Thank You for Loving me Charlie!

My brother in law got Charlie for me as a late Christmas gift in 2008. He was so small and cute. My brother in law asked if I wanted him and i said YES! The man that he got the puppy from said he could not afford to feed him and his daddy. I gave the little puppy some TLC and taught him some tricks. He is such a good dog and loves to go for rides. He is my world and I will do anything for him. I know pit bulls have that reputation of being mean and aggresive, but not all are that way. If you could ask anyone who knows him they all say he is a big baby and tries to be a lap dog. He loves to play fetch with me and my sister-in-law. Why I chose the title Thank You for Loving me, is because if it was not for the love and attention I gave him he might not be here. Charlie is thanking me for loving him and showing him the care he needs. I LOVE YOU CHARLIE!!!!

Alisha A

Tifton, GA

Courtesy of The Animal Rescue Site

Chuck

This is Chuck and he's been with us 10 weeks, and he is still quite the scared little guy. Ellen, the trainer, told me "everyday is a Monday with a mill dog". Chuck does go the bathroom outside and he pee's in the house only when he's excited or nervous. We have to pick him up to get him on the couch for us to pet him. Otherwise he's in a corner in the kitchen, or dining room.

He loves other dogs and even the cat. He's starting to do much better on a leash. My daughter even takes him for runs and he loves it. At night he knows when it is time to go to his kennel to sleep. The most upsetting part for us has been that he still just won't come to us and let us pet him.

Outside in the yard he's the same way. He's trying to learn to play with a tennis ball, and chew toys. There's just so much this little guy has missed out on and he doesn't know what a normal dog feels and does. I see little changes at a time, but the next morning it might have changed to something else he doesn't want to do. It's Monday again!

Courtesy of National Mill Dog Rescue

I found my sweetheart at a rescue in Missouri through petfinder.com.

When I saw Chuckie's picture I knew we were meant for each other. Chuckie had been surrendered by a breeder at 1 year old, probably because he was "big" for the Maltese breed. I'm glad they at least cared enough to give him up. The day I got him I met the generous soul running the rescue in St. Louis which was a 3 hour drive one way for us both.

My little guy was skinny as a rail, his hair was over his eyes and he was absolutely petrified. Our Blue Heeler/Australian Shepard adopted Chuckie immediately. I know he could sense how scared the little guy was and appointed himself as his guardian angel until Chuckie learned he was loved, safe and at home.

Chuckie's been the baby for 1 1/2 yrs.now and is such a different guy, but it has taken almost the whole time for him to come around. In the beginning, he was especially afraid of men and children. He didn't wag his tail, give kisses, or play (except with another dog)...it was heart breaking. Chuckie's a farm dog now who's constantly getting cuckle burrs in his beautiful, cottony white hair and thinks he's as big as the cattle he likes to bark at.

I'll never forget receiving his first kiss after probably 6-8 months. Toys...watch out...he plays and plays, flinging them in the air, chasing after them and running big circles in the yard.

There's so much love in those big beautiful black eyes. He told me he's always wanted to be a farm dog too.


Laura
Morganfield, KY

Courtesy of The Animal Rescue Site

The following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door.

To My Dear Dogs:

The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. Dogs can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, howl, or try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine attendance is not required.

And finally, a very important item - The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog's butt. I cannot stress this enough.

With all my love,

Dorothy (aka mom)

Thanks to my sister, Sharon

Good Lord! Let's shut down ALL Puppy Mills!

When I first saw Mojo (a yellow lab), the women from National Mill Dog Rescue were helping him out of the car - not because he wasn’t strong enough but because he didn’t know how. He had spent his whole life (4 or 5 years) in a 10 x 10 foot cage with 3 females as a breeder in a puppy mill. He had never been on a walk or felt grass under his feet. He had barely been touched by humans and who knows what he was fed. As a puppy, a heat lamp fell on him in a cage so small he couldn’t get away from it and it burned half his tail off and most of his back paw.

When I first saw him he was spiritually broken - tail between his legs and head down- but very gentle and mellow. I took him from them initially as a foster dog but I knew right away I would keep him. He had never been in a house before so stairs as well as doors were pretty daunting. I took him on his first walk on the golf course behind our house. He didn’t need a leash and wouldn’t let me out of his sight. He stopped short when he saw the river - he had never seen water like this!

