The American Kennel Club has announced they’re recognizing three more dog breeds as the 162nd, 163rd, and the 164th AKC registered breeds.
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 …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 …read more

I didn’t find this until today, but with Veteran’s Day just yesterday, I think it’s appropriate to share now! I admit, watching this video made me tear up!
A returned soldier is greeted at the door by his very happy beagles, who give him not only the standard licks and tail waggles, but some very enthusiastic vocal work as well!
I haven’t been able to find out much more about the video, just that it appears the soldier has returned home after a while away, and his wife or girlfriend made sure she caught their dogs’ reactions on video as …read more

With the news last week of an Iowa cat that contracted the H1N1 flu virus, pet owners in China are becoming a little more fastidious with their pet care: they’re dressing their dogs up in jackets and masks donated by the FBI!

Though there have been no reported cases of canines catching the H1N1 virus, the extra precautions do decrease the airborne risks of catching any illnesses, and they also prevent the dogs from contact exposure with other dogs which can help keep them from catching the canine flu, or H3N8.
I know neither of my two dogs would stand for this, …read more

Talk To Me Pets brand pet treats have introduced a fun new pet product especially for the holidays:

These “howliday” greeting cards are not only a nice little thought for your favorite four-legged friends, but they come with treats built right in that they’ll appreciate even more!
The Talk To Me Treats greeting cards come filled with 0.7 oz of Talk To Me Treats Fresh Breath and Dental Care treats (which are the perfect size to put inside the Talk To Me Treatball), and dog-lovers can choose between “Happy Howlidays,” “Merry Christmas,” or a brand new “Tis the Season” cards.
The greeting cards, …read more

The Safe Dog Handbook for dog owners outlines a lot of safety points, both basic and some lesser known on the care and keeping of your four-legged friends.

Last week I ran a giveaway for the book, and today I pick the lucky winner! Entrants were asked to give a tip or advice on how they keep their dogs safe or to talk about a close-call incident they may have had in the past.
The lucky winner of “The Safe Dog Handbook,” chosen at random, is: Laurie! Priscilla!
Priscilla says: “When I leave my little Cujo alone in the house,I walk though the …read more

Being small dogs, my two chihuahuas generally only get one treat a day, and that’s usually at the end of the day before they go into their crate for the night. It’s nothing special, usually just a baked treat I’ve made for them, and they’ll eat it up before settling down.

I was recently sent a few bags of the Bit-O-Luv brand dog treats to try, and truth be told, I’ve never seen my dogs eyeball where it is I put the treats after I’ve given them one, but they know exactly which cupboard these are in! As soon as they …read more

The Associated Press and Petside.com recently conducted a survey of 1,166 pet owners asking them how far they’d go to save their cat or dog’s life in the event of a pet emergency.

Among the questions asked and how they were answered, the results included:
~ 63% of dog owners and 53% of cat owners would be at least somewhat likely to perform CPR on their pet.
~ 65% of women vs. 50% of men say they’d be more likely to perform CPR.
~ 54% don’t have a fire evacuation plan.
~ 41% have had at least one incident requiring an emergency trip to the …read more

Halloween is still a week and a half away so there’s just enough time to put in an order for a cute dog costume!

These adorable bat wings are from Barker & Meowsky for just under $20.
Made from black chintz, the wings fit around the back of your pup securely with black cording that ties under the chest. Available in two sizes, with the small fitting dogs up to twenty pounds, and the large fitting dogs up to 45 pounds, though the size says the larger wings can be tinkered with at home to fit larger dogs.
I think these would …read more

It’s a busy time of year for pets and their people. From keeping dogs and cats safe from changes going on outside to making sure inside hazards such as decorations and foods are kept out of reach, we can all use a few reminders and helpful hints now and then!

~ Getting You and Your Pets Ready for Winter at Janet Roper
~ 13 Halloween Pet Safety Tips from Petside
~ Preparing Your Pet for Winter at 4 the Love of Animals
~ Diabetes in Pets from Dolittler
~ World’s Largest Scooby Snack at Dogs Trust
~ What Is Natural Pet Food? from Scratchings and Sniffings
~ …read more