Dog Abandoned In South Korea Is American Humane’s 2018 American Hero

by Lori Ennis

October 8th, 2018 12:00 AM

dog abandoned in south korea is american humane 8217 s 2018 american hero dog

A once-abandoned Golden Retriever named Chi Chi stole America’s hearts and has now been named the 2018 American Humane’s American Hero Dog and is living the true American Dream.

She was once found abandoned with all four legs bound in a trash bag in a dumpster in South Korea. Thankfully, Chi Chi was rescued, and though she was nearly dead, animal rescue workers brought her back to life. She lost all four of her legs, but her will to survive was what a family in Arizona found so contagious.

The Howells adopted her and helped her learn to overcome her challenges, teaching her to walk and fitting her with two prosthetic legs. She was such a great dog, the Howells worked to help Chi Chi become a certified therapy dog, working with various people with their own struggles.

The tables have even turned on Chi Chi, as she’s had cancerous tumors removed and is a cancer survivor herself. Indeed, she is a true force of nature and proof that dogs have indomitable spirits.

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A post shared by Chi Chi Rescue Dog (@chichirescuedog) on Oct 2, 2018 at 11:27am PDT

Now Chi Chi is another winner–American Humane’s 2018 American Hero Dog. Elizabeth Howell is with American Humane and said that people everywhere are inspired by Chi Chi’s courage, her perseverance and her never-give-up attitude.

Chi Chi will appear with the other heroic dogs who were part of the American Humane American Hero Dog contest later this month on the Hallmark Channel.

Congratulations to the inspirational Chi Chi and all the amazing contestants this year!

Lori Ennis

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Snoop Dogg Offers To Adopt Abandoned Dog Named After Him

Rapper Snoop Dogg has a soft spot for an abandoned English dog who goes by his name, and has volunteered to adopt him if he’s not able to find the perfect furever home in England. You probably saw the video…a man leaves a poor dog at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals with just his dog bed right before Christmas. It was caught on security video, and heartbreakingly, the dog was seen desperate to get back to his human. I won’t lie when I say the tears rolled down my eyes thinking about how the poor dog did not understand what would have made his human leave him like that. Related: These Teens Train Abandoned Dogs To Give Them A Second Chance At Life Thankfully, the folks at the RSPCA have video and were able to make sure the pup was not alone for long. Dog Abandoned before Christmas This heartbreaking CCTV shows a dog being abandoned by the side of a road. The Staffordshire bull terrier type dog chases desperately after the car as it drives off. https://bit.ly/2GDsIW8 Posted by ITV Central on Monday, December 24, 2018 The gut-wrenching video went viral, with thousands of people stepping up to take the sweet dog named Snoop in. But who better than the original Snoop? That’s right–rapper Snoop Dogg saw the video and called it a heartbreaking story. He said that at ‘Casa de Snoop’ in Los Angeles, California? There’s always a place for the homeless dog at the animal lover’s house. The RSPCA is still investigating Snoop’s full situation, as well as giving him lots of love and attention while in their care. They say that he won’t be available until the investigation is finished, and more is done to assess what the perfect home for Snoop would look like. Snoop Dogg said that though he doesn’t think that it will be hard to find the perfect home in England for him, but if it was? The rapper was happy to offer one with his family. Related: Dog Abandoned In South Korea Is American Humane’s 2018 American Hero Dog The RSPCA staff caring for him say he’s really a lovable dog and is very social with people and other dogs. He loves to cuddle and loves being close to people–which makes knowing how he was abandoned even sadder. And while Snoop Dogg officially has volunteered to adopt Snoop, they are still looking into what would be best for the pup, and are still taking applications in their database. But c’mon…could there be a more perfect match? We can see it now–Snoop Dogg, meet Snoop, the dog!

Afghan Hound

Afghan Hound Basics One of the oldest dog breeds and certainly one of the more “aristocratic” breeds, the Afghan Hound has become known as a sort of “king of dogs” for its appearance, general demeanor, and general nobility as a breed. Very well-suited for dog showing, these dogs are gentle and respond well to that type of attention. The Afghan Hound’s coat is remarkable, although it requires plenty of grooming. When an Afghan Hound walks in the room, people certainly take notice. There is a lot to learn about the Afghan Hound, as it has a particularly rich and ancient history and have several aspects of its personality that make it a unique dog. Considered better-suited for older children who understand how to interact with dogs, it will not be a dog for everyone. People who need a versatile working dog, for example, can probably find a better breed in the Bouvier des Flandres than they can in the Afghan Hound. Let’s learn more about this dog and what makes it part of dog breed royalty. The Afghan Hound is known as “king of dogs” for its appearance, general demeanor, and general nobility as a breed. Origin Originally hailing from areas like the Sinai Peninsula (the Afghan Hound was even mentioned/portrayed in ancient Egyptian papyrus and were painted in Afghan caves as far back as 4,000 years ago), there’s no denying the ancient origins of the Afghan Hound. Despite this long history, the breed has remained relatively pure, which means the modern deviations are not far off of the historical Afghan Hounds. As a sighthound (a dog that hunts by sight rather than necessarily using scents or the nose), the Afghan Hound has a rich history of working that its appearance might not convey. It has been both used as a shepherd and hunter, hunting down game such as deer and goats. With a thick coat, they were able to function in extreme seasons, which gives them a general outdoor versatility one would not necessarily expect. The Afghan Hound is generally considered an original without much of a pedigree to speak of… or, rather, it is one of those rare breeds that can be considered its own pedigree. Pedigree Because the Afghan Hound is such an old breed of dog, its pedigree is essentially zilch – there’s not a lot known about it. Historians can discern some hypothesis, knowing the areas where the Afghan Hound probably originated. But beyond that, the Afghan Hound is generally considered an original without much of a pedigree to speak of… or, rather, it is one of those rare breeds that can be considered its own pedigree. Food / Diet The food you give to your Afghan Hound will not be untypical for that of most dog breeds, but many people try different foods in order to “treat” the Afghan Hound’s coat – people who show their Afghan Hound, in particular. You don’t have to take any special precautions in your dog’s diet beyond assuring essential nutrition and a general food level that keeps the dog at a healthy weight.

Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dog Basics You have to leave it to dog breeders: they make very simple names for their breeds. There is perhaps no better example of that than the Australian Cattle Dog, so dubbed because it was bred in Australia for – what else? – herding cattle. Because of the terrain of Australia, this cattle dog has been bred to have plenty of endurance, cover long distances, and generally have an assertive and athletic demeanor. But if you’ve found your way to this site, there’s a good chance you’re wondering about the Australian Cattle Dog as a family pet, not necessarily as a working dog. There’s good news on this front: the Australian Cattle Dog is known for an up-tempo, friendly demeanor that is generally considered to be healthy enough personality-wise for a family to take home. Like any breed, this brand of dog is not without its own challenges and unique characteristics, but that’s exactly what you’re here to explore. Let’s take a closer look at this unique-looking breed and find out more about what makes the Australian Cattle Dog such a special type of dog. The Australian Cattle Dog is known for an up-tempo, friendly demeanor, the perfect dog for a family. Origin Just look in the name! These dogs are Australian, they’re bred to herd cattle, and, well, they’re dogs. Of course, anyone simply guessing about Australian Cattle Dogs is able to figure out just this much when it comes to this breed, so let’s dig a little deeper and find out some more. Naturally, the history begins Down Under. While many people might associate a breed of dog, for example, the German Shepherd, as being more classic breed, the Australian Cattle Dog actually goes back even further in terms of documented history. You’d have to start around 1802 if you want to learn about this breed of dog (and, if you’re taking notes, the German Shepherd would officially emerge in the same century, albeit some time later). A man named Thomas Hall realized the need for a certain type of dog that would be suited to the task the Australian Cattle Dog has been named for, so he imported a number of breeds of similar type and with similar abilities and bred them. The dogs were useful and popular enough that they eventually rose under the name of Cattle Dog – throughout the 19th century, their popularity grew rapidly. Eventually they became more popular in the United Kingdom and United States, as well. Pedigree

Dachshund

Dachshund Basics You may know it as the “Weiner Dog,” but its actual breed name is Dachshund. Known for its long, stretched-out appearance and short legs, there are three types of Dachshunds: long-haired, wired-haired and short-haired. The only difference between the three is size and coat description; the distinct build is the same in any of the types. Boasting a regal and intelligent expression on its face, the Dachshund has a long head with protruding and arched eyebrows, a long muzzle with a scissor bite and very strong teeth. Its eyes are either brownish black or deep red. Another distinguishing characteristic is its long ears that are soft to the touch. If you’re looking for a happy addition to your family, you can’t go wrong with a Dachshund – it always has a friendly look on its face. Read on to learn more about the breed. You may know it as the “Weiner Dog,” but its actual breed name is Dachshund. Origin The Dachshund can trace its origins hundreds of years ago to Germany. Some sources place the origin of the breed as far as the 15th century, but a more likelier number is late 17th to early 18th century, when first concrete mentions of a dachshund-like breed can be found. Books from that era describe certain dogs named “Dachs Kriecher” (meaning “badger crawler”) or “Dachs Krieger” (“badger warrior”), and it is largely believed that this is when the Dachshund breed was actually developed as such- the previous mentions were more general and referred to all types of dogs fulfilling the role of badger hunting rather than a specific breed. Bred to track and hunt badgers, this breed was developed with the specific sport in mind. The Dachshund was engineered for this hunting activity and it is directly reflected through its unique body shape. Its short legs let it burrow deep into the badgers’ dens and its long, sturdy tail gave the hunters a “handle” they could pull to retrieve the burrowing dog out from the den. As well, its large and paddle-shaped paws made digging efficient and its loose skin ensured it wouldn’t tear as the dog tunneled into tight burrows. The smaller Dachshunds were used to hunt hare and rabbits, while the larger ones caught smaller animals like otters and foxes. Interestingly, the smooth-haired type of Dachshund is believed to be the oldest of the tree, with the wiry and long-haired variants being developed later in the breed’s history. While originally developed to be used for hunting, in the 1800s, Dachshunds moved from hunters to cherished and pampered pets. It is then when the dogs were bred to be smaller in size- the Dachshunds became about 10 pounds lighter in this transition. Not unlike most small dogs in that period, Dachshunds were beloved lap dogs of ladies and nobles, and started enjoying all of the perks that came with their new status. Similarly, the breed was then bred and selected for other traits that would make it more appealing in its new role, such as playfulness, affection, and friendliness rather than a prey drive- which, truthfully, did survive in the breed to this day in some form (it’s mostly the garden beds that bear the brunt of it). Pedigree

