Homeless older dogs find homes

Photo of Muttville founder Sherri Franklin from http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/c/a/2008/11/29/BAIA149NHG.DTL&o=4

Seeing any dog on death row in a shelter is heartbreaking, but it is especially sad to see senior dogs that have been someone's companion for many years there. I cannot imagine the pain and loss for both the human and the dog when they part ways at the shelter. This story was so uplifting - Sherri Franklin and her non profit Muttville specialize in finding homes for older dogs. It is really heartwarming to see that so many people want these dogs to have a peaceful old age.

What is also inspiring is that this is truly a shoestring operation. They have a small budget and the founder draws no salary. The organization relies on foster homes to keep the dogs until permanent homes are found. Her "business" is growing, which is great for the dogs that find new homes but a sad reflection of increased need.

Read the Muttville article here.











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The history of domestic dogs

One of my favorite things to learn about dogs is their history. Understanding how dogs evolved from wolves to live with humans explains so much and is so interesting. Whether by rescuing orphaned pups or letting charming wolves hover nearby and eat scraps, humans acted in ways that led to increased breeding of wolves with desirable traits. It is amazing to me that lap-loving Teacup Yorkies, Great Danes as tall as me and everything in between descended from the wolf in just 12,000 years (timeline according to linked article below).

Here is an interesting history of domesticated dogs. The article also talks about other domesticated animals as well, but the dogs are on page 1.

History of Domestication of Animals




Photo from http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/enlarge/hunting-dogs_pod_image.html
























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A dog tongue for Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to those of you who celebrate it. Today is my favorite holiday of the entire year. What could be more fitting for a day of feasting than a photo titled "Yum!" ?

Here you go:





Many thanks to Ten Men Trotski at flickr.com for use of the photo. See the original here http://www.flickr.com/photos/tenmentrotski/3025559433

If you choose to share some of your people food with your dogs, please be extra careful with what and how much you give.















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Happy retirement to Shiloh the customs dog

Photo from http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2008/11/the-khat-dog-sn.html

The Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport uses beagles to sniff out contraband in luggage, and today one of those beagles is (hopefully) enjoying the first day of retirement. I had to laugh when I saw this story - I got busted by one of those beagles once!

I was returning from London, and had forgotten about an uneaten apple in my luggage. As I watched the beagle work, I had no apprehension when he got near me until he sat right next to my bag. My husband and I and our bags were quickly ushered into a special area of customs, where our bags were emptied and thoroughly searched. We had to fill out forms and explain the forbidden fruit. I could have been fined $300 for that apple, but they went easy on me.

I am glad that Shiloh gets to stay with his handler, but I wonder how he'll handle retirement? After being busy and engaged every day for so many years, how will he manage to sit around with nothing to do now? Will he be sad when his person leaves for work everyday?












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Dog soup kitchen - a timely idea

Photo from http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSTRE49U6JZ20081103?rpc=28

One of the sad results of the current economic situation is people having to surrender their dogs due to losing the family home or not being able to afford dog food. I cannot even imagine how heartbreaking this must be. I was so touched to see that a dog "soup kitchen" opened in Berlin where dogs of homeless or unemployed people can get a free meal every day. As dog lovers, we know that the dog is not a possession but a member of the family. When a person's financial situation is so unpredictable, this program can take one worry away and allow the person to rest east knowing that the furry family members are fed. Helping people to keep their dogs means fewer dogs killed in shelters and I suspect it will allow the people to better handle their difficult situation.











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Dogs on boats

Photo from http://dogs.thefuntimesguide.com/2007/03/dogs_on_boats.php

One of my favorite things about having dogs is finding ways to integrate the dogs into our activities. We also do things we wouldn't otherwise do so that the dogs can have the experience. It works out well for humans and canines.

Here is a fun article on boating with dogs. There are loads of good tips including that life vests for pups are a must, even for good swimmers. As the article points out, suddenly being tossed into the water may cause panic for even the most experienced boat dogs.

Makes me want to get a boat.......










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Pug tongue

This photo is so cute, and it reminded me of a pug I said hi to recently that gave me lots of kisses. If you look closely, you can see a tiny bit of the tongue curls at the end.



Many thanks to pizzo at Flickr.com for use of the photo. See the original at http://www.flickr.com/photos/pizzo/2932894287.













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dogfriendly.com - for the well traveled dog

Last December, we loaded Danny into the car and took a 3-week roadtrip across the country from our home in Southern California to Pennsylvania (where I'm from) and back. We investigated taking Amtrak, a 72 hour trip, but were disappointed to find they don't allow dogs. So, into the car we went.

One resource we used all the time was dogfriendly.com. It's a searchable database of all the resources you might need for you and your dog while traveling - hotels, parks, beaches, attractions, restaurants, and pet stores. At first we thought it would b difficult traveling with a big dog but it turned out to be very easy. We had no problems finding places to stay, even in small towns. Many major chains allow dogs of any size. As long as we had an internet connection (increasingly becoming standard in hotels), we were able to book our lodging for the next night or two, and find places to let Danny run and burn off some energy.

Here's Danny passing on of our long drives by snoozing.




Here he is happily ensconced in our hotel room, a Motel 6 in Jackson, Mississippi.


Even though he looks comfortable under the table, we always had his be in the room and it made him feel at home right away. He knew where his place was as soon as we put the bed down.



