The owner of the puppy mill where Mojo came from was going to put him down because he stopped breeding and was no longer worth anything to him. If it hadn’t been for Theresa (founder of National Mill Dog Rescue) he wouldn’t have made it out of there alive. There are thousands of other dogs who don’t. The puppy mill business is a $40,000,000 industry in Missouri. Most pet stores and many on-line sites get their dogs from puppy mills - usually these dogs are malnourished and sick. Puppy mills usually house dogs in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, without adequate veterinary care, food, water and socialization.

Puppy mill dogs do not get to experience treats, toys, exercise or basic grooming. To minimize waste cleanup, dogs are often kept in cages with wire flooring that injures their paws and legs—and it is not unusual for cages to be stacked up in columns. Breeder dogs at mills might spend their entire lives outdoors, exposed to the elements—or crammed inside filthy structures where they never get the chance to feel the sun or a gust of fresh air on their faces. Recently one owner set his whole place on fire after learning he was going to be visited by the Dept. of Agriculture. Many dogs were burned alive.

Two dogs were rescued by Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, found under a burning truck, and given to National Mill Dog Rescue. These, among many other dogs are ready to be fostered or adopted. Many of these rescued dogs need surgery, even amputations, because of the deplorable conditions they were forced to endure for so many years.I’ve had Mojo for about 3 months now and he is a changed dog! He can now go up and down stairs, get in and out of the car, is housebroken, is learning how to run (he had never run before) and knows what a treat is and is even learning how to play with my other dog. It’s a very gratifying experience to see the benefits of a little TLC.

Courtesy of National Mill Dog Rescue

A dog's loyalty and devotion knows no bounds

Amazing Grace

Such a wonderful story that further reinforces the incredulous forgiving souls dogs possess...plus just look at little face.

Grace was 14 weeks old when the Weimaraner Rescue of North Texas pulled her from an animal shelter in Houston. She weighed 10 pounds and was blind. She was infested with hookworms, severely anemic and dehydrated as well as emaciated to the point that she could barely stand on her own. She was also missing a chunk of her upper lip on both sides. We thought it was only by God's Grace that she was still alive and so she was named Amazing Grace.

We took her in as a foster and immediately fell in love with her. We had a couple of medical scares early on because she was so sick but she proved to have a strong spirit and fought her way to health. As she regained her strength, her personality began to shine through. She loves to cuddle and be near you when she sleeps. Everything we read and heard from others about blindness stated clearly not to coddle them. Well, Gracie took care of that on her own. She was independent and adventurous from the start and did not want to be held unless it was on her terms. She mapped out our house and backyard in no time at all.

Gracie has been an ambassa-dog for WRNT and whenever we take her to a rescue event, she draws a crowd. She has the sweetest nature and just seems grateful for everything. Soon into fostering her, our family knew she wasn't going anywhere...she had found her forever home. We are learning as we go about having a blind dog. Mostly, we are learning how to appreciate the little miracles in life. She has proven again that dogs have the ability to forgive and forget the wrongs done to them by humans and love us anyway.

Kelly Walker
Frisco, TX

Gearing up for Puppy Mill Awareness Day

The following interview was reprinted from Happy Tails Books.

Carol Araneo-Mayer, one of the founders of Puppy Mill Awareness Day, has been in animal rescue since 1967. She started with the Nutley Animal Welfare League and has worked with Companion Animal Welfare and People for Animals.

She has worked with Adopt-A-Pet, which specializes in handicapped animals and puppy mill dogs, for the past 14 years. She is a vegetarian with three dogs and two cats, who is married to a wonderful man who supports her causes.

She believes that dogs should not be chained or penned and that farm animals should be treated with kindness and compassion.
We interviewed Carol to find out more about Puppy Mill Awareness Day:

HTB: How did you come up with the idea for Puppy Mill Awareness Day? When?

CAM: In early 2004, Kathy, Walter and myself (co-founders), decided to hold an event in Pennsylvania to educate the public regarding the plight of the breeding dogs held in the barns and sheds in Lancaster and the surrounding areas. We had been to an event previously and wanted the public's education to continue.

HTB: Are you working with people around the country to host Puppy Mill Awareness Day in locations other than Lancaster?

CAM: Yes. We are urging everyone who cannot be with us in Pennsylvania to hold their own PMAD, to bring attention to the plight of the breeding dogs held in cages across the country and in other countries whose only value is for the puppies they produce. Presently we have a link on our site called "One Day One Voice" the events being held are listed there. New events are coming daily and there is one being held in England, as they have a "Puppy Farm" problem as well.

