Diary of Dog - Oct. 31, 2008

8:27 AM Happy Howl-a-ween! We can't wait to put on our costumes and scare all the kids in the neighborhood. We are going to bark at everyone if we can get away with it.
Oh....mom's in the kitchen fixing up some Halloween doggie treats....looks like carob cookies for us today....yum, yum, yum...
Mom's getting out our costumes so we can model - Put it on me mom, so I can eat it!

Halloween Hazards

Not all canines enjoy Halloween as we do. Screaming kids, ghosts, goblins and whatever else roaming the neighborhood can be frightening for the canine. Even if your dog is well socialized and normally friendly with others - (of both the human and animal variety), please be aware that tricks, treats and the party hardy atmosphere can trigger the fight or flee instinct in your dog.

If you have an outside dog, be kind and keep the dog in a safe area for the evening - either the house or garage so that they are not bombarded with the ghosts and goblins. If your dog is lucky enough to stay indoors, insure they don't get startled by kids screaming and ringing doorbells. Perhaps keep them in a family room or bedroom away from the door with the TV or radio playing to help block out the strange noises.

The other major hazard for canines at Halloween is chocolate. Remember that chocolate is a poisonous substance for canines. Chocolate contains a "killer" ingredient for dogs called theobromine. Theobromine in the canine can cause trembling, an increased nervousness and excitement, an increased heart rate, seizures, coma and excessive panting. It has also been known to trigger heart attacks in older dogs. Another complication of ingesting theobromine is that it metabolizes very slowly which means it takes about six days to exit your dog's body.

(If your dog does get into the chocolate, go to your local vet or emergency animal clinic immediately!!!!)

So remember, don't let the dogs sample the chocolates but if you want a special Halloween treat for the canines, try some of our treats listed below. These are safe but don't overindulge!



So remember, NO CHOCOLATE FOR DOGS!
Plan a safe evening for yourself, your children, your canines and HAPPY HOWL-A-WEEN!.

Halloween 2008

Wow, where has this year gone? It is already time for Halloween.
We got our Halloween costumes through our Amazon store. Bailey is stalking the neighborhood as a hotdog, Lucy is the pig - though we won't make her wear lipstick and Sheba is the skunk!
Are your canines ready for Halloween?
-


Please remember to keep your canine safe and be aware of canine costumes with snaps, buttons or other features which are easily ingested - Your dog might consider the costume edible!

Diary of Dog - Oct. 27, 2008

8:27 AM - whoa...mom's not been keeping up with our diary..perhaps we are boring or else we are keeping her too busy! It's probably because there is a ghost in the house and we have to get her up to check out those spooky noises in the middle of the night!

Update on Iraqi Dog - Ratchet

We were delighted to read the following article on the Iraqi dog, Ratchet as
reported on www.zootoo.com

"October 20, 2008
Iraq Dog, Ratchet, Finally Comes Home
By Amy Lieberman

After two thwarted rescue attempts, Ratchet, a stray dog adopted by a U.S. Army specialist in Iraq, is on his way back to the United States.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Ratchet, the military dog detained by the U.S. Army in Iraq for the past few weeks, is slated to arrive in Washington, D.C., today.

This marks the third and final rescue effort for Ratchet, a six-month-old stray U.S. Army Spc. Gwen Beberg rescued from a burning pile of trash in May.

After Beberg was notified that she was to transfer bases two weeks ago, she contacted the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International and put the puppy on a convoy with soldiers heading toward the Baghdad airport.

Along the journey, however, Ratchet was confiscated by the U.S. Army, as Pet Pulse previously reported.

The SPCA International dispatched volunteers to rescue the dog last Wednesday in hopes of bringing him to Beberg's parents' Spring Lake Park, Minn., home.

While the military gave the dog clearance to leave the country on Wednesday afternoon, the action didn't come soon enough. Ratchet missed his flight with five other strays, accompanied by Terri Crisp, Operation Baghdad Pups' program manager.

Crisp returned to Baghdad on Sunday. She and Ratchet are now expected to arrive at Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C., this afternoon.

