Summer is approaching, and while everyone is getting sun safe and ready, don't forget that dogs need to be prepared for summer too. Many families that enjoy spending summer days camping or on the beach, love to bring Fido along for the fun. Dogs love frolicking and playing in the warm weather just as much as we do. On hot days, always have fresh water and shade available to your dog. Sunscreen isn't just for humans either. Apply a little to your dog's nose, which is very sensitive to the sun and can easily burn. Most dogs are excellent swimmers, but if you decide to take your pet out on the boat, particularly in the ocean or choppy waters, it may be a wise idea to invest in a doggie life jacket. If you roll down you car windows, instead of using the air conditioning, consider securing your pet in a dog harness. Whatever your plans are, remember to stay safe. You and your dog will enjoy a long, happy summer of fun together.

The United Kingdom government, along with many others around the world, is considering having all dogs microchipped the new law. Government officials wish to prevent the number of stray dogs in the streets, while decreasing the number of dog bites and animal cruelty cases. Animal Rights and Dog Safety organizations seem to be on board with the decision. In England, more and more dogs are being neglected, starving and used for illegal dog fighting than ever before. If it were the law to have microchips in all dogs, it would make it much easier to press animal cruelty charges while reducing the number of stray dogs. Reprimanding and possibly punishing irresponsible owners would be easier, and may deter them from owning more dogs. While dog licensing and microchips are an important measure, education is the best way to prevent animal suffering.

After recommendations from several veterinarians that George, a Jack Russell Terrier be put down, he has made a miraculous recovery. George is twelve years old, and several months ago, an inexplicable illness caused paralysis throughout his entire body. His loving owner Jean was faced with a tough decision. George was unable to run, walk or even wag his tail. It devastated her to see him in this condition, but somehow she believed that he would pull through. Eventually, Jean found a veterinarian with a hydrotherapy pool. George was placed in the pool daily with the assistance of his vet, and attached by a dog harness. His veterinarian massaged and moved his limbs along for him, but sure enough, it wasn't long before George started paddling on his own. Veterinarians are baffled and Jean couldn't be happier. Although George is not 100 per cent better, he is able to go for long walks again and wag his tail. Jean claims he's happy again, and that's all she could ever ask for.

A famous television host in the United Kingdom has recently rescued a mixed breed dog named Badger from an abusive home. After spotting Badger, a suspicious neighbour reported the dog to the local RSPCA, claiming the dog looked incredibly weak and thin. After an inspection, Badger was taken from the man who owned him, and was put up for adoption. The inspector claimed Badger was the thinnest dog he had ever seen. After visiting the animal shelter for a charity event, famous television host Kate Humble adopted the dog, and has given him a loving, happy and healthy home. Kate recommends that anyone who has the time and funds to adopt a dog should do so, as there is nothing more rewarding than providing a home for an animal in need. Badger's previous owner was charged with negligence and must perform 12 months of community service.

There's a new kind of dog door coming to the market. One that only your dog has the power to open. Doors which allow dogs the freedom to go outside as they please, are often a dangerous route. Other animals, or even burglars can easily use the door to get into your home as well. New electro-magnetic doors open when your dog approaches, through a remote sensor installed in your dog's collar. The doors are energy efficient, rust proof, and have a safety feature that will not allow the door to shut until it is free from obstruction, meaning no pinched paws or tails. There is also a design in which a latch is released through the sensor allowing the dog to push the door open. The drawback is that the doors will be very pricey and may not be efficient during heavy snowfalls.

Japan's second largest automobile manufacturer has shifted toward a new demographic of buyers, the dog lover. It is estimated that there are more couples in Japan with a dog than a child under the age of 15. Modern dogs often travel with their families and are in need of a vehicle with their safety in mind too. Some new Honda vehicles have special cargo areas in the back specifically designed for dog crates. The seat fabric is also easy to clean and designed to make hair removal a breeze. There are even talks of a future seat belt meant to hold pooches of a certain size and weight safely in place. Will the doggie demographic embrace the new trend? It seems promising, as other car companies are contemplating following suit.

Dog-loving members of communities across the United States and Canada have been organizing non-profit fundraising events to improve conditions at local off-leash dog parks. It is a trend that seems to be catching on all over North America. After all, dogs deserve a safe, clean place to exercise and socialize with canine friends. Events at these fundraisers often include a doggie spa treatment, including nail clipping, baths and "furcials". There are also many activities, games and friendly competitions involving owner/dog teams competing against each other. So far, it has proven to be a successful trend, as thousands of dollars are being made to improve dog parks. Weather shelters, wheelchair access, and water troughs for dogs are common examples of what the funds are used for.

National Service Dogs has been providing more and more specially trained dogs to families with children affected by autism. Autism is a disability affecting approximately 1 in 200 children. Difficulty with social interaction and communication is a characteristic of autism, as well as repetitive behaviour patterns. In one case, a golden Labrador Retriever was given to a young child with autism who had a tendency to dart towards water, such as swimming pools, constantly putting himself at risk. The Labrador is now attached to the child with a dog harness whenever he leaves his home. The dog is trained to come to a stop whenever the child may be putting himself at risk. Many cases such as this are greatly improving the health and well being of children with autism. Not only are service dogs keeping these children safe, but they are also providing lifelong friendships, often a challenge for children faced with the disability.

Global Positioning Satellites that are currently found in many new vehicles, cell phones and boats, will soon be available in a dog collar. This new technology will put an end to the worry and anxiety pet owners feel when their dog is lost. Owners will have the reassurance of knowing their dog's whereabouts at all times. Consumers will also have the ability to create their own "safety zones" such as a backyard, using a virtual map of the earth. When their dog steps outside of this zone, they will be notified immediately via cell phone. The product is not ready for the market just yet, as there are several bugs that still need to be worked out. When the time comes, be prepared for a pricey piece of technology, including an activation fee and an additional monthly fee. To many, the safety and well being of their beloved pet, is well worth the hefty price tag.

A medical research center in Japan has revealed plans to clone a black Labrador Retriever named Marine, who has the ability to sniff out cancer cells. Past research has indicated that cancer cells produce a scent different than that of a healthy cell, too faint for humans to detect. Marine is the best at what she does, by sniffing urine samples to detect if cancer cells are present. Scientists hope that by cloning Marine, they will be able to create more dogs with the ability to detect cancer at an early stage, when it is still treatable. Marine’s skin samples will be sent to Seoul National University in South Korea, where the first dog in history was cloned in 2005. Researchers believe that if we had more studies using the canine cancer sniffing method, it would save a lot of lives.

The National Canine Research Council has recently revealed that the number of reported dog bites has drastically declined since the year 2000. Researchers largely credit growing knowledge and understanding of canine behaviour. The general public has become more aware that dogs can sometimes react negatively out of frustration, fear and their natural instinct to protect their belongings and loved ones. The decline in dog bites is also attributed to harsher animal cruelty laws and the responsibility of pet owners. Dog owners are encouraged to spay and neuter their pets, follow leash laws by keeping their animals on a secure dog harness and leash when in public, and avoid tethering dogs outside. Educating children and teaching them to be respectful towards dogs is also an important step in preventing any incidents. Researchers believe that as long as we continue to humanely care for our dogs and educate others, the number of dog bites will continue to decline.