Dog Insurance Pros and Cons

Going over the good and bad of dog insurance You’ve been antagonizing over the decision of whether or not to buy dog insurance. Sure, your puppy may be healthy now, but what about in the future? You can’t predict if your dog will get into an accident or get cancer and require costly treatment. On the other hand, your dog may only require yearly vet visits for many years. So what should you do? Let’s go over a few pros and cons of dog insurance… we hope it will make the decision a bit clearer for you. PROS: There are lots of dog insurance companies to choose from, and all of them offer a variety of policies and coverage. These policies cover all types of vet care, from annual checkups and immunizations, to long-term treatment and rehabilitation.You can pick your own vet. It doesn’t matter which one you go to, as long as they are licensed. Just submit the bill to your dog insurance company to file a claim.If your dog gets ill or is in an accident, the vet bills can reach into the thousands. Dog insurance could save you from making the painful decision of going into debt or putting your dog down.If you have multiple dogs, you can save on certain insurance policies.Peace of mind that comes with knowing your dog will get the treatment it requires when it gets sick and you won’t have to dip into your saving account to pay for it.Now that dog insurance is gaining popularity, some larger companies are offering it to its workers as part of a benefits program.Depending on which company you go with, some policies include prescription foods or alternative therapy, such as acupuncture or chiropractic care.Many dog insurance plans are customizable, which means you can pick and choose what coverages you’d like on your policy. Let’s go over a few pros and cons of dog insurance… we hope it will make the decision a bit clearer for you. CONS: You have to pay for the vet bill out-of-pocket first. Only after you pay are you able to send in the paid bill to get reimbursed.It can be expensive – there are deductibles, annual premiums, limits on pre-existing conditions, and exclusions for hereditary defects.You can’t claim pre-existing health conditions. If your dog already has cancer, the dog insurance company won’t cover any treatments relating to the pre-existing issue.Benefit limits can be low. Be sure to read the fine print – if you go with a cheaper plan, it’s not going to offer you and your dog much coverage. Some policies only cover accidents and illnesses, so be sure you know what you’d be paying for.Some policies have age-limits set within its plans. If you have an older dog, it may have reduced coverage or it may not even qualify for coverage.You’ll always have to pay something extra, on top of what you’re paying the dog insurance company. Most dog insurance policies pay between 50 and 75 percent of the total medical charges. Check for the maximum amounts a dog insurance policy will pay. No matter which option you go with, always have enough money saved for the unexpected. If you don’t go with dog insurance, set up an account where you can put a certain amount of money into it monthly – that way, you’ll be able to cover your dog’s health issues when they pop up.

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Montie

Bigger can be better – especially when you’re talking about Montie, our Adoptable Dog of the Week. Montie is an adult Great Dane mix from Asheville, North Carolina. He is neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations. Montie’s Story: Hey, there, I’m Montie! I just know my big brown eyes are melting your heart right now. I’m about 5 years old, but I still act like a goofy teenager. My silly antics will make you smile every day. Don’t let my spots fool you; I am mostly Great Dane, though I didn’t inherit their height or weight. I’d love a home with a big yard to run around in and someone to goof off with. I don’t really know my own size, so I would prefer a family without cats, small dogs and small children. Did I tell you how big my paws are? I’d shake your hand, but my manners aren’t super-polished just yet. I’m looking forward to finding someone who could teach me tricks and good house etiquette. (The staff here says I am very receptive to training.) Come visit me in the shelter. You won’t regret it! To learn more or to adopt Montie, please visit Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.

What Is A Puppy Mill?

