Dog Gets Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritis

Dog Gets Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritis - Amazing story this week about a 12 year old Border Collie dog that got same-day stem cell therapy for his arthritis. Basically they took cells from the fat in his body, took out the stem cells, and then injected them into his arthritic joints so that the stem cells can fight the arthritis.

You can read the full story about this dog's stem cell therapy at thestemcellblog.com

Therapy Dogs Aid Stressed College Students

Therapy Dogs Help Stressed Students - Put two Huskies, a chocolate Lab, a Sheltie, a Belgian Sheep Dog and a Wheaton Terrier together at a college during finals and you get pet therapy for college students.

"I have a huge math exam and I'm freaking out," said Sarah Walman 19, a Sophomore  from Teaneck, N.J. who was happily petting one of the dogs brought in to the Student Center at Caldwell College.

The idea for the therapy dogs comes from the Counseling Department on campus as an effort to ease the pressures on students at final exam time... Read Full Story

Stricter Regulations for Breeders in Missouri

Down With Puppy Mills - Missouri has a bad reputation as when it comes to neglect and abuse at puppy mills. Many high-profile cases dog abuse have made headlines and gotten the attention of groups such as the Humane Society. In the recent election, a ballot initiative to fight animal abuse at puppy mills, "Proposition B" was narrowly passed. (gaining just 51% of the vote?!)

While the passage of Prop B is a small victory for animal rights activists, farmers from Missouri complain that the passage will lead to further restrictions on breeders and livestock farmers. The measure was overwhelmingly defeated in rural areas, but gained support closer to civilization where people have teeth, distrust Glenn Beck, and love their pets.

More than 80% of the money funding the bill came from activists and concerned groups outside of Missouri. Critics argue that the measure won't stop dog abuse, but might actually put reputable breeders out of business. The new law limits dog breeders to a maximum of 50 breeding animals, and will take effect starting in 2011. read article

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Maltipoo Invasion in Los Angeles

A startling discovery by celebritydogwatcher.com documenting the rise of the Maltipoo breed in Hollywood. It appears that this seemingly harmless breed has infiltrated the homes of the most influential young women in LA. No word on the accuracy of the reports claiming that the city government may soon fall under the paw of the Maltipoo... story

Foxes Get 50,000 Year Old Snack

Proof that Dogs Will Eat Anything - Although the recent discovery of a 50,000+ year old Woolly Mammoth in Siberia is scientifically very significant, the part of the story that will stay with me is not about the potential scientific value or rarity of the find.

I can't get past this line in the middle of the story: "The ice-encased body had been partially eaten by foxes which devoured the trunk and the top of its head." As if that wasn't bad enough, note that "the carcass was harboring very old but potentially lethal germs, most probably anthracis, which can cause anthrax and black lung disease."

Basically, what this means is that members of the Canidae Family, which includes dogs and foxes, will apparently eat anything. These foxes didn't hesitate when a rotten 50,000 year old anthrax-infested piece of mammoth trunk meat poked its way out of the ice, and my dogs wouldn't have either.

There is no word yet whether Alpo will begin testing "mammoth" canned meat, but i think it's already included in their "Mixed Grill" flavor.

Google News: Mammoth story

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Pickles the World Cup Dog

Pickles: The Dog Who Saved the World Cup

As part of the publicity campaign for England hosting the 1966 World Cup, the World Cup Trophy (then a smaller version called the "Jules Rimet Trophy") was displayed in several different places around England. Protected by 5 guards, the trophy was residing for a time at the Methodist Central Hall in the Westminster section of London.


One day when the guards were distracted on a break, thieves broke in and grabbed the valuable trophy, holding it for ransom. The theft caused a sensation in the British and World Press, and its return became the top priority of Scotland Yard.


The thieves demanded £15,000 ransom for the trophy's return, which Scotland Yard reluctantly agreed to. As one of the thieves led officials to the location, he noticed a trailing police van which spooked the thief, and wrecked the ransom deal.


Later in the week, with the World Cup trophy missing, a dog named "Pickles" was out with his owner in South London when he spotted something suspicious under a hedge near the sidewalk. After some pulling and digging, Pickles dragged a package out that was wrapped in newspaper and held together with string. Pickles presented the parcel to his owner, David Corbet, who quickly unwrapped it, revealing the valuable World Cup trophy.

Although police were initially suspicious of the story, they soon cleared Pickles and Corbett, and they became national heroes in England. They were given a cash reward, and Pickles even starred in a feature movie called, "The Spy With the Cold Nose."


When the English team won the World Cup later that year, they invited Pickles to the celebration banquet and let him lick all of their plates clean!

Obey the Pit Bull Art on "Pit Boss" TV Show

Animal Planet's new show "Pit Boss" is about a little person nicknamed "Shorty" who lives in L.A. and works as a talent manager for other little people. 