Show dogs and their human companions are preparing for the All India All Breed Dog Show this weekend in Bangalore, India. The dog show will be hosted by the Bangalore Canine Club at the Palace Grounds this Saturday and Sunday. Prizes will be awarded in several categories including Junior Handlers, for children, and Best Bred Dog. Dogs will also be judged in areas that are relevant to their breeds, such as German Shepherds being judged on training ability and Blood Hounds being tested on their tracking skills. The dog club has already received 450 entries that will see over 50 breeds of dogs showcased for the public...

Two men kidnapped a police captain's dog in Chicago last week inciting a car chase and arrest. A neighbour saw two young men form a dog leash out of their belts last Wednesday afternoon and lure Kasey, a 50 pound mixed breed, from police Capt. Thomas McMahon's yard. The dog belongs to McMahon's 14-year-old daughter, Katie, who pursued the thieves when alerted to the dognapping. The neighbour picked Katie and continued the chase in a minivan. The police captain soon joined the pursuit and chased the men until they dropped the dog leash and the dog was able to jump into the minivan with Katie. McMahon eventually caught up with the criminals at a restaurant where one was arrested while pretending to order food and the other hiding behind garbage bins...

The dog that inherited $12 million earlier this year has gone into hiding after receiving numerous death threats. Trouble, a white Maltese, was flown by private jet to Florida after receiving about 20 threats on her life. The little dog has earned a negative reputation for its habit of biting people. Trouble also inflamed tempers after her late owner, New York socialite Leona Helmsley, made the dog the primary beneficiary in her will. The dog has been living under an assumed name in the southern state for the past two months. It seems that Trouble is living up to her name with all the media attention and bad habits she is said to have...

The dog that inspired the comic strip MUTTS has passed away at the age of 18. Earl, a white terrier, will be missed by fans of the comic and his owner Patrick McDonnell. MUTTS is a comic that focuses on a cat named Mooch and his canine neighbour Earl. The character Earl was known for loving people and dog food, as well as for his habit of howling when left alone by his bachelor owner, Ozzie. The MUTTS comic strip began in 1994 and is currently published in more than 700 newspapers...

The Bulgarian government has passed legislation that imposes huge fines on people who mistreat or abandon their pets. The eastern European country introduced the pet protection laws last Friday to help limit the number of stray dogs roaming city streets. The law promotes adopting stray animals and strongly discourages cruelty to dogs and cats. It also heavily encourages pet owners to spay or neuter their pets. An estimated 700,000 stray dogs were killed in the capital of Sophia between 1998 and 2006 despite protests. The new fines for abandoning pets can climb to as high as about $2500 USD...

An Austrian study has proven that dogs have the cognitive ability to form abstract concepts. The study, carried out by the University of Vienna, tested four dogs on their ability to visually categorize pictures. Using touch-screen computers, the researchers showed the dogs various images of landscapes and other dogs. When the test canines chose the dog image, they were rewarded with a food pellet. After this initial training phase, the dogs were able to successfully recognize the difference between images of landscape and dogs. Since dogs have now proven their ability to discern visual objects, maybe it's time to let them start choosing their own collars and leashes...

Michael Vick has agreed to pay over $900,000 for the care of 54 dogs found in a raid on his Virginia property earlier this year. One of the football star's lawyers confirmed that Vick will deposit the money on Friday to cover the expenses of the abused dogs seized from his property in April. Vick pleaded guilty to his role in a dog fighting ring in August and is scheduled to face his sentencing on December 10. The pit bulls rescued from Vick's Bad Newz Kennels were place in shelters across the state after the raid. The dogs underwent assessment by animal professionals and some may soon be deemed eligible for adoption. We hope all of these dogs are well cared for and eventually find homes for adoption...

A British dog with a taste for inedible household items has undergone surgery after ingesting a pair of underwear. Taffy, an 18-month-old Springer Spaniel, endured a two hour operation to remove the underwear from his stomach. It was the 40th pair of underwear that the dog has devoured. Taffy's owners said he usually passes the items naturally, but they had noticed him in some pain with the most recent meal of underwear. The dog has also consumed 300 socks, 15 pairs of shoes and a key fob. Taffy has made a full recovery from his surgery and his owners are making extra effort to hide underwear and other pieces of clothing from the dog. We hope Taffy starts to like her dog food a little more and undies a little less...

Fashion model Nicky Watson is offering a reward to anyone who finds her lost dog. The New Zealand television personality and model was left distraught after her nine-year-old pet dog went missing over the weekend from Matarangi in the Coromandel. The dog, named Cricket, is a white Chihuahua with light brown ears and a ring around his tail. Watson told the press that she is "hoping that someone has found him and is keeping him safe". She has had Cricket since he was a puppy. We wish the best of luck to Nicky hope Cricket is returned home soon...

Willie Nelson has filmed a public service announcement to support anti-dog fighting legislation in the state of Georgia. The country music star may soon appear on television and radio with a supportive message to help pass an upcoming Senate bill proposing harsher penalties for dog fighting activities. The bill would make it a felony for anyone to buy, sell or trade dogs for the purpose of dog fighting. Nelson was asked to shoot the announcement by the Utah-based Best Friends Animal Society. Nelson, an avid animal lover, recorded his spoken message over the song "Georgia on my Mind". It's great to see such a well known celebrity supporting this cause...

An abseiler descended a 50ft ravine in England this week to save a stranded dog. Craig Tinney, 28, lowered himself down the cliff on Tuesday to aid the dog that had plunged over the edge the day before. Tinney spotted the six-year-old Labrador, Crown, in water at the bottom of the ravine. He then managed to climb back up the cliff face carrying the injured dog. Tinney, an experience gorge walker and abseiler, is being hailed a hero by local residents who participated in the search for the dog. Crown suffered a dislocated hip from the fall but is expected to make a full recovery...

Nicole Richie is promoting a new invention that saves lampposts from being eroded by dog urine. The Simple Life star is putting her celebrity power to use by plugging a new dog urinal invention that wraps around lampposts to prevent damage to the paint. The dog urinals were unveiled by Swedish inventor Lennart Jarlerbro earlier this month to extend the longevity of your local street light. Richie described the product as being "a cute rubber cup attached to the post and a hose that pipes urine into the gutter". This may sound strange to most dog owners, but perhaps some urban dogs do have lampposts they particularly love that need protection from pooch pee. At least the celebrities love it!...

A blind Bull Mastiff has been named Dog of the Year by the British RSPCA. Oliver, the two-year-old Bull Mastiff, was voted to win the award by readers a national newspaper. Oliver was abandoned in when he was five months old and was suffering from a serious eye infection. He was picked up by a dog warden and rushed to immediate surgery, but it was too late to save his vision. The dog also had to have one eye removed. Oliver currently lives in an adopted home. His owners say he is just like any other dog despite his ordeal. Oliver is truly an inspiration to everyone who has pet living with health problems and deserves his recognition as Dog of the Year...

