovered dozens of animal corpses in a freezer. The kennel was shut down in June.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

Floating an idea here... a BIG idea....

Wondering who among the Unleashed faithful would be interested in creating a group calendar.... You guys would send in your very best pet pictures and I would combine them to create the Pets of Unleashed 2010 or something like that.

To make it work, we'd need at least 12 of you to send in pictures -- ideally more so that it would be competitive, offer a bit of a selection....

Continue reading "Interest in an Unleashed Pets 'O Baltimore calendar?" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 1:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Pet accessories
        

No matter which side of town you live on, which worthwhile cause you'd like to contribute to, on Saturday, it will be almost hard not to get your pet's picture taken with Santa.

Santa, who apparently gets around, will be at Federal Hill Park, posing with dogs, cats and who knows what other animals to benefit the Franky Fund at BARCS. The fund pays for vet care for the sickest and neediest animals that come to the shelter. Pictures cost $10 and Santa will be waiting at the park from 10 to noon. Santa will also be at Riverside Park on Dec. 12 for pet pictures, also 10 a.m. to noon. 

Meanwhile, across town in Canton, at the Canton Dog Park, during the exact same 10 to noon timeframe, Santa will also be posing with pets. Those pictures cost $15.

If you already have pictures of your dog or kitty with Santa and would like to share them, send 'em on in. I'll post only the cute ones. ;-)

Santa and dogs picture courtesy of Pacdog's Photostream on Flickr.

Continue reading "Saturday's the day to get pet pix with Santa" »

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

A limited edition dog carrier created by designer Marc Jacobs is one of six deluxe  accessories being offered at the 'L' Excellence du Savoir-Faire' exhibition at Sotheby's auction house in London. The chi-chi auction includes  Louis Vuitton limited-edition, special-order pieces by the likes of artist Damien Hirst, chef Ferran Adrià, photographer Annie Leibovitz, musician Gustavo Santaolalla, Jacobs and Patrick-Louis Vuitton.

The base price is listed in pounds -- 25,000 to 35,0000. I'm not sure how much that is in dollars but can only imagine it's one of those if-you-have-to-ask-you-can't-afford-it situations....

The auction takes place Tuesday (today), with proceeds going to the Red Cross to fight malnutrition in Niger.

Nice holiday present for Teddy Bean. Anyone? Anyone?

(Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Pet accessories
        

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot, center, his wife Annie, left, and their Labrador retriever, Henry, compare notes with Robert Dull and his dogs Saturday at the 39th annual Waterfowl Festival in Easton, Md. Like many others, the Franchots came to town to enjoy festival artwork, exhibits, entertainment and cuisine. Franchot, however, seems rather dressed up for an afternoon with the dog..... (AP Photo/The Star Democrat, Chris Polk)

Posted by Jill Rosen at 1:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Celebrities and their pets, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Georg Ratzinger, brother of Pope Benedict XVI, carresses Saint Bernard dog Otto on November 16, in the Old Chapel in Regensburg, southern Germany, after he blessed the dog. Ratzinger said he was happy to bless the animal, so that one-year-old Otto would go on helping people and making them happy. Otto wears a small barrel around his neck bearing the inscription "Otto loves you." OLIVER LANG/AFP/Getty Images.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

The hunter who saved Daisy, the beagle wrapped in duct tape, stuffed into a trash bag and left to die in the woods, was honored with a commendation from the Dog Federation of New York.

The group issued letters of commendation and thanks to Ed Dandaraw, Tom Peters and Kevin McCauliffe, the Saratoga-area deer hunters. Dandaraw was hunting on his property with friends when he came across the taped and bound beagle. She had been missing from for two weeks.
 
The organization writes: "Because of the difficult terrain, the men needed to use a four-wheeler to get the dog to safety. A former beagle owner himself, Dandaraw took the dog to his own veterinarian and was prepared to provide Daisy with a new home if her owners could not be located. Happily, the dog’s distraught family was quickly identified and Daisy is back with her family, responding well to treatment and gaining weight steadily." 

Continue reading "Hunter honored who saved taped Beagle" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

A new study suggest that pointing at things just doesn't work with puppies.

Discovery News reports that dogs less than 21 weeks old just don't human pointing gestures. So the mistake on the carpet you're jumpiing around sticking your finger angrily toward? Nothing. The brand new toy across the room? Nope.

