Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Lucca - Meet One of America's Furry War Heroes



From Yahoo! News

What has three legs, a Purple Heart, and fur all over?

Meet German Shepard mix Lucca, a Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient (albeit unofficial) credited as a war hero for her work sniffing out IEDs in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Lucca, who lost a front paw while serving on the front lines, is the subject of new book “Top Dog: The Story of Marine Hero Lucca.” And along with her first handler and current owner, Gunnery Sgt. Chris Willingham, this furry war hero recently sat down for an interview with “Power Players.”

Willingham is part of a special unit of dog handlers within the Marine Corps and was first assigned to be Lucca’s handler when she was still a young, untrained dog. The two quickly became a pair and trained together for a year before being deployed to Iraq, where Lucca quickly put her sniffing skills into action.

“In our first week in our first big mission … Lucca went up and indicated there was an explosive there and that was the first time she saved my life,” Willingham said. “It was a really validating moment from all the hard work and training we put in together, to the moment she actually found an IED on an operation, so it was a great, great day."

While active in the Marine Corps, Lucca was identified as a piece of equipment would be, with the ID designation K458. But to the troops she protected, she was known as “Mama Lucca.”

“She is a Marine,” Willingham said. “She's treated just like a Marine. When she got injured, she was medevac’d just like a Marine. They get top notch veterinary treatment -- their medical care, their health care, their dental care -- it's top notch. We treat these dogs outstanding, their part of our team, and Lucca probably knows more about me than anybody else, except my wife."

Click here to watch the video interview or read the full article.

Friday, November 14, 2014

Baby, 10-Year-Old Pit Bull, Saves Family And Its Dogs From Fire

BABY IS A HERO!  This is an incredible story!


A 10-year-old pit bull named Baby rescued a family and its dogs not once, but twice, during a house fire.

On Tuesday, Rhonda Westenberger and her sister, Evelyn, were sleeping when their Wellston, Okla., home of 17 years began filling with smoke and flames, KOCO reports.

Immediately, their pit bull, Baby, began barking and pounced on them until they woke up.

"There were flames shooting down the hallway," Westenberger told KOCO in the video above. "If Baby hadn't woken Evelyn up, I don't think either one of us would have come out of it."

Read the full story:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/14/baby-pitbull-fire_n_2688270.html

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

KERMIT NEEDS RESCUE! GETTING URGENT NOW! (Logan, OH)

UPDATE 11/10/2014:  KERMIT HAS BEEN RESCUED!!!




HOCKING COUNTY DOG SHELTER, LOGAN, OH

CONTACT: beougher76 [at] yahoo.com

Kermit hasn't had any adoption interest at the shelter. We don't get a lot of adoption traffic here. :(

Kermit has served his time, and now needs a rescue to help get him the life he deserves. He is approximately 9-12 months old & weighs 40 lbs. Kermit is a mixed breed and has a wonderful temperament and personality.  He does get along with others.  He would like nothing more than to get out of his concrete cell. Kermit is still a pup and desperately wants to play.

Can anyone please help Kermit?

UPDATE 11/10/2014:  KERMIT HAS BEEN RESCUED!!!

It's Just a Dog



From time to time people tell me, "Lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "That's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent or the costs involved for "just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."

Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and, in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."

"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.

"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person.

Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me, and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a human."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog" just smile....because they "just don't understand."

- Anonymous

10 Cat Behavior Myths That Cause Problems



From Care2.com

Cats are the most popular pet in the United States; they are intelligent, affectionate and mysterious creatures. Despite this popularity — and perhaps because of their air of mystery — there are many misconceptions about cats that cause both social and physical problems for these animals.

Here are 10 common-but-false assumptions about felines — and the truth behind them.

1. Cats are solitary animals and like to be home alone.
False. Separation can be stressful for cats. Specifically, separation anxiety may manifest in behaviors such as urination and defecation outside of the litterbox, vocalization, vomiting, excessive grooming, lack of appetite, anxiety at departure or an exuberant greeting when you return. To keep your cat happy, it is essential to limit their time alone and provide them with stimulation and interaction in the form of play, petting, food toys and perches. If you have an extremely stressed cat, it’s essential to make an appointment with your veterinarian to further address the problem.

2. Cat litterbox issues are always a behavior problem and cant be fixed.
False. Failing to use the litterbox may be linked to a medical issue or may be caused by stress or anxiety, so start with a visit to your veterinarian. Once you identify the cause, there are various methods for retraining your cat to go inside the box, including the use of feline pheromones, changing the type of litter and box used, increasing the number of litterboxes and strategizing the placement of boxes around your home.

