As you hard-core readers may recall (click here if you don't), Ace -- and perhaps too his master -- was less than thrilled six months ago when we returned to the city of Baltimore from a hiatus in Montana.

We love Baltimore, but Montana took our breath away. (Don't hiatus for that.)

We moved into a new (for us) rowhouse, with a decent sized (for a rowhouse) yard -- one that sported actual growth, unlike our first, cement, backyard in Baltimore.

Despite having a little room to romp in Baltimore, Ace -- who'd grown accustomed to the big skies of Montana, to life on a ranch, to frolicking in rivers and galloping like a horse down dusty trails -- would have little to do with it.

Instead, back in Baltimore, he mostly just sat on what there was of a patio and stared out at the overgrown yard.

It wasn't the most alluring of spaces -- weed-filled, rife with broken glass and beer cans, and with a fence made of lattice, strung to posts. It didn't attract much wildlife, unless you count rats, who could be seen nightly. Pretty much the only times Ace would venture into the yard would be to chase one of those, or relieve himself.

Once winter rolled by, there still wasn't much green coming through, and between the cracked cement patio and assorted junk behind the house, once I started going outside myself, I could see Ace's point. The space wasn't exactly beckoning me to break out the grill, much less have anybody over for a visit

What Ace's yard needed was a good pimping -- and, as you can see from the before and after pictures above, we gave it one.

The idea was to make the yard more Ace-friendly, more people-friendly, and more wildlife-friendly (except for rats), and I can proudly say (while admitting I didn't do most of the work) I think we achieved that.

How? Check back tomorrow for part 2.

As we've reported here before, Republican presidential candidate John McCain has 24 pets, while Democratic contender Barack Obama has none.

As we've also reported, Obama has promised his family that, win or lose, they will get a dog when the campaign concludes. 

Not that he needs any help with that task, but the American Kennel Club is offering some -- being so bold even as to recommend five breeds and create a website where we can vote on which the Obama family should have: presidentialpup.com. 

"The AKC has scoured all of the canine candidates to assess each breed’s credentials as potential first pet." the organization reports. Because of Obama's daughters’ allergies, AKC experts made the selection from a list of hypoallergenic breeds.

 “Deciding what breed to get is as important as deciding whether to get a dog in the first place,” says AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “The first step in being a responsible pet owner is to do some serious and careful research to determine which breed of dog is right for you and your family.”

You can vote before August 19, 2008 at www.presidentialpup.com where the winning breed will be announced.

Personally, my hope is Obama (A) wins (B) tells the AKC to take a hike and (C) opts for a shelter mutt.

But, for the record, here (with only a few edits and insertions) is what the AKC recommended, based on how child-friendly each breed was (Obama's daughters are 6 and 9); whether they were good travel companions, their energy level and temperament:

In the first five months of 2008, the AKC has tracked dozens of pet thefts from news and customer reports, compared to only a handful for all of 2007. Thefts from pet stores, breeding operations, shelters, back yards and cars are all increasing, the AKC says.

To lessen the likelihood of your dog being a victim, it recommends not letting your dog wander off-leash, and not leaving your dog unattended in your yard. It also warns breeders to be aware of theives in the guise of potential puppy buyers.

From Yorkies in Los Angeles to bulldogs in Connecticut, dogs have been stolen by thieves posing as would be "puppy buyers" who visited breeder homes, then returned later to snatch dogs.

The possibility of theft is another good reason to never leave your dog unattended in a car, even if it's locked, the AKC says. It also recommends against leaving your dog tied up outside a store, a popular practice among urban dog owners. Reports have surfaced nationwide of dogs left in such a manner being snatched, particularly in Manhattan.

The AKC recommends microchipping your dog, and keeping your contact information up to date. If you suspect your dog has been stolen, immediately call the police, animal control and pet shelters in the area where your pet was last seen. Also, keep a photo of your dog in your wallet or on your computer, so that you can distribute and post it immediately if your pet goes missing.

Start Licensing, a U.S. firm that issued a cloning license to the American firm BioArts International, has filed a cease and desist letter against RNL Bio, a Seoul company working with Seoul National University, which produced the world's first cloned dog in 2005.

RNL Bio said that it had not been notified of any legal action, and hinted it would countersue, according to the Times.

Yes, the dachshund, the weiner dog, better known in some countries as the sausage dog.

This vicious beast, despite enjoying a good reputation, is at the very top of a list of 33 dog breeds that were rated for their aggression in a study that analyzed the behavior of thousands of dogs.

One in five dachshunds have bitten or tried to bite strangers; about one in five have attacked other dogs, and one in 12 have snapped at their owners, according to the study, which was reported in the London Telegraph.

Before all you dachshund owners start experiencing the same fears as pit bull owners, and begin contemplating how to hide your pet from authorities (a large bun, perhaps?), it should be pointed out that, as a small dog, a dachshund won't inflict the same amount of damage as a large one, or the same amount of headlines.

So you're probably safe. Now that we're all relaxed we can move on to No. 2 on the most aggressive list .... German Shepherd, maybe? Perhaps the Chow Chow, or Doberman.

