Puppy Cake Mix

Check this out, a cake mix for dog cakes....Puppy Cake Mix. 
Just ordered a couple to test them out on our two dogs, they sound and look delicious!

Chia Pet wins the Howl-o-ween reader photo contest

A Boston Terrier named Echo won the readers choice award by winning in his Chia Pet costume and the Paw Print Post Contest. He finished with 34% of the vote.  Echo wins reader photo contest

Mel B the Nor-witch terrier finished second (14%) and Dexter the Pirate and Batman and Robin finished tied (9%), followed by Remy the puppy bumble bee (8%).

Influence

Drop a pebble in the water,
And its ripples reach out far;
And the sunbeams dancing on them
May reflect them to a star.

Give a smile to someone passing,
Thereby making his morning glad;
It may greet you in the evening
When your own heart may be sad.

Do a deed of simple kindness;
Though its end you may not see,
It may reach, like widening ripples,
Down a long eternity.
Salesian Missions

Trampolines aren't safe in Idaho

 Who says you can't buy a trampoline for five bucks?

Rescue dog and 3-legged cat win top ASPCA awards

Heart warming story about abandoned dog and cat who rose above their adversity and won top award: Dog and cat win top ASPCA award

Pumpkin Patch Dog Biscuits

These delicious home made dog treats are perfect for the Fall season!

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 tablespoons butter-flavored Crisco
1/2 cup pumpkin, canned
1 whole egg
1/2 cup buttermilk
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Combine flour, cinnamon and nutmeg and cut in shortening.
Beat egg with milk and pumpkin and combine with flour, mixing well.
Stir until soft dough forms. Drop by tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheet
and bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
Let cool and serve.

Sizzle the burned cat, who wandered 48 miles from home, reunited with owner

Morgan, the cat's real name, had been missing for about a month and was found almost 50 miles away near Boulder during the wildfire that raged through the mountains west of Boulder. Her owner has no idea how Morgan found it's way to Boulder. Sizzle the Cat

Boulder, Larimer shelters are finalists in ASPCA competition

Two Front Range shelters are finalists in a national competition that will net the winner up to $125,000 for saving the most homeless animals.

The Humane Society of Boulder Valley and the Larimer County Humane Society are among 50 shelters nationwide that are competing for the money from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. About 700 shelters applied. Shelter Finalists

$100,000 — will go to the shelter that saves the most cats and dogs from Aug. 1 through Oct. 31. To qualify for the money, shelters must adopt out at least 300 more animals than they did in the same period last year.

Short-snout dogs die more often on planes

If you own a bulldog or pug, beware that these breeds account for approximately half the purebred dog deaths on airplanes in the past five years.

Overall, at least 122 dog deaths were reported since May 2005, when U. S. airlines were required to start disclosing them says the Transportation Department. The dogs died while being shipped as cargo.

Is a Great Dane the Best Choice For Your Home

"Marmaduke" is a great family show, but don't pick a dog for your home just because it's cute when you saw the movie..."Marmaduke".

“The Great Dane Club of America hopes that anyone who sees this movie and becomes interested in having a Great Dane as a pet does their research to make sure it’s the right breed for their lifestyle,” said Dave Miller, President of the Great Dane Club of America.

For those looking to add a Great Dane to their home, AKC recommends that potential dog owners contact the Great Dane Club of America to obtain information about responsible breeders in their area.

Cat owners: Iams recalls canned cat food

The Procter & Gamble Co. is recalling Iams ProActive Health canned cat and kitten food in 3-ounce and 5.5-ounce cans that expire September 2011 to June 2012.

Tests have shown the food contains insufficient levels of Vitamin B1, which is essential to feline health. Cats that eat only this canned food are at risk of developing thiamin deficiency. Symptoms include loss of appetite, salivation, vomiting, weight loss, downward curving of the neck, wobbly gait, falling, circling and seizures. Typically, thiamin deficiency can be reversed.