3. Cats scratch because they are mean.
False. Cats may claw human skin for various reasons. Sometimes cats claw to express irritation — for example, if they are not being held or petted in the proper way. Some cats scratch in play; if this happens, freeze in place and redirect your cat to a toy. An underlying medical issue, such as arthritis, may also be the culprit, causing your cat to feel uncomfortable and making him more likely to lash out.  If this is a recurring issue, a visit to your veterinarian is a must.

4. Cats will suck the life out of a newborn baby.
False. The belief that a cat will suck the air out of a baby’s lungs is an urban legend; there has never been one medically proven incident of this happening. In truth, cats and babies can grow deep bonds and get along well if their interactions are always supervised by adults and behavior concerns are addressed early on.

5. Cats never need special playtime — they entertain themselves.
False. Cats thrive when they are given daily activities. Sharing playtime with your cat for a few minutes several times a day will cut down on nuisance behavior such as your cat waking you up early in the morning. Many cats even enjoy going out on walks and can be taught to walk on a leash.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-cat-behavior-myths-that-cause-problems.html#ixzz3I6pOsOJb

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Woman Rescues Burned Puppy and He Grows Up to Save Her Life


From Care2.com

Anyone who has ever saved an animal will tell you that its the kind of experience that shakes up your DNA. You won’t regrow hair on a balding head or suddenly run a four-minute-mile, but there is a pulse of positive energy that churns through the human body much like a twister. In some cases, fragments of that emotional explosion are powerful enough to be credited with modern medical miracles. And for one Texas woman, the experience was profound enough to help wake her from a coma.

My Name is Danielle…
“My name is Danielle and it’s been over a year since something terrible happened to me. I am ready now to share my story,” explained the letter we received recently from veterinary technician Danielle Torgerson of Killeen, Texas. ”Four years ago somebody brought a puppy to the clinic. I was not assigned to that room but I was in the second room when I felt something pull me into the hallway. It was strange, but I glanced into the other exam room and saw a puppy on the table. He looked at me with so much pain and despair. A man had brought him in for a ‘sting’ but I knew instantly that was not the case. The puppy was horribly burned on the head like somebody had poured gasoline over him and set him on fire. He was there to be euthanized.”

Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/woman-rescues-burned-puppy-and-he-grows-up-to-save-her-life.html#ixzz3GslfJEfi

Friday, October 3, 2014

5 Simple Ways to Cope With Pet Allergies

Ah, yes … how many times have I answered my phone with someone wanting to surrender a pet due to allergies.  Over the years, I’ve lost count as the number is overwhelming.

Now, being one of those persons who also suffers with allergies (pet dander included), I’ve learned how to deal with them which has allowed me to continue my 50 years of dedication to animal rescue.  With a house full of dogs, cats, and the occasional fostered Parrot, you quickly learn how to survive.

Pet allergies are no different than outside allergens that gives unpleasant symptoms. However, people with these issues don’t lock themselves in the house, refusing to go outside until the season is over. They learn how to manage the allergy and then get on with their life. The same should be true with those who opted to become a pet parent only to find that they’ve developed watery eyes, itchy skin and a stuffy nose. That also implies to those who become new parents or already have children that, all of a sudden, develop some type of sensitivity to a pet who has also been a family member for many years.

Dumping the old dog or cat at the pound should be your last resort. There ARE alternatives.

By just following a few simple rules, you, your family and your pet should be able to coexist, within the same household, for many pleasant, enjoyable years together. So, I hope you find the below article by Care2 informative and helpful in resolving any allergy issues you may have with a pet.

As always… thank you for following mypetrescueblog.com and comments are always welcome. Any more tips or suggestions on how to help those who suffer from pet allergies would be greatly appreciated. Let’s help keep all of those furry pets in their homes.