A dog from Missouri has returned home after seven months on the road, one operation, two intermediate homes and a new name. Happy, also known as Radar, went missing from his home with the Bowman family seven months ago. This week, Happy's owners saw his picture in the paper after he ran away from his adopted family to the vet who they had neuter him on November 11. The black mixed breed dog had made headlines as being the first dog the vet could recall running back to the clinic after an operation. It's a twisted dog's tale, but at least Happy has lots of people out there who are more than willing to give the adventurous pooch a home...

A team of four highly trained bomb sniffing dogs will be deployed in Australian prisons to combat risks posed by terrorists. The Labrador Retrievers will be used to secure the jails and courts in New South Wales for the upcoming trial of nine men caught in the country's biggest anti-terrorism bust. The dogs are being taught at a new $1.8 million police dog training facility to detect explosives including TNT, PETN, RDX, Chlorox and nitrate. The dog team will likely take part in US testing to determine if they can detect the relatively new and unstable explosive, TATP. The dogs will play an integral role in security for the trials, which will begin next February and are likely to last up to two years...

The Vancouver Police Dog Squad in BC, Canada will mark its 50th anniversary this weekend with a celebration open to the public. People will have the chance to meet police dogs and watch demonstrations as a part of the celebration downtown this Saturday. Veteran officer, Ron Ginter, will be attending the event, recalling his memories of signing up as one of the original members of the dog squad. Ginter remembered how his first dog, King, loved to search homes and would bounce around waiting for him to unclip the leash. Admission to the 50th anniversary party is free and German Shepherd puppies will also be on hand to entertain the crowds...

An Indian man has married a dog in a bid to rid himself of a curse he believes to have struck him after being cruel to dogs earlier in his life. The 34-year-old farmer fell on bad fortune 15 years ago, just days after her beat two dogs to death. He became unable to walk and his hearing and speech were impaired. Doctors did not have a diagnosis for him, but an astrologer recommended marrying a dog to break the curse. The man married a four-year-old dog, named Selvi, in a traditional ceremony on the weekend. He said his marriage to the dog is purely to lift the curse and that he will eventually find a human bride. Dogs may be man's best friend, but this may be a little too far fetched...

An English couple paid a £750 ransom to have their 18-month-old dog returned to them by thieves. The lurcher, Buddy, was stolen from outside a grocery store on September 25 while his owner picked up the morning newspaper. It was nearly two months later that the dog's elderly owners, David and Mareth Cornock, received the ransom demand. The owners did not contact authorities, as instructed by the dognappers, and paid the ransom in exchange for Buddy's return. Buddy was safety reunited to his owners, but the police say that the owners' compliance with the dognappers' demands may result in similar incidents in the future...

People are being urged to attend organized firework displays after a dog in the UK suffered serious injuries during recent celebrations. Kamae, a 10-year-old Japanese Akita, was frightened into traffic by fireworks being set off in the neighbourhood for the annual bonfire night. The dog became trapped underneath a car and had to be rescued by firefighters. Kamae was in critical condition for 12 hours and has since made a full recovery. The dog's owner said that bigger dogs are often spooked by fireworks and can easily cause harm to themselves and others when frightened. He urged people to attend organized pyrotechnic displays rather than setting off firecrackers in residential areas. Dog safety is an important issue with loud noises. Always keep your dog in a safe, enclosed area during times when they may be spooked by fireworks or lightening storms...

A dog found near-death on the streets of Dallas, Texas last month has made a miraculous recovery after receiving a blood transfusion. Princess, a Boxer mix, was taken to the Operation Kindness Carrollton dog shelter by a good Samaritan who found the dog in a church parking lot. Princess was anemic, beset with parasites and unable to eat when she arrived at the shelter. After receiving a blood transfusion from fellow shelter resident, Prince, the dog's condition improved enormously. Weighing only 22 pounds when she was found, Princess has gained 11 pounds and started playing with shelter workers since receiving the transfusion. Both Princess and Prince, a shepherd mix breed, will be available for adoption in the near future...

An animal shelter in northern Alberta is making a plea to potential pet owners not to overlook dogs with black coats. The Lakeland Humane Society is experiencing a bout of the phenomenon referred to as "Black Dog Syndrome". The shelter is over three quarters full of black dogs that have not been adopted. The syndrome occurs when a dominate preference for light coloured dogs results in dogs with black coats filling shelters. It is believed that the reluctance to adopt breeds with black coats is associated with negative portrayal in the media. Dogs with black coats, such as Rottweilers, are often shown as being aggressive in television and films. Similar reluctance towards black furred pets is even more prevalent with cats due to many cultures associating bad luck superstitions with black cats...

A police dog in the UK has been recognized with a bravery award after nearly being strangled while trying to detain a suspect. Sam, a nine-year-old German Shepherd, was presented the award in a ceremony this week by Chief Inspector Adrian Knight of the Warwickshire Police. The dog was honoured for his heroics shown in September last year when a suspect grabbed and twisted his dog collar, choking him into unconsciousness. Sam's quick actions gave his human partner time to apprehend the suspect while Sam recovered. In a double honour, Sam was also recognized as the top performing police dog in a competition to test his skills at obedience, agility and searching...

A study from Sweden has shown that the genetic variation between different dog breeds is far greater than previously thought. Susanne Björnefeldt revealed the findings as a part of her dissertation earlier this year, showing the genetic elasticity of dogs compared to other species, such as their ancestors, wolves. By comparing DNA, Björnefeldt surmised that breeds of dogs can vary drastically, even in similar looking breeds. She cited Poodles as an example breed saying that kennel clubs often recognize Poodles as being divided into four groupings when, genetically, they are actually divided into five groups. Dogs are the most varied mammals on the planet due to human-influenced breeding over many centuries, among other reasons...

Dogs and cats are being remembered with a unique pet memorial in Manila, Philippines. The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) opened the memorial space for pet owners who live in apartments and condominiums to have a place to bury their departed cats and dogs. People who choose to bury their pets in the cemetery are asked to give a donation to the PAWS shelter. Many people mark their pet's resting place with tombstones engraved with special messages to their beloved companion. The memorial allows for urban pet owners to lay their dog or cat to rest with their favourite toys or collar rather than having to cremate the remains. It also provides a place to visit and leave flowers or photographs of their pets...

Vets in England are calling for a national blood bank for dogs to meet the growing medical demands of pets. Members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and associated academic institutions said the field of animal medicine is growing with the rising demands of pet owners. Surgery for cataracts, hip replacements and chemotherapy are some of the treatments for which dogs require blood transfusions. The specialists named a few breeds, including Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Keeshonds and Retrievers, that are more likely to suffer from heart problems where blood donations would be needed. The blood shortage for dogs was listed by the panel as one of the biggest constraints in veterinary medicine...

