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!

Chicago area cops bust dog fighting operation

Even amidst all the Michael Vick allegations, dog fighting is continuing in other parts of the United States. A bust in South Holland, Illinois yesterday found on the property a well insulated barn, to keep noise down from neighbours, and 37 dogs, from puppies to adults in various conditions. Most of them appeared to be Pit Bulls.

This is just one of the worst cases of animal cruelty...what will become of these dogs bred to fight? It really breaks my heart that in 2007 people still take pleasure in seeing dogs fight to the death...for sport and money. Grrrrr.



An except taken from the Chicago Tribune:

A horrific process

"The process by which a happy puppy is transformed into a brutal fighter is simple: First, break the animal's will by keeping it in the dark, in a cramped cage without adequate food or water, and, on occasion, batter it with loud music. Then, once the animal is reduced to a shell, rebuild it physically and mentally through better feeding, strength training and beatings and torture to make it angry. Then, take it out and bet money on what essentially are death matches."




A 29 year old man has been arrested. Apparently not his first time in trouble over dog fighting. I urge you to lobby local government to make stiffer penalties for animal cruelty.

I'll try to keep you posted on what happens with this story.

Tips for staying cool this summer

Got this from the Yahoo! Pets site:

Doggie Boots: Dogs absorb and release heat through their feet. Boots protect your dog from the powerful heat that rises from surfaces like cement and asphalt.

A Kiddie Pool: Got a nice spot in the shade where you can set one up? It's a fun way to let your dog cool off. (Just like my pal Baylee, shown in photo!)

A Wet Towel: An inexpensive way to give your dog some relief from the heat. Remember, dogs cool from the bottom up. A wet towel does more good on the bottom of your dog than on top of her coat.

A Water Spritzer: Spraying your dog with cool water is a great way to cool your dog down on a long walk. Spray the paws and stomach too -- not just the top of the dog!

A Portable Water Bowl: Always have water available for your dog on long walks. Some paths may have a special water fountain for your pup, and that's great. But your pup may need water before you reach it. A portable water bowl and a bottle of water is a great way to ensure that your pup won't go thirsty.

A Bottle of Water: Be responsible: keep one handy on a long walk. If your dog wears a backpack or vest, you can even let him carry it. The water inside the bottles will keep the dog cooler, and carrying it will give him a sense of purpose.
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Remember, we can't speak up, so always pay close attention to our body language to make sure we are not over heating!

Lucky needs a new home!!

After being rescued by a NYC police officer, Lucky, the aptly named Pit Bull Terrier has been given up to a shelter. Unfortunately for Lucky, the police officer was extremely allergic, and as he grew, so did the allergic reactions. The officer, Andrew Dorsett is heart broken. He only hopes Lucky can find a good loving home now.

Lucky is now in the care of a no-kill animal charity called For Our Friends at the Great Neck Animal Hospital. He has also been renamed Drew in honour of Officer Dorsett.

"We all love him. He's a really sweet, affectionate dog," said Bryan Lewis, who runs For Our Friends. "But we changed his name to Drew in honor of the cop who saved his life."

To adopt Lucky/Drew, call (718) 595-2161, or e-mail fofadopt@nyc.rr.com
[source]

Celebrity Roundup!

Some cute shots of Sophia Bush, Jessica Biel, Geri Haliwell and Kristin Cavelleri out and about with their pooches.

I just have to say with so many provinces and states adopting BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) I LOVE to see responsible celebs owning and rescuing Pit Bulls (like Jessica and Sophia). Word is Sophia got her pup Patch from Frankie Muniz and he is a rescue from New Orleans!

[photo credit]

Swimming is for the dogs! (like labs, sheppards and retrievers)

So I get to go to Greenwood Conservation Area each week for some off leash fun with my friends Denali and Starr! As soon as we pull up, our butts are wiggling, and we’re so excited to get out of the truck! Off like a shot, we hit the ground running, down the path, through some bushes, past the marsh, until we hit “the Pit”. We spend a bit of time running around, have some water, then off we go again through the trails to the doggie creek.

Well, I like water as much as the next Manchester...to drink, but when it gets really hot, I don’t mind taking a quick dip to cool off my feet. Well, we meet Labs, Golden Retrievers and other larger breeds who are adept swimmers, having their owners toss Frisbees and tennis balls into the creek and they go belly flopping in after them!

So of course my human thinks it’s “cute”, and thinks I want to have a swim. Uhhh, I don’t think so. But scoop alley-oop into the water I go! Before I know it, I’m dog paddling for dear life to get back to solid ground! And when I do, I get a cookie for a good swim!! WHAT??!! Risk my life and you give me a cookie??!!

Needless to say, I spent the rest of our time there on dry land and running through the weeds. Those Labs set a bad example for us land loving pups!

For pups like me who aren't natural water lovers, the introduction of a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) might make all the difference in the world! I've heard you can go from floating like a rock to freestyle champ with one! You should always look for the amount of floatation in each device, the fit and quality of material before purchasing. This doesn't mean your dog shouldn't still be monitored in the water...just like kids, supervision in the pool, lake or creek is invaluable.



Both RuffWear and Dog Paddling Adventures offer PFD's for your pooch.