5 Simple Ways to Cope With Pet Allergies

You’re no stranger to a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, rashes and welts. You’re one of more than 60 million Americans the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimates are affected by allergies in general, but your symptoms always seem to show up when one of man’s furry friends — a pet — comes around. This may not be the most convenient of allergies you could have, especially if you’re an animal lover, but at least you know you’re in good company: Up to a third of all allergies are animal-related, and, according to the Humane Society of the United States, there are approximately 77.5 million dogs and 93.6 million cats owned as pets. This means there are many people out there experiencing at least a few of these symptoms when they’re in the presence of a furry friend:
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Red, itchy eyes
  • Coughing
  • Excessive sneezing
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
If you count yourself among this group, check out these five methods for finding some relief.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/5-simple-ways-to-cope-with-pet-allergies.html#ixzz3F7fVLQZh

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Duke n' Matt: Rescue Road Warriors


http://smile.amazon.com/Duke-Matt-Rescue-Road-Warriors/dp/1500292605/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411661779&sr=8-1&keywords=Duke+%27n%27+Matt%2C+Rescue+Road+Warriors
Duke, a friendly red beagle, was rescued by Matt in 2009. Now Duke and Matt are a team.  They volunteer to help transport rescue dogs from puppy mills and other places around the United States. They are RESCUE ROAD WARRIORS! They set out with many other volunteers to drive their canine "passengers" to safe shelters, foster homes, and adoptive families. Kids will meet Duke ‘n’ Matt, learn what it's like to be a Rescue Road Warrior, and find out why these volunteers help rescue dogs and puppies in this new Grammy Pags Story. Special "Learn More" and "Fun Stuff" pages included.  Available at Amazon in print and Kindle versions.

Note from Jo Ann:

Since I’m part of the Rescue Road Warriors team, this book is a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to the rescue world and help them understand just how important these volunteer transport drivers really are.  Without their dedication and selflessness, a lot of dogs and cats would die because they had no ride to a rescue that had room for them.

Some of these animals travel hundreds, even thousands of miles to reach a foster home or, hopefully, their forever homes.

So, the next time you’re out on the road and happen upon a caravan of mini vans, SUV’s, or maybe just those ordinary automobiles, that are loaded down with doggies, puppies, cats and kittens, be sure to honk your horn, give them a BIG THUMBS UPS, and wish them a safe journey.
 
They truly are amazing people who freely give of their time and gasoline to save as many lives as possible.

And please let me know how you enjoyed the book.  Your comments are always welcome!

Pet Fire Safety - Do You Have a Plan?

The following was sent to me by Protect America Home Security.  I think it is a helpful reference and checklist for pet fire safety.  Clicking on the picture below will open a printable PDF.  You can also visit the page by clicking on this link:  http://www.protectamerica.com/static/pdf/pet-fire-safety.pdf

Pet Fire Safety


Friday, August 22, 2014

Dolphin Rescues Dog

This is a heart-warming scene of a dog being rescued by a dolphin from the movie "Zeus and Roxanne" from 1997.  Enjoy!

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Grieving Goat Transforms After Sweet Reunion With His Best Friend


Australian Magpie Playing


5 Smart Ways to Prevent Dog Bites

 
National Dog Bite Prevention Week is May 18-24th. You may have seen the Care2 post last week about the little boy who was attacked by a dog when he was on his bike, but his cat came to the rescue and chased away the dog. The ASPCA predicts that 50 percent of children will be bitten before they turn 12-years-old.

According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and the Center for Disease Control, dog bites were the 11th leading cause of nonfatal injury to children ages 1 to 4, 9th for ages 5 to 9 and 11th for ages 10 to 14 from 2003 to 2012.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) offers these dog bite facts:
  • Each year, more than 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs.
  • Almost 1 in 5 people bitten by dogs require medical attention.
  • Every year, more than 800,000 Americans receive medical attention for dog bites; at least half of them are children.
  • Children are, by far, the most common victims of dog bites and are far more likely to be severely injured.
  • Most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while interacting with familiar dogs.
  • Senior citizens are the second most common dog bite victims.
Internationally renowned dog trainer Victoria Stilwell is a spokesperson for National Dog Bite Prevention Week. She says, “Most dog bites are preventable and are a perfect situation of circumstance, situation and environment. If we learn to understand dogs, learn their body language, and empower children with that knowledge, there will be less dog bites.” She offers these tips to help prevent dog bites:

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/5-smart-ways-to-prevent-dog-bites.html#ixzz338cro94o

Monday, May 5, 2014

Disallow Michael Vick from the Cortland Campus


Michael Vick has recently become a member of the New York Jets football team, which practices on the SUNY Cortland campus.  Vick has served a short sentence for bankrolling a dogfighting conspiracy, but animal cruelty charges were dropped in return for his guilty plea.  This does not mean, however, that his crimes should be forgotten-  He tortured more than fifty dogs, attaching them to car batteries via jumper cables and throwing them into water to watch them drown, beating and hanging them, slamming their heads and spines into the ground until they died, setting them against each other in brutal fights, rendering them defenseless and using them as bait for training, and more.  He is a monster and a disgrace, and has never once apologized.  He has even admitted that he would continue to fight dogs if given the chance.