A dog that saved his owner from choking and a cat that woke her owner to house full of deadly carbon monoxide have been hailed as Dog and Cat of the Year. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) honoured the heroic pets at a ceremony in New York yesterday. Toby, a 2 1/2-year-old Golden Retriever, was recognized for giving his owner a modified Heimlich maneouver by jumping on her chest when she was choking on an apple skin. Winnie, a grey-haired tabby cat, earned her award by clawing at her sleeping owner to alert her of a toxic carbon monoxide leak in the house. The dog and cat were given their awards at a ceremony along with five humans who performed extraordinary heroics towards animals...

A Chicago pizzeria has been offering up some delicious dinners to homeless dogs at a local shelter. Ted Lownik, a partime deliveryman at Barracco's pizza, has been making special deliveries to the Animal Welfare League in Chicago since hearing about outbreaks of tainted pet food on the market. Lownik has brought the shelter dogs over 4.6 tonnes of beef, gravy and pizza scraps that would have otherwise been thrown in the garbage. The Animal Welfare League was forced to destroy most of their stored food after many animals were killed by the tainted products. What a treat for homeless dogs to be receiving gourmet dog food scraps from this generous restaurant...

An Australian Sheepdog is in a coma after saving her owner from a deadly snake bite earlier this week on the Gold Coast, Australia. Tess, a young Kelpie, jumped to defend her owner from a 6ft long brown snake when it attacked on Sunday morning. Fay Palethorpe, 68, was gardening when the poisonous snake reared up and struck at her three times. The snake pursued her across the yard as she ran to the house when Tess came to the rescue. The dog managed to scare the snake away, but was bitten on the inside of her ear. Tess has been given a 50-50 chance of surviving the ordeal. We hope this canine hero pulls through...

Game wardens in Kansas are using the natural hunting abilities in dogs to help catch poachers. The wardens are training Labrador Retrievers to sniff out evidence against hunters who shoot more than their limit of game birds or illegally kill deer. The dogs complete a 400 hour course before going on the field to find stashed game, such as ducks buried in mud or deer antlers hidden in a vehicle. Dogs in the program are trained to recognize that their shift begins when the wardens buckle the working collars and harnesses on them. The highly specialized dogs are trained to ignore their instinct to fetch and bark at the find instead, so evidence isn't damaged...

A pack of celebrity Corgis were the big winners this weekend at the canine equivalent of the Oscars. Poppy, Anna, Alice, Megan and Oliver swept the inaugural Fido Awards winning the titles for Best Historical Hounds and Best in World. The Corgis were recognized for their work in The Queen alongside Oscar winner Dame Helen Mirren. The breed also scored a win when the Corgi, Travis, who starred in Year of the Dog took home the award for Best Comedy Canine. Travis had to learn how to walk in a doggie wheelchair for the role. The Fidos are the first international awards ceremony to recognize dogs starring on the silver screen. They were presented as part of the British Film Institute's London Film Festival...

Dogs, cats and pets of all kinds are checking in to hotels across California as widespread fires force thousands to evacuate their homes. The wildfires have displaced hundreds of thousands of people and pets since erupting on October 20. Many hotels in the region have dropped no pet policies to open their doors to owners with dogs and an assortment of other animals in need of shelter. Some hotels were reporting to have goats, potbelly pigs and even chinchillas as guests in addition to huge numbers of dogs and cats. The evacuation orders were lifted for some regions today allowing owners to go back to their homes, but thousands still remain unable to return to their properties...

Halloween is just around the corner and animal care professionals are giving some tips for dog owners to keep their furry friends safe. Anyone taking dogs out to trick-or-treat should make sure to follow all the regular rules for nighttime walks. All dogs out in the dark should be wearing a luminescent or reflective dog collar with identification tags in case he or she escapes the leash. Cute costumes may give you lots of laughs, but they are best avoided if your dog is scratching or clearly uncomfortable. Also, remember that chocolate treats may be tasty for people, but they are toxic to dogs. Keep these tips in mind and you'll be sure to have a safe and spooky Halloween with your dog...

Ellen DeGeneres returned to her talk show yesterday after taking time off to cope with the public reaction to her recent dog drama. The comedian took the extended weekend after breaking down in tears on her show last week over after complications with a dog adoption agency. DeGeneres had adopted a dog, Iggy, from the shelter that didn't fit in well at her home. Trouble ensued when she gave the Brussels Griffon mix terrier to her hairdresser, breaking her contract with the shelter. The agency reclaimed the dog from the hairdresser's family, resulting in DeGeneres making her tearful on-air plea. DeGeneres recently stated that she hopes her experience with the dog adoption agency won't deter people from finding pets at shelters...

A kidnapped German Shepherd has been reunited with his elderly owners in Bogota, Columbia after his captors made a failed attempt to extort $350,000 ransom for his safe return. The dog, named Aldo, was dropped off at a veterinarian office last Friday by his captors, who told workers that he needed a bath. They never returned for the dog and it was soon discovered that Aldo was the dog stolen from a wealthy neighbourhood while his owners were away. Undercover police had been involved in a shootout with the dog's captors earlier that day during a staged exchange meeting for the ransom money. No ransom was paid. Aldo showed signs of starvation, but was otherwise in good health when he was returned to his owners...

A Toronto couple discovered a stolen totem pole on the weekend while walking their dog in the city's east end. Elaine Coyle, 50, and her husband Dan, 45, found the pole partially covered in leaves off a trail in Morningside Park while walking their White Shepherd dog, Storm, on Saturday. They dragged the pole back to the trail by tying Storm's leash to it and having the dog haul it out of the brush using her harness. The couple alerted the police and waited for an hour before authorities arrived to retrieve the pole. The totem pole, which stands five metres high, went missing last week after a group of at-risk youth spent their summer completing the project...

Celebrity canines will be honoured with their own walk of fame in south London's Battersea Park. The walk will open on November 5 when the first six inductees will be announced from a shortlist that includes some of the biggest dog stars of the past century. Some of the frontrunners for the initial plaque are Lassie, Gromit the cartoon dog, Tintin's pet Snowy and Toto from The Wizard of Oz. Battersea Park was chosen as the location for the walk due to its proximity to London's best-known dog shelter, the Battersea Dogs Home. The dog walk of fame announcement comes weeks before canine movie stars are to be recognized at the inaugural Fido Awards...

A dog was found alive today after plunging down a 30ft cliff near Aberdeen, Scotland three days ago. Taffy, a collie breed, was on holiday with his owners when he tumbled over the ledge earlier this week. The Coastguard and Royal National Lifeboat Institution launched a search for the missing dog after his owners alerted authorities. The injured dog was spotted at the bottom of the cliffs this afternoon by a member of the public. Taffy required medical attention, but is recovering well. He has since been reunited with his family. Officials in the coastal area are reminding dog owners to keep their pet on a collar and leash when walking near steep cliffs...

Ellen DeGeneres made a tearful plea on her show yesterday for an animal rescue group to return a dog to her hairdresser's family. The situation arose when DeGeneres adopted Iggy, a Brussels Griffon mix terrier, and discovered that the dog didn't get along with her cats. She decided to give the dog to her hairdresser, which was in violation of the contract she signed with the rescue agency. When the agency found that the comedian had placed Iggy with a different owner, they repossessed the dog taking him from the hairdresser and her two daughters aged 11 and 12. The animal shelter stated today that they would not return the dog. One of the reasons for the decision was their policy that small dogs cannot be housed to families with children under the age of 14...

