Economic Downturn Effects Pets

Sadly, many pet owners who have fallen on hard times are being forced to give up their pets. With all the bailout money and talk of even more government money coming forward, how about setting up a pet project to aid county animal shelters that are dealing with the massive overflow of abandoned pets. You can read the story here.

Dogs Help Disabled Vets

This is a great story in the New York Times on how service dogs are helping wounded vets from Iraq and Afghanistan at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Check out the story and also the photo gallery.

Hero dog risks life to save kittens

Cats and dogs may sometimes have a contemptuous relationship, but this story is just the opposite. In happened in Melbourne, Australia where a dog named Leo refused to leave a burning building to shelter and ultimately save a litter of newborn kittens. Having ingested thick smoke, Leo was revived by firefighters who said the dog refused to leave the building and was found alongside the kittens. Check out the story and definately watch the video on the right panel of the story.

Ratchet is coming home!

Awhile back Army Sgt. Gwen Beberg rescued a 4-week-old pup from a burning trash pile in Iraq. Ratchet had given her great comfort during her time in Iraq and she wanted to bring him back to her home in Minneapolis where she will soon be returning. The problem is Defense Department rules prohibit soldiers in the U.S. Central Command from adopting pets. Thankfully after 50,000 dog lovers signed an online petition and with the help of Operation Baghdad Pups, Ratchet is on his way home! Read the whole story.

Barking Up the Family Tree...in Chinese!

My second book, Barking Up the Family Tree, has now been published in China by Grimm Press. I'm awaiting my copy, but from the looks of this cover shot, it looks like they did a great job!

Outstanding Dog Photo '08!

The wonderful website, Pampered Puppy, is having a dog photo contest in which I'm honored to be one of the judges. So shoot and submit your best pup shots by November 15! Get all the details here.

PupLife for Pet Supplies!

I just want to give a shout out to a great website I've found: PupLife. If you're looking for an online pet supply store with great selection and quick service, PupLife is the place. It's Payton and mine's favorite, so check it out... http://www.puplife.com/