I love SUNY Cortland, and cannot abide welcoming this sociopath onto our campus with open arms.  We need to stand by what is right as a university by barring him from the grounds.  I don't want him anywhere near my beloved college or community.  We MUST send the message that we won't be party to the torture of animals by conveniently forgetting what he has done.  If we welcome Vick onto our campus, we are complicit in his crimes.

If you agree and think that Michael Vick should not be allowed on SUNY Cortland property, please sign this petition and share it with your friends.

Chinese Dogs at Meal Time

What a well-mannered bunch!

Meet Leon Trotsky: Piglet on Wheels


Rescued by a kind hearted soul and brought to Edgar’s Mission farm animal sanctuary, Leon Trotsky is a piglet with more spunk and tenacity than most.

Taking on the world with his brand new set of wheels, Leon is trotting his way into the hearts of people all over the globe as they fall head over heels in love with his adorable character.

At just three weeks old, little Leon Trotsky has beaten the odds not once, but twice! Destined for the plate, Leon’s future didn’t look so bright, and when an accident claimed the life of two of his siblings, it seemed as though things weren’t going to get any better for this innocent little chap.

The accident which was caused by his injured mother falling on him, leaving Leon with a broken and dislocated femur, injured hock and ligament damage.

Sadly, for most piglets on commercial pig farms that suffer from similar injuries, their fate would be a blunt trauma to the head as this is the easiest and most cost effective way to address the problem because their life is considered worthless.

Luckily for Leon, he found his way to Edgar’s Mission sanctuary, where the incredible Pam Ahern and team assembled to give this courageous piglet the life he deserves. Ironically, it is Leon’s injury that saved him and will allow him to be known as someone and not something for the rest of his days.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/meet-leon-trotsky-piglet-on-wheels.html#ixzz30sQdpCUm

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Choosing the Best Shelter Dog for You

Adopting a dog from a shelter has a common checklist for different families. Your home, children’s ages, time and energy may all be considered. With so many choices at dog rescues, choosing the right shelter dog is challenging.

Thankfully, you can make an informed decision with some due diligence.

Here are things to consider:

Your Experience Level: 

Some rescue dogs may require unique handling or medical needs. Dogs with a history of physical or verbal abuse need time to acclimate. Neglected dogs may be despondent or very shy.

You should consider how the dog’s history may affect care. Do you have experience handling a dog with temperament issues? Will you have the time and patience to work with a dog reluctant to go on walks? Each shelter dog has vast potential in the right environment.

Hounds for Heroes is an organization that trains many shelter dogs to be valuable companions. Los Angeles Investor Elliott Broidy started the non-profit to match wounded veterans with shelter dogs. Similarly, matching your capacity and time with a rescue dog’s needs is a best practice.

If you simply want a ‘ready to go’ dog, work with the rescue to find a best fit. Many shelter dogs come from good homes. First time dog owners may consider these canines to start with. You can build dog handling skills and perhaps return in the future to adopt a pooch with more complex needs.

Your Activity Level: 

Ripped furniture, barking and anxiety. These are all symptoms of a bored dog. Much like us, dogs have different personalities. While all dogs deserve some fun time, some require more extended activity.

Are you an active person? Determine how much you’re willing to increase or decrease activity levels for the new dog. Ask the shelter staff about what they’ve observed. You will avoid frustration by picking a dog that matches your energy level.

Your Family: 

Children and dogs are often best friends. Cute baby and dog photos draw raves on the internet. However, young children may tug a dog’s ears or innocently antagonize a pooch. This behavior should be cautioned with any dog and some education may be needed.

Sit down with your children BEFORE bringing a dog home. Set firm rules on what is acceptable.

Tip: Framing rules in a child’s perspective is helpful. Ask ‘Would you like it if someone pulled your ears?’ This helps children understand what is being asked of them.

Summary:

Dogs enrich our lives in many ways. You will provide a loving home for the right dog with simple preparation.

A How to Guide on Fun Ways to Bond with Your Dog

Spending time with our dogs is a highlight of the day. Being greeted by wagging tails and wet noses melts away stress. However, the routine joy our pups bring us does not have to be standard.

