Before you adopt a pet...

So one of my girlfriends is thinking about adopting a pooch - specifically, a yorkie. It's been pretty difficult finding a purebred yorkie at the local shelters, considering little dogs are usually the ones that get adopted the fastest (not to mention purebred.)

Anyway, I'm dedicating this post to her (hi Kara!) I found this list of things to consider before adopting a pet. A number of the tips are things I wish people told me before I adopted CeCe! Of course, I don't regret one thing with her.

I just wish someone would have told me earlier how housetraining would make me want to pull my hair out. Thank goodness those days are over!

Vegan pets

Can dogs and cats be vegans?

Is it fair to put pets on a vegan diet?

Those are a couple of issues that's addressed in this ABC News story on vegan diets for pets.

I guess if pets are still getting the nutrients they need out of a vegan diet, and no pet is getting sick from the diet, then it should be OK.

But like the Ohio State professor quoted in the article, I would not do that for my own dog. Dogs are carnivores and I feel I would be depriving CeCe of what canines have been feasting on since the beginning of time.

She loves her chicken, eggs and yogurt - all things that are excluded in a vegan diet. CeCe would probably be very upset if I took that away from her.

Watch your step!

So the CDC has found pets are responsible for more than 86,000 fall injuries every year. Dogs are the biggest culprits.

Check it out here.

It's interesting how the article pointed out that it's not just the elderly who are falling. I, too, have tripped over CeCe (and her toys.) CeCe just loves following me...right on my heels.

Hellooooo...hasn't she heard of the term "personal space?"

(J/k.)

Mutt Strut in Auburn, Ala.

Here's another upcoming event that you and your dog can participate in. It's the same day as the Relay for Dogs in Columbus, but this event is in Auburn, Ala. (for all my Lee County readers!)

The Lee County Humane Society is holding their annual 5-K race Saturday, April 25, at Kiesel Park in Auburn. This is the kick-off to Auburn CityFest.

The race is for humans, but you can bring your dog if he/she is your running partner (as long as the dog is on a leash and has had a rabies shot.)

The race starts at 8 a.m. and you can register that day from 6:30-7:30 a.m. You can download Mutt Strut registration forms at the LCHS Web site.

It's $15 (tax-deductible) to enter. Families can register - $15 for the first member and $10 for each additional member. Everyone gets a prize bag and t-shirt.

All proceeds will go toward the LCHS's general operating fund.

Animal abuse in Columbus

http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/breaking_news/story/662085.html

This is outrageous.If this so-called owner couldn't give the dog food and water, why didn't he/she just give them up to the animal shelter? Why did they have to wait until the dog was malnourished and on the brink of death to get help at Animal Emergency Center?

I mean, come on, people.

There's really no excuse for neglecting an animal of something as simple as FOOD and WATER. I don't know the owner's situation, but I really can't think of any excuses for STARVING a poor dog.

Relay for Dogs

Just posted this event on the L-E Web site. This sounds like a really cool local event for the pups! I work on Saturdays, but CeCe and I are going to try to go early and stay for a short while...

1st ANNUAL RELAY FOR DOGS

Local pet owners and their canine companions are invited to the first annual Relay for Dogs in Columbus.

The event will be held Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hardaway High School track. Hardaway High School is located at 2901 College Dr.

There will be a dog wash, pet photographer, calendar contest and food - for both dogs and humans. Pet-related vendors will also be on site.

To register your dog, it's $10 in advance or $15 on site. That includes a bandana and goodie bag. People are free.

All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society.

You can pre-register by e-mailing relayfordogs@yahoo.com or calling Mandy at 706-888-4857.

Free puppies in Columbus

Need a puppy? My colleague Sandra Okamoto forwarded me an e-mail from a friend whose dog recently had a HUGE litter of puppies! (Pictured above.) The mama dog is named Lassie and she was rescued off the street. Lassie gave birth to 11 pups, but three died. The remaining eight are now looking to forever homes!

They think Lassie is a beagle/terrier mix and her male mate's breed is unknown. All the puppies have had their first deworming treatment and first round of shots. The vet said they should grow to be no larger than their mom (45 lbs.)

Interested? Contact Cameron Faucette at cameronfaucette@yahoo.com or cfaucette@maloneoffice.com.

More Petland accusations

I've heard the Petland rumors many times before: the chain uses unsanitary puppy mills.

Whether that's true, I don't know.

Now, some pet owners are suing the chain, blaming Petland for medical and behavioral problems in pets purchased from the store.

Check out the AP story here.

Considering we have a Petland in town, I'm wondering if any local folks have purchased a pup from Petland. What was that experience like? How's your dog now? Any problems? I'd also like to hear from people who bought a Petland pet and are satisfied.

Make your pup a movie star

Just found out from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's pet blog that they will be holding a casting call TOMORROW, Friday, March 20, in Atlanta for a role in a new Disney film.

Sorry people...dogs only!

According to the AJC, the film will be similar to "Beverly Hills Chihuahua," "Bolt" and "Space Buddies."

Sign-ups to audition is SUPER, SUPER limited - 15 slots, to be exact. Sign-ups start at 11:30 a.m.

Check out the AJC pets blog here, and more information on the casting call here.

Martha Stewart Pets

Want to learn how to make your own cardboard cat playhouse? How about a doggy coat?