"Today, the old saying is proven true, 'the third time's a charm,' " SPCA's press release, issued today, said.

Ratchet's story has sparked a frenzy of media coverage, political support and attention from the public. Sens. Amy Klobuchar, (D-Minn.), and Norm Coleman, (R-Minn.), have both campaigned on Beberg and Ratchet's behalf.

More than 67,000 petitioners have also voiced support for Ratchet's return.

According to the U.S. Army's General Order 1A, service members are prohibited from "adopting as pets or mascots, caring for, or feeding any type of domestic or wild animal."

Military officers have often looked the other way, though, and allowed soldiers to train and house stray dogs and cats, which provide them with much-needed comfort, SPCA International spokeswoman Stephanie Scroggs says.

Ratchet will now be cleared through the Center for Disease Control and "given a thorough medical evaluation by a local Virginia veterinarian," the SPCA release said.

"As long as Ratchet receives a clean bill of health, he will fly to his final destination, Minneapolis, Minn., on Wednesday."

Northwest Airlines, a Minnesota based airline company, provided for Ratchet and Crisp's flight from Kuwait to Minneapolis.

Operation Baghdad Pups is an SPCA International program that relocates military dogs and cats from the Middle East to the U.S.

Since its first mission in September 2007, Operation Baghdad Pups has rescued and transported more than 50 dogs and cats unofficially adopted by U.S. servicemen.

Beberg is on a 15-month deployment to Iraq and is expected to return to Minnesota sometime in November, her mother Pat Beberg told Pet Pulse."

We at Canine Element send warm wishes to Ms. Beberg for her service and her dedication to Ratchet. Welcome Home!

Difficult Economic Times Affecting Pets

No doubt, these are difficult economic times. Perhaps some of the most challenging financial times since the Great Depression. Unemployment, higher prices, the cost of fuel: just a few of the factors that challenge us humans and our pet families nationwide on a daily basis.

While I'd rather not think about it, we need to recognize as foreclosures have increased, many animals lose their families as their owners lose their homes. As people in financial crisis find themselves moving to places where they cannot have pets, or they simply cannot afford to keep their pets, shelters across the nation are seeing an increase in the number of pets abandoned or relinquished.

As a result of this tragic crisis, HSUS and many other rescue groups are attempting to address these issues to help pet owners keep their pets. While it is devastating to lose your home, we do not want you to lose a beloved family member too.

So if you are a pet owner in financial trouble, we urge you to check with local shelters or rescue groups for information about temporary assistance (for example: some shelters and food banks can provide pet food for a short term, temporary foster care, and possibly lower-cost vet care in some situations.)

Additionally, the HSUS has a broad range of information on its website, including how to market yourself to a rental property manager if you're a pet owner, how to save money on pet care, and links to pet-friendly apartments. Go to hsus.org and type "foreclosure pets" into the search function for additional information. Please remember it is illegal and cruel to simply abandon a pet. If you cannot take care of them, at least bring them to your local shelter.

For the rest of us, what can we do?
Canine Element calls upon you to consider helping in any way possible. We've listed a few ways below and we also ask that you contact us with the ways you are making a difference! We would love to hear from you and your community.

Please make charitable contributions to your local shelters. If you cannot contribute financially, how about volunteering some time? Most shelters and rescue groups need volunteers for a variety of tasks.

Approach your local food bank and help them set up the "Pet Soup" program (see our post dated Tuesday - Oct. 14, 2008 and visit their site at http://tinyurl.com/4d8ngl)

Consider being a Foster Parent for a pet.

Approach your places of worship and ask that a pet fund be included for families in need.

Donate food, bedding, toys etc. to your local shelters.

If you are a landlord, please allow people to have pets. Work with your tenants so they can pay a pet deposit over time.

If your looking to adopt a pet, please adopt from your local shelter or rescue group.

If you are a pet owner, please spay and neuter your pet.

We wish all of you the best as we navigate through these troubling times.

Diary of Dog - Oct. 20, 2008

8:27 AM - Let's play Mom!