There are fun and easy ways to increase the bonds with our dogs. Changing up our activities has benefits on several levels. These include:
  • More Effective Training 
  • Home Health Checkups 
  • Increased energy and happiness for both of you 
Here are some tips to add variety and fun to your dog’s life. (After all, it’s all about them!)

Walk Different Locations and Routes:

The daily walk is a staple dog activity. Walks provide valuable exercise and the chance to socialize in ways home life does not offer.

You can maximize these benefits by walking different places. Consider parks or outdoor malls where the sights and sound are new. Go for a ride and roll down the windows in route to a new location. Your dog’s keen senses will anticipate the fun, as he gets anxious to see what lies ahead.

At minimum, walk a different route in your neighborhood from time to time. This could be simply going left out of the driveway instead of right. You will likely notice increased alertness and energy. The benefits often carry over back at home.

Many dogs are more calm and attentive after a unique spot has been explored. The mental stimulation is also an effective training tool. Hounds for Heroes trains service dogs using similar techniques. Founded by Philanthropist Elliott Broidy, the non-profit matches wounded vets with service animals.

Tip: Walking in new places may overcome walk reluctance. This varies from dog to dog, but a change of scenery could motivate your pup to walk more (or simply get started)

Credit: Humphrey the English Bulldog (Writer’s Dog)

‘Let’s try a new place. I’m sick of the same old bench.’



Dog Massage: 

Massages are an easy way to improve your dog’s health and increase pet/owner bonds. The benefits of massaging your dog include: 
  • Reduced Joint Stiffness: This may also encourage you dog to walk more. 
  • Improved Circulation: Tied to joint stifness with similar benefits. 
  • Strenghtens Bonds: Massage is an interactive activity.
  • Home Health Check Up: In a relaxed state, you can examine the coat, skin, mouth, eyes and ears in ways usally not possible. You will also become familiar with how the dog feels to your touch. This helps you notice if subtle changes take place. 
Each dog/owner duo has different schedules. The key is to pick a time where your dog is calm and accepting. For instance, immediately before or after a walk is not preferred in most cases. Some ideal times for doggie massage could be:
  • Before or after sleep 
  • Cool down periods after walks. About an hour or so when the adrenaline rush is dropping. 
  • Before potty breaks. Your dog can expel toxins released by the massage afterwards. 
Make sure to overestimate your strength during the massage. DO NOT apply any pressure or touch your dog’s spine. Avoid using treats to lure your dog for a massage. He or she will simply expect more treats instead of sitting calmly!

Here’s a checklist for effective dog massage:
  • Softly rub under the chin and rub the cheeks with small circular strokes. 
  • Gently rub fingertips up and down 2 inches AWAY from either side of the spine. 
  • Rub between the paw pads. 
  • Gently flex front and back paws. 
Summary: 

Increasing the health and happiness of our dogs doesn’t have to be expensive. We can simply invest a bit of time for much stronger bonds.

So, You Taught Your Dog to Roll Over

If you taught your pet to roll over, shake hands or play dead, don't go spraining your shoulder patting yourself on the back.

Check out what this guy did!


Friday, March 14, 2014

Demand Justice for Bryan

CARE2.COM PETITION

When Janice Galloway of Hohenwald, Tennessee, left her daughter at home sick with the family dog, Bryan, a few days ago, she never expected to receive a call saying that Bryan was dead. Tragically, that's exactly what happened -- the Galloways' neighbor had shot Bryan to death in front of his 13-year-old owner, Peggy.

According to Peggy, Bryan was out in the front yard when she heard the sound of a gun going off. Terrified, she ran to see what was happening. That's when she saw her neighbor, an off-duty postal worker, shooting her dog at point-blank range. Though Peggy screamed "Please stop shooting my dog!" her neighbor wouldn't stop. He shot Bryan a total of three times, leaving the family dog dead on the ground.

According to the neighbor, Bryan "approached him" in his front yard. After he tapped the dog in the face "to get it moving along," he went in, retrieved a semi-automatic rifle, and started shooting.

On what planet is this an appropriate reaction to a dog being in your front yard? Bryan lived very nearby. He had never attacked anyone. He may have recognized the neighbor and wanted to make friends. And instead, he suffered a painful, agonizing death in front of his teenage owner.