You may stop to ask how much is that doggy in the window, but do you ever stop to think about how he got there? Chances are, that pet store pooch is from a puppy mill. If you are thinking about buying a dog, you need to be careful where you get it. It may be tempting to simply stop in to your local pet store and purchase one of the puppies available, but this not an educated and responsible choice. You don’t know where the puppies in that store came from and it’s highly likely that they were bred in a puppy mill. Let’s talk about what a puppy mill actually is, why they are bad, and what you can do to stop them. Related: Help The Puppy Mill Project Shut Down The Puppy Production Line What is a Puppy Mill? A puppy mill is a commercial breeding facility where large numbers of dogs are bred for sale primarily in pet stores, and also on the Internet. It is estimated that about 90 percent of puppies sold in pet stores come from puppy mills. These stores typically do not look into the facilities where the puppies are born, they simply take the wholesaler or supplier at his word that the puppies were raised in a safe and healthy facility. In many cases, the dogs used for breeding in puppy mills are kept in cramped cages and forced to produce litter after litter for as long as they live. Conditions are squalid with overcrowding being one of the main issues – dogs in puppy mills are also frequently malnourished or forced to suffer from medical conditions with no veterinary care. In short, puppy mills are designed to maximize the wholesalers profits at the expense of the dogs used for breeding. Related: Help The Puppy Mill Project Shut Down The Puppy Production Line Things You Can Do to Help While you alone may not be able to stop puppy mills from churning out puppies, there are a few things you can do to contribute to the fight against these horrible facilities. The number one thing you can do is to be responsible about where you buy your puppy. Do not buy from a pet store unless you are able to make direct contact with the supplier and can confirm that it is a reputable breeder who follows safe and responsible breeding practices. The only exception to this rule is for pet stores that only offer puppies and dogs from local animal shelters or rescues. It is still possible that these dogs were bred in a puppy, but removed by a shelter or surrendered by the original owner. However, you will be supporting the shelter in adopting the dog rather than supporting the puppy mill in which it was bred. Related: What To Look For In A Reputable Breeder When searching for a reputable breeder from which to purchase a puppy, make sure you do your research. Not only should you call and speak to the breeder directly but you should visit the facilities to make sure that both the puppies and the breeding stock are housed in safe, sanitary facilities and that they are in good health. If the breeder fails to answer your questions, doesn’t want to give you a tour of the facilities, or if he offers puppies less than six weeks old, these are all red flags and signs of a breeder who chooses his own profit over the welfare of his animals. In addition to purchasing your puppy from a reputable breeder, you can also support local, state, and national legislation that aims to protect animals from cruelty. Write to your local council in support of laws that limit the number of animals a person is allowed to keep and breed. Vote for laws that aim to ensure proper treatment for animals including access to clean food and water, proper housing, and veterinary care. You can also urge (by petition, boycott or peaceful demonstration) your local pet stores to supply pets from local shelters instead of buying them from questionable sources. Puppy mills are a huge problem in this country, but there is something we can do to get them shut down. Join forces with other pet lovers who share your belief, spread the word about how cruel this mills are and stand up for the rights of helpless animals. Together, we can put an end to puppy mills for good.

Sleepover At The Shelter Raises Funds For Spay/Neuter Programs

Remember how much you loved sleepovers as a kid? The “Sleepover at the Shelter” fundraiser is like bunking with a barker – only it’s for a great cause, instead of embarrassing “Truth or Dare” challenges! As far as Friday nights go, June 12 is really going to the dogs for a great cause. “Sleepover at the Shelter” is a fundraiser to raise awareness, adoptions, and money for much-needed spay and neuter programs. There are thousands of homeless pets currently confined to Los Angeles area animal shelters. The national TV series “Shelter Me,” Bark Avenue Foundation, ABC7 and the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation are partnering for the first-of-its-kind event that will see volunteers spend 24 hours in a “kennel” – in this case, three fenced yards adjacent to the dog kennels at the Downey Animal Care Center. The public can pledge money for the number of hours the volunteers spend “caged.” Chew on this… According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the average fertile dog can produce one litter per year, each with four to six puppies. When you think about how many stray dogs are out there, (the ASPCA estimates 542,000 homeless dogs enter the shelter system each year, and add to this all the dogs who dodge the “dog catcher”) that’s potentially a lot of puppies and one really big problem. Here’s one final stat to consider – only 10 per cent of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered. Related: All About Neutering Dogs Ultimately, the goal of “Sleepover at the Shelter” is to reduce the animal shelter population by promoting adoption, helping lost pets find their way back home versus into the shelter system, and by preventing those unwanted “oops” litters that can end up on the streets or in rescue programs. The $30,000 goal will help foot the bill for 400 spay-neuter surgeries, microchips and vaccinations for pets. After a long night of volunteers romping and ruffing it up with their puppy pals, the weekend will finish off with an adoption event at the Downey Animal Care Center on Saturday, June 13, where dogs, cats and rabbits will be eagerly awaiting their forever families and homes. Maybe it’s yours! Swing by and meet your furry match. Related: All About Spaying Dogs “We are thrilled that the Downey Animal Care Center was selected by our community partners for this fun event to highlight the wonderful companions waiting for new families,” said Marcia Mayeda, director of Los Angeles County’s Department of Animal Care and Control. “Increasing resources available to families for spay and neuter means fewer future pets will be in need of homes.” How can you help? Donate money by sponsoring a volunteer, or become a volunteer yourself and gear up for your stay at the doggy hotel! For more information, visit SleepoverAtTheShelter.com or follow the fundraiser on social media with the hashtag