The results of the study, conducted at the University of Florida on German Shepherds, Collies, Daschunds and pointers, are consistent with findings in other animals.

Picture of sweet sleepy puppy courtesy of Richard Stowey's photostream on Flickr.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Health
        

The New York Times has a funny -- and kinda odd -- story about how one neighborhood of Queens is being run over by French bulldogs, of all things.

The story points out that typically the Ditmars area of Astoria is more of a low-brow, pound-puppy type of place. But for unknown reasons, the neighborhood now counts 32 Frenchies as residents.

At least one guy thinks its a sign of the neighborhood's ascendancy. He tells the Times:

 “For decades, Astoria has been waiting in the wings to become the next Manhattan,” said George Halvatzis, a real estate agent whose Ditmars Boulevard office Donut passes during his daily constitutionals. “We have been getting trendy restaurants and trendy shops, but more than anything, the Frenchies, which are so Manhattanesque, may be the signal that this is finally starting to happen.”

French bulldog picture courtesy of virgirm's photostream on Flickr.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Because this is important to many Unleashed readers, I'm just going to go ahead and post the press release that just came from the office of Baltimore's State's Attorney about indictments in the case of Phoenix, the pit bull puppy doused with gasoline and set on fire earlier this year:

Baltimore, MD – November 13, 2009 – State’s Attorney Patricia C. Jessamy announced today that the Baltimore City Grand Jury indicted both Tremayne and Travers Johnson, 17, of S. Pulaski Street in a five count indictment charging animal abuse and cruelty.

    Court documents allege that on May 27, 2009 Tremayne and Travers Johnson were responsible for setting a pit bull dog on fire in the 1600 block of Presbury Street.  Police responding to a call in that block discovered a pit bull dog engulfed in flames.  The dog, affectionately named Phoenix, was put down due to injuries while being cared for at an animal shelter in Pennsylvania.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceeding.

Both Johnson brothers are being held at the Baltimore City Detention Center without bail.

An arraignment is scheduled for December 9, 2009 before the Honorable David W. Young, 227 Courthouse East.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 6:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

A dog found bound with duct tape, stuffed into a trash bag and left to die on the southeastern edge of the Adirondacks is recovering after being rescued by a hunter.

Ed Dandaraw says he was hunting on his Saratoga County property last weekend when he came across a garbage bag. Inside he found a beagle whose head, midsection and front paws were wrapped in duct tape.

Dandaraw took the dog to a veterinary clinic, where a microchip implanted under the dog's skin helped locate her owners.

The beagle, named Daisy, had been missing for two weeks before being found Sunday near where her owners live.

The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the

Continue reading "Hunter rescues Beagle left to die in woods" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 1:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Back in the day, Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath was known for his dangerous arm. Now settled into a comfortable retirement in Florida, it's his dog that's dangerous.

Namath, 66, appeared before a hearing officer on Thursday in West Palm Beach to answer to charges that two of his dogs attacked people who came to his home in Tequesta, a quiet community about 90 miles north of Miami.

His 6-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, Leo, was declared "dangerous" during Thursday's hearing. The case against another of Namath's dog, a 6-year-old Weimeraner named Stella, was dropped because a witness didn't show, said Capt. Dave Walesky of Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control.

Read more here.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Celebrities and their pets, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

A dog named Titan lived up to his name Thursday when he earned the title world's tallest dog, the Associated Press reported.

The 4-year-old white Great Dane from San Diego is blind, deaf, epileptic and undergoes acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments every three weeks, owner Diana Taylor said.

Over the last few months, there's been a number of contenders for the title. Boomer, a Newfoundland, for one. Gibson, the previous record holder, died earlier this year.

"Titan is magical," she added. "He's low-key, calm and has a wonderful demeanor about him. He gets along with all dogs, even the tiny ones."

Titan's official height, as measured by a veterinarian, is a hair over 3 1/2 feet tall from floor to shoulder. You could add eight inches if official measurements included the head, Guinness spokesman Stuart Claxton said.

Continue reading "World's Tallest Dog finally named!" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

NEW YORK — Oreo was called a miracle dog when she was thrown off the roof of a six-story Brooklyn building this summer and survived.

But nearly four months later, the 1-year-old brown-and-white pit bull mix growled and lunged at people gathered in a playroom to see her, then turned and lunged at a female handler who had pulled back furiously on the 62-pound dog's heavy leash.

