MISSING Manchester Terrier: Billie needs your help!

Anyone living in the Etobicoke/West end of Toronto: Please keep your eye out for Billie, a female Manchester Terrier. This message is from her owner:

Billie was spooked from our backyard on Monday, May 7th. She had done that before but this time she found a little cat walk near our house that goes to Eglinton Ave. As you know, Manchesters are very fast so by the time I got in my car and out to Eglinton she was at the corner of Martin Grove. The only call we received was from a person that saw her at the intersection of Eglinton/Martin Grove/HWY 27 on May 7th.

We are all very eager to find her, especially my 3 kids who don't know life without Billie and miss her very much. :(

Thank you very much for your help.

She is 7 years old, approximately 25lbs, Black and Tan markings and is described as a barker (aren't we all!). Posters have been put up in the neighbourhood, and local shelters have been notified of her status. There is a reward for anyone who finds Billie.

Silvana Lowe can be reached at 416-621-9212 or at this email address.

Oprah's dog dies in freak accident

As reported in Star Magazine, Oprah's beloved Golden Retriever Gracie passed away today in a freak accident. The smallest of her three Golden's, Gracie was out for a walk and apparently choked on a small rubber ball.

Gracie first came into Oprah's life in early 2005, and Oprah often said the young dog was one of her babies, who always found her way into mommy's lap. Gracie also graced the cover of O Magazine twice, in 2006 and in January 2007.

I cannot imagine the grief of losing your beloved pet. So we'll all say a prayer for Gracie tonight as she passes over to the Rainbow Bridge.

[photo credit]

Michael Vick Indicted in Dogfighting case!!

Aroooo!!! Some good news! The Washington Post reported this morning that a federal grand jury in Richmond indicted Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and three other men yesterday on charges related to their alleged operation of a dogfighting ring based at a property Vick owns in southeastern Virginia.

If convicted, Vick could face a total of up to six years in prison and $350,000 in fines. He could face additional discipline by the NFL, even if he is not convicted.Vick's associates, Purnell Peace, Quanis Phillips and Tony Taylor, were indicted on the same charges.

Dogfighting is a felony in Virginia and 47 other states. Transporting dogs over state lines for dogfighting is a federal crime.

[source]

My first tracking experience

So my human thinks I'd make a good tracking dog. Being a terrier, I do have a high prey drive and always find myself sniffing out something on our walks. I have had two successful tracks recently to make my human think I may be on to something.

While on a walk recently my nose to the ground, my human spotted a lady up ahead with two Italian Greyhounds. They were quite a distance away, and were now crossing the street into a little wooded path. She thought this might be a good test..see if I could pick up their scent. She knew this lady, and knew her route back to her home...so she'd be able to see if I could simply track them.

Low and behold, I picked up their scent! I lifted my head to see if I could see them...I could not, so down my nose went furiously sniffing them out. We got to the street crossing, and my human thought I'd be thrown off from the oncoming traffic.

I wasn't deterred!! I wanted to go forward. So when the traffic eased up, off we went. I was tracking at a quick pace, looking up every now and then to see if I could spot them. All through the wooded path, and out to the sub-division where they lived. I made it all the way to their driveway! My human was very proud. So what do you think? Do I have what it takes?? Well she's investigating some clubs in our area. I'll keep you posted!

Spotlight Sport: Tracking

What is Tracking? A dog is "tracking" when he is following the scent trail left by a variety of sources, such as human being or other animal.

There are many forms and functions of tracking available for you and your dog to participate in. Hounds, Labs, Pointers and Retrievers track game, rescue dogs track people (either lost or from a disaster recovery site), police dogs track suspects and well trained pets can find lost items.

Many dogs and owners are involved in tracking for fun or as a sport (earning titles).

Check your local kennel club for more information and to find a local club near you.

Resources:
http://home.ntelos.net/~dtratnac/
http://www.bmdcc.ca/tracking.htm

[photo credit]

I'm a man now

So my humans thought I'd be the butt of the jokes at the dog park. I am a squatter. Not sure if it's laziness or that I just didn't know any better...but I've never raised my leg to do my biz.

Until today. Rejoice, I am a man! LOL! All during my evening walk I was lifting my leg at every tree trunk, lamp post and fire hydrant I could find!

My human couldn't be more proud! I even got a cookie for my new accomplishment! What could be better?

Red Dog Diary: incredible journey...

I happened onto this amazing blog called the Red Dog Diary. It's the story of Raja, a Golden Retriever whose family is told he's developed cancer. They've documented his battle in a "dogumentary" that they hope will be released this fall to various film festivals.

New Features

I've implemented a few new features to the blog. Just check them out in the sidebar to the right.

Rate my Blog: where you do just as it asks...rate it from 1-10...10 being PAWESOME!
Weekly Poll: I ask a question you provide your answer! Easy!

Plus, don't forget, I love to hear from you...so leave your comments at the end of my posts, or if you have a story you want added, just email me and let me know!

The Eco-Friendly Dog

With the Live Earth event behind us I thought I'd post some info on eco-friendly dog sites that provide various products and services for those pups trying to introduce small changes to encourage a big impact!

EarthDoggy provides both eco-friendly and chemical free products for dogs wanting to make a difference, and those that might have allergies.

Cyber Canine is a site that started as an information sharing service for finding earth friendly/non-allergenic dog products. They now have a united goal: proudly formulate manufacture, package and share their brand's (Mundo) organic, cruelty free and earth friendly dog products with the rest of the sensitive dogs out there. Mundo Botanica, always handcrafted, honest and always earth friendly.

Natural Pet Market boasts lots of choice for natural dog food (none affected by the recall) and various pet products like shampoos, homeopathies and vitamins.

For more companies that provide alternatives check out the extensive list at Happy Hippie!

[photo credit]

Pop Dog of the Week: Faith

Check out the sidebar to see this week's Pop Dog!

Remember, if you want to be showcased, just send me an email with the following info:

Name
Breed
Age
Favourite food
Favourite activity
and Fun Fact about yourself!

Don't forget to send a photo of yourself too!