Voluntarily Recall Of Five Rachael Ray Nutrish Wet Cat Food Varieties

Ainsworth Pet Nutrition of Meadville, PA is voluntarily recalling five varieties of Rachael Ray Nutrish wet cat food, including Ocean Fish-a-licious, Lip Smackin’ Sardine & Mackerel, Ocean Fish & Chicken Catch-iatore, Tuna Purrfection, and certain lot codes of Paw Lickin’ Chicken & Liver due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D. Symptoms of excessive vitamin D consumption usually develop within 12 to 36 hours after ingestion and may include vomiting or diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, and muscle tremors or seizures. Any cat experiencing these symptoms should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. Vitamin D is important in regulating calcium and phosphorus in a cat’s body. But, when ingested at very high levels, it can lead to serious health issues. Two variety packs that contain some of these recalled products (the Chicken Lovers Variety Pack, and the Ocean Lovers Variety Pack) will also be recalled. The recalled products are distributed nationwide. No other Rachael Ray Nutrish products are affected by this recall. Single Pack PAW LICKIN CHICKEN AND LIVER (2.8 oz): Unit UPC Code 071190007032; Best By Dates Thru: AUG 17 2015 OCEAN FISH AND CHICKEN CATCH-IATORIE (2.8 oz): Unit UPC Code: 071190007049; Best By Dates Thru: DEC 1 2016 OCEAN FISH A LICIOUS (2.8 oz): Unit UPC Code: 071190007056; Best By Dates Thru: DEC 1 2016 TUNA PURRFECTION (2.8 oz): Unit UPC Code: 071190007063; Best By Dates Thru: DEC 1 2016 LIP SMACKIN SARDINE AND MACKEREL (2.8 oz): Unit UPC Code: 071190007070; Best By Dates Thru: DEC 1 2016 Multi Packs – 12 Count CHICKEN LOVERS VARIETY PACK (12 count pack of 2.8 oz cups): Unit UPC Code: 071190007773; Best By Dates Thru: DEC 1 2016 OCEAN LOVERS VARIETY PACK (12 count pack of 2.8 oz cups): Unit UPC Code: 071190007780; Best By Dates Thru: DEC 1 2016 The UPC code can be found on the bottom of the cup. The Best By code can be found on the side of the cup. To date, there have been 11 reports of illness associated with these products. After conducting a number of product tests, Ainsworth confirmed that the affected products have elevated levels of vitamin D. The high levels result from the natural levels of vitamin D that are found in some of the fish ingredients that were used in these specific formulas. “At Ainsworth Pet Nutrition and Rachael Ray Nutrish, the safety and quality of our products is our top priority,” says Jeff Watters, CEO. “For the time being, we recommend disposing of any of the affected wet cat varieties. Rest assured we have implemented additional operating procedures to prevent an issue like this from occurring in the future. We sincerely apologize to our loyal consumers everywhere.” Ainsworth is working to ensure the removal of all affected products from store shelves. Retailers with affected products are asked to contact 888-943-4218 (toll-free) for additional information. Consumers with questions about the recall are encouraged to contact Ainsworth’s Consumer Care Team at 877-650-3486 (toll-free) or visit www.nutrishforpets.com/newsdisclaimer icon. Representatives will be available from 8AM to 9PM EST Monday through Friday; and 8AM to 8 PM EST Saturday and Sunday. Production of the affected varieties has been suspended and will resume after reformulation.

Brussels Griffon

Brussels Griffon Basics If you’ve never heard of the Brussels Griffon, you’re not the only one. This cute little dog looks like a mini disheveled Bulldog – it shares the same stocky stance and adorable overbite. But the Brussels is a breed all its own, and to lovers of the breed, there’s no other dog quite like it. Ideal for apartment dwellers, the pint-sized Brussels Griffon is spunky, playful, yet stubborn and mischievous. Good with other pets and children, the Brussels will try to climb onto your lap whenever possible. Read on to learn more about this fascinating breed. Often called “monkey face”, the Brussels Griffon has also been compared to certain Star Wars characters- it seems that these adorable pooches look a lot like Ewoks, a species of adorable yet feisty creatures from the science fiction movie. And it’s not a coincidence, either, since George Lucas, the creator of the franchise, had a Brussels Griffon dog at the time and used his pet as an inspiration. Curious to find out more about these unusual and adorable dogs? Read on for more information about the petite Brussels Griffon. Ideal for apartment dwellers, the pint-sized Brussels Griffon is spunky, playful, yet stubborn and mischievous. Origin Named for its city of origin (Brussels, Belgium), this playful little dog made its debut in the 1800s. These diminutive dogs were actually bred to catch mice and rats in the barns of the finest European estates. It didn’t take too long for stable boys and coach drivers to decide that these dogs made excellent companions. In fact, the Brussels Griffon became the official mascot of cabs in Brussels! The same way they advanced from stables to horse-drawn cabs, these spunky dogs quickly rose even higher. Once the charm and cuteness of the compact Brussels Griffon became apparent to noblemen as well, it didn’t take long for them to be prancing about fancy estates. By the end of the 1800s, Brussels Griffon found its way out from Belgium, both to the United Kingdom and the United States, where it quickly became a popular pet and family companion. Pedigree

Cats Break The Internet With Kittenish – A Book Of Naked Selfies!

Kim Kardashian has nothing on these adorable (and self-absorbed) cats – and this new coffee book of cat selfies is going to prove it! Do you ever wonder what type of picture your feline furball would snap if equipped with her own iPhone and told to “have at it”? Yeah, we can’t either! Well lucky for us, New York Times bestselling author Gwen Cooper did and the crowd-sourced results that numbered in the thousands were deemed sufficiently entertaining to produce a 200-page, coffee-table caliber book entitled “Kittenish”. Yes, author Cooper is poking fun at Kim Kardashian’s bestselling (really, people?) “Selfish” and has assembled a literal gallery of selfies taken by cats in the nude! Yep, no funny hats, silly boots or coats… simply in the fur Mother Nature gave ‘em! Related: Photographic Proof That Men Who Own Cats Are Hot! While I’m not convinced any one of my gang has the dexterity to snap a shot of themself let alone perfect the requisite “pout” or “duck-face”, the mention of newly intro’d “sparrow face” might get their creative juices flowing or at least get them to stay awake long enough to smile for the birdie. Related: CFHS Is Out To Prove That Real Men Love Cats And although the project may sound daffy (sorry, I’m still stuck on the duck-face), 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of “Kittenish” will be donated to Humane Society International to fund their ongoing efforts in Nepal. In fact, Cooper points out that many of those featured in the book are shelter cats from not only around the world but close to home: Tenth Life in St. Louis and Austin Pets Alive! in Texas. Asked by her readers why she supports animal-rescue efforts in countries other than the U.S., Cooper responds that animals aren’t citizens of countries, but of our hearts and that our hearts have no borders. Her past efforts have raised tens of thousands of dollars to support animal-rescue efforts related to the Egyptian revolution, the Japanese tsunami, and natural disasters throughout the U.S. Though I suspect Kittenish will raise the fundraising bar in dollars, I just smell a sequel in the works: Kittenish: The B-Roll! To support animal-rescue efforts in Nepal, you can purchase your copy of “Kittenish” in ebook format for a minimum suggested price of $3.99, and in hard copy for $23.99.Both versions are available for purchase on Cooper’s website.