After months of working to rehabilitate Oreo, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said it had determined she is too dangerous to be placed in a home or to live among other dogs.

The organization said it plans to euthanize her today.

The New York Times reports people have bombarded the ASPCA with phone calls and e-mail messages in an 11th-hour rally to save Oreo.

Read more from The Associated Press here.

Continue reading "'Miracle dog' sentenced to death by ASPCA" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

A bomb-sniffing dog that disappeared during a fierce battle in Afghanistan between Australian troops and militant fighters has been found and returned to its unit after more than a year.

And Sabi the black Labrador is getting a celebrity welcome home.

Sabi was with a joint Australian-Afghan army patrol ambushed in restive Uruzgan province in September 2008, triggering a gunfight that wounded nine troops and earned one Australian soldier the country's highest bravery medal.

Continue reading "Dog lost in Afghanistan war found after one year" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

The Maryland Park Service is considering changing its policies to make it easier for people to bring their pets to state parks.

A lot of people have apparently requested the change and now state officials are asking for even more public comment before they make a final decision. Changes include pets being allowed at Assateague at certain times and pets allowed in more parts of Gunpowder Falls. There's a lot more, too. To view the proposed policy, click here.

To make your voice heard, go to this website for more information. Public comment will be accepted until Nov. 30.

Continue reading "Want more pet access at state parks? Weigh in!" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff
        

Continue reading "Rescued fighting dogs get second chance" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Crime reporter Peter Hermann just got back to the office after a quick visit with Blade, the Baltimore police dog shot on Sunday by a fellow officer.

Peter shares this photo of the German Shepherd, who's recovering at Falls Road Animal Hospital. He says the dog is doing quite well and might be able to go back to work.

Here's more details from Peter.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 2:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

The Sun has been covering this week an incident that involved a Baltimore City police dog getting shot by an officer while out on a case.

The dog, a German Shepherd named Blade, is recovering, but how exactly he got shot is something of a head scratcher. (See a new photo of the recovering Blade here.)

As Blade chased after a motorist who failed to stop at a speed checkpoint, he attacked an officer chasing from another direction. The dog didn't recognize the officer and the officer didn't know Blade, who wasn't wearing any police identification.

Why was Blade not wearing a police vest or something? Isn't that like an officer on duty without wearing a uniform? And why was the dog out of sight of his partner officer? 

What's the right protocol here? Any police officers out there who can enlighten us? It really seems like this was a shooting that easily could have been prevented.

Continue reading "What went wrong that the police dog got shot?" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

More than 100 dogs and puppies rescued from a Missouri puppy mill arrived in Beltsville yesterday. All of them will be looking for homes. The Virginia-based A Forever-Home Rescue paid for their airlift to our area.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Reporter Brent Jones has an update of the police dog shot Sunday by an officer:

A police dog shot by a city officer during a foot pursuit of a motorist who authorities say drove through a speed checkpoint was expected to make a full recovery after undergoing surgery Monday, according to staff at the Baltimore animal hospital where the German shepherd was being treated.

The dog, named Blade, should be released this week from Falls Road Animal Hospital in Mount Washington, said Dr. Keisha Adkins, who performed the surgery. The dog faces four to six weeks of restricted movement but should be able to comfortably walk after that, according to Adkins.

The shooting happened about 6 p.m. Sunday after a speeding motorist failed to stop when ordered by officers manning the checkpoint in the 2600 block of Wegworth Lane near Hollins Ferry Road, police said. The man got out of the car moments later, and as he fled, officers at the checkpoint enlisted the aid of a K-9 unit, according to police.

Continue reading "Update on the shot Baltimore police dog" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 4:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Continue reading "Baltimore officer shoots on-the-job K9" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

An Atlanta man who rescued one stray dog from traffic now has his hands full with 10 pooches.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Thursday that Gary DeNicola rescued the dog in late September with plans to take it to a shelter the next day. But it turns out the dog, he named Ruby for her reddish coat, was pregnant and gave birth to nine puppies that night. Now DeNicola is running an animal shelter of sorts himself and he's looking for good homes for little Ruby and her black and tan puppies.

The Atlanta Humane Society said many shelters are facing overcrowding and aren't accepting any more animals. DeNicola has been raising the 5-week-old litter with the help of neighbors.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Here's a novel idea: A shoe that your dog can chew for a good cause....