HTB: What is your favorite thing about the event?

CAM: Meeting the puppy mill survivors and their owners. Those dogs and their families are our best educational tool. Once a mill survivor moves into your neighborhood most people are never the same. For each survivor there is a story and that story needs to be told time and time again. Those stories are what we hope will keep people from buying pet store puppies and internet puppies.

HTB: What has been the most challenging thing in putting the event together?

CAM: Coordinating all the groups and guests, and worrying that the public will come out and join us. Presently we have over 40 rescue groups registered for this years event. This year we are honored to have Victoria Stilwell world renowned dog trainer and star of Its Me or The Dog and Rescue Ink, they will be staring in their own Nat Geo show shortly.

HTB: What are three things people can do to help fight against animal cruelty (and puppy mills in particular)?

CAM: 1. We ask that everyone boycott pet stores that sell pets. Not only should you not buy a puppy but should not buy supplies or food at these stores. 2. Adopt your next pet, go to a reputable rescue group or shelter. 3. Spay and Neuter your pets. The shelters are filled with homeless dogs and cats, there aren't enough homes to go around.

Puppy Mill Awareness Day will be held in Lancaster, PA on September 18th. I'll be there. Will you? Find more information at AwarenessDay.org

Posted by Kyla Duffy at 4:17 PM

My Precious Penny

We were going with my son to look at puppies, when we got to the house we saw the mother dog was thin and sickly looking. As we were sitting a little rolly polly came up to me and wanted on my lap, I was hooked. We bought her and found out she was riddled with mange and soon developed a tumor on her leg.

After spending a small fortune on her she is now a healthy ,very happy, loving pit. I can't tell you what joy she brings every day. The vet loves her and anyone that meets her falls in love. Everyday she amazes us with her understanding of things, and Lord does she love to snuggle.

Beverly Townsend

Rogers, AR

Broken hearted healer

My father had just passed away and I had to put down my previous dog of 17 years due to his failing health. I decided to go to a few shelters to look around but not commit to anything as I was completely heart broken from my recent losses. At the second shelter, Orphans of the Storm in Lincolnshire, IL, I had walked past Max many times because he was half pit bull (how silly I feel now for stereotyping pit bulls).

After 90 minutes of looking at dogs and feeling quite overwhelmed I asked if I could see Max, who was the only dog who wasn't barking as people went by and just had this sad look on his face. It was love at first lick! All he wanted was to be petted and to lick my face and to be loved. Max now is a happy 8 year old who has free reign of the house and loves to greet you at the door, smother you with kisses, and be your pillow as you fall asleep.

Karen Looze
Round Lake Beach, IL

Courtesy ofThe Animal Rescue Site

A letter to the editor of The Philadelphia Inquirer

Appearing below is a letter to the editor I saw in the August 22, 2009 edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer. I honestly do not know where to even begin commenting on this gentleman's misinformed grasp of what animal rights groups really do to prevent the possibility that "vicious breeds of dogs" will attack children in our communities. Dogs are not born vicious. They are trained to be vicious by the likes of Michael Vick and his business associates. Animal rescue groups fight tirelessly, and with a lot less funding than a Michael Vick financed operation, to reverse the damage done by "dog fighting entrepreneurs". Some folks will distort facts any way they can to justify the support of bad, even criminal behavior. I'd feel safer having a couple hundred properly trained Pit Bulls being raised by caring families living in my community than one Doug Donato. Pictured is my niece Lauren's Pit Bull who was a rescue dog. The only danger Cisco could ever inflict is perhaps smothering you with dog kisses.

Get rid of vicious dogs

If Michael Vick truly wants to make amends for his actions, he should steer clear of any affiliations with animal "rights" organizations and alliances.

According the FBI, "Animal and environmental-rights extremists have claimed credit for more than 1,200 criminal incidents, resulting in millions of dollars in damage and monetary loss."

Many of the so-called "humane" animal organizations are the supporters and culprits recycling unwanted, discarded pit bulls and other potentially vicious breeds of dogs back into our communities, where the dogs are attacking, mauling, and even killing children.

Doug Donato
Margate, NJ

Please help save the dogs of Taiwan.

We are in a race against time to save more than 1,000 dogs left homeless after animal shelters in Taiwan were heavily damaged by Typhoon Morakot.