For more information or a product refund, call the company toll-free at 877-340-8826.

Pet food recall: Discontinue using Natural Balance dog food

The ASPCA is advising pet parents to immediately discontinue the use of Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food with the "best by" date of June 17, 2011, in 5- and 28-lb. bags.

The manufacturer has announced a voluntary recall due to potential Salmonella contamination. No illnesses have been reported, and the Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food with the aforementioned "best by" date is the only product affected. Pet parents should avoid direct contact and wash their hands thoroughly after handling any potentially contaminated food.

Pet donations: How to help Gulf families hurt by oil spill

Animal Rescue New Orleans is looking for donations so families who lost their jobs since the oil disaster in the Gulf don't also have to lose their pets. People are calling the ARNO hotlines saying they can no longer afford their pets. ARNO is a no-kill shelter.

"The shelters are beyond full,'' according to the ARNO website.

They're requesting people to sponsor families' pets through their Pet Retention Program for $25 a month so families can keep their pets. "We provide whatever the pet needs, i.e. food, medical care (maintenance and extraordinary), transportation to and from the vet, dog houses, and even a carrier to make sure they have provisions to evacuate with the pet. The caseworker assigned to the family stays assigned to that family to assure that care is consistent and to know of social services they might need for the human members of the family.''

Winner of World's Ugliest Dog Competition

Princess Abby Francis, a Chihuahua, won the World's Ugliest Dog Competition at the 22nd annual contest held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California. World's Ugliest Dog Competition

3 new breeds accepted by AKC

The American Kennel Club is adding the Cane Corso, Icelandic Sheepdog and Leonberger as the 165th, 166th, and 167th AKC recognized breeds. Photos of new AKC breeds

The Icelandic Sheepdog will join the herding group while both the Cane Corso and Leonberger will join the working Group.

The new breeds became eligible for AKC registration on June 1, 2010 and are eligible for competition in their respective groups at conformation shows held on and after June 30, 2010.

Pet Safety during July 4 Celebrations

Please consider your pets' safety during Fourth of July revelry. Pets should be left at home during fireworks displays, but even animals that are left indoors can be frightened terribly by the hiss, boom and pop.

If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety.

Animals left outside can escape a fenced yard and become lost in the terror of the moment.

Animal shelters across the country are accustomed to an annual increase in lost dogs and cats because of fireworks season, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

If the sound of fireworks is inevitable, leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep (pets) company while you're attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations. Or better yet, have someone stay with your pets while you are enjoying the outside activities.

New Off-Leash Dog Park to Open in Denver

A new, off-leash dog park, Railyard Dog Park, will open in Denver by Labor Day. The Railyard Dog Park near downtown will be landscaped along the edges and will include trees, decorated pee posts, a shade structure and separate play areas for small and large dogs.

Riverfront Park Community Foundation has issued a challenge grant; for every dollar that is raised between now and Labor Day, they will match it dollar for dollar, up to $42,000, and that will be a loan that does not have to be payed back! The Foundation has been a huge supporter of this park, contributing almost half of the funds to build it.

Get more details on the park, how you can donate, future fundraisers and ways to participate at railyarddogs.org

Dogs in China 'welcome' Year of the Tiger and confidence boost

This year, the Year of the Tiger in China, has brought an interest in the dyeing trend - with tigers being the most-sought-after look. From Golden Retrievers to Pekingese, pets are not just being dyed basic colors but are being transformed to look like other animals. Dogs In China

Dogs are being decorated as turtle-dog, zebra-dog, spiderman-dog, tiger-dog and even panda-dog.