My Good Dog's Chewy Shoe dog toy, a red, white and blue rubber creation for dogs to gnaw on, has raised more than $38,000 since it was introduced earlier this year. That's all money that goes to  “Dog Tags: Service dogs for those who’ve served us,” a program to train and provide service dogs to injured U.S. veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Two dollars from every Chewy Shoe purchase are donated to the Dog Tags program. Service dogs in the program are trained by inmates in New York City-area correctional institutions as part of the Puppies Behind Bars initiative.

“The proceeds from sales of the Chewy Shoe are helping us continue the important work of supporting our veterans,” Gloria Gilbert Stoga, founder and president of Puppies Behind Bars, said in a release. 

Continue reading "Chew toy benefits military veterans" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Pet accessories
        

This bulldog mom in Illinois has her paws full -- and then some. See Daisy Mae's 21 pups in this video. (The puppies come at the end after some other news...) Dog owner Shari Ballard tells Fox News, "We wanted to breed her and have a litter of puppies. But I didn't expect to have this many!" The puppies are six weeks old now and up for adoption.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (17)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

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
        

On a crisp, dry autumn day (not that we've had too many of those dry ones around here lately), isn't having a dog the best? A great reason to take the long way around the park. And the dogs all seem to have little extra spring in their step when it's not so hot. (A guy at the park watched Teddy dancing around in the cool air and said he was a bon vivant. I think maybe he meant Teddy had a great joie d'vivre. Either way, good stuff.

Bailey, a resident at Graves Farm and Garden in Roswell, New Mexico, awaits the arrival of a tour group from Military Heights Elementary School. (AP Photo/Roswell Daily Record, Mark Wilson)

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

The 17-year-old twins accused of setting fire to a pit bull puppy known as Phoenix will be tried as adults, a judge decided Tuesday.

Judge David Ross ruled that Tremayne and Travers Johnson will face felony animal cruelty charges in Baltimore Circuit Court, allegations that could send the boys to jail for three years, The Sun's Brent Jones reports. Attorneys for the twins argued that they were not properly cared for in the juvenile system after they were placed on probation for a handgun violation in October 2008.

The lawyer for Tremayne Johnson added that his client suffers from depression and had not had any problems before he had brain surgery for a tumor four years ago. But a representative of juvenile services said the teen failed to cooperate with some of the department's programs.

Phoenix, a pit bull puppy, was doused with gasoline and set on fire in Southwest Baltimore last May. She was euthanized because of her injuries a few days later. The case sparked citywide and even national indignation about animal cruelty.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

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
        

We haven't had fresh Bo in a few weeks. Perhaps he'd been lying low for a while following the No. 2 on Air Force One dustup....

It's nice to see the First Puppy thriving.....tennis ball in mouth.

Dale Haney, superintendent of the White House grounds, can often be seen with Bo. He's amazed by the public's fascination with White House pets. "Sometimes I think they're more interested in the pets than the president," he told the Associated Press.

Bo Obama plays outside the White House on Oct. 26. In the smaller photo, Bo holds his own leash as he walks on the South Lawn. (AP Photos/Alex Brandon)

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, First Dog Bo Obama
        

The other day I was walking Teddy Bean and revealed The Bean's latest hobby to someone at the park.

"I can't believe I'm actually going to say this cause it's so disgusting," I began, "But I have cats and...."

Before I could finish the sentence, she did: "And he eats the cat poo?"

Sigh. Yes. I think Teddy Bean has developed a taste for the litter box.

While watching TV this weekend, I heard a rustling in the box. Leo was to my right, Pumpkin dozing to the left. I lifted the dome and there was The Bean, kicking gravel with abandon.

Continue reading "Forbidden love: Teddy Bean and the litter box" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Health, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

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 (40)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

For Kelly Osbourne, daughter of Ozzy and now of "Dancing with the Stars" fame, life is pretty good these days. She's on a hit show, she just turned 25 and she just got one of the cutest little puppies around.

Her parents, well known for their love of dogs, gave Kelly this Pomeranian puppy for her big day. His name is Sid and he could be none more cute. The b-day girl posted this picture on Twitter. He looks like an incredibly fuzzy monkey bear.

'If I want to put it on the floor, I have to put it in the playpen because the dog is that small,' she told the Daily Mail. 'It’s the size of a one dollar bill! I’m so excited.'