Shelter dogs are now roaming or trapped by floods, some living on roofs or just barely surviving. In one kennel located beneath the Kaoping Bridge, dozens of dogs drowned in their cages, with hundreds more already reported dead around the island. Damaged shelters need medical supplies, drinking water, dog food, and assistance rebuilding the dogs' homes.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare's (IFAW) Rescue Team is helping local animal groups set up temporary shelters and resurrect what's left of their former homes, some which are under several feet of mud. Vet assistance will also be needed to help rescue dogs suffering from digestive issues after drinking contaminated water, as well as from distemper and to avoid a rabies outbreak.

Take heart. Incredible human and animal survival stories have also been reported. Local villager Huan Chin-bao witnessed a mountain crumbling in seconds, burying half of his neighborhood. Huang said he and another 40 people were guided by his two dogs to higher ground. "The dogs are our saviors," he said.

IFAW's animal relief efforts are funded by compassionate animal lovers like you, and we need your help right now. Every dollar you donate will help the animal victims of Typhoon Morakot.
Purchase of this Gift That Gives More™ funds emergency response for animal victims of Typhoon Morakot, through International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). Please give an Emergency Rescue Donation today.

IFAW works to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals throughout the world by reducing commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats, and assisting animals in distress. IFAW seeks to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of both animals and people.

Upon purchase, you will receive an automated e-mail with a link to a full-color certificate of acknowledgment that you may print and frame for display or gift-giving. Adobe Acrobat Reader, or equivalent .pdf viewing program, is required to open the file. The certificate makes a great "instant" gift for an honored colleague, family member or friend.

Please note: Your purchase is tax-deductible in the U.S.A., and you will receive a receipt from GreaterGood.org for your taxes. 100% of this gift goes to IFAW as a grant through GreaterGood.org. GreaterGood Network stores do not receive any profit from the sale of this Gift That Gives More™; we bring it to you in the spirit of the greater good. GreaterGood.org has ultimate authority and discretion with regard to the distribution of its funds. All expenditures made are consistent with the exempt purposes of GreaterGood.org.

To donate, click here Save the Dogs of Taiwan.

Petunia

Petunia (who has the body of Flubadub) came from an Alabama shelter and was transferred to an Atlanta rescue group. She has the appetite of a goat; she'll eat anything, anytime and it was obvious she was starving when we adopted her. Even though she's gained weight, she's still our "little goat" always looking for a meal. She's the most affectionate dog we've ever had and seems really appreciative that she has a real home now. Best of all, she's become the best buddy of our other dog, Daisy.

Chris and Jim Stone

Mountain, GA

This baffles me!

Why do some folks think that when a baby comes into a home, the dog must go up for adoption? These pictures support my belief that dogs and babies are like peanut butter and jelly, toast and jam, eggs and ham. Well, you get the idea.

Thanks for sending these to me Mom!

Jelly from Katrina

I went to New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina to try to help. The day I got there the second storm Rita was about to hit. We evacuated the evacuation centers and I was sent off with 5 incredibly emaciated dogs. They had all been rescued that day and even though they were truly starving, they would not eat unless you would sit with them. They missed people more than food! I found good homes for the other 4 and over the next year I nursed Jelly back to health. Now he rules the house and my heart!

Erin Wood

Pagosa Springs, CO

Our Baby Buster

We adopted our wonderful Buster from The Sydney Dogs Home in Australia when he was 10 months old. He is now 7 years old and is totally devoted to our family. He has brought such delight to our family and my children absolutely adore him.

When he looks at me with those chocolate brown eyes, my heart melts! Our lives are definitely better now that he is a member of our family.

Diane Rinaldi
Sydney, Australia

Courtesy of The Animal Rescue Site

Fastest puppy in the world

This is Pebble. She is an ex-racer. In her last race, she broke her leg and her owner stuck her in a cage with no medical attention to let her die. When the rescue group got her, she was covered with ticks and fleas and her leg healed backwards. They re-set her leg and she has a titanium rod in it.

She healed fine and you could never tell she was hurt. She is the best dog ever, who snuggles our 3 yr old daughter when it is nap time. She even loves our cats. If you want to see true forgivenes, look at a dog like this. Stop Greyhound Racing! Adopt a greyhound!

An anonymous grateful owner of a wonderful rescue dog...many thanks to the tireless workers dedicated to saving these very forgiving souls.