67 Days to Christmas

Time to start thinking about decorating the tree. A few years ago, in honor of the granddogs, my mom decorated one of her Christmas trees with a dog theme. Much to all of the families delight and surprise, she had collected the cutest ornaments of just about every popular dog breed she could find. Not only did we find the tree covered with the infamous Snoopy, there were Labs, Retrievers, Afghan Hounds, Poodles, Terriers, Maltese - many more breeds than I can name at this point and cute little dog bones too. Underneath the tree, she had wrapped doggie treats and toys for each of her beloved granddogs. Needless to say, the tree was one of the many highlights of that Christmas and we still talk about it today!

If you and your family love dogs or your shopping for a dog lover, how about trimming the tree with some doggie ornaments? They are guaranteed to make the dog lover smile and I'll bet you hear a few "awes" too. Over the next few weeks, we'll continue to feature a variety of ornaments and we hope you enjoy them as much as we do in our household.

Diary of Dog - Oct. 18, 2008

8:27 AM MOM, MOM, MOM, Chipmunk is in the yard! Come quick, let us out. We've got to get it. Woof, Woof, Woof - it's running away - let us out, let us out!
Not a moment too soon, mom gets the door open and the chase is on - Awwwwwh, it is gone - where did it go? Search, Sheba, Search! I'll go this way, you go that way and maybe we can sniff it out -
Frantically running around the fence, Bailey, Sheba and Lucy do their best to find the Chipmunk but the Chipmunk survives another day!

69 Days to Christmas

Check out some of the current deals we found on Amazon, get that shopping done and help the economy!

Trimming Nails on Those Paws!

Have you ever tried to trim your dog's nails? Do you spend more time wrestling with your dog than actually clipping the nails? Or perhaps, you used the "guillotine" style such as the ORRCO PET NAIL CLIPPERS Guillotine trimmer? While these are great clippers, you know it is difficult to judge where the nail and quick meet and a nip in the quick is painful for your dog.

If your like me, you hope your canine gets enough exercise to keep those nails worn down naturally and if not, you leave the task to your veterinarian when you go for the annual checkup. But hey, even my vet has hit the quick on occasion and I found myself wondering if there was an easier way to promote natural nail trimming. Luckily for us, a breeder shared her strategy which I think is worth passing along.

She got a small piece of plywood and a couple of boards and built a ramp. She then purchased some self-adhesive, safety strips for stair treads from the local hardware store and attached those to her ramp. These strips are basically made out of sand paper. Since her dogs like to ride in the car, she sets up the ramp and then has them walk up the ramp to get in the car. When she isn't using the ramp for the car, she has it set up in her backyard and has trained the dogs to walk up it as a playtime activity. It's like having a giant emery board they walk across and it gets the job done! I thought that was a great idea.

But in case you don't have time to build a ramp and your looking for alternatives to the "guillotine" style, many breeders and groomers use the Dremel 761-03 7,000/14,000 RPM Cordless Pet Nail Grooming Rotary Tool so they can safely grind down the nail.

Another tool that we are seeing on TV lately is the new PediPaws. We have not tried the PediPaws yet so if anyone out there likes this product, then please let us know.

Happy Trimming Means Happy Paws!

Diary of Dog - Oct. 16, 2008

8:27 AM - Hey...mom is doing something to Lucy- let's all gather around and see what she is doing. Is Lucy getting a treat? Oh no...mom's got some kind of medicine - let's all hide...Run, Lucy, Run.
Bailey and Sheba head out the door...ahhh, too bad for Lucy..mom got her and she's getting medicine in those droopy eyes...don't worry Lucy, Sheba will lick it off as soon as mom leaves:))

Diary of Dog - Oct. 15, 2008

8:27 AM - Lucy gets to go for a ride - (Sheba & Bailey) why can't we all go?
We want to go! We want to go! We want to go! Oh no..mom said the v word....we do not want to go to the vet...send Lucy!

Event: Blog Action Day 2008 Poverty

Today is the second annual 'Blog Action Day'.