UK Village Looking To Hire Dog Poop Police

Job description: Investigator needed to track down lazy dog owners and return poop that hasn’t been scooped. Baggies included. The Town Council in the wee UK village of Axbridge is doggone fed up and won’t be taking any more crap from area residents. In fact, the councilors are considering hiring, well, poo police to track down pet parents who fail to deal with Rover’s output. Apparently doggie doo has been an issue on the streets of this picturesque little Somerset town for the past 20 years and those in charge have decided it’s time to hunt down the culprits. Methinks that with a population of just over 2,000 and far fewer pooches, this should make for fairly quick work. Related: An Inside Scoop On Running A Professional Dog Poop Scooping Business Council has budgeted up to £35 (that translates to US$53) an hour to bring in a private detective to do the dirty work; flushing out those who aren’t using the dog waste bins then tracking them back home and serving them with a fine. Failure to obey will mean a court date. In true Dick Tracy style, the P.I.’s efforts to clean up the streets of Axbridge will include identifying the problem areas, the problem times and lying in wait for the dirty dogs to show up with their pets. Hmmm, if he has to bag the evidence does that not solve the problem? Related: Spanish Town Mails Dog Poop To Owners That Leave It Behind Residents are fed up with the never ending problem – they are tired of all the talk and want an effective solution put in place. All this talking dirty has Councilor Kate Browne fed up. Apparently the seasoned politician has even attended training courses on the smelly stuff, and after 15 years says if the private detective can’t sniff out the offenders, she’s done with the doo-doo discussions. So with this decision, the council has to shit or get of the pot (sorry for the potty talk, couldn’t resist). Councilors agree that it’s down to bad attitudes by pet parents and past efforts to curb this problem have made no difference. The well-paid poop patrol begins at the end of August, so get your resumes cleaned up for this dirty career change. [Source:

The Hideous Truth About Dog Plastic Surgery

On the list of things you can do for your pooch, plastic surgery isn’t one of them. Things have come a long way since tail docking – many of these modern dog plastic surgery options will shock you! For centuries, humans have been altering their bodies surgically to improve their appearance and to boost their self-esteem. These procedures can be exorbitant and, in most cases, they don’t provide any real benefits. In recent years, pet owners have begun to subject their dogs to extreme surgical procedures intended to provide these same aesthetic benefits. From nose jobs to testicular implants, how far are pet owners willing to go to have a “beautiful” dog? History of Dog Plastic Surgery Surgical alterations for dogs are nothing new. For centuries, humans have docked the tails of certain breeds of dogs for both cosmetic and practical purposes. Certain breeds of working dog like the German Shorthaired Pointer have long been subjected to tail docking because a long tail posed a potential hazard – the dog could be seized by the tail in a fight or the tail could be injured while the dog chases its quarry through the underbrush. There are other breeds, however, for which tail docking has become common simply as a means of conforming to the breed’s standard for appearance. Some countries, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, the Netherlands and Italy, have banned tail docking completely. Related: The Basics About Tail Docking in Dogs Another form of surgical alteration to which dogs are frequently exposed is ear cropping. Ear cropping is a procedure that involves removing part or all of the external flap of the ear which results in a pointed, prick ear. This procedure is commonly used for Pitbulls, Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, and Great Danes. Traditionally, this procedure was inflicted upon breeds used for dogfighting or bear-baiting because a natural ear could be grabbed and torn. Within the last 100 years or so, however, ear cropping has largely become a cosmetic procedure with no real benefits. This procedure is illegal in most European countries, though it is still commonplace in the United States and Canada. New Cosmetic Surgery Procedures for Dogs In recent years, dog owners in the United States have been subjecting their dogs to several new cosmetic procedures. In many cases, these procedures provide no real benefit – they simply serve to enhance the appearance of the dog for the owner’s benefit. For example, testicular implants (called neuticles) can be implanted in neutered dogs to restore their natural, unaltered appearance. Canine breast reductions and tummy tucks can remove sagging skin resulting from a pregnancy or weight loss. Eye replacement procedures can fill the empty sockets resulting from damaged or diseased eyes. Related: Does Your Dog Have The Balls For Neuticles? Though some plastic surgery options for dogs serve no real purpose other than to enhance the dog’s appearance, some procedures are done with the dog’s best interest in mind. Canine rhinoplasty, for example, can help to correct breathing problems in short-faced breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs. Doggy facelifts can remove sagging folds of skin from the face of certain breeds which may impact the dog’s sight and breathing. In many cases, however, one must question whether the pain and suffering of both the procedure and the recovery period are truly worth it. Many animal rights groups equate canine plastic surgery with animal cruelty, especially when it is only performed for the owner’s benefit. Let’s get real – unless the procedure can save your dog’s life, chances are he doesn’t need to go through the pain of a cosmetic procedure. Dogs don’t care if they’ve got a bit of extra skin or don’t have real balls. Your dog looks perfect… just the way he is!