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Celebrities and their pets, 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 (12)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Pet accessories
        

Continue reading "'Everyone loved Baxter': RIP therapy dog" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 6:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Never was a big fan of "America's Funniest Home Videos." Though I am a big fan of bulldogs with cheese doodles balanced on their noses. The show always seemed too corny, too silly...too something. But apparently they've got a lot of animal videos, particularly dogs, like the cheese curl guy in the picture. Maybe I'll have to give it a small look from time to time.

Dogs are a clear winner as the funniest animal — especially wiener dogs, Chihuahuas and pugs — judging by payouts from the series, which begins its 20th year on ABC next month, says The Associated Press.

For example, there was the bug-eyed Chihuahua getting a bath in a sink. "It was the homeliest dog, big bulging eyes that looked in opposite directions, his tongue was hanging out, and he was soaking wet, the sweetest thing," said co-executive producer and writer Todd Thicke.

In the show's first 19 years, 260 animal videos have won $2.2 million for their videographers. More than half those winners (136) have been dogs for $1.4 million in prize money. There have been 34 cat champs making $210,000 and 22 birds sharing $115,000. Next comes the nutty part: Nine squirrels have shared $54,000.

Continue reading "Dogs tops on 'America's Funniest Home Videos'" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Pet videos
        

Yet another reason to get a dog. Or, at least maybe some acting classes....

The Associated Press reports that an Athens, Ga., woman scared off a would-be burglar by acting like a dog. According to police, the woman got on the floor and began scratching at the door and acting like a large dog when the suspicious man tried turning the woman's door knob late Saturday night.

The police report did not say what specific dog-like behaviors, such as barking, the woman mimicked.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

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
        

For the past couple of weeks, bidding has seemed strong at the online auction, Shop-A-Paw-Looza that benefits the Maryland SPCA....but it closes TUESDAY at 9 p.m.

So if you want to get your hands on some pretty cool stuff while supporting the SPCA (which brought Teddy Bean to Baltimore), you need to get your bids in.

There's everything from two tickets to the Bruce Springsteen show at First Mariner (though I'll be honest, you need big bucks to win that one) to gift certificates to local restaurants, salons and dog washes. There's packages with wine and beer, doggie day care passes, tickets to the theater -- all kinds of stuff.

Check it out here.  The poster, at left, done by the artist who did the famous Obama campaign image, is just one of the items up for bid.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 3:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events
        

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
        

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
        

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
        

Unleashed is part of a coalition of pet sites working together today to inform people about pet safety. It's the Pet 'Net Safety Event, and for our part, we're taking a look at how to keep your dog safe at a dog park. We've got advice from Cheryl S. Smith, author of Visiting the Dog Park. 

Smith says the keys to safety in dog parks are awareness, basic training, and compromise.

"You need to be aware of your own dog's personality -- some dogs simply aren't good candidates for dog parks," says, adding that dog-aggressive dogs shoud not visit dog parks, but neither should very shy, uncertain dogs or dogs who like other dogs but play very rough.

Basic training is needed to be able to extract your dog from any dicey situations, she says. She recommends people not leash up their dog in the park, saying, "Being on leash can change a dog's behavior (some dogs become dog-aggressive if they are on leash and other dogs are free) and it can bring the trouble directly to you if something bad happens."

Continue reading "How to have fun, stay safe at the dog park" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Health
        

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 (8)
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
        

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
        

Is this dog really saying 'I love you?' Eh, who knows, cute either way....

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Pet videos
        

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 (4)
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
        

Rescue Ink is coming to Baltimore! I repeat: RESCUE INK IS COMING TO BALTIMORE!

Thanks to your amazing tattoo pledges that started here on Unleashed, to the amazing offer by Baltimore Humane Society to donate not only their property but transportation and lodging for the tattooed ones to get down here to Baltimore Tattoo Museum for agreeing to allow their artists to give their time...it's HAPPENING.

More details to come. But the quick down and dirty is this:

The tattoo fest will be Oct. 24 at the Tattoo Museum from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The tattoo price will be split with half going to Rescue Ink, and half going to the Humane Society.

Rescue Ink will be at the Humane Society Oct. 25.

So...everyone ready for paw print tattoos???? There were WELL over 100 of you last time we counted!!!!!

