MyDogsBlog.com

What do dogs know? How do they think? The answers will surprise and delight you as Alexandra Horowitz, a cognitive scientist, explains how dogs perceive their daily worlds, each other, and that other quirky animal, the human.

Inside of a Dog is a fresh look at the world of dogs — from the dog’s point of view. As a dog owner, Horowitz is naturally curious to learn what her dog thinks about and knows. And as a scientist, she is intent on understanding the minds of animals who cannot speak for themselves.

In clear, crisp prose, Horowitz introduces the reader to dogs’ perceptual and cognitive abilities and then draws a picture of what it might be like to be a dog. What’s it like to be able to smell not just every bit of open food in the house but also to smell sadness in humans or even the passage of time? How does a tiny dog manage to play successfully with a Great Dane? What is it like to hear the bodily vibrations of insects or the hum of a fluorescent light? Why must a person on a bicycle be chased? What’s it like to use your mouth as a hand? In short, what is it like for a dog to experience life from two feet off the ground, amidst the smells of the sidewalk, gazing at our ankles or knees?

Inside of a Dog explains these things and much more. The answers can be surprising — once we set aside our natural inclination to anthropomorphize dogs. Inside of a Dog also contains up-to-the-minute research — on dogs’ detection of disease, the secrets of their tails, and their skill at reading our attention — that Horowitz puts into useful context. Although not a formal training guide, Inside of a Dog has practical application for dog lovers interested in understanding why their dogs do what they do.

The relationship between dogs and humans is arguably the most fascinating animal-human bond because dogs evolved from wild creatures to become our companions, an adaptation that changed their bodies, brains, and behavior. Yet dogs always remain animals, familiar but mysterious. With a light touch and the weight of science behind her, Alexandra Horowitz examines the animal we think we know best but may actually understand the least. This book is as close as you can get to knowing about dogs without being a dog yourself.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is a quote credited to American Founding Father Ben Franklin.

Its true for many things and your pets health is no different.

Some simple actions now can save you money, stress, and heart ache later.

Here are some simple things you can do to keep your per healthy.

1. Pet Proof Your Home. Just like you would make your home safe for a new baby, make your home pet proof. Look for cleaning supplies, medicines and other toxic substances that pets could get into. Put them away so pets don’t have access to them. You should also familiarize your self with specific foods and items that pets are more likely to get into that could cause them harm. Things like chocolate and radiator fluid are often consumed by dogs with a fatal result. Also watch out for electrical cords and sharp objects that may harm your pet.
2. Get A Vet And Use Them. Regular check ups with a veterinarian can catch health issues that will only cost more later. Be proactive about your pets health, asking your vet about any medicines that may help with health, like like Sentinel or Frontline Plus.
3. Feed Them The Right Things. Different pets have allergies to different things. You may want to avoid feeding your pet human food/waste at all. Depending on size, breed, age and many other factors, get a pet food that matches your pets lifestyle and needs.
4. Exercise. A tired dog is a happy dog… And a healthy dog. Same goes for cats and other pets. Walk your dog, play with your cat if they are confined to indoors. Laser pointers can make excellent stimulation for a cat.
5. Get Them Fixed. Getting your pet spayed or neutered can help your pet lead a longer, healthier life. Some animal shelters have programs set up to help the financially challenged pet owner. Make some calls around your town to the local animal shelters, animal advocate groups or veterinarian to find someone who can help you get your pet fixed. Not only does it help them be healthy, its the responsible thing to do as a pet owner.

CNNs ‘More airlines embracing furry travelers‘ article discusses the increasing trend of airlines taking better care of pets in flight, including the Wisconsin-based Midwest Airlines recent practice of letting select dogs sit in the same seats as humans.

Pet Airways, a pet only airline, will “Give your pet a first-class travel experience today!” and is $199 each way from New York to Chicago. Pet Airways credits Zoe, their Jack Russell Terrier, with the idea behind their business.

Arrests of about 30 people in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Texas and Oklahoma resulted in 350 dogs being seized in the largest simultaneous raid of dogfighting operations in the U.S.

Read the full article on Yahoo News

Dogfighting is a felony in 50 states.

The seized dogs will be evaluated by behaviorial experts and hopefully many can be rehomed, as they were in the Michael Vick case.

“The Vick case taught us to see dogs in these cases as victims,” said Donna Reynolds, with the Oakland, Calif.-based pit bull rescue and education group Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit bulls, or BAD RAP.

“Animal welfare organizations will have to come together to ensure animals are comfortable in their confinement and they have the best opportunity to be evaluated, and if possible, offered rescue resources,” Reynolds said.

Washington State law makers are looking to appeal two old laws on the books dealing with the treatment of dogs.

One of the laws in question gives dog owners 48 hours to kill their dog if it is found killing another animal. The other law requires sheriffs to kill any dog running at large without a metal dog tag, between the months of August and February.

The Senate unanimously approved a bill Monday that could repeal both.

The measure now moves to the House for consideration.

Both laws have been on the books since the early 1900s when the health and welfare of livestock was of greater concern to state residents.

Supporters say they are now outdated and just plain cruel.

