Pug Song: Video
October 26, 2010 in Fun Videos, News
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by Melody Chen
by Melody Chen
by Melody Chen
More Second-Home Communities Welcome Pets
October 25, 2010 in Environment, Lifestyle News, News
By Larry Olmsted for USA TODAY
Pets, especially dogs, have never been as big a part of the family as they are today.
From sitters to spas, massages and antidepressants, people spare no expense when it comes to their pets — even during tough economic times. Americans will spend $47.7 billion on their pets this year, up from $45.5 billion last year, the American Pet Product Association estimates. Almost two-thirds of U.S. households, 62%, have a pet, according to the most recent National Pet Owners Survey. That’s some 71.4 million homes — and about 45% of the pets are dogs, the survey finds.
Any wonder that the search for second homes includes pet accommodations? Developers of second homes and real estate agents are taking that into consideration. Realty firms that specialize in pet-friendly sales can now be found in most major cities.
“Many of our clients refuse to even travel to look at potential properties without bringing their four-legged friends,” says Marian Schaffer, owner of Southeast Discovery, a realty and consultancy firm that specializes in retirement and second homes — and spots pet-friendly ones.
“Developers are starting to recognize dog parks as an important amenity,” Schaffer says. “We visit over 100 communities annually, and we’re seeing more and more parks. At Rarity Bay in (Vonore) Tennessee, the dog park has its own website. I’ve never seen a community with a dog park website before, and that shows the current level of interest.”
People take their pets, especially dogs, with them when they travel. Hotels have become more pet friendly. Cars, like the Honda Element SUV, are advertised as dog-friendly. Second-home communities are embracing pet owners, too, and making pet amenities selling points.
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by Melody Chen
Experts Differ On Whether Halloween Costumes Embarrass Dogs
October 25, 2010 in Holidays, Lifestyle News, News
By Lana Berkowitz for chron.com
Search “why dogs hate Halloween” online and you will find a million photos of dogs in goofy outfits.
Dogs are dressed as lobsters, Yoda and Elvis. They sport bikinis, rabbit ears and superhero costumes. Those who upload the photos, as well as those who comment on them, usually assume the animals are unhappy or embarrassed.
Which prompts the question: Do dogs feel humiliation?
Experts who work with animals disagree.
Sonya Fitzpatrick, of The Pet Psychic fame and host of Animal Intuition on Sirius XM, says they do.
“They feel everything. And they know when people laugh at them,” said Fitzpatrick, who lives in The Woodlands.
“I talk to thousands of animals, and even if people laugh at them if they have been cut too short, it really hurts their feelings,” she said. She has seven dogs and uses only bandannas for their accessories.
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by Melody Chen
Airline Worker Runs For Dog On Tarmac
October 25, 2010 in Dog Safety, Endangerment, News
By Aldo Santin for Winnipeg Free Press
An Air Canada employee has lost his driving privileges at Winnipeg airport for seven days after he drove a service vehicle on to an active runway in a bid to catch a dog that had slipped out of its container.
He’s being disciplined, but the dog is alive and well.
Christine Alongi, spokeswoman for Winnipeg Airports Authority, said the Air Canada cargo handler violated airport procedures by driving the tug on to the runway.
“The driver did not have radio contact with the tower,” said Alongi. “He did not follow the processes.”
Union spokesman Lorne Hammerberg said three Air Canada employees saw the dog, jumped on to the tug and gave chase.
“Two of those guys jumped off before the tug drove on to the runway,” Hammerberg said.
The driver thought the dog posed a threat to aircraft when he continued his pursuit, said Hammerberg.
“I guess no good deed goes unpunished,” Hammerberg said.
Alongi said the dog did not pose a threat to aircraft and was later caught and returned to its container.
Alongi said the airport authority suspended the Air Canada employee’s vehicle operator’s permit; the individual will be retested once the suspension is served before he can drive in the terminal area again.
“We will want to make sure he understands the processes and procedures and the violation,” Alongi said.
Hammerberg said the employee was not disciplined and will not lose wages.
by Kenn Bell
Missing Dog Alert! Lakeside, California. Male, Chihuahua Mix
October 24, 2010 in Missing Dog Alert, News
State: California
Town: Lakeside
LOST: Tombstone (Too-Me) Chihuahua mix – male
Last seen on Wednesday, 10/20/10 – approximately 6:25 pm, just after dark, on Rocky Lane in Lakeside, CA.
We’re not sure if a car spooked him up the mountain, down the dirt roads or if someone picked him up.
A car was seen in his immediate vicinity right when he disappeared. I heard him bark then nothing. We searched immediately but could not locate him. We’ve been searching everywhere since.
10/21/10 – a teenage girl thought she saw a little boy pick up a dog of his description but she could not remember the exact location – it probably would have been close to Mid-Ranch Road in Lakeside.
Even little dogs have been known to travel great distances the longer they are lost.
We are asking everybody no matter where you live, to please keep an eye out.
New dogs in the neighborhood, shelters, vets, rescues, groomers, etc. He is shy, but might come to you.
Our family is devastated by his loss – my daughters and I especially. Please help us bring him home safely.
Thank you!
Penelle Hart
Lakeside CA
619-760-6963
LunaXDiablo@aol.com
by Kenn Bell
Stunning Dog Photography #12
October 24, 2010 in Dog Photography, News
by Kenn Bell