Slinky - Our Loveable Weiner Dog

The first time we saw Slinky at the Humane Society shelter, we fell madly in love with him. We just couldn't resist those beautiful chocolate brown puppy eyes! Slinky was 3 years old back then, a bit on the thin side and was very shy. The adoption process took 3 whole days. I just couldn't wait to hold him again and to finally call him our pet baby. When the day finally came, I was so filled with joy!

The first few months were hard on him. He was still getting used to my husband and me. His previous owners gave him up to the Humane Society because they couldn't afford to take care of him anymore. Now it's been a year and 2 months since we got him and we couldn't be happier. Slinky has brought a love into our lives that we will cherish forever! I thank God for giving us Slinky... for he's our little angel.

Cristina
Houston, TX

Well-trained dogs are well-behaved and well-liked dogs

RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERS

HAVE WELL TRAINED DOGS

• Do you want a well-behaved dog?
• Do you want the satisfaction and pride knowing that you trained your dog – not a stranger?
• Do you want to accomplish this in a fraction of the time of ordinary training techniques?
• And, do you want to do all of this for only $39.95?
  

Want a well trained dog who will LISTEN to you?

Click Here!

Penny

I met "Abigale", now named "Penny" at the intake in Jan. 09'. She had just arrived the day before from Mo., brought to Theresa in the back of a truck in a parking lot so no one could see where she came from. She was almost 6 yrs old, I thought she was a puppy and was surprised to find out her age. I wanted an older dog since I have a Bichon that is almost 13 at home and we had just lost our Pug to illness. I came that day hoping to go home with a Pug and saw this Havanese that was so calm and now realize she was so quiet because she was scared to death. I brought her home that very day.

From day one she has slept in the bed with us and learned a leash right away. But she definately has scars from being in a puppy mill for so many years, she cowers still after 6 mos. when I go to pick her up and still has fears of my husband. But every day she is a joy and I look at her little face and feel so sad that 1/2 of her life was spent in a cage, it just breaks my heart. Penny is now "free" and has learned how to be a real dog. She absolutely loves rolling in the grass, something she never experienced. She discovered her toys we keep in a basket and that is one of her toys in the picture.

I bought her a t-shirt that says "Puppy Mill Survivor" and she wears it proudly to events for NMDR. I am so thankful to have her in my life and will love her for the rest of her life, she deserves so much for what she had to endure. I wish I could change her past, when she is fearful of noises and strangers, I know that she can't forget the horrible life she had to live but the last 1/2 of her life will be wonderful and hopefully will make up for the bad times. Thank you Theresa and the entire organization for all that is done for these dogs, I am so proud to be a small part of the volunteer effort.

Another wonderful rescue story from National Mill Dog Rescue

Vick, Eagles agree on contract

I was sitting in my easy chair watching the Eagles-Pats preseason game when I thought I heard the announcer mention that the Eagles signed Michael Vick. I had hoped I misheard so I checked the story online and lo and behold...its true. I am somewhat ambivalent because I know he served his time for the crime and he probably does deserve a chance to re-enter society. But I really wish he didn't turn out to be an Eagle. By the way, I turned the game off and watched a CSI rerun. How do you feel about this?

The Michael Vick wait is over.

Sources told FOXSports.com that the quarterback has reached a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, with a one-year option. Vick will make $1.6 million for the first year of the deal. The Eagles have an option on the second year for $5.2 million.

The deal was reached Tuesday, but wasn't finalized until Thursday. Several head coaches have told FOXSports.com that they would love to have signed Vick but were unable to because of trepidation on the part of their owners. Vick makes sense for the Eagles as a second QB option if Donovan McNabb goes down with an injury. Vick has not played in the NFL since 2006. The former Atlanta Falcons star was convicted in August 2007 of conspiracy and running a dogfighting operation, and was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison. He also was suspended indefinitely by the NFL. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell conditionally lifted Vick's suspension on July 27, allowing him to sign with a team.

Vick can immediately take part in preseason practices, workouts and meetings and can play in the final two preseason games. He can apply for full reinstatement by Week 6 in October. The Eagles went to the playoffs last season under McNabb, and are still looking for their first Super Bowl win.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Our Pebbles

We adopted Pebbles from the Maui Humane Society 7 years ago and could not have found a more wonderful dog. We receive so many compliments about how well mannered and smart she is. We can only hope that we will have her for many years to come!