Dock Dogs Will Be In Town

Event Name: SummerSplash presented by Chicagoland DockDogs

Event Date: June 17-20, 2010

Event Location:
Carlson Ice Arena Grounds
4150 N. Perryville Rd.
Loves Park, IL 61111

Additional Event Information: HPC "Single" Points Event

Online Pre-Registration Closes: June 15, 2010 at 12:00pm EST (pre-reg. for a wave will close at 30 participants)

Pre-Registration Entry Fees:
$20.00 per dog per Big Air WAVE Competition (Limited to 30 dogs per wave)
$20.00 per dog per Speed Retrieve Competition (Limited to 25 dogs per wave)
$20.00 per dog for Extreme Vertical Competition (Limited to 20 dogs)

On-Site Registration Entry Fees:
$25.00 per dog per Big Air WAVE Competition
$25.00 per dog per Speed Retrieve Competition
$25.00 per dog for Extreme Vertical Competition

Event Schedule:

Thu June 17, 2010
Newbie Night - 3-7pm (to learn more, please click here!)
Click here for the Newbie Night Registration Form!

For more info: http://tinyurl.com/18r

BJ'S PEANUTTY PUPCICLES

1 ripe banana
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup wheat germ

Mash banana then add the peanut butter and mix well.
Stir in wheat germ. Chill 1 hour or freeze.

Serve in small portions as a special treat.

Sophie, the family dog, comforts aging father

Sophie, the golden retriever, helps a 93 year old father and husband who shows signs of dementia through tough times while his wife is recuperating from hip surgery. Sophie seems to have a duty to take care of him.

Snoopy and his gang find a new home

You've got a new owner, Snoopy and Charlie Brown.

E.W. Scripps Co. said Tuesday it will sell the unit that owns the licensing rights to Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of the "Peanuts" gang for $175 million to Joe Boxer owner Iconix Brand Group Inc.

The "Peanuts" gang appears everywhere - on T-shirts, greeting cards and sno-cone machines - six decades after the Minnesota native created them. The business has more than 1,200 licensing agreements and relationships with companies and retailers. Some 20,000 new products are approved each year in more than 40 countries.

Scripps first brought the strip to market in 1950. By the time Schulz retired in 1999, Peanuts was in more than 2,600 papers. Schulz died in February 2000.

Einstein could be the smallest horse in the world

The pinto stallion named Einstein weighed just 6 pounds and measured 14 inches in height when he was born in Barnstead, N.H. Even though he is a miniature breed, his size is still tiny for a horse.

Dr. Rachel Wagner, Einstein's co-owner, says the Guinness Book of Records lists the smallest newborn horse as weighing in at 9 pounds.

Breeders say that unlike the current record holder, Thumbelina, Einstein shows no signs of dwarfism. Instead, he's just a tiny horse.

Diesel the Great Dane enjoys his car rides

Diesel, the Great Dane, loves to go for a ride in the convertible and many heads turn as they pass on by.

What is your pet eating?

Results from a recent Harris Interactive survey found that 77% of dogs and cats eat crumbs off the floor and that 23% of cats and 16% of dogs drink from the toilet. So be sure that you do not have anything harmful drop on the floor that could be ingested by your pet, including tobacco and medicines. Also be careful of what type of floor cleaners you use.

When using toilet cleaners be sure and use non-toxic ones (read the label) or keep the lid down on the toilet.

CHAMPION CHEESE & VEGGIE CHEWS

1/2 cup grated cheese at room temperature
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 teaspoons applesauce
1/2 cup vegetables -- what ever you like
1 cup whole wheat flour
Nonfat milk

Mix cheese, oil and applesauce together. Add veggies and flour.
Combine thoroughly. Add just enough milk to help form a ball.
Cover and chill for one hour.
Roll onto a floured surface and cut into shapes.
Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 15 minutes or until golden
brown. Let cool.

Forget-me-not

Forget-me-not
When you're lost in thought
As you make it through your day

Forget-me-not
I am one who fought
And was scarred along the way

Forget-me-not
For the freedom bought
With the lives one can't repay

Forget-me-not
When your child is taught
To remember yesterday

Forget-me-not
When the day is hot
And you bend your knees to pray

Forget-me-not
Yes, I heard the shot
But I did not run away

Forget-me-not
I'm a patriot
And I need your help today.