Posted by Jill Rosen at 2:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (47)
Categories: Celebrities and their pets, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events
        

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
        

Here's something you might not have thought of: A frisky dog, it seems, will eat fake boobs if you leave them within reach.

The LA Times quotes veterinarian Eric Barchas describing a couple who brought their five-year-old terrier into his animal hospital.

The woman carried with her a chewed-up box containing one stick-on, synthetic breast, size B, and one empty tray where the other had been.

In his account, Barchas wrote on Dogster:

    I evaluated the piece of silicone, coated in polyurethane, that the dog had not consumed. Although it was non-toxic, there was little doubt that the other half of the pair ultimately would lodge in the intestines. The dog only weighed 15 pounds. Size B was too much for this guy to handle.

The pup made it. Read the full tale here. 

Photo credit: Al Seib / Los Angeles Times

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

A blind Chihuahua puppy abandoned at a Boston supermarket is preparing for brain surgery to save its life.

Angell Animal Medical Center officials said Tuesday that the 8-month-old dog, named Jonah, is suffering from a severe case of hydrocephalus, or "water on the brain." Without surgery scheduled this week to drain the excess fluid, Angell staff neurologist Andrew Farabaugh said the puppy will die.

Farabaugh said successful surgery means Jonah will be able to enjoy a good quality of life, but likely will remain blind.

Continue reading "Blind puppy needs life-saving surgery" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Months after facing criticism for signing convicted dogfighter Michael Vick, the Philadelphia Eagles are making good on a pledge to support animal welfare groups, the Associated Press reports.

The team on Monday unveiled a program called TAWK, which stands for Treating Animals With Kindness. The initiative aims to reduce animal abuse, encourage spaying and neutering and end dogfighting through public education and awareness.

The Eagles awarded grants of $50,000 each to Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society, the Humane Society of Berks County and the Humane Society of the United States.

Vick served 18 months in prison for his involvement in a dogfighting ring.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

The buzz of the U.K. dog world is that someone just might have created a new breed of guard dog.

Daren Debanham tells the East Anglian Daily Times that he's blended a Belgian Malinois and a Siberian Husky to debut the Huskinois. The one pictured above was just born this weekend.

The breeder thinks the dog could grow up to be perfect as an assistant for the police or military.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed legislation to crack down on puppy mills by limiting them to 50 adult dogs, becoming the only governor in the six states where puppy mill legislation passed this year to override it with a veto.

In his veto message, Schwarzenegger said he feared the bill would criminalize the lawful activities of pet shops, kennels and groups that raise assistance dogs, the Associated Press reports.

"This measure would make it a crime for any person or entity to own or control more than 50 unsterilized adult dogs or cats for breeding or raising for sale as pets," Schwarzenegger wrote in his veto message. "I support measures designed to prevent animal cruelty and that punish persons engaged in the abuse of animals. However, this measure simply goes too far in an attempt to address the serious problem of puppy mills."

AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

It's been a while since I've posted an update about Teddy Bean -- most of you know that's the foster dog that I took care of for most of the summer, but was too sweet for me to do anything but adopt.

I've had Teddy for three months now, total, and it's honestly remarkable how much progress he's made. He's turned from a shaking and scared pup, quaking in the corner of my house, shying away from physical contact, into a bouncing ball of energy, who's regularly called out at the park for being "such a happy dog." A happy dog! A noteably happy dog! How awesome is that!?!

He's come with me to a number of area dog events -- most recently Dogfest this weekend, where I took the photo above. I don't think he's ever been so excited -- five hours straight of meeting new dogs, new dogs, more dooooogs!!!! One of the people working the Camp Bow-Bow booth had been watching him happily bound from one hound to the next -- for hours on end -- and predicted The Bean would sleep well Saturday night. He did.

Continue reading "Wondering about The Bean?" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

Boomer, the huge Newfoundland we showed you last week may have some competition.

Arizona Realtor Dave Nasser is trying to get HIS giant dog into the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest dog. George is a 42-inch-tall, 245-pound Great Dane. Great indeed!

George wolfs down 100 pounds of food every three weeks and his droppings can weigh 4 pounds or more. The Nassers keep a trash can in their backyard reserved for George's considerable waste. Sheesh.