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is urging the public to give a homeless dog a family. The ASPCA estimates that 8 million to 12 million pets are taken in by shelters in the U.S. each year. More than half of these shelter animals are euthanized due to lack of resources or space. Most shelters have both purebred and mixed breed dogs with trained staff on hand to help you choose the right dog breed for your lifestyle. Dogs are also screened for health and behavioural problems when they enter the shelter. If you choose to adopt a dog, the ASPCA reminds people to have the pet microchipped and to be certain the dog is always wearing a collar with identification...

A man was saved by his dog last week when a fire broke out in his house after the family cat knocked over a lantern. Roland Cote, 56, was alerted to the blaze in his Maine home when his black Labrador, Thumper, woke him up by pulling on his arm. Cote had just enough time to call emergency services and evacuate the house. Firefighters later discovered that the blaze was ignited when the family's pet cat, Princess, knocked over a kerosene lantern that burned a hole in the rubber propane line that ran to the refrigerator. The dog and cat were the only occupants in the house other than Cote. There were no injuries besides a singed tail for the cat...

A Pittsburgh veterinarian saved people and pets from a fire that broke out in his animal hospital yesterday. Dr. Mark Jasmine was in the process of spaying a dog when the fire erupted around noon at his clinic in Springdale. Jasmine, whose family lives on the top floor of the building, rushed to rescue his children then returned to save the dogs and cats in the hospital. Once everyone had been evacuated, Jasmine completed surgery on the dog on a makeshift operating table in a nearby parking lot. No one was injured and the fire was controlled before it could spread to neighbouring properties. Fire officials are investigating the cause of the blaze...

Harrods will feature creations from top designers in their annual Pet a Porter dog fashion show set to take place on October, 29. The famous UK department store will showcase jewelled collars, coats and leashes from designers including Ben de Lisi, Basso and Brooke, Issa and Stephen Webster. The featured piece will be a £2500 diamond and sapphire encrusted Vivienne Westwood dog coat. The collection, worth an estimated £1.5 million, will be paraded on a neon-lit catwalk at London's Harrods. Celebrities including Brittany Murphy and Elizabeth Hurley will attend a VIP champagne reception for the event aimed at raising money for the Retired Greyhound Trust...

The owner of a Scottish dog rescue centre was surprised to realize that she had housed a Greyhound with the world's most famous children's author. Celia Fernie was unaware that the person she was screening for dog ownership was the Harry Potter writer, until she handed her the cheque. Rowling gave the unsuspecting Fernie a cheque for £1000, when only £30 had been requested as a donation to the Greyhound Rescue Fife. Rowling brought her family to the rescue centre where they chose a four-year-old retired racing dog named Sapphire as their new pet. Sapphire, a charcoal-coloured Greyhound, joins a Jack Russell Terrier named Butch in the Rowling household...

A puppy in Connecticut has been protected with a restraining order in a landmark court decision. Riley, a six-month old Golden Retriever, is the first pet in the state's history to be issued a protection order against his owner's ex-wife. Cassandra Reynolds has been ordered to stay 100 yards away from Riley after the dog's owner claimed she kicked the puppy. The incident took place when Reynolds was dropping her kids off at her ex-husband's house and an argument broke out. Riley's owner said Reynolds kicked the dog across the yard with both feet while sitting in her car. The ruling is under a new Connecticut law that protects animals from domestic violence. Many other states are passing similar laws...

People celebrated pets around the globe yesterday for the annual World Animal Day. Numerous churches marked the day with a Blessing for the Animals, including one prominent Catholic Church in Amsterdam. The Our Dear Lady, Queen of Peace Church saw Rev. Pierre Valkering bless a variety of pets including a canary, a goldfish, a guinea pig, a handful of cats and more than two dozen dogs. October 4th was chosen as World Animal Day because it is the feast day of Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment. Animal shelters, wildlife groups, dog rescue associations and schools also celebrated by holding information sessions and fundraisers for the benefit of animals around the world. Many groups stressed the importance of outfitting your cat or dog with a collar for identification...

A tiny dog has discovered the fossilized leg bone of a giant woolly mammoth on a UK beach. Daisy, a miniature wire-haired Dachshund, found the bone jutting out of the sand when she was on her morning walk in Dunwich, Suffolk. The dog drew the attention of her owner, Dennis Smith, 69, by staring at the bone, which was stuck in the sand between the high tide and low water mark. The bone weighs 8lbs and is 13in long. Smith later showed the bone to a geologist who identified it as belonging to a woolly mammoth that roamed the earth probably 2 million years ago. According to Smith, Daisy was quite pleased with the find, even though the bone was far too heavy for her to lift. The dog loves to gnaw on bones and always gets the leftover lamb leg bone after a roast dinner...

One month after he escaped from a backyard, a New Zealand dog was found wandering the northern tip of the country. Benji, a small mixed breed, disappeared from the suburbs of Auckland in July when he was visiting his owner's parents. Over a month later, Benji's owner got a phone call from Whangarei Animal Control, informing her they had found the dog nearly 300km away from where he went missing. Benji was found wandering near a highway and was missing his collar. The dog was later identified when they successfully scanned him for a microchip. Benji was found in good health but was in need of a bath. His owner believes he may have been picked up by somebody then dropped off at the remote location...

The city of Giza is set to resume shooting and poisoning stray dogs after veterinarian services claim sterilizing them is too expensive. The move was announced by Giza's chief vet Abdullah Badr in an interview on the weekend. Badr said that sterilizing the dogs would cost 50 million Egyptian pounds, while shooting them would cost only 400,000 pounds. He also stated that 30 million pounds a year is spent on treatment for people bitten by stray dogs and that animal welfare organizations had not lived up to their commitments to provide funding for sterilization methods. Animal rights activist, Brigitte Bardot, has threatened to boycott all Egyptian products unless more humane controls are used. Bardot made an appeal to the Egyptian President earlier this year which resulted in an investigation into humane stray dog control...

An 80-year-old New Zealand man was saved by his dog after crashing his vehicle on an isolated road. Keith Marsh rolled his four-wheel drive down a steep embankment last week on a remote road in northern New Zealand. He was forced to spend the night in the wreck as the vehicle was not visible to passing traffic. Marsh's fox terrier, Sam, kept his owner warm during the freezing night before climbing the bank to sit by the road and find help. Two teachers passing by the next morning saw the dog and pulled over. They discovered the accident site and alerted emergency services. Marsh had made several attempts to escape the wreck but was unable to as he was disoriented and suffering from minor injuries, dehydration, shock and diabetes. Marsh is recovering in hospital...