After years of hardships and incarceration, he has turned his life around and made Pit Bull Rescue his mission, using the proceeds from his business to fund his Pit Bull Rescue.


A big mural painted from an "Obey the Pit Bull!" design can be seen behind Shorty Rossi's desk in episodes of the Animal Planet's show "Pit Boss."

(Inspired by Obey the Pit Bull design above)

More about Pit Boss

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Help Dogs Afraid of Thunder

New advice on the best way to help your dog that is afraid of thunder. 

What should you do if your dog is afraid of thunder? We’ve been taught for years that attempting to soothe frightened dogs makes them worse. It seems logical, in a cut-and-dried, stimulus and response kind of way. Your dog hears thunder, he runs to you and then you pet him. As a result, your dog just got rewarded for running to you when it thunders, and worse, for being afraid of thunderstorms in the first place. 

But that’s not what happens, and here’s why. First, no amount of petting is going to make it worthwhile to your dog to feel panicked. Fear is just as bad for dogs as it is for people, and some dogs' biggest fear is thunder. The function of fear is to signal the body that there is danger present, and that the individual feeling fearful had better do something to make the danger, and the fear that accompanies it, go away. read more

Dachshunds Take Over United Nations

Proof of Dog World Rule? Government officials scrambled to control damage today after uncensored video and still photos of a recent high level meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Committee were leaked onto the internet.


The images of the U.N. meeting room clearly show dogs (all apparently Dachshunds) making high level decisions for the 47 countries represented. Several of the dogs reportedly acted fondly of one another, although no actual humping was reported.


The images, which will certainly fuel conspiracy theories for years, were explained by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs as merely a "performance art project" by an Australian artist. When reporters' hands went up after Gibbs' brief explanation, witnesses say the White House fire alarm went off and everyone was quickly evacuated. Gibbs' later added that it was a coincidence that Bo, the White House Dog attended the briefing, was seated directly beneath the fire alarm when it was pulled. 


A popular conspiracy theory blog online speculates that the dogs may have been gathering to discuss ways to fix recent human screw ups, including the Gulf oil spill and world economy.



Read full story of U.N. Dogs

World's Ugliest Dog Dies

World's Ugliest Dog Dies - So sad that the World's Ugliest Dog has died. "Miss Ellie" was a rescue dog, and during her reign as World's Ugliest she helped raise over $100k for the Human Society. She was planning to compete one more time in the World's Ugliest Dog Competition in California next month at age 17...

More: World's Ugliest Dog Passes Away

Dog Hair to Soak Up Oil Spill

Dog Hair vs. Oil Spill: Dogs are being enlisted to solve the current environmental crisis in the Gulf of Mexico. Hairy Dogs...  In fact, dog and human hair clippings are being collected in an effort to absorb some of the millions of gallons of oil that are flowing into the ocean.

Although I would usually call the idea of trying to absorb an oil spill the size of Delaware with dog hair ridiculous, you have to admire the effort, and I certainly can't think of any better ideas. If you have a hairy dog or family member and live in the U.S. or Canada, her is more info on how to help:

ALSO: If your back looks like this, please be patriotic and go swimming in the Gulf of Mexico as soon as possible...

Rebellious Dog Becomes Icon of Greek Protests

Dog Inspires Protesters in Greece 5/07/10 - A stray dog has become a prominent figure in the recent street protests in Greece. The mysterious dog named "Kanellos," has been seen at protests in Athens since 2008, and is now gaining exposure by fighting riot police in the streets. 


Apparently outraged by the failure of the Greek economy, he has already gained national fame, and is simply known to Greeks as "Riot Dog" or "Rebel Dog." Bounding defiantly in front of lines of armed Greek soldiers like a militant canine Ghandi, he remains undeterred even after absorbing blasts of tear gas. Read story

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Shocking New Photos Inside Saddam's Palace

AP: 4/06/10 - New photos were leaked today, offering a shocking glimpse inside Saddam Hussein's compound just hours before the 2003 attack that toppled the one-time dictator.

"I guess the intelligence was bad," said a former Bush aide, who requested anonymity. "We had high value intel from sources on the ground, but something must have been lost in translation..."

By 2007 no WMD's were found, and it was estimated that over 1/3 of Iraqi children were orphans. The country's divide between long-haired and short-haired Chihuahuas continues to this day, and has become increasingly violent. 

Embedded reporters confirm the presence of stray Tea Cup Chihuahuas, terrorizing areas like the volatile Al-Anbar Province. "We just stay indoors," says one of the city's residents. "You hear the barking at night, and just try to survive..."