Under Washington State law, an animal owner can shoot a dog if it bites, chases or kills an animal on his or her property. Dog owners are also required to corral their pets if a livestock owner complains of attacks. But there is no law directly requiring dog owners to pay for the damages their pets inflict.

The bill to repeal the dog extermination laws is Washington State Senate Bill 5200.

Mickey Rourke’s 18-year-old Chihauhua, Loki, died on Tuesday morning.

Rourke’s dog got some praise in his Golden Globes acceptance speech in January of this year.

Rourke, who owns seven small dogs, chihuahua and chihuahua/terrier mixes, was seen carrying his dog on the Red Carpet at the Venice Film Festival last year. He brought his then 16 year-old Chihuahua terrier mix, Loki to the event.

“My dog is very old, she is 16 and she is not going to be around for long so I want to spend every moment with her,” he told Reuters.

I watch Its Me or the Dog, I know British people love their canines, maybe a bit too much sometimes.
But how do you find a dog in the UK? With an estimated 50,00000 dogs in the United Kingdom, how do you find that perfect match.

You may wish to start with Puppies for sale uk if you are looking to buy a specific breed. They also have excellent resources and information for getting a dog that matches your life style.

They have a way to search Dogs for sale, an excellent breed gallery with descriptions and pictures, pet insurance references, a dog guide and links to a Lost and Found pet directory.

For 3 months membership, there is membership charge of £4.99. The insurance resource and breed gallery on Puppies for Sale are free to access, without a membership.

They also have a monthly newsletter and a place for people with dogs the wish to sell to advertise their pooches.

While www.puppies-forsale.co.uk has excellent resources for those looking to buy dogs, some people are into the idea of rescuing a dog. There are many animal rescues in the UK, both breed specific and more general.

The RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in the world and is one of the largest charities in the UK. Their site is an excellent place to start.

They have an extensive “rehoming” program and the RSPCA Pet adoption guide is posted online.

You may also wish to check out animalrescuers.co.uk While their web design leaves something to be desired, they have great set of links to some animal rescues (not dog exclusive, but lots of dogs links).

www.bluecross.org.uk has some excellent information also. Their 10 rules of Adoption are posted before you can search their available critters.

Please remember getting a new dog is a big responsibility, its not to be taken lightly. Research your options before adding a new puppy or full grown dog to your family. Make sure you have the space, the time, the love and the attention that is required by dogs. Give them what they need and they will return it 1000 fold with the unconditional love only a canine can provide.

Edgar and Nina Otto of Boca Raton, Florida paid a California company, BioArts International, $155,000 to clone their beloved Labrador retriever, who died from cancer a year ago.

The Otto’s had their Labrador, Sir Lancelot’s DNA frozen before his death. Sir Lancelot’s DNA sample was sent to the Sooam Biotech Research Foundation in Seoul, South Korea, which provides cloning services to BioArts. Researchers there put the DNA into an egg, and Lancey was born November 18, according to BioArts.

The Humane Society of the United States released a statement expressing their position against commercial animal cloning.

Given the current pet overpopulation problem, which costs millions of animals their lives and millions in public tax dollars each year, the cloning of pets has no social value and in fact may lead to increased animal suffering,” the organization said on its Web site.

For those looking to replace a lost pet, cloning will not create an animal identical to the one who is gone; cloning cannot replicate an animal’s uniqueness. Cloning can only replicate the pet’s genetics, which influence but do not determine his physical attributes or personality.

The dog clone wars have begun.

January 2009
Help protect Washington’s pets from domestic violence by supporting HB 1148

Imagine a society in which all victims of domestic abuse — including companion animals — are protected.

Each year throughout Washington, countless victims of domestic violence risk their lives to protect their defenseless animals from harm. Research has shown that up to 48 percent of battered women remain in abusive homes out of concern for leaving their pets behind. Yet, sadly, Washington’s current domestic violence law does not protect companion animals.

House Bill 1148 addresses this issue directly. In an effort to stop abusers from harming or threatening to harm companion animals, the bill allows judges to include the animals in domestic abuse protective orders. A protective order is a legal order issued by a court that requires one person to stop harming, stay away from and/or cease contact with another person or, in the case of this bill, that person’s pets as well.

We owe it to the countless domestic violence survivors throughout Washington, and their pets, to pass this bill.

HB 1148 is waiting for a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee. Ask Chair Jamie Pedersen and Vice-Chair Roger Goodman to schedule the bill for a committee hearing and to vote for its passage.

Help raise awareness about this important legislation
Send this message to a friend!

When accepting the Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture-Drama at the Golden Globes for his lead role of Randy “The Ram” Robinson in The Wrestler, Mickey Rourke thanked the usual list of agent, producers, co-stars, and such…
And then his dogs, both the ones that are still living, and those that are no longer with him.

Sometimes when you’re alone, all you got is your dog and they meant the world to me.
–Mickey Rourke, during his acceptance speech for Best Actor at the Golden Globes.

Rourke, who owns seven small dogs, chihuahua and chihuahua/terrier mixes, was seen carrying his dog on the Red Carpet at the Venice Film Festival last year. He brought his 16 year-old Chihuahua terrier mix, Loki to the event.

“My dog is very old, she is 16 and she is not going to be around for long so I want to spend every moment with her,” he told Reuters.