Cookie Medeiros

Makawao, HI

Courtesy of The Animal Rescue Site

Our Terrier Twins

After losing our two beloved, 15 year old poodles just three weeks apart, I said "I can't go through this pain again, no more dogs for me!" I grieved for a week as I put away dog toys, bowls, and beds, sad everytime I glanced at one of their favorite napping places, now empty. Then I received a sympathy note from a friend who said it might be healing for me to honor the deaths of my poodles by opening my home to an abandoned dog in a shelter. I resisted, but went to the computer and saw the thousands of animals needing a home.

I found these two brothers at our local UnderDog Rescue of Bradenton, Florida. They had been rescued from a shelter in Miami and were about 6 months old, all their actions in tandem, so that their foster mom called them "the twins." There was nothing to do but adopt them both. Raising terrier mix puppies is quite a new experience for my husband and me, but we've gotten so much happiness, laughter, and love from them! I didn't replace my old poodle babies, but am honoring their memory in the best way possible.

Gayle Putman

Bradenton, FL

Courtesy of The Animal Rescue Site

The Fawn and the Bobcat

I'm such a sucker for a story like this...

The Jesusita Fire in Santa Barbara , CA last week caused these two to take shelter together. The fawn is 3 days old and the bobcat about 3 weeks. The fawn came from somewhere in the fire and the bobcat from Carpentaria. They immediately bonded and snuggled together under a desk in the Santa Barbara County Dispatch Office for several hours.

Extremely alert reader Fiv3r is reporting that Animal Planet is reporting the bobcat kitten was rescued near Arnold Schwarzeneggers ranch, where it was dehydrated and near death.

They rescued the fawn during last weeks wildfire. Although wild animals, especially of separate species, are never placed together due to regulations, in this emergency situation, they had no choice. During the mayhem of the fire, they were forced to put animals anywhere they could, since they had run out of crates large enough for the fawn. The kitten ran to the fawn, and it was instant bonding.

Are dogs smarter than a toddler?

Sorry for the length, but this is fascinating...


Are dogs smarter than a toddler?
By Jeanna Bryner
LiveScience Reporter

The canine IQ test results are in: Even the average dog has the mental abilities of a 2-year-old child.

The finding is based on a language development test, revealing average dogs can learn 165 words (similar to a 2-year-old child), including signals and gestures, and dogs in the top 20 percent in intelligence can learn 250 words.

And the smartest?

Border collies, poodles, and German shepherds, in that order, says Stanley Coren, a canine expert and professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia. Those breeds have been created fairly recently compared with other dog breeds and may be smarter in part because we've trained and bred them to be so, Coren said. The dogs at the top of the pack are on par with a 2.5-year-old.

Better at math and socializing

While dogs ranked with the 2-year-olds in language, they would trump a 3- or 4-year-old in basic arithmetic, Coren found. In terms of social smarts, our drooling furballs fare even better. "The social life of dogs is much more complex, much more like human teenagers at that stage, interested in who is moving up in the pack and who is sleeping with who and that sort of thing," Coren told LiveScience.

Coren, who has written more than a half-dozen books on dogs and dog behavior, will present an overview of various studies on dog smarts at the American Psychological Association's annual meeting in Toronto.

"We all want insight into how our furry companions think, and we want to understand the silly, quirky and apparently irrational behaviors [that] Lassie or Rover demonstrate," Coren said. "Their stunning flashes of brilliance and creativity are reminders that they may not be Einsteins but are sure closer to humans than we thought."

Math test

To get inside the noggin of man's best friend, scientists are modifying tests for dogs that were originally developed to measure skills in children.

Here's one: In an arithmetic test, dogs watch as one treat and then another treat are lowered down behind a screen. When the screen gets lifted, the dogs, if they get arithmetic (1+1=2), will expect to see two treats. (For toddlers, other objects would be used.)

But, say the scientist swipes one of the treats, or adds another so the end result is one, or three treats, respectively. "Now we're giving him the wrong equation which is 1+1=1, or 1+1=3," Coren said. Sure enough, studies show the dogs get it. "The dog acts surprised and stares at it for a longer period of time, just like a human kid would," he said. These studies suggest dogs have a basic understanding of arithmetic, and they can count to four or five.

Basic emotions

Other studies Coren notes have found that dogs show spatial problem-solving skills. For instance, they can locate valued items, such as treats, find better routes in the environment, such as the fastest way to a favorite chair, and figure out how to operate latches and simple machines.

Like human toddlers, dogs also show some basic emotions, such as happiness, anger and disgust. But more complex emotions, such as guilt, are not in a dog's toolbox. (What humans once thought was guilt was found to be doggy fear, Coren noted.)