Nope. It's the chihuahua. Look out, Paris Hilton.

Chihuahuas, even smaller than dachshunds, and the fashion accessory of choice for Paris Hilton and other celebrities, were the second most hostile breed.

According to the study, they are fairly regularly snapping or attempting to bite strangers, family and other dogs.

In third place was another small dog ... the breed that captured our heart in the television show, Frazier -- the Jack Russell terrier. The study shows beyond any doubt: Small dogs are not to be trusted.

Just kidding, of course. But that is precisely the sort of generalization those passing laws against pit bulls are making. (Then again, they are probably small politicians, who really can't be trusted.)

There may, however, actually be some basis behind my theory that small dogs often display a bit of a Napolean complex -- at least judging from the number that yap and snap at my big dog.

Dr. James Serpell, a University of Pennsylvania researcher who worked on the study, said smaller breeds might be more genetically predisposed towards aggressive behavior than larger dogs.

It's the Miss USA of dog shows -- a canine competition in which talents take a back seat and beauty and "conformation" rule.

You'll find no demonstrations of agility, no displays of obedience. It doesn't matter if contestants can catch a Frisbee or track a fox.

Yesterday's National Capital Kennel Club conformation show at the Howard County Fairgrounds was the equivalent of a beauty pageant for dogs, Sun reporter Laura Barnhardt writes in today's paper, "a very big beauty pageant."

More than 1,500 canines representing more than 150 breeds too their turns prancing before judges and admirers for a chance to win the coveted "Best in Show" ribbon.

The event used to be held on the National Mall and was a social event in Washington, attended by ambassadors and senators.

The competition was the last in four days of dog shows at the suburban fairgrounds. The back-to-back events draw breeders from across the country, and each day's competition offers the dogs a chance to earn points toward "champion" titles. Photo: The National Capital Kennel Club contest at Howard County Fairgrounds drew Suzzy (foreground), Fed Ex (center) and Mac. (Sun photo by Algerina Perna)]]> http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/features/mutts/blog/2008/07/national_capital_kennel_club.html http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/features/mutts/blog/2008/07/national_capital_kennel_club.html Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:34:00 -0500 an Associated Press report in the Houston Chronicle. When the couple arrived to pick the dog up May 15, they learned Amicus had been killed that morning. Police officials say a shelter worker apparently didn't notice the entry on the dog's records saying the couple had made arrangements to reclaim it. One employee was suspended for two days for the euthanasia error. Another was suspended for three days for "poor customer service." "We had good policies and procedures in place," said Police Chief Roy Minter, whose department oversees the city-run shelter. "But this has given us the opportunity to say that we can enhance those policies and procedures." The dog's owners, Shawn Snider and Beth Bayless-Snider, are asking the city for $206,000 for the loss of the dog and future breeding opportunities, along with "emotional pain and stress." An analysis by the Denton Record-Chronicle found that the dog mistakenly euthanized May 15 wasn't the first such mistake at the shelter. In 2006, an Australian shepherd was mistaken for another dog and accidentally euthanized. after an employee "failed to follow the established procedures," according to internal records.]]> http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/features/mutts/blog/2008/07/more_acccidental_euthanasia.html http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/features/mutts/blog/2008/07/more_acccidental_euthanasia.html Snarls Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:13:40 -0500 Gil Jawetz, the painter of dogs whose work was the first to be featured at Canton's Yellow Dog Tavern when it opened last year, is back for another round.

To celebrate their first anniversary, the tavern, at 700 S. Potomac St., is presenting a new collection of work by Jawetz. The  show, "Human(e) Beings," explores the relationships between people and animals from a variety of emotions and perspectives."

While the earlier exhibit by Jawetz focused on big dogs, the paintings featured in the new one are  personal images of people with dogs, cats and other animals.

Jawetz, in return for the inspiration they bring him, will give 5% of the sales from the show back to the animals, through a donation to the Baltimore animal rescue group Recycled Love.

The show will be on display from July 1 - 28, with an wine reception on July 15 from 6 to 8 p.m.

"Some of the paintings are funny, some are melancholy, and some are ambiguous. Many of the paintings are very personal," Jawetz said.

"I used my love of Impressionist art and of contemporary painters like Lucian Freud and Malcolm Liepke to try out new things with poses, colors and atmosphere."

Jawetz studied at the Art Students League of New York and currently works out of his studio in Baltimore.

He was showcasing his work at this weekend's Parade of Pets at the American Visionary Arts Museum, when we ran into him again and snapped a photo of him at work on a painting of his own dog, Pete.

Jawetz, when he wasn't watching the antics on stage -- where dozens of dogs displayed their talents or lack thereof -- worked on the painting throughout the event.

The finished product -- or at least the point it was at when the event concluded -- is to the right.

"There are things about it that I would normally develop further and fix," Jawetz said in the email in which he sent the picture along to us.

"But I decided that since my goal was to paint for the two hours that the festivities took place that I wouldn't make any changes after the fact.

"So this is the finished piece: Two hours worth of noisy, crazy, distracted painting. Definitely a memorable experience -- and one that I hope to have again in the future."