Chicken jerky treats may be causing some dogs to fall ill, US federal health officials warned on Wednesday. The US Food and Drug Administration issued the warning after receiving more than 70 complaints about nearly 100 dogs that became ill or died after consuming store-bought chicken treats. The agency has conducted chemical and microbial tests on the suspected treats, but has yet to find any contaminant. Dogs that became sick showed symptoms of lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, increased water consumption and/or increased urination. Earlier this year, Wal-Mart pulled various brands of chicken jerky dog treats from their shelves after reports of dogs becoming sick after eating them...

Emergency personnel saved a drowning dog from the Chicago River last night. Miss Pickles, a bull mastiff, was walking on a leash with her owner yesterday when she spotted a rat and chased it into the water. The Chicago Police marine unit and the Fire Department were quick to respond when the dog's owner called 911 for help rather than jumping in the water after his pet. Divers tied a rope around the dog's collar for others to tow her to shore in the 15 minute rescue operation. Miss Pickles is doing well and has been reunited with her grateful owner...

Michael Vick has been indicted on a new round of charges relating to the dog fighting network based at his Virginia property. The Atlanta Falcons quarterback's latest indictment was brought forward by prosecutor in Surry County, Virginia, where Vick's Bad Newz Kennels was based. The charges are for beating or killing or causing dogs to fight other dogs and engaging or promoting dog fights. Vick pleaded guilty to federal dog fighting charges last month, for which he will be sentenced on December 10. The maximum sentence for Vick's initial federal offence is five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 USD. Since pleading guilty, Vick has been suspended indefinitely from the NFL and lost numerous endorsements, including Nike...

A Chicago panhandler was reunited with his missing dog on the weekend after two weeks of searching. Tom Finley, 69, handed out fliers to passersby for two weeks after his beloved blond husky-terrier mix, Reba, disappeared. His perseverance proved worth while when an unidentified woman returned the dog to an official with the Anti-Cruelty Society. Finley lost Reba when he left the 12-year-old dog tied outside of a McDonald's on September 7. Finley had received an outpouring of public support while searching for Reba. One woman gave him a prepaid cell phone to field calls in the search, on which he received hundreds of tips. The Anti-Cruelty Society has offered the 30-pound dog that walks with a limp a lifetime of free veterinary care, beginning with an appointment today...

The city of Bangkok is providing free registration and microchipping for dogs in preparation for new pet ownership requirements. Thailand's capital will provide the free dog identification processes over the next three months to the first 50,000 dogs to be registered. The program was introduced to boost participation in the recently announced legislation that will require all dogs in the city to be registered within 120 days of their birth by July 2008. The new law, and subsequent free microchipping, is an initiative of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to reduce the number of stray dogs in the city. People who do not register their dogs will face fines. Proper dog identification is encouraged around the world in the form of microchipping and dog collars with ID tags...

Ten men were yesterday convicted of involvement in a sadistic dog fight that shocked officials. All of the men were found guilty of attending the fight and five were also found guilty of the more serious charge of organizing the bout, at the end of the three-week trial in Birmingham, UK. The dog fight was raided by police last February when they heard cheers and yelps coming from the premises. The court was shown graphic photos of scenes from the brutal fight that resulted in one dog dying in the ring and another being put down two days later. The judge issued fines of up to £1,400 for attending the fight, while the five men charged with organizing the fight will face sentencing in October...

An RCMP dog helped locate a man suspected of holding up a taxi driver with a syringe this week. Police dog Cargo tracked down the 23-year-old suspect shortly after a taxi driver reported an attempted robbery in Chilliwack, British Columbia. The driver was dropping off the passenger early on Tuesday when he stuck a needle in his neck and demanded money. The 57-year-old driver managed to fight off the robber and flag down an RCMP officer after the incident. Cargo tracked down a suspect after the attack and left the man with puncture wounds in his arm. The suspect was treated at hospital for dog bites and has been charged with attempted robbery and resisting arrest...

A small Pug has been recovered after being abducted from her home two years ago. Cupcake, a fawn and black Pug, was found abandoned on the side of the road a few weeks ago by two sisters. They took the starving, flea-ridden dog to a veterinarian who scanned her for a microchip, revealing that Cupcake belonged to Jennifer Gleason. Cupcake was stolen from the Gleason family home, along with another purebred Pug, two years ago in a break in that targeted the purebred animals. Gleason and Cupcake were happily reunited over the Labor Day weekend. Pug rescue workers emphasized the importance of using pet identification in light of Cupcake's recovery. They strongly recommend microchipping and placing a collar with tags on all dogs...

Italian rescue dogs are being trained to jump from helicopters to save people drowning at sea. The Italian Dog Rescue School is introducing the groundbreaking program where dogs leap from helicopters into dangerous waters and tow people to safety. The program generally takes in docile dogs that like the water and weigh more than 55lbs. The most popular breeds are large Newfoundlands, German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers. Some of the rescue dogs can even tow a rubber dinghy with four people aboard to shore. The trainers say that most of the dogs enjoy the experience, but if they show signs of reluctance, such as tucking the tail between the legs, they aren't forced to jump...

A British woman battled a 14ft Burmese python in Hong Kong to save the life of her pet dog. Expatriate Catherine Leonard, 41, was walking her mongrel dog, Poppy, near her home when the python attacked. She was alerted when the 44lb dog yelped and rushed to see the snake coiling around her pet. Leonard kicked and grappled with the snake until it loosened its grip enough to let Poppy run to safety. Officials posted warning signs after the incident, but Leonard believes the python should be captured and relocated, as the trail is near a family picnic area. The attack took place in the rural New Territories area of Hong Kong along a stretch of trail where a pet Husky was killed by a python last year...

Animal rights activists have succeeded in persuading a Malaysian town to call off a controversial dog-catching competition. Officials in Selayang town announced the cancellation today after protesters, with dogs in tow, staged demonstrations against the competition, which they branded as inhumane and distasteful. The town launched the competition last week to alleviate the problem of stray dogs. Residents were to be given about $5.70 USD for each captured dog, while community associations that caught at least 150 dogs in six months were to be awarded with new playgrounds and facilities. Activists condemned the plan as being ineffective and warned that people may resort to violent dog-catching tactics or people may be bitten by the animals. No dogs were caught in the short-lived program...

A surfer rode a wave on his stomach to scoop up a drowning dog from dangerous water in Lake Michigan on Tuesday. Matt Smolenski, 25, grabbed the brown and black mixed breed by his collar and dragged the dog onto the surfboard with him. The dog had been swept off the pier by a wave and had just stopped dog-paddling as Smolenski came to the rescue. Another surfer, Joe Riopelle, 24, helped haul the duo to shore through the large waves and strong current. The dog was not wearing a leash when he was swept into the water. The same wave that washed the dog off the pier knocked the owner off his feet...

A Vancouver Police K-9 team has been ranked the best in Canada for taking a bite out of crime. Police Constable Ray Wong and police dog Bear were awarded first place out of 50 competing teams at the National Police Dog Championships in Edmonton last week. The K-9 teams were tested in categories including compound search, team event, criminal apprehension, evidence search, tracking and agility. The event was organized by the Canadian Police Canine Association and ran from September 5 - 8. The championship marks a significant comeback for Bear who was electrocuted while on duty in 2002. Bear stepped on an electrical plate while pursuing a burglary suspect and was resuscitated by Wong...