And while dogs know whether they're being treated fairly, they don't grasp the concept of equity. Coren recalls a study in which dogs get a treat for "giving a paw." When one dog gets a treat and the other doesn't, the unrewarded dog stops performing the trick and avoids making eye contact with the trainer. But if one dog, say, gets rewarded with a juicy steak while the other snags a measly piece of bread, on average the dogs don't care about the inequality of the treats.

Top dogs

To find out which dogs had the top school smarts, Coren collected data from more than 200 dog obedience judges from the United States and Canada.

He found the top dogs, in order of their doggy IQ are:

1. Border collies
2. Poodles
3. German shepherds
4. Golden retrievers
5. Dobermans
6. Shetland sheepdogs
7. Labrador retrievers

At the bottom of the intelligence barrel, Coren would include many of the hounds, such as the bassett hound and the Afghan hound, along with the bulldog, beagle and basenji (a hunting dog). "It's important to note that these breeds which don't do as well tend to be considerably older breeds," he said. "They were developed when the task of a hound was to find something by smell or sight." These dogs might fare better on tests of so-called instinctive intelligence, which measure how well dogs do what they are bred to do.

"The dogs that are the brightest dogs in terms of school learning ability tend to be the dogs that are much more recently developed," Coren said. He added that there's a "high probability that we've been breeding dogs so they're more responsive to human beings and human signals." So the most recently bred dogs would be more human-friendly and rank higher on school smarts. Many of these smarty-pants are also the most popular pets. "We like dogs that understand us," Coren said.

We also love the beagle, which made it to the top 10 list of most popular dog breeds in 2008 by the American Kennel Club. That's because they are so sweet and sociable, Coren said. "Sometimes people love the dumb blonde," Coren said. And sometimes the dim-wits make better pets. While a smart dog will figure out everything you want it to know, your super pet will also learn everything it can get away with, Coren warns.

My Bud

"You know.... Bud might be a good fit for you...." the adoption specialist started out. On a whim, my wife, son, and I found ourselves at the Wisconsin Humane Society in Milwaukee. Looking in through the door was a shepherd/hound mix as though he was patiently waiting for us. In some ways, I think his mind was made up before ours. He just LOOKED so expectant. We had passed his room twice before looking at other dogs that were either too big, too young, too wild... We knew what we were looking for. A dog that was good for our family. A dog that would grow to love us, and us him. So he sat at the door as we slowly walked in together with the adoption counselor. He was excited as we said hi, and he rolled over and I petted his belly for the first time. We bonded instantly.

He's been an excellent, loving and low maintenance dog. He's near spastic with excitement when we get home. He follows us everywhere! We walk in the evenings after my son goes to bed and I think its cathartic for us both. He loves to sniff for rabbits and squirrels and I love to mellow after a long day. By the time we get back he's usually pooped, and curls on the floor by my feet as we watch the news or read. When my wife and I go to bed, he has the habit of lying on the floor next to me, and I slowly pet him asleep while I read. It's been an adventure so far, but I know I have a new friend for life. He's my Bud!

Erik Mozolik

Milwaukee, WI

Learning to Be a Dog Again

Jan Viney, Development Director of Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) in Madison, WI, knows all too well that working in animal welfare often means falling in love with a new furry friend every day. Until recently, she had reserved her love for the feline kind, specifically her three cats, but that changed earlier this year when DCHS received an influx of severely neglected dogs who needed extra care.

On May 19, DCHS joined the ASPCA, among other agencies, in a full-scale raid of the Thyme and Sage Ranch, an animal "sanctuary" in Cazenovia, WI. The emergency response teams discovered more than 400 animals housed in deplorable conditions and suffering from neglect—ear and eye infections, rotted teeth, mange, malnutrition and infections were rampant. One such victim was Skylar, a two-year-old dog whose fur was so matted she could hardly walk.

“Most of the animals from Thyme and Sage were very under-socialized,” Jan says. “Skylar had kennel cough, so it was difficult to get her out among other animals and people.”

Looking to lend a helping hand, Jan offered to foster the suffering pup in her office during the day. She admits, “I was a little nervous at first, since I’d never had a dog. July 6 was the first day she spent in my office, and she was terribly timid and wouldn’t even walk on a leash.”

“Within a week, I couldn’t bear returning her to the kennel at night,” says Jan. “So I started fostering full time