Blogs all around the world will be making posts similar to this one throughout the day.

To learn out more about Blog Action Day, or to make a contribution, simply click on the graphic below.

Together, we can make a difference.

71 Days to Christmas - Shopping Tips for Dogs & Dog Lovers

Perhaps your shopping for the Dog and Dog Lover that has just about everything one can imagine. Every gift you can think of is already tucked away in their closet, stuck on their book shelf or buried in the toy chest. So this year, instead of handing over another gift you know they don't need, how about making a charitable donation in their name or their beloved dog's name? As we posted earlier, the South Carolina HSPCA has set up a food bank for pets. If your in their vicinity, they need pet food but you can always make a monetary donation too. In addition to the HSPCA, shelters all across our country need help. As people lose their homes and face financial crisis, they are abandoning their pets at an alarming rate. For those of us who believe a pet adoption is for life, it is especially tragic to see the rise of animals left to fend for themselves or dropped off at a shelter.
So consider a charitable donation to your local shelter and rescue group. Your Dog Lover will be honored!
This idea gets a 4 Paw Salute from our 4 leggeds at Canine Element:)) WOOF!

Pet Soup - HSPCA launches Food Bank for Pets

No doubt these are troubling financial times for many Americans. Between Wall Street woes and job cuts, many families are having difficulty even putting food on their tables. Unfortunately, these difficult times are filtering down to our 4 legged friends as well. Many people are abandoning their pets and animal shelter intakes are reaching their maximum capacity across the country.
In order to address this problem in South Carolina, the Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals teamed up with the Harvest Hope Food Bank to initiate a food bank for pets - called Pet Soup! As a result of this new program, clients seeking services and resources from Harvest Hope can also pick up food for their pets. We think this is a wonderful idea but they need our help! If you can donate pet food, either dry or canned or perhaps make a donation, we know they will put it to good use. To read more about the program and find out where to deliver your donation, see their site: http://tinyurl.com/4d8ngl
We hope to see more programs such as this initiated in every state.

Diary of Dog - Oct. 14, 2008

8:27 AM WOOOOOOOOF! We have human company this morning. Some one else to play and pet us. Come on mom, open the door. Hurry, hurry, hurry. We want to see her and give her some big licks! We love this other human and we miss her. (Sheba) I'll fetch a piece of paper and bring it to her. She'll love that!

Lots of excitement this morning. Almost better than seeing the squirrel run across the fence.

72 Days to Christmas - Shopping tips for dogs & dog lovers

If you are shopping for a dog lover, then we've found the perfect gift from National Geographic. This excellent video gives a history of the relationship between humans and canines. Touching, informative and a delightful addition to any dog lover's collection! Get it now!

Those Wonderful Dogs Video Learn how canines have helped humankind.

Diary of Dog - Oct. 13, 2008

8:27 AM Leaves are rustling, black birds squawking in the tree, and a cool morning breeze blowing through our fur. Fall is in the air and this cool weather makes us frisky. Let's play. I'll race you to the fence. Last one there gets tackled.

Bailey wins, Sheba is tackled and Lucy is left howling on the porch. Another beautiful day in the neighborhood!

Gift Idea: Together by Tom Sullivan with Betty White

I am way behind on my Tivo'ed episodes of Ellen. So, today while I was ironing shirts for the week, I decided to watch a few. Betty White was on one I watched. She talked about the book Together written by Tom Sullivan with Betty White. I haven't read the book but it sounds like a perfect present for some of my dog loving friends (shhhh don't tell them). Here is part of the book description from Amazon: Brenden McCarthy feels like he's lost everything. His fiancee. His independence. And his passion for life. All due to one tragic misstep while mountain climbing that cost him his sight. But he's about to gain the last thing he ever expected. A big-hearted black Labrador named Nelson who's given one last shot at being a Seeing Eye dog. Both are beyond hope and resigned to live alone. And both are about to experience a bond of friendship that develops when they least expect it. Together is a heartwarming story for anyone who's ever lost sight of what matters most in life . . . but has hope that there's more. I suggest you buy a few copes for your dog loving friends.