Provo the CheeseBeagle

"Provo the CheeseBeagle" can be seen wearing "Obey the Beagle!" t-shirt while doing local volunteer work with children. He has also been seen at art or "fur suiting" conventions, most recently at Further Confusion 2010 which boasted an attendance of over 2700 people.

Fur suiting often involves people dressed as "fursonas," or animal versions of themselves. In this case, Provo the CheeseBeagle presents himself as the dominant breed with his "Obey the Beagle" t-shirt!

Pugs to Humans: Read Hebrews 13:17

Pugs Broadcast a Call to Inaction: Using the CPAC conference as a forum to broadcast their message, The Pug Club of America announced that human Pug "owners" must read and memorize Hebrews 13:17 in the Bible. While rallying the energized crowd, the group claimed that the verse is a virtual one-sentence "Ten Commandments" for any new or existing Pug owner. The verse is as follows:

"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." Quoted from King James Bible

Although speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference, (CPAC) The Pug Club of America reiterated the fact that they do not endorse any specific political parties, unless the party commits fully to an agenda of Pug World Domination.

The rousing speech was delivered in front of a 30 foot tall television screen displaying Pug propaganda, while the sound of Pugs snorting and barking was blasted intermittently to the cheering crowd, which often broke into chants of, "Obey the Pug!"

The Club also spoke of the need for a news outlet "solely dedicated to the Pug's political agenda," in order to win over the hearts and minds of the people. "The Pugs' message must reach every household, on television, the internet, and over the airwaves," they added. The group is reportedly in talks with Rupert Murdoch on how to create such an outlet.

Jake, a Chihuahua Mix, Wins Puppy Bowl MVP

Puppy Bowl VI - For the 6th year, the Puppy Bowl was broadcast on Animal Planet, providing viewers an alternative to the Super Bowl. The Puppy Bowl featured 43 rescue puppies battling it out on a miniature grid iron, fighting for the title of MVP - "Most Valuable Puppy"

The rules are similar to American football, except that the puppies use chew toys instead of a ball, and try to score a touchdown by dragging their toy across the field into the end zone. Bunny rabbit cheerleaders encourage the players, while a crew of hamsters fly in a blimp above the action... Read full story of the Puppy Bowl

Dog or Spouse; Who Your Best Friend Really Is

WSJ - 1/26/10

By the time Ellen and Joe Lollman reached their first anniversary, things were already souring. They no longer took long walks together or spent weekend afternoons chatting over coffee at outdoor cafes. Each evening they holed up in separate rooms of their home reading or watching TV alone.

Finally, fearful that their marriage was on the rocks, the Dallas couple made an appointment with a therapist – for their dogs.

"We both had dogs a lot longer than we had each other," explains Ms. Lollman. Yet it wasn't until she and her new husband moved in together after a long-distance courtship that their faithful companions actually met and, as luck had it, decided they hated each other. The Lollmans were forced to take sides... read article

California Developing Chihuahua Crisis

LOS ANGELES – California has more Chihuahuas than it can handle, and it has Hollywood to blame.

There are so many Chihuahuas at shelters in Oakland, they have started shipping the dogs out of state, said Megan Webb, director of Oakland Animal Services. They have sent about 100 to Washington, Oregon and Arizona, she said, "and as soon as they get them, they are ready for new ones."

Chihuahuas make up 30 percent or more of the dog populations at many California shelters. And experts say pop culture is to blame, with fans immitating Chihuahua-toting celebrities like Paris Hilton and Miley Cyrus, then abandoning the dogs... read full story

Dog is Victim of Ruff Economic Times

CLEARWATER -- A 5-year-old Labrador who has been working at a Pinellas County gas station is about to lose his job.

Cody may not be on the payroll at the BP station on U.S. Highway 19 and Nursery Road, but he has his own work shirt and name tag.

Inspectors with the State Department of Agriculture cited the owner, Karim Mansour, telling him that the dog has to go. They say animals aren't allowed in places that sell food.

"I understand that the state has a job to do which is to keep people safe," Mansour said. "But at the same time I don't prepare food here. Everything comes from the factory, pre-packaged. I don't see how a dog hair is going to get in a bag of chips or a Snickers bar." read story

Woman Scares Off Burglar by Acting Like a Dog

ATHENS, Ga. — Police are investigating after an Athens woman scared off a would-be burglar by acting like a dog. The Athens Banner-Herald reported Monday that the woman scared off the suspect around 11 p.m. Saturday.

According to police, the woman got on the floor and began scratching at the door and acting like a dog when the suspicious man tried turning the woman's door knob.

The police report did not say what specific dog-like behaviors, such as barking, (or possibly crotch-licking?) the woman mimicked, nor did they mention what type of dog the woman imitated.

(the photo above depicts the formidable beast that the would-be burglar may have feared to be in the house)... story