Dave Nasser compares his hand with the paw of his pet Great Dane, George in Tucson, Ariz., on Thursday. Nasser and friends with background in public relations are hoping to get George, who stands at 42 inches tall and weighs 245 pounds, into the Guinness Book of World Records. Below, Nasser sits with George. AP Photos/Arizona Daily Star, Greg Bryan.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

The pup we put an alert out about a few days ago is still missing. Keep on the lookout for her around Fells Point/Patterson Park/Canton.....

Her owner Michelle writes:

Sushi is still missing as of midnight on 10/9-10/10...PLEASE keep your eyes peeled and keep the calls coming! She was last spotted at the corner of Thames and S. Wolfe across the street from the Thames St. Park at about 7:30 am on 10/9.

We have posted signs and put food down for her. She is a black pit mix with a white chest. She is about knee high and 50 lbs. She also has a chipped tongue. She is SUPER friendly and has been answering to
her name, but no one has been able to grab her yet. Please let us know if you see her or know anyone who has!

THANK YOU to everyone who has been calling and keeping a lookout! We appreciate it! Help us bring her
HOME!!!!

Posted by Jill Rosen at 4:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

Either American Idol judge Simon Cowell is much sweeter than he lets on on TV, or he's trying to make up for the nasty situation involving an Idol wannabe over the summer, but the judge has written a really big check for the animals.

The Los Angeles Times reports Cowell donated $30,000 to Linda Blair's WorldHeart Foundation. Cowell apparently learned from a mutual friend that Blair's rescue was having financial problems.

"I think what Linda is doing is incredible," Cowell was quoted as saying in ContactMusic. "Seeing pictures of the dogs makes you [realize] what a fantastic job she's doing. When we spoke, I was really impressed by her passion and commitment, and offered to help her out financially."

Cowell also did an ad for PETA warning of the dangers of leaving pets in hot cars after an Idol auditioner left his dog in the car in 90 degree heat while his girlfriend tried out for the show.

Continue reading "Simon Cowell a softie for animals" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Celebrities and their pets, Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

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
        

Has anyone seen Sushi? This dog went missing, last seen running toward Patterson Park. Her mom, Michelle, wrote me tonight, hoping someone might have seen her.

She says:

As a faithful follower of your blog, I am hoping that you can help me spread the word.  Our dog got out of our house this afternoon at around 4:30.  We live in Upper Fells Point about 2 blocks west of Patterson Park (Gough St.) and she was seen running toward the Park.  She is a black pit bull with a white chest.  Her name is Sushi.  She is about 50 lbs and SUPER friendly!  Her name at the shelter was Wagalot before we adopted her because she never stops wagging her tail!!!  We are just going crazy with worry and I was hoping maybe you'd post her info and picture on your blog to see if anyone has seen her.  She was wearing her collar when she was last seen and it has all our info on it, as well as the number for 24 hour pet watch for her micro chip.  We are just hoping some kind soul finds her and calls!  If anyone knows anything, they can contact me at (443) 927-6091 or my boyfriend Ray at (443) 939-9229.  Anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated!  Help us bring her home please!!!

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Lost and Found
        

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
        

A sliver of green downtown, sandwiched between busy city streets, is being turned into a dog park.

Which would make the city's THIRD dog park -- with the Locust Point dog park opening just a few weeks ago. It will be teeny -- but a spot just for dogs nonetheless.

The Downtown Partnership and the city are working together to turn the tenth of a grassy acre, city property, into a fenced-in park for people to let their dogs off-leash.

"We saw the need," said Bob Dengler, the Downtown Partnership's vice president of capital projects. "Even before this area was fenced in, people were already walking their dogs there."

The grassy strip is between Fayette Street, Park Avenue and Baltimore and Liberty streets.

Read more here.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs
        

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
        

Just got word that there's another meeting scheduled for tonight to talk about potential off-leash hours and a dog park at Patterson Park.

Here's details I saw online:

The Department of Parks and Recreation would like to have a second public forum on the issue of Off leash hours and a fenced in dog park in Patterson Park on Thursday, October 1st at 6 PM to be held at the Wolfe Street Academy School on Wolfe Street in Upper Fells Pt.

There's also a similar meeting planned in a few weeks for Riverside Park. The Riverside folks say the meeting will be at 7 p.m. Oct 26 at Salem Lutheran Church, the corner of Battery and Randall.

Continue reading "Another Patterson Park off-leash meeting tonight" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events
        

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