Martha Stewart has launched a pet Web site. You can learn how to create the aforementioned projects - plus 33 more - if you visit.

Click here.

I was totally eyeing the "simple pet pillow" project...although I'm having second thoughts. CeCe has ripped up every bed I've purchased for her. She had an accident on the last one I bought from Walgreen's.

Maybe I'd fare better with the suede doggy coat project.

Anyway, the Web site has other cool features, like photo contests and a blog "written" by Sharkey and Franchesca - Stewart's two French bulldogs, haha!

No jump!

So I have a problem.

Among other things, I've taught CeCe how to sit, stay, bark on command and stop barking on command.

But I CANNOT get her to stop jumping on people!

It happened again today. A lady from my apartment's management stopped by with the pest control guy. CeCe went straight for the lady and would not stop jumping.

It's actually become kind of embarrassing. As soon as a visitor walks through the door, CeCe will start jumping on him/her. When visitors sit down, CeCe will get on the couch and literally place herself on top of them - licking and even nipping a little.

I've tried to keep her on a leash when a visitor enters, pull her back when she attempts to jump and say firmly, "No jump!"

I've also asked visitors to ignore her when they come in (a tactic I saw on "It's Me or the Dog.")

And when CeCe's on the couch, I've repeated, "Off!" and "Behave!" when she tries to jump on a friend.

All this has not worked.

Is this "enthusiasm" just the terrier in her, or is there a way to keep her from jumping?

Poor kitty

Cats really do have nine lives.

A cat in Spokane was found stuck in a couch after 12 days with no food or water.

That's the cat, Vee Vee, pictured above.

She's currently being nursed back to health at a Spokane animal shelter.

Read the full story here.

Who's the smartest of them all?

Think your dog is the canine version of Einstein?

PetMD recently came up with a list of the world's 10 most intelligent dog breeds.

Wanna see if your pup made the list?

Check it out here.

Don't leave dogs with children!

Got another forwarded e-mail today from a co-worker and decided it was totally worth sharing...

DOG OWNERS BEWARE........

WARNING!!!

Please read!!! If you are an owner of a dog that belongs to a 'dangerous breed' category And you also have a small child please take this as a warning. Don't leave Your dog with the child unattended under any circumstances. Only a little moment was enough for the following to happen. See the photo Attached ....

LoL!

Atlanta cat show

Attention all cat lovers!

The Atlanta Phoenix Cat Society is hosting a cat show this weekend.

Check out more than 300 cats at the show. There will also be vendors, food and adoptable kitties from the Persian Rescue Society.

The show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

It will be held at the East Roswell Recreation Center, 9000 Fouts Rd., in Roswell, Ga.

$5 for adults and $4 for children or seniors.

For more information, visit this Web site or e-mail donna@kyetrak.com.

Pet diaries

Allison Kennedy, fellow L-E reporter and cat lover, forwarded me an e-mail today that I thought was absolutely hilarious. I've copied it below:

Excerpts from a Dog's Diary......
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary...
Day 983 of my captivity...

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now................

Schipperkes!

So my pal and Ledger-Enquirer video journalist Joe Paull recently got a puppy! Kodi is a schipperke (Joe pronounces it SKIPPER-key.) It's a breed I knew little about when he first told me. They kind of look like furry little bats! Take a look at Kodi:

(Pictured above is Joe's wife and daughter, Rebecca and Josie, walking Kodi at the park.)

Isn't Kodi cute? Joe says he nips a little, but perhaps that's just the puppy in him.

Read more about schipperkes here.

Killa, the pit bull

So did y'all check out the story we had in the paper today about a Phenix City police officer shooting a pit bull three times for charging?

If not, read it here.

Perhaps the officer should have used pepper spray to stop Killa from charging. Perhaps he wouldn't have pulled the trigger if Killa was say, a chihuahua or beagle.

At the same time, I don't think Killa's owner should have just let her dog out to relieve himself. Unleashed. All by his lonesome.

No matter how much an owner says, "Oh, my dog is harmless, he wouldn't hurt a fly," there will always be people who are just straight up uncomfortable with an unrestrained dog in public.

Really, it's the owner's responsibility...and city law.

I don't think there are any winners in this situation. Both sides share the blame.

Sad news

Not sure if some of y'all checked out the reader comments on my post about Bain, the lost boxer, being found.

Check out the post here.

His owner, Katie, said Bain was hit by a car and killed. The person who was responsible finally called to let them know.

Please keep Bain's family in your prayers in their time of loss.

Go Oprah!

So Oprah has added a new dog to her family.

It's a yet-to-be-named cocker spaniel.

The best part?

She adopted the pup from a Chicago animal shelter!

YAY!

Check out the story here.

Poor pups

I hate to be posting one animal mistreatment story after another, but check this out:

More than 130 doggies were rescued from an unsanitary kennel today in Cherokee County, Ga.

Check out the AJC's story here.

My question is...why was this lady able to keep the 28 other animals?

Cat in a bong

Did y'all happen to see the paper today?

We had a story about a Nebraska man who stuffed his kitten into a homemade (marijuana) bong. He said he did it to calm her down.

Wow. This fool is not right in the mind.

The good news is that the kitty is doing fine now.

Check out the story here.