DAV (Disabled American Vets)

HOMEMADE LIVER TREATS
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup wheat germ
1 pound beef liver

Pre-heat oven to 350.
Liquefy liver in blender, add dry ingredients. Grease cookie sheet.
Drop teaspoonfuls of mixture onto cookie sheet and flatten with
bottom of glass dipped in water and cornmeal. Bake for 15-20
minutes.
You may store baked or unbaked dough in freezer.

Dog sledding and Jamaica's musher

The 27-year-old Jamaican musher competing in the Iditarod brings a humor and candor to the 1,100 mile race this year. Newton Marshall jokes about the cold, having a female in heat on his team, and running in the darkness in this story in the Alaska Dispatch.

The 27-year-old says in the story, "I consider I've been lucky. I'm looking forward to getting my finisher's belt buckle. I close my eyes and click my heals and say, 'There's no place like Nome.' "

News alert: Pet treat under investigation

The Food and Drug Administration is looking into concerns that a Missouri-produced pet treat has caused serious illness or death in dogs, according to the Associated Press.

An FDA spokesman said the government is reviewing complaints about Real Ham Bone For Dogs.

The pet treat is sold throughout the U.S. and distributed under the Dynamic Pet Products label of Frick's Quality Meats in Washington, Mo.

Pet food advice: 'Chow Hound' is a guide for loving owners

In his new book Chow Hound (Health Communications, Inc., $14.95), veterinarian Ernie Ward looks at the processed foods we give our pets. He's not trying to rush anyone into putting their dog on a fresh or raw diet (he even warns of contamination issues with these foods), but he is urging people to learn more about what they're feeding their dogs. His explanations about how commercial foods are produced, what they're made up of and how they're regulated are thorough. He tries to take readers through the gibberish on the labels and points you toward good choices.

No hungry dogs: New pantry to help people afford pets in Cincinnati

The Associated Press reports dozens of pet owners lined up over the weekend at the Cincinnati Food Pantry to receive a two weeks' supply of pet food, treats, cat litter and other items. Two local nonprofit animal-rescue groups teamed up to obtain donations to supply the first giveaway.

This is a great idea, maybe YOU can start one in your city.

Miracle of the dog that survived 300ft drop after chasing seagull off clifftop

A dog that chased a seagull off a 300 ft cliff miraculously survived when she landed with a belly-flop in the sea below.

Poppy, a three-year-old springer spaniel, ran off the clifftop in East Sussex so fast she managed to avoid the beach and plunge into deep water, which cushioned her fall.

She then saved herself from drowning by doggy-paddling back to the shore where she calmly waited to be rescued.

Huge news: Guinness sends judge to measure tallest dog

Guinness World Records says Giant George from Tucson is the tallest dog ever on record.

Guinness said Monday that he stands 3 feet, 7 inches tall from paw to shoulder, which is three-quarters of an inch taller than his closest rival — Titan, a white Great Dane from San Diego.

Doggy RIP: Cesar Millan's Pit Bull Daddy passes away

Daddy, Cesar Millan's beloved pet, died peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 16, according to the press wire. Daddy was a key fixture in the National Geographic Channel television series Dog Whisperer. He assisted Millan with his toughest cases, interacting with and calming the most unmanageable dogs with his natural balanced energy.

New bill proposes registry to track animal abusers

The first-ever bill for a statewide registry of animal abusers has been proposed in California, that if it passes would track convicted people akin to the way sexual offenders are monitored. Similar bills have been proposed in Tennessee, Rhode Island and Colorado.

What do you think: Should animal abusers be registered?

Litter Robot system

What will they think of next; now a robot cleaning system for your cat's litter box.