To see more of his work, visit his website: www.buskerdog.com. 

July's issue of the local magazine is dedicated to urban animals, and a few of those who live on the edges of Baltimore -- from the pets we invite into our homes to the wild species in our backyards and beyond.

The issue includes an interview with the amazing Temple Grandin, a professor of animal science at Colorado State University and the author of the bestseller Animals in Translation, who credits her insights into the way animals think to her autism.

Like animals, says Grandin,"I think in pictures ...As soon as you start thinking in words, you lose details. It’s the price we pay for abstract thought.”

In the issue's lead feature story, “Year of the Horse,” writer Charles Cohen chronicles the century-plus history and troubled future of the arabbers, Baltimore’s celebrated horse-and-cart produce merchants.

The closing of the arabbers’ largest stable in August 2007 and new regulations have all but eliminated the carts from the streets. Cohen followed the efforts of the arabber community to  save the dying trade, and he supplemented his in-depth portrait with accompanying documentary videos posted to the Urbanite website.

Also in the issue are a feature on local dog painter Gil Jawetz, and senior editor Greg Hanscom’s “Where the Wild Things Are,” a look at the Baltimore Ecosystem Study.  There's useful information about what to do when your pet dies, when you find a stray, and how to adopt a pet. And former Sun reporter Richard O'Mara reflects on his childhood cat. Bingo was his name.

Urbanite is a free monthly magazine about cities and city life as seen through the distinctive lens of Baltimore. Each issue revolves around a central theme and offers a range of perspectives to illuminate urban living.

The pug to your left came disguised as a crab cake. The toupeed fellow above was channeling Elvis. A turtle jumped, or at least crawled, through a hoop, and a snake made an "S" out of himself.

It was as wacky as always at today's annual Parade of Pets at the American Visionary Arts Museum. 

The real estate baroness died in August, and although the instructions weren’t part of her official will they are considered “expressions of intent.” As such, according to the Times, the trustees of her estate can take them into account in deciding how to dole out the fortune.

Both People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) have expressed interest –- well, much more than interest, this is downright droolworthy –- in putting the money to good use, according to an Associated Press report.

Both organizations, and a multitude of other local animal welfare organizations, will be be suggesting programs and applying for funds if Helmsley's billions really end up funding dog welfare.

Helmsley's will named her own dog, Trouble, as a beneficiary. Her two grandchildren, meanwhile, got nothing. In April, though, a Manhattan judge reduced the trust fund for the 9-year-old Maltese from the specified $12 million Helmsley specified to $2 million. The judge ruled the grandkids could split $6 million.

That means plenty is still left over.

The two shelters have teamed up to hold "Cat Independence Days" on Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6 -- two days when cats can be adopted for the unusually low, and highly patriotic price of $17.76. The offer applies to cats four months of age and older.

“Animal shelters have many more cats in the summer,” explained Aileen Gabbey, Maryland SPCA’s executive director. “We want cats to gain their independence -- a loving new home -- this weekend.”

“Animals are given up for many reasons, including people moving who are unable to take their pet with them because of landlord restrictions,” said Jennifer Mead-Brause, director of BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter). “This is happening more with the number of home foreclosures on the rise.”

As a result, more adult cats are showing up -- and adopting an adult cat can have advantages.

“Adult cats have lots of love to give, and they have outgrown some behaviors that can be challenging with kittens,” says Allison Nozemack, the SPCA’s Behavior Manager. “Most adult cats are already litterbox trained, and they are much calmer.”

Cats adopted from both The Maryland SPCA and BARCS include spay/neuter surgery and are up-to-date on vaccinations. BARCS is located at 301 Stockholm Street. Hours for adoptions this Saturday and Sunday are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Maryland SPCA is located at 3300 Falls Road. Hours for adoptions this weekend are noon to 3:30 p.m.

(AP Photo)

It struck me as pretty interesting how -- in an age where companies are actually renting pets,  providing bonded, web-cammed-equipped day care for pets, cloning pets and otherwise treating them as a commodity -- one human could just simply walk up to another, a stranger, and end up with an informal daily date walking their dog. No written contracts. No liability concerns. No fee. No drama.

Her story is a simple reminder that dogs -- with the unconditional, non-judgmental, loving spirit they exude -- allow us to cross silly human boundaries; that, though they may have one owner, they're here for all of us to share; and that we don't need a corporation to provide us with that.

Here's Deborah Dramby, and her story:

So I have a beta fish at my desk, Mr. Limpet, who brightens up my long days at the office as much as he possibly can, but I’ve found that nothing lifts my spirits and gives me energy more than a walk over to Lord Baltimore Florist, home of my lunchtime pup-pal Lily Lulu.

I didn’t meet Lily in the flower shop though - I met her right outside of The Sun. The precocious little thing was bouncing around in the lawn near our lunch tables quite regularly actually.

One afternoon, we saw the little pup headed south on Calvert St with a different owner than usual and it dawned on us that we didn’t know this dog’s name, who she belonged to, or where she called home so a coworker and I did a little investigating.