73 Days to Christmas - Shopping tips for dogs & dog lovers

We think the dog lovers work too much but if you've got to work, then we want you to remember what's important. Let this little gift serve as a reminder.
We think it will bring a smile to your face and it won't break the bank!
Happy Howlidays! Another 4 paw recommendation!

Lessons Dogs Teach Us

On warm days, stop to lie under a tree.

On hot days, drink lots of water and park yourself under a shady tree.

Take frequent naps.

Stretch before rising unless you see a squirrel - then spring into action.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Run, romp, and play daily.

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your tail. Let your entire body follow.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk and don't forget to smell the poop no, we mean roses) along the way.

Be a loyal companion.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY! HAPPINESS DOES NOT COST A THING!

Diary of Dog - Oct. 12, 2008

8:27 AM - Mom's in the other room talking to Harve, that pet rabbit. We still don't understand what makes it a pet and not our dinner but... oh well. Mom & Grandmom made it very clear that we would be in big, big trouble if we tried to get Harve. We just want to see & sniff Mom...we promise not to bite. Won't you let us see him, please, please, please??? Forget the rabbit, the squirrels outside...let us out!

74 Days to Christmas - shopping tips

If you or your friends are in the mindset that a raw diet is nutritionally superior for the canine, then perhaps the suggestion of a meat grinder and dog food cookbook from yesterday's post might well be at the top of your shopping list. After surveying several dog chefs that prepare daily raw diets for their dogs, Canine Element is here to report that the Northern Industrial Electric Meat Grinder comes highly recommended. While most dogs don't have a problem gnawing and swallowing raw meaty bones, others seem to do better when the bone is ground. The Northern Industrial can easily handle necks, thighs, knuckle and large pieces of bone without you having to chop or saw the bone into smaller pieces first. It is stainless steel, easy to clean and basically very low maintenance. You can even buy an attachment and make some boneless sausage for the human meat eaters in the family. What a deal!
If you don't know much about balanced raw food meals for canines or you want to expand your knowledge of a raw diet and canine nutrition, then we suggest you take a look at Real Dogs Don't Eat Kibble! (Naturally Healthy Dog) by Sandra Bailey. An easy to read book with tips on foods to use, foods to avoid, portion control, boosting the immune system and of course, recipes.
These two items get a 4 paw salute in our household!

Top Stories

Diary of Dog - Oct. 11, 2008

8:27 AM Sun is shining and we (Bailey & Sheba) are ready to do Saturday morning fence patrol. No walking by our fence without a few ferocious sounding woofs. Darn...no humans or canines taking walks this morning, perhaps we can find the squirrel. Not even the squirrel stirs this morning. Except for some birds singing, it is quiet around here.
And where's Lucy? (Still in bed)

75 Days to Christmas

or whatever holiday humans celebrate.
A computer meltdown this morning so no snooping around the net for bargains yet today....maybe tomorrow. The canines think a meat grinder with a dog food cookbook is a great idea. They love raw meaty bones and home cooked meals.

Diary of Dog - Oct. 10, 2008

8:27 AM - Woof, Woof, Woof, Woof - There's a rabbit in the house! Are we having rabbit for breakfast? Mom says NO, NO, NO! She's babysitting for grandmother's pet rabbit. What makes one rabbit a pet and another one good for dinner? We don't know but it looks tasty to us. Dang, Mom closed us out of the rabbit's room. I wonder how we can get in there now!!! I guess we will all go lay down and have dreams of rabbit...right after our breakfast of course.

How Many Days to Christmas?

Woof, Woof - 76 Days to Christmas! OK, the market is crashing, the humans are getting laid off, and doom & gloom hovers. That could mean some slim pickins for the dog and dog lover under the tree...Unless..we sniff out those bargains. As we countdown to the holidays, rely on Canine Element to fetch the best gift ideas along with the deals.

DogBreedStore.com has dozens of bargain items available. Get them before they run out!