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More on the Obama dog

I've been watching the Obama dog story unfold with much interest and hope. It seems I read more and more about how the public is becoming aware of the horrors of puppy mills and that millions of adoptable dogs get killed in shelters each year for lack of homes. I hope that the Obama family will fulfill both of their desires for a dog - hypoallergenic and from a shelter. I've read estimates that 20% to 30% of shelter dogs are purebreds, and if the Obamas settle on a breed, there are breed-specific rescues.

I am pleased with the amount of momentum the pro-rescue effort is gaining. I am constantly finding new stories and blog posts about it. Let's keep the encouragement for the Obamas to adopt flowing! I am hopeful that if the Obamas adopt, interest in adopting dogs will surge.

At presidential-pooch-pardon.com there is a petition powered by adoptapet.com that you can sign. As I am writing, I've checked the site a few times and each time there are more signatures in just a few minutes! There is a way to invite your family and friends to sign as well.


Photo from http://www.presidential-pooch-pardon.com/

Animal Planet has gotten in to the mix too - they have a online poll where you can vote on whether the Obamas should adopt or go to a breeder. Please take a few seconds to vote for adoption. Millions of homeless dogs living in sad conditions in shelters will thank you.

Best Friends Animal Society has done a great job on this issue. Early on, they created an online petition which got 50,000 signatures in just a few weeks. They've also issued this statement, which has great information, including dispelling the notion that you can't get a dog that is both a purebred (for allergy reasons) and from a shelter. Best Friends has also created a webpage for the Obama Family Dog. Help spread the word by taking a few seconds to click the digg button right on the page. You can also join the Best Friends Facebook group Obama Family: Adopt a Dog.

Please take just a few minutes to take these simple actions. The first family's choice can have a lasting impact on many dogs facing a sad end to their life in a shelter.

(If you know of any other ways to provide encouragement for the Obamas to adopt, please email me at michele@dailydoglick.com or save a bookmark at delicious.com for username dailydoglick.)







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Analysis of a dog fight

Neither of my pups have been involved in a fight, but I've been in the dog park when a few have happened. During the aftermath, there is always the question of "What happened?" If only we could use instant slow-motion replay and learn from the incident.

Here is a detailed analysis of an actual fight, including pictures of the dogs and their people. I learned a lot by reading it because it talks about before, during and after the fight. Not to spoil the ending, but the article ends on a positive note.

Here is one of my favorite photos from the article. The red marks are there to call your attention to details that are explained by the author.


Photo from http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/articles/dogfight.htm










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Looking at camera

Looking at camera, originally uploaded by dailydoglick.

No dog tongue, but I love this photo of Danny looking right at the camera. We had adopted Calvin (in the background) only a few days before this was taken.

Dog as blank canvas

I've thought of my dogs as many things - trusted companion, family member, light of my life, sneaky little bugger, gross sometimes, class clown........ but never as a canvas for art. Check out some of the creative things people do with that ever-so-sculptable white poodle fur at this creative grooming webpage.

One entry is the dog as dragon -

Photo from http://www.pinkcoyote.net/creativegrooming.html

I'll bet a bath and nail trim are a piece of cake for these groomers!













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Another Victory for the Vick dogs

The Vick dogs sure have come a long way! Their pictures now grace the labels of the Vicktory Dogs Wine collection. Yay for the dogs!



Photo from http://www.tmz.com/2008/11/14/vicks-dogs-you-want-fleas-with-that-wine/

(Follow the photo link to the original to view the entire series of labels)













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New Dog Whisperer assistant dog

I love, love, love Daddy, one of Cesar's canine assistants. I get so excited every time I get to see him on an episode. I was quite sad to hear of his retirement, but happy for him as well. Junior is a little black puppy who will be taking Daddy's place at Cesar's side. This picture of Daddy and Junior was so cute I just had to post it:




Photo from http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/packprofiles/dpc_junior.php

Happy retirement Daddy, and best wishes Junior!







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An update on some of the Vick dogs

Photo of Frodo, one of the Vick dogs, from http://badrap-blog.blogspot.com/2008/02/signs-of-intelligence.html

Along with many other dog lovers, I was horrified to learn of Michael Vick's dog fighting operation. My heart ached for all those poor pups and the way they were treated. Fortunately, there have been happy endings for some of those dogs. What is amazing about this story is that a dog could come from such abuse and horror and go on to become a therapy dog, beloved family pet or Canine Good Citizen. Dogs are amazing and inspiring.

Check out this update from badrap.org, a San Francisco area group provides services and education for Pit Bull guardians.










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UK man jailed for dog fighting

Yay to the RSCPA for coming down hard on a man running a dog fighting operation. Not only will he face jail, he is also prohibited from owning a dog for the rest of his life.

Read the BBC story here.

Photo of Liaquat Ali, the man in the story, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/lancashire/7725250.stm















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Rescue dogs trained to help

Photo of Mr. Wiggles from http://www.dogsforthedeaf.org/imageviewer.php?a=show&id=2&cat=2&end=20


What a great concept! Dogs for the Deaf rescues homeless animals and trains them to be service dogs for deaf people and people in need of a companion service dog. I love that they select dogs from the (unfortunately) vast pool of dogs in shelters. According the their website, when a dog cannot complete the training they work on getting him or her adopted out to a home that doesn't need a service dog.










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