Dogs are being heralded as heroes during Epileptic New Zealand's awareness week. Epilepsy sufferer Belinda Simpson gave a speech yesterday in Tauranga, New Zealand raising awareness on the importance of training epileptic service dogs. Simpson credits her service dog, a Golden Retriever named Bradley, with warning her of impending seizures up to 20 minutes before they happen. Bradley warns Simpson of the seizures by pacing, licking her hand and acting agitated. Not all epileptic service dogs can detect a fit, though, and their ability to do so relies heavily on the bond with their owners. Epileptic assistant dogs take about 18 months to train and wear recognizable purple harnesses while working. They are trained to do a number of tasks including getting phones, activating medic alert buttons, opening and shutting doors, and even taking the laundry out of the washing machine...

Officials declared the US free of canine rabies last Friday to coincide with World Rabies Day. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made the announcement in a press release that heralded the eradication as one of the major success stories in public health over the past 50 years. Although the dog-to-dog rabies strain has been eliminated, US citizens were warned that wildlife, such as skunks and raccoons, still carry strains of the disease. These different strains can be spread to humans and dogs, so it is still well-advised to keep vaccinating pets against rabies. The canine rabies elimination in the US was achieved through stray dog control in combination with dog licensing and vaccination...

A Seattle woman who registered her dog to vote has accepted a deal that will allow her to avoid criminal conviction. Jane Balogh, 66, will perform 10 hours and community service and pay a fine of $240 USD in court costs as a part of her misdemeanor charge agreement. Balogh could have faced up to 90 days in jail if prosecuted and found guilty. Balogh registered her Australian shepherd-terrier mix to vote as a demonstration of the inadequacy of voter identification procedures. She used a phone bill in the dog's name, Duncan M. MacDonald, to prove his identity. Balogh submitted absentee ballots in multiple elections for the dog marked as "void" and using paw prints as the signature. No votes were cast...

Veterans in the US are pushing lawmakers to establish a national memorial for war dogs. Each year, a small group of veterans meet the Sunday before Memorial Day at the Riverside March Field Air Museum to honour forgotten heroes of battle. They meet at the West Coast War Dog Memorial, but would like to hold future gatherings at a national memorial dedicated to their lost companions. Many of the veterans who mourn their war dogs credit the canines with saving their lives on multiple occasions. War dogs have been used for many years for both scouting and sentry positions. Sentry dogs work as guards, while scout dogs patrol with their handlers sniffing out buried explosives, detecting tripwires and sensing danger...

Whoopi Goldberg provoked harsh criticism from animal rights activists yesterday after defending Michael Vick on television. The comedian spoke out in defense of Vick on her first day as a panel member on the television show, The View. Goldberg named cultural influence as the rationale behind the Atlanta Falcons quarterback's involvement in dog fighting. She said that dog fighting was a part of the southern culture which Vick came from and that he was raised to believe it was acceptable behaviour. Various animal rights groups have rebuked Goldberg's statements saying that opposition to dog fighting is a universal value in American culture. Vick pleaded guilty last week to federal dog fighting charges, admitting his involvement in Bad Newz Kennels and helping to kill underperforming dogs...

A researcher in Boston is charting new territory in the exploration of canine genetics. Dr. Nicholas Dodman, head of the animal behaviour clinic at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, is preparing to explore the genetics of complex psychiatric problems in dogs. Dodman will begin by comparing the DNA of Doberman pinschers that suck on their own flanks, to the DNA of normal behaving Dobermans. He later hopes to study other breeds for obsessive compulsive behaviour, such as constant tail chasing, and perhaps even trace a genetic influence in canine aggression towards humans.Dodman is using a new "chip" technology developed by researchers at the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, where the entire dog genome was sequenced a couple of years ago...

It has been estimated that several hundred people in the UK are involved in illegal dog fighting activities. The Royal Society for the Protection of Animals (RSPCA) issued the warning after the BBC uncovered a network of gangs trafficking fighting dogs into the UK. The pit bull terriers, which are illegal to own in the UK, are transported into the country under false papers from other European countries. The RSPCA said the popularity of dog fighting has been on the rise in recent years and the trend is towards betting on fights to the death. Dog fighting has been illegal in the UK since the 19th Century. The RSPCA warning comes in the weeks following many celebrity ties with dog fighting. In the US, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has plead guilty to dog fighting and rapper DMX's house was raided for inhumane treatment of pit bull terriers. In the UK, Gaelic football star Gerard Cavlan has been linked to an international dog fighting ring...

A little dog has inherited a massive fortune and plenty of controversy. Trouble, an 8-year-old Maltese, was bestowed with a $12 million pet trust fund from his infamous owner, the late Leona Helmsley. Trouble's inheritance is stirring up some trouble as he was the primary benefactor, while two of Helmsley's grandchildren received nothing. The dog will be placed in the care of Helmsley's brother, who received a $10 million from the will, until his death when he will be buried next to his owner in the family mausoleum. Helmsley, who was nicknamed "Queen of Mean" for her tyrannical behaviour, passed away from congestive heart failure on August 20. Trouble was a very close companion to Helmsley and was pampered with diamond dog collars and meals prepared by a personal chef...

Police raided DMX's home on Friday, seizing several pit bulls and finding the remains of three other dogs. The rapper's Phoenix-area property was raided after the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office received a tip about dogs being kept in inhumane conditions. The dogs were not being fed or given water. DMX was not present when the raid occurred. In 2002, DMX plead guilty to neglecting 13 pit bulls in New Jersey and did a public service announcement against animal abuse as a part of his sentence. The DMX raid came as Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick admitted guilt in his federal dog fighting case...

The dog who was saved after being trapped in a sewer pipe has earned canine celebrity status. Alex, a 14-year-old Dalmatian, has been interviewed on every major television network in the U.S. since his rescue, including appearances on Good Morning America and the Today Show. Alex will even be a guest on the Ellen DeGeneres Show next week. The lucky dog has also received lots letters, get well cards and emails from fans around the country. One package sent to him included gourmet dog treats, a new dog collar and a cheque for $100. The Dalmatian was rescued from a 30-foot storm drain last week after being trapped for more than 48 hours...

An elite police dog was stolen and replaced with a mongrel puppy by thieves in Mexico this week. Rex IV was swapped with the mixed breed puppy during an air transfer from Mexico City to the northern state of Sinaloa. The dog was bound for a drug operation with several other police drug sniffing dogs. An airline employee said a man posing as a police officer requested to switch Rex IV with the puppy because the dog was unwell. Rex IV is a highly trained Belgian Malinois sheepdog with a long record of drug busts. Officials fear that the thieves will use the dogs abilities to find new methods of concealing drugs...