Memories Of Pets Who Have Crossed The Rainbow Bridge Live On, Online

In honor of World Pet Memorial Day, 4myfriend.com gives grieving pet parents an online opportunity to memorialize their beloved pet. Our pets are our friends, our family, our confidants, our therapists, our advisers. I know, you may not be able to hear their advice but you know just what they’re getting at by that critical low groan, the curious tilt of the head, or the approving wag of the tail. Always loving, always loyal, always there. So when they pass away, it really hurts. Losing your furbaby and coming to terms involves a grieving process. That’s where 4myfriend.com, a website dedicated to cherished memories of man’s best friend, comes in to help pet parents come to terms with their loss. Coming to Terms While some people may scoff, pet parents need to grieve and come to terms with the loss of a beloved pet. Beyond the physical need for it, the process of saying goodbye is, in itself, healing. Remembering our loved ones, sharing stories about them, looking at photos all helps us deal with the pain of losing them. The grieving process for pets is no different. Related: Dealing With The Death Of Your Dog 4myfriend.com is a Vancouver start-up that offers online memorials devoted to memories of loved and lost pets. Sometimes, just putting your thoughts and feelings to paper is enough to lift that looming gray cloud. Creating a memorial can be an incredibly therapeutic way to work through the grieving process and 4myfriend.com lets you share your precious memories easily in a beautiful and lasting way through words, pictures and video. “Losing a pet is incredibly tough, it’s like losing a member of your family. 4myfriend.com is a cost-effective channel created to help people work through it in much the same way. Now people can create the same type of beautiful tribute we usually only see for celebrities in the obituary section of a newspaper,” said Keith Stride, founder and president of 4myfriend.com. “The site is easy to use and a great way to celebrate their life in a tasteful and lasting way.” Related: Helping A Child Cope With A Loss Of A Pet Once you’ve created your pet’s tribute page, it’s easy to share on various social media platforms. Set up a guest book and invite people to sign and share comments. Or, if you choose, invite people to donate to a charity of your choice – the SPCA, for example. What better way to honor your pet than by helping other animals? Your online memorial is easy to create and navigate, with mobile capability for viewing on smartphones and tablets. The service is open to pet parents around the world (the site is only available in English right now). In terms of cost options, you can set up a memorial for free (for one photo and up to 50 words) to $35 (up to 30 photos and videos, and unlimited text). For most pet parents, the results are priceless. If you’d like to set up an online memorial for a pet who has crossed the Rainbow Bridge, visit 4myfriend.com.

New Bill Introduced To Bring Retired Military Dogs Home After Overseas

The Military Working Dog Retirement Act means to leave no dog behind after serving their duty. If the law passes, military dogs will be brought back to the U.S. for a well-deserved retirement. It seems the military motto of No Man Left Behind is finally living up to its lofty ideal as legislation has just been introduced to ensure that military working dogs are brought home to the U.S. after they are no longer needed in combat roles overseas. To be honest, it never occurred to me that they weren’t brought home! Related: HABRI Grants $42,000 To Study Effects Of Service Dogs On War Veterans With PTSD Driven by Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, the new Military Working Dog Retirement Act of 2015 means the Department of Defense has to bring home trained military dogs in cases of injury and/or decommissioning. The current practice is to simply leave them behind for adoption in the country where their service ends. Worse, if their war-time buddies including handlers and veterans wanted to bring them home they had to come up with the funds to cover the associated costs. “The bond between these military working dogs and their handlers is unique,” says Wyden. “By bringing these dogs that have served alongside our men and women in uniform back to the United States, this bill can provide assistance to veterans while supporting the close bond between these dogs and our soldiers returning home.” Related: Dogs Help People Who Have Seen Too Much [Video] Acknowledging the special bond that is created between the men, women and dogs that serve their country, the forward-thinking Senator feels that reuniting them back on U.S. soil will go a long way in supporting and assisting returning veterans, many of whom suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). But spending time in combat, sniffing for roadside bombs and explosive devices can take its toll on a military dog and the estimated 2,000 pooches currently out there will require special care on retirement. In my mind, who better to care for a four-legged veteran than his handler? Paws Assisting Veterans Service Dogs (PAVE) supports the bill stating it’s high time dogs that have put their lives on the line during military service are acknowledged and honored for their work. The organization trains service dogs for veterans who return to the United States with mental or physical disabilities and appreciate the comfort that comes from a dog – especially one that has walked the walk.