Diary of Dog - Oct. 9, 2008

8:27 AM - Mom's depressed - She's been watching CNBC most of the night while us canines were trying to sleep. Good thing dogs don't really suffer from insomnia but sometimes we might have a sleepless night. We are not sure why humans don't sleep much but you can bet a dog not sleeping means we probably need to see a vet. Sometimes physical problems, emotional problems, age or possibly some type of medication can keep us up.

Anyway, we'll definitely need naps today...well...Lucy should be good to go. She can sleep through anything.

Diary of Dog - Oct. 8, 2008

8:27 AM - Rain, Rain, Rain - we have not seen that in a long time! Shall we get wet? We really need to potty.. but...we are just not sure about getting wet first thing in the morning!
Lucy sticks her head out the door - no way - I'll wait till later..I'm headed back to my bed!
Sheba & Bailey look at one another - maybe if we run - we won't get too wet..so out we go, let's head straight for the puddle! Oh..First, let's potty, then play in the rain!
Now that we are soaked, mom needs to let us in! She's standing at the door with the towels. (Remember to shake before she puts the towel on you - she loves that!)
Bailey likes the towel massage mom gives but Sheba wants to play tug of the war with that towel. Sheba's stolen the towel and takes off through the house! We are having so much fun on this rainy day.

Sheba with Towel -

Diary of Dog - Oct. 7, 2008

8:27 AM - Mom's in the kitchen! All dog eyes are on the human as she gets out the Nuwave Oven. We know what that means - she is cooking for us! That oven thing is just awesome because it cooks so FAST! At least 50 percent faster than when she uses the regular oven or the stove. Woof, woof - chicken & veggies are on the menu today. Bailey tackles Sheba in hopes of making mom hurry up with the food. Wrestling, barking, jumping - we are ready to eat but wait....the squirrel is running on top of our fence. Let us out!!! It's time for a chase. Lucy watches all the activity but she is parked in the kitchen....She's not leaving until the food is served. Damn..no squirrel on the menu today...let's head back to the kitchen. We must say, we know our dog chef is thankful for the Nuwave oven. It makes cooking for our dog pack a breeze, especially since the chef is a vegetarian. Not much prep work with the deceased...just throw the poor frozen dead thing in the Nuwave Oven and it takes only minutes. To beat it all, its an energy-saver which mom really likes. It uses 1500 watts, as compared to 3500 watts of a conventional oven and since it cooks many foods faster, she can turn it off sooner and we get served sooner. Plus, that means she does not have to heat up the entire kitchen, as a full-size oven would. Not only is our human a dog chef, she thinks about our paw prints on the environment too! Have your human check it out - they can cook food for themselves in this thing too!

Diary of Dog - Oct. 6, 2008

8:27 AM - wow, wow! Mom has the leashes - are we walking or riding? Maybe we will do both. Bailey, Sheba and Lucy are gathered at the storm door watching mom's every move - the door dance begins - those tails wagging, heads swinging and paws shifting. Mom's outside - car door opens. Bailey busts open the storm door via her nose and leaps into the back seat. Lucy & Sheba are left at the door waiting to see if mom will open the door for them. She does and here we go! All in the van - off to the bank and over to grandmom's. Exciting! It's a beautiful day.

U.S. Military Commanding Officer Seizes Soldier's Dog

As if we don't have enough problems with the morale of our troops, now The SPCA International reports in their newsletter the following story:

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC October 1st - Operation Baghdad Pups is a SPCA International (www.SPCA.com) initiative created to provide medical care, clearance and transport for the animals our U.S. soldiers have come to love during deployment in the Middle East. Today, the United States military committed a crime against their own mentally wounded U.S. soldiers serving in Iraq. Commanding officers ordered the confiscation of a dog, Ratchet, befriended by a group of soldiers during a 15th month of deployment. Ratchet has been a lifeline to Sgt. Gwen Beberg. This morning, Ratchet was on his way to SPCA International rescue experts at the Baghdad Airport to be flown home to Gwen's parents in Minneapolis, MN when Sgt. Beberg's commanding officers ordered Ratchet confiscated and held in Iraq to face certain death.