Scottish Terrier takes Best in Show

Sadie, a Scottish Terrier, completed the triple crown in dog shows Tuesday night by winning the Best in Show title at the 134th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Pet dog grabs a big award at Westminster Dog Show

A papillon named Jaca, purchased as just a pet, won an award of merit at the Westminster Dog Show. The pet's owner, Tylia Smith, took a chance and entered Jaca because he was so beautiful. So who knows, maybe your furry friend might be the next award winner!

Chilly Dog Safe After Long Float in Baltic

UPDATE TO ORIGINAL STORY (AND WITH A HAPPY ENDING):
Baltic, the spunky dog who floated at least 75 miles (120 kilometres) on an ice floe, has a new owner: The seaman who rescued him.

The Associated Press reports Wojciech Pelczarski of the Sea Fisheries Institute in Gdynia said the decision was made after the dog rejected six people who had claimed to be his original owner. Pelczarski, whose institute co-owns the research ship "Baltica" that rescued the dog and nicknamed him, says Baltic is sociable, affectionate and was getting his first bath since his icy ordeal because his fur was still salty.

The dog's new master is Adam Buczynski, who pulled him to safety from an ice sheet in the Baltic Sea last week.

ORIGINAL STORY:
A frightened, shivering dog was rescued after floating at least 75 miles on an ice floe down Poland's Vistula River and into the Baltic Sea. Now his saviors have to figure out who really owns him.

Four people already have claimed him, but so far rescuers say there has been no wagging tail of joy from the miracle dog they named Baltic. The dog's frozen odyssey came as Poland suffers through a winter cold snap, with temperatures dipping to minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit.

The thick-furred male dog was found adrift last week 15 miles out in the Baltic Sea by the crew of a Polish ship of ocean scientists doing research.

One of the researchers said the rescue was difficult and at one point it seemed the dog had drowned. It was really a tough struggle as the dog kept slipping into the water and crawling back on top of the ice. At one point, it vanished underwater, under the ship, and thought it was the end, but it emerged again and crawled on an ice sheet.

The crew lowered a pontoon to the water and a crew member managed to grab the dog by the scruff of his neck and pull him to safety.

Walking the Walk

Volunteers for the Table Mountain Animal Center (CO) take shelter dogs for walks to keep dogs healthy and socialized. They are part of the PHAT program (Psychology, Health and Training Program).

Endless Barking

(This was written by someone to the Editor of a local newspaper and it always breaks my heart to hear a dog barking consistently-this says it all):

In the heat of summer, we hear you barking hour after hour! I wonder-do you have shade and water?

In the cold and darkness of a winter night, we hear you barking. I wonder-do the humans you live with not hear you barking?

You live near a church, but the church cannot save you.

What should we do? We do not want you to end up in an animal shelter, but you would have food, water and shelter from the heat and the cold. Your friends would notice the silence and hope you were being cared for.

What are the humans who should be caring for you thinking? Why do they treat you this way?

We hear your bark - for help.

Fidos' Finest, SW Edition

This new edition of hotels that allow pets lists the Broadmoor, a 5 star hotel in Colorado Springs, as just one of the many facilities that is allowing guests to bring their dogs (at $35 per stay, per dog). This guide lists 365 hotels, condos and resorts that welcome (often for a fee) dogs as well as their owners. There's also a bare-essentials list of off-leash dog parks and other parks. "Fido's Finest"(south-west edition) by Bridgette Maxwell, $17.95, info@fidosfinest.com

The AKC Welcomes Mutts to their Club

Read how the American Kennel Club will open their performance events of Obedience, Rally and Agility up to mixed breeds on April 1. Mixed breeds will compete in the same classes and earn the same titles as their purebred counterparts.

Iraq GI's missing dog found in Jefferson County, Colorado

It is so heart warming to read about animals that have been reunited with their families:

Heidi, the Iraqi mutt missing since Tuesday, was found safe Saturday by Julie Flint, the mother of 25-year-old Colorado Army National Guard Spec. Shawn Flint, the dog's guardian.