Pug

Pug Basics The Pug can be one of the most polarizing breeds of dog out there: some people think they’re immeasurably cute, and some people don’t mince words, simply decrying them as “ugly.” It’s hard to imagine anyone where dare say something so horrible about this wonderful animals, but it is tragically true. If you’re a Pug-lover, you’ll probably find that no breed in the dog world quite pulls on your heart strings like this tiny creature. They are just that lovable. Some people think that Pugs are related to Bulldogs, and given the physical similarities between the two, it’s hard to debate that theory. But this dog breed is generally of a disposition that is quite different than that of Bulldogs. They can generally be quiet and friendly, or sometimes rather rambunctious and outgoing. If you’ve read this far, you’ll probably agree that there’s no breed quite like the Pug. Even its puppies have a cute name – Puglets! But there’s more to this breed than meets the eye, and that’s exactly what we’re going to discover in this brief guide to the dog breed. Want to know if a Pug is the right dog to bring home to your family? Good news, you’ve come to the right place to find out. All you need to do is keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. Everything that you could possibly want to know about the Pug is about to be revealed. So, read away and by the time that you’re done this article, you’ll know whether or not your need to race out to your nearest Pug breeder. If you’re a Pug-lover, you’ll probably find that no breed in the dog world quite pulls on your heart strings like this tiny creature. Origin Pugs have Chinese origins, dating back to ancient China, making the breed an ancient and historic breed. These dogs were actually bred back in ancient China to be perfect complements to the Emperor’s lap, which partially explains the form-fitting and lap-lounging shape that Pugs retain to this day today. There is even reference to a “short-mouthed dog” in the works of Confucius. Pugs have become popular in the Western world as well. The Dutch East India Company imported these dogs to the Western world in the 16th century, giving Pugs as strong a history in Europe as many breeds. Pugs even became the official dog of the House of Orange in 1572. The breed can also be found in a number of historic European paintings and portraits. Pugs became popular in France in ensuing centuries. Josephine, before her marriage to Napoleon, had her dog carry messages for her. That dog was a Pug and one of many thriving in France at the time. Today, Pugs are known as mild-mannered dogs perfect for modern and city life – an odd thing considering how these dogs have enjoyed lavish surroundings even in the ancient World. However, Pugs are quite adaptable and amenable dogs who do well in practically every environment, no matter how big or small. Pedigree

Schnoodle

Schnoodle BasicsAfter sliding its furry form into the hearts of dog lovers everywhere, the Schnoodle is gaining popularity as a must-have designer dog. The Schnoodle seems to exploding in popularity exponentially, with dog lovers everywhere desperate to get their hands on this delightful animal. As a mixed breed, this adorable pooch has two purebred parents- the Schnauzer and the Poodle. This hybrid breed fills the role of many types of dog – lap dog, family dog, therapy dog and even a show stopper. You could say this is a well-rounded breed that will fill any position available! Not only is the Schnoodle cute and adorable, it is playful and lovable, making him the ideal family pet. It’s hard to find anyone who won’t fall for a Schnoodle.With a wide range of sizes available, Schnoodles come is small, medium and larger sizes. Depending on the size of Poodle and Schnauzer bred, your Schnoodle can weigh anywhere from 10 to 60 pounds (Schnauzer come in Miniature, Standard, and Giant, while Poodles come in Toy, Miniature, and Standard sizes). And, because of the Poodle mixed in, this dog has a hypoallergenic coat, which makes him an attractive pet for allergy sufferers. Please read on to learn about this wonderful hybrid dog breed.In addition to Schnoodle, this designer dog is also known as Mini Schnoodle, Miniature Schnoodle, Schnauzerdoodle, or Schnauzerpoo.So is this dog with multiple names, a variety of sizes, and endless reasons to love him worth bringing home to your family? There’s only one way to find out. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. Everything that you could possibly want to know about the Schnoodle is about to be revealed!Making its way into the hearts of dog lovers everywhere, the Schnoodle is gaining popularity as a must-have designer dog.Origin Developed in the 1980s, the Schnoodle made its appearance due to an increased interest in Poodle mixes. The “culprit” for the popularity of all things doodle was the first designer dog to be created- the Labradoodle. Breeders came to realize that the exceptional intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle bring a lot of value to the mix. Crossbreeds with this breed in the family tree still remain one of the most popular hybrids!Although it’s not as popular as many other Poodle crosses, Schnoodle is gathering a dedicated following, thanks in part to its playful good nature and low- shedding, low-dander coat. Unfortunately, like most designer dogs, there isn’t much know about this specific breed’s history beyond those details. Sadly, there simply isn’t much documentation kept about the history of hybrid dogs, unlike purebreds.Pedigree

Best Air Fresheners for Pet-Friendly Households

There are many joys to life with pets, but the array of smells you’ll experience is definitely not on that list. While there are some hypoallergenic breeds of cats and dogs that produce little to no smell, the reality is that all pets do have a smell to them – some people don’t mind it, and others are bothered by the faintest whiff of it. In addition to their bodily scent, pets can also be messy – a dirty litter box, a dog mucked in a stinky substance, or gassiness all contribute to a certain smell in the home. To eliminate all pet-related odors in their home and to keep everything fresh-smelling at all times, your best bet is air fresheners that are specially formulated to tackle pet odors. We’ve selected the best air fresheners for pet-friendly households that will leave your home smelling lovely and clean and banish pet odors once and for all, without causing harm or irritating your pet’s sensitive respiratory system.

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