“This year has been extremely difficult on my daughter and her family. It has been a year of disappointments, loneliness, and fear because of all the sacrifices the army has required of Gwen. Ratchet was the savior of her sanity. Now they have cruelly ripped Ratchet away from her and sentenced him to death. I don't know how my daughter will cope. Ratchet has been her lifeline,” explains Sgt. Beberg's mother, Patricia Beberg. Gwen Beberg, a decorated soldier, has been held by the military more than 15 months past her original commitment due to the stop-loss policy and now the military that asked extraordinary sacrifice from her has crushed her by ripping her lifeline away. Now, Sgt. Beberg is under military investigation for befriending the dog that saved her life.

It is against military regulations for active duty troops to befriend animals - Soldiers can face immediate court-marshal and some even see their animals brutally murdered by a direct gunshot to the head from commanding officers who will not bend the rules. Hundreds of U.S. soldiers in the Middle East befriend animals in the war zone to help themselves cope with the hardship and terror they face every day. These dogs and cats become their lifeline - saving them from deep depression and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The military refuses to help or formally recognize the lifeline these animals give to our mentally wounded soldiers. Veterans returned from Iraq are committing suicide at twice the rate of average Americans. The dogs and cats befriended by our troops rescued by Operation Baghdad Pups are providing proven pet therapy to soldiers who may otherwise suffer from PTSD and deep depression."

This is a disturbing and tragic story. Is a little bit of compassion too much to ask for these days?

Dog on Death Row

Please help save Brindi. Read about her story and if you are inclined, please sign the petition to stop this needless death sentence. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/free-brindi-this-dog-must-not-be-euthanized

Diary of Dog - Oct. 5th - 2008

Recently our pack leader discovered a diary (part journal) buried in the closet with entries dating back 20 years ago. As we thumbed through the pages, memories of events and precious moments flooded our heads. Interesting to see how many simple and complicated times were long gone and all those "must do" activities and "to do list" long forgotten. Also interesting to see how the canines were busy enjoying their lives while the humans were just damn busy.
We had so much fun looking at this darn thing, we decided it was time for our pack to post new entries from this day forward. Perhaps if we are blessed with another 20 years on the planet, we'll get another good laugh when we take a look into the past.
Perhaps it will also serve as a reminder that life is not about today's problems....wait a little while and the problems that might seem so huge today will pass.
Since the human pack member pretends to be so busy, we'll keep it simple and record all pack activities that occur at 8:27 AM

10/5/08 - 8:27 - Lucy is snoozing after devouring one of mom's homemade meals, Bailey tackles Sheba in hopes of making so much noise our 2 legged mom lets us outside...time for the morning fence patrol, a bit of grass grazing and poops. It works...mom lets us outside and even she is coming out to see some sunshine.

Another Action Alert from PCRM

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is asking for our help. If you own at least $2000 worth of stock in companies such as Ford, General Motors, Walgreens, Coors Brewing Company or Sears, you can join their campaign to:

"require prominent companies to implement meaningful written policies designed to maximize donations to charities that promote human health while avoiding unnecessary cruelty to animals. Many companies spend enormous sums funding charities that engage in cruel and unscientific animal experiments and PCRM wants to bring such wasteful spending to an end. We are in the process of filing a number of shareholder resolutions requesting that such policies be adopted and enforced. We are in need of persons owning stock in the above listed companies to support these resolutions. Our deadline for filing these resolutions is approaching, as early as the first full week in October, so we need to hear from you as soon as possible."
"We need one or more stockholders for each one of the companies. The stock must be worth at least $2,000 and have been held at least since early October 2007. The stock can be held in your own name, or by your broker, but it cannot be owned through a mutual fund. If you or someone you know fits into this category, and is interested in helping, please contact PCRM attorney Katherine Lin either by e-mail at klin@pcrm.org or phone at 202-686-2210, ext. 350. Again, time is short so if you would like to help, please act now."