This is just adorable. Shayla, a Chihuahua, has decided to play ma to seven stray kittens. Oh, how I love the inter-species love stories...

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Pet videos
        

This video is getting all kinds of traction on the web and on TV. A little black kitty gets extremely friendly with a Texas police officer who's trying to write a ticket. The cop actually keeps writing the citation as the cat crawls all the way up his body and then perches on his head. This copy of the video doesn't show the part I saw on TV last night that isn't quite as cute -- after putting up with the kitty for so long, the officer finally gives him a little kick and the cat runs away.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Pet videos
        

I love, love, love Simon's Cat, the creation of artist Simon Tofield. Here's a little treat he recently posted on the website, Simonscat.com. Reminds me a few kitties I know.....

Posted by Jill Rosen at 2:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Celebrities and their pets, Pet videos
        

This border collie named Paige has some serious talent. In addition to the typical dog tricks like catching a frisbee and playing dead, she also does the laundry, puts groceries into the fridge and cleans up her own toys. Someone get Lauren's hound an agent!!

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Pet videos
        

In honor of Veterans Day, the Mental Floss blog posted a series of videos showing servicemen and women returning from Afghanistan and Iraq being greeted (extremely enthusiastically) by their dogs who missed them. Here's one. Find more here. Get your tissues ready....

Posted by Jill Rosen at 3:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Pet videos
        

Omg. What a sweet thing....Sniff. I really love this dog. See the rest of the story here before you watch.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 6:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Pet videos
        

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
        

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
        

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
        

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

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

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

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

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Celebrities and their pets, Fun stuff, Pet videos
        

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

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

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

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
        

This happened over the weekend at the Washington National Cathedral. Very cute.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Pet videos
        

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aside from episodes of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" where Guy Fieri gets more than a little excited to chomp into some sandwich or another, I have hardly witnessed such joy from food as this little kitten is getting from his bowl of who-knows-what.

He seems to be saying, "Yum, yum, yum!!!!" with every bite, vocalizing as he gulps it up. Too cute!!

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Pet videos
        

My pet colleagues at the LA Times pointed out this heartwarming video and I had to, in turn, share. In fact, I'm going to sit Teddy, Leo and Pumpkin down and make them watch it. Maybe Leo will learn something else to do with the doggie other than smack him.... The kneading, the little kitty massage, just shows such love...

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Pet videos
        

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

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

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

Has anyone actually tried this with their dog? Results?

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Fun stuff, Pet videos
        

I just can't get enough Dog Snuggie. I found the video after I posted the original.

I like how the part about how "you and your dog will enjoy years of comfort." Ah, togetherness. Now they just need a Kitty Snuggie. Are you listening, Snuggie people?

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Pet accessories, Pet videos
        

Is this kitty boxing? It sure looking like it? Has anyone's kitty or doggy ever imitated anything on the TV like this?

Posted by Jill Rosen at 2:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Pet videos
        

The Baltimore Sun's Peter Hermann, in his blog Baltimore Crime Beat, talks to Baltimore Police Officer Syreeta Teel, the officer who tried to save Phoenix, the pit bull set on fire last week.

Hermann met Teel at the scene of the crime to talk to her about it. Here's video shot during the interview.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 1:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Pet videos
        

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Even though Letterman was a rerun last night and on late because of the NCAA championship, I still watched to see one of my favorite stupid pet tricks in recent memory.

Bailey, a gorgeous beagle from Buffalo, N.Y., played dead. Here's how she did it: Mike, the owner, held the dog in his arms. He gave the command, and Bailey went completely limp, flopping over Mike's arm like a rag doll. She held that until he said, "Come alive."

The dog was quite an actress and also incredibly agile to hold that pose. I was laughing at and admiring her at the same time.

When the duo first came out, Letterman said he'd heard that beagles are "snarky, a little grumbly." All I could think was, BeagleMom isn't going to like this. Mike responded diplomatically by explaining that beagles have a mind of their own.

If your pet has a stupid trick or if you have a favorite stupid pet trick from the Late Show with David Letterman, I'd love to hear about it.

Posted by Mary Corey at 6:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Pet videos
        

Now you read her; now you don't.

I hate to write this, but I'll be absent from Unleashed for a bit. I have a doctor's note. (Another surgery ... groan.)

But I am leaving you in good hands. My friend and colleague Liz Atwood will be in charge of things. She's been posting for the last week, and you've read her work on the Crufts Dog Show, the Iditarod and even Ugly Bat Boy  cat.

Don't worry about me. I'm in good hands too. I researched my medical team, and they all check out. My surgeon has a long-haired Dachshund and a daughter studying to be a veterinarian. My nurse practitioner has seven(!) pets, including a dog with a liver shunt, and an office filled with pet pictures. (Always reassuring.)

And my favorite nurse of all has a dog named Sandy (and two children). She's the one who tipped me off to this video. I must have watched it a dozen times. A cute Husky "saying" I love you will cure a lot of things.

Posted by Mary Corey at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Pet videos