Bryan and the Galloways deserve a full investigation into this matter. Sign the petition to demand justice for Bryan!

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Demand an END to Selling Pets on Craigslist


Selling pets on Craigslist is actually against Craigslist's Terms of Service, but the company is failing to enforce their own rules, leaving hundreds of helpless animals open to abuse. Most people offer to give away their pets for FREE. They have no idea the environment their pet is going into. It is unfair and not right in any sense.

Craigslist also needs to stop "Free to Good Home" ads. The animals are even more in danger from these ads. Here are several ways animals given away on Craigslist could be in danger:
  • These helpless animals may be used as bait animals for dog fighting. 
  • People who torture and kill animals like to search the listings for new victims. 
  • Other people that source animals for research facilities all use these ads to find pets. 
  • A newer phenomena is pet flipping – searching free adds for pets to sell for a profit elsewhere (they often end up in one of the above categories).
(source http://www.chicagonow.com/raining-cats-dogs/2013/08/rehoming-pets-on-craigslist/)

Take a stand against animal abuse and help put an end to selling animals for a small fee and giving away for free ALL ANIMALS on Craigslist. 

SIGN THE CARE2 PETITION TODAY!!

GREAT RESOURCES:  http://www.craigslist.org/about/prohibited

You Shall Not Pass, Dog

Great compilation of dogs terrified of walking past cats!

Didn’t see that bite coming? Look a little harder

By Nina Stively, DogTime.com Contributor

Being a professional in the world of animals, my social media feeds are generally chock-full of doggy photos, kitty memes, and adorable pet videos. But recently, there has been a disturbing trend among these videos and the longer it goes on, the more dangerous the situation becomes. I’m talking about the videos where a baby, toddler, or child is interacting with a dog in an unsafe manner and, in spite of the clear inappropriateness of the situation, and the dogs many clear demonstrations of stress, an off-camera adult is holding the camera and chuckling.


 “Battle of the Cookie! Pug vs. Baby” is one video where a dog displays several warning signs of a potential bite (thankfully, no one was hurt).


Perhaps equally disturbing are the comments below each video, such as “No way a yellow Labbie would hurt anyone” or “People, not all dogs have food aggression,” and “Baby is in no harm.” Really? No harm?

Dogs give warning signs nearly every single time before biting someone. No matter what breed, or how well trained or socialized, it is incredibly rare for a dog to bite someone actually out of the blue. But, if you are not watching for the signs, you are not listening to what your dog is so desperately trying to tell you, before he resorts to his last option — a bite.

Real-Life Fox and The Hound Best Friends

Meet Tinni the "Hound" and Sniffer the "Fox"!

They are best friends that live together in the Norwegian Forest.  Here are just a few of the phenomenal photos taken by photographer Torgeir Berge, Tinni's guardian.


Learn more about Tinni and Sniffer and view several more amazing photos of the pair at:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/summeranne/real-life-fox-and-the-hound-best-friends-will-melt-your-hear

To Brighten Your Day
















How to Find Low Allergen Dogs

This is a really good article from Answers.com on types of low allergen dogs:

There are a wide number of options available to people who want to be pet owners but suffer from animal allergies. Allergies to dogs are the most common reason that people choose not to get a dog for their family. Today however there are a wide number of options for people in this position. The following questions and answers will help you discover if a low allergen dog is possible for you.

What are Low Allergen Dogs?

Simply put, low allergen dogs are dogs that produce little to no allergic reaction in pet owners with a known allergy to animals. A dog that is considered low allergen is a dog that does not make life more difficult for allergy sufferers. Many people think that short hair dogs are the ones that fit this category, but this is not always the case. There are some large breeds and dogs that actually function better for families that have dog allergies. Before you look for a low allergen dog, it is a good idea to know exactly what you are allergic to. Sometimes allergens such as dust and pollen can get trapped in the fur of dogs and this leads many to believe they are allergic to dogs, when they are really allergic to the dust the dog has brought in.

What are the Best or Worst Dogs to Get if You have Allergies?
Dogs that have short hair or produce little to no dander will be the best dogs for you if you have allergies. Schnauzers are known to produce the least amount of dander out of all dogs, and thus make for suitable pets for allergy sufferers. Dander however is not the only material that can cause allergic reactions. Saliva from dogs is also known to create allergic responses. Thus, dogs that have high saliva content such as a bulldog or a Saint Bernard are not recommended for allergy sufferers.

Read the full story on Answers.com.