A canine lifeguard in Cornwall, England, is being praised for preventing a swimmer from entering dangerous waters. Bilbo, a nearly 200lb Newfoundland, blocked a tourist from swimming at Sennan Cove when the currents were too strong. The quick-thinking dog is now an integral member of the Penwith Lifeguard's based in the area. Bilbo had to pass swimming fitness tests to become the first beach rescue dog in Cornwall. He spends his days patrolling Cornish beaches with his handler and wears a lifeguard vest emblazoned with safety messages. Newfoundland dogs have webbed feet and water-resistant coats, making them ideal candidates for water rescue work...

A Canada Post campaign is asking dog owners to keep their pets on a leash when the mail is delivered. The annual campaign has taken on new urgency this year as the number of dog bites inflicted on mail carriers has more than doubled in some provinces this summer. The Post Office claims that 18 letter carriers were bitten in June and July this year, up from just eight in June and July last year. The campaign was launched in British Columbia this week and encourages dog owners to train themselves on how to handle their dogs. The Canada Post warning comes just weeks after a mail carrier was attacked by a mastiff cross in June, resulting in serious injuries and controversy over whether the dog should be euthanized...

Michael Vick agreed to plead guilty on Monday in his federal dog fighting case. The guilty plea threatens the NFL star's future career could result in jail time. The plea agreement came after his co-defendants negotiated their own plea deals with the prosecution. Without a deal, Vick was also likely to face new charges in the case, including racketeering...

Wal-Mart quietly removed two brands of dog treats from their stores in July, but they have yet to issue a recall on the products. The worlds largest retailer started removing the treats from their shelves on July 26 after customers raised concerns that the treats made their pets fall ill. A Philadelphia television station reported last week on a woman who claimed her Chihuahua died after being fed the treats. An autopsy revealed the Chihuahua died of an infection caused by toxic bacteria...

This year's Pet Fashion Week in New York City has wrapped up after a long weekend of grooming and modeling. The second annual event took place over the weekend and featured everything in four-legged fashion from dog wigs to themed parties. Some of the canine couture on the catwalk included colourful sweaters, peacock feathers, leather capes and pink dog wigs...

A California man is offering a $5,000 USD reward for the return of his assistance dog. The dog, Quinn, bolted from his owner after the pair was involved in a one-vehicle car crash. The incident took place last Sunday at the Interstate 280/880 freeway interchange in San Jose. Quinns owner, Richard Gambord, does not believe that Quinn was injured in the accident but was scared and ran away...

Dozens of demonstrators gathered in front of the Humane Societys offices in Toronto yesterday demanding the reinstatement of a suspended animal cruelty officer. The officer, Tre Smith, was suspended after a July 31 incident when he smashed a car window to rescue a Rottweiler trapped in the hot vehicle. Smith then handcuffed the animals owner, Paul Soderholm, while he took the dog for emergency treatment. While left unattended, Soderholm alleges a mob of bystanders formed and beat him...

Michael Vick is consulting with his lawyers about a plea deal with prosecutors in his federal dog fighting case. With the possibility of a new indictment, which includes racketeering charges, the Atlanta Falcons quarterback is considering joining his three co-defendants in a plea deal. According to sources close to the case, Vick has not made a final decision yet because he wants to hear from the NFL on how a guilty plea would affect his football career...

Nearly two dozen Labradors will be deployed to search for bombs at next month's APEC meeting in Sydney, Australia. The explosion detection dogs are newly-trained members of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and are worth 90,000 AUD each. They are part of the 170 million AUD security budget for one of the largest dignitary protection events ever held in Australia. Each of the 22 dogs will work with its own handler for APEC week...

The second annual Pet Fashion Week is gaining momentum as canine fashion enthusiasts and experts converge on New York City. The high-end trade show for canine couture will launch this Saturday and feature products including dog collars, grooming supplies, dog leashes, dog clothes, toys and dog food. Top designers in the canine fashion industry will be exhibiting their finest creations over the two-day event...

The coroner has stated that Ving Rhames' dogs may not be responsible for the death of a groundskeeper last week. The body of 40-year-old groundskeeper, Jacob Adams, was found on the Pulp Fiction actor's Brentwood Estate last Friday with bite and scratch wounds. It was widely presumed that Rhames' mammoth-sized bull dogs had mauled the man to death but comments from the Los Angeles County Coroners Office indicate otherwise...

Singapore is tackling irresponsible pet ownership by requiring all dogs in the country to be implanted with a microchip. The new measures were introduced by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) as a response to rampant negligence by dog owners...

An innovative program in Alaska has inmates training shelter dogs. The Shelter Pet Obedience Training (SPOT) program is designed to give abandoned dogs a second chance while helping to rehabilitate inmates. A professional trainer works with the inmates to teach the dogs obedience skills...

A dog and her owner were reunited on the weekend after being separated in Hurricane Katrina. John McGee flew to New York on the weekend to pick up his dog, Sheena, after saying goodbye to her nearly two years ago at the New Orleans Dome...

Anne Hathaway has credited her dog for winning her the leading role in Becoming Jane. The actress, who stars as Jane Austen in the film, claims that she was cast for the role because of interference by her chocolate Labrador, Esmerelda, during auditions...

The Seattle Humane Society is offering $5000 for any tips that lead to busting dog fighting rings in the area. The sum will be paid to anyone whose tip off leads to an arrest and conviction of criminals involved in the blood sport. The cash incentive comes in lieu of the Michael Vick case where the Atlanta Falcons quarterback is preparing to face trial on dog fighting charges...

An ice cream parlour in Vienna, Austria has a new selection of frozen treats... for dogs. Dogissimo is the new brand of ice cream made for dogs. Simona Leonardini created the canine dessert to help her three Golden Retrievers cool down from Austria's scorching summer temperatures...

A Rottweiler cross has survived 29 days alone in the wilderness in Vancouver, Canada. Aniki was found by hikers on the weekend after being separated from his owner on Mount Seymour nearly a month ago. The four-year-old dog lost 25 pounds during the ordeal and is suffering from an eye infection, but is otherwise in good health...

An art gallery in Vancouver, Canada is showing an exhibit dedicated to man's best friend. The show, entitled To the Dogs, is running at the Presentation House Gallery in North Vancouver. Through photographs and film, the exhibit explores the proximity of dogs to humans and the diverse roles canines play in our society...

Michael Vick pleaded not guilty in court yesterday on charges of involvement in a Virginia-based dog fighting ring. The NFL quarterback showed up at the courts on the same day his Atlanta Falcons teammates showed up for their first day at training camp. A frenzied crowd greeted Vick to the courts with boos and a few dispersed cheers from supporters ...

A black Labrador Retriever, who helped search for survivors after 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, died yesterday. Jake, a search-and-rescue dog from Utah, was put to sleep at the age of 12 after a battle with cancer. Jake was on hand after 9/11 to search through the debris for buried survivors. He also made the 30 hour drive with his owner from his home in Utah to Mississippi to help in the rescue efforts after Hurricane Katrina...

A stray dog was pulled from a river in Chicago last week by two teens. Samantha Romano and Preston Reynolds were relaxing by the river on July 14 when two police officers called out to them to help the dog. The confused dog was panicking in the water and could not swim...