Over the last few years, watching “The National Dog Show Presented by Purina” on NBC after the Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thanksgiving has become a tradition. While the turkey is cooking, the cranberries are chilling and the pies are baking, we have the TV on so we can see all the beautiful dogs in all shapes as sizes as they strut across the floor in Philadelphia. Hosted again this year by John O’Hurley and expert analyst David Frei, this year’s show will be a little different: Viewers will now get a chance to participate and vote in their own “Viewers Choice Best in Show!” Once the remaining seven Best In Show competitors have been selected, the television audience will be able to vote online at dogshow.NBCSports.com... [Read more]

The American Kennel Club has announced they’re recognizing three more dog breeds as the 162nd, 163rd, and the 164th AKC registered breeds. Redbone Coonhound The three “new” breeds are the Bluetick Coonhound, the Boykin Spaniel and the Redbone Coonhound (pictured above), and will be eligible for full AKC registration and competition in their respective groups at conformation shows held on and after December 30, 2009. “We are happy that Boykin Spaniel, Bluetick Coonhound and Redbone Coonhound will be joining the ranks of fully-recognized AKC breeds,” said Mari-Beth O’Neill, AVP of Customer Service. “Although these breeds have been classified in two different groups, all three possess energetic natures and... [Read more]

Arizona author Robin Reynolds has put together a book titled Life to the Max: Maxims for A Great Life by a Dog named Max, based on philosophy she’s learned from her dog Max. Reynolds’ inspiration to write the award-winning book was provided by the family dog, an Airedale Terrier rescue named Max. The book follow’s Max as he and his family deal with issues of abandonment, rescue, friendship, adoption, love, illness, aging and loss. Reynolds has provided some cute “long-term investment” tips for dealing with the recent economic turmoil: ~ Capitalize on the bond market. If you’re looking for a great investment with a high return rate, rescue a dog. There is nothing like the unconditional love and acceptance of a... [Read more]

Some pets love traveling while others can find it very stressful. Owners can prepare and minimize stress by knowing ahead of time what dangers and triggers affect their pets, and head them off at the pass. These travel tips from the American Humane Association can help ensure that holiday trips, and travels year-round, are safe and enjoyable for people and their pets! 1. Properly identify pets with ID tags and microchips: Make sure you have your pets’ ID, current rabies tags and that they’re microchipped. To be extra cautious, attach an additional tag with the address and phone number of where you will be staying for the duration of the trip to your pet’s collar, in case they get lost after you arrive. 2. Train pets to travel... [Read more]

During the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, many businesses and stores run food drives for canned and non-perishable food items to be donated to those who are less fortunate and not able to afford a Thanksgiving meal on their own. For animal lovers, this can mean a double dose of giving: along with donating some canned goods or a sack of groceries at the grocery store, consider dropping off an unopened bag or cans of cat or dog food, or even a bag of litter to your local Humane Society or pet shelter as well. Not only do the food and supplies benefit animals at the shelter, but many shelters nationwide also distribute items to people who are in need of them, and whose pets may not be able to eat without the help of the donations. For more... [Read more]