Heidi was found about 8 miles from the Flint family home on South Coors Street near West Quincy Avenue and C-470, Flint said in an e-mail sent to The Denver Post.

"No words can describe my emotions right now," Flint wrote.

Officers at Jefferson County Animal Control were also elated at the good news.

Two to three officers per shift had searched since Thursday for the dog, setting out one cage that they filled with Pop-Tarts and a bowl of mocha coffee in hopes of enticing the pooch inside.

Flint had told animal officials about the dog's love for blueberry Pop-Tarts, muffins and mocha (as well as cheese).

"We talked to everybody about the dog and we're really happy she was found," Officer Sharon Wright said.

Heidi was just a stray pup roaming around the gate of Camp Ar Ramadi, about 70 miles west of Baghdad, when soldiers took her in.

Spec. Flint, a 2003 graduate of Bear Creek High School, took over the care of Heidi soon after he was deployed to the base along the Euphrates River in August. He is scheduled to come home in May, his mother said.

Operation Baghdad Pups, run by SPCA International, helped fly the dog to Denver, but just a few minutes after arriving at her new Colorado home, Heidi bolted out the door, after wiggling out of her collar and leash.

Annette Espinoza: 303-954-1655 or aespinoza@denverpost.com Denver Post staff writer Joey Bunch contributed to this report.

Is the Lab still #1 favorite breed-cast your vote

Here's a graphic of the 10 most popular breeds in the USA, according to the American Kennel Club. We want to know which is most popular according to you, so cast your vote!

Wolf-dog rescued from head stuck in a pipe

Read about a wolf-dog hybrid recovering after being freed from a heavy, steel pipe that was stuck on her head, encasing her face down to the neck in Boulder County.

Activists target puppy mills

Despite Pennsylvania's tough laws, battles often fought one dog at a time.
You decide, should Scarlet-Maple Farm Kennel be shut down?

108 charges alleged in Park Co. sled dog case

Last month, the Park County Sheriff's Department will recommend that 108 counts of animal cruelty be filed against the owners of the Pawsatrak Racing Sled Dog Kennel near Hartsel, CO.

State and Park County investigators removed a total of about 100 dogs, all of whom were neglected and starving.

"The facility itself was appropriate for the type of dogs because this breed is well suited for the weather. The problem is that proper nutrition was not provided," said Anderson. "Overall, the dogs seemed to have good temperaments and are very friendly."

Read entire article

Denver Residents Torn on Dog Rules

Denver Parks and Recreation is proposing off-leash dog hours at City Park and up to two more dog park locations at Cook and Vanderbilt parks.

The draft Dog Park Master Plan was released last week in response to complaints that more enforcement is needed to keep dogs on leashes at parks, and in turn, dog owners who are being ticketed complaining there aren't enough places to let Fido run.

If you live in Denver, read the entire article to learn about possible fines and generating revenue for the City of Denver.

Shaggy-dog story ends with a wag

Find out how Greta, a Shetland sheepdog, finally reunites with her family after running loose for five months in the Denver suburbs.

Send your car to the dogs

You may have seen the ads on TV. Donate your unwanted car to a worthy cause and receive a tax deduction. The organization that rings bells in front of stores is one of the largest to solicit your old auto. But did you know you could also donate it to a local animal shelter?

The Montgomery County Humane Society (MCHS) accepts automobile donations. They will pick up your donated vehicle from your home. It’s tax deductible and another way to help the homeless animals.

Read how you can receive a tax deduction and help the humane society. Donate Your Car

A Way to a Happy New Year

To leave the old with a burst of song
To recall the right and forgive the wrong;
To forget the thing that binds you fast
To the vain regrets of the year that's past;
To have the strength to let go your hold
Of the not worthwhile of the days grown old,
To dare to go forth with a purpose true,
To the unknown task of the year that's new;
To help your brother along the road
To do his work and lift his load;
To add your gift to the world's good cheer,
Is to have and to give a Happy New Year.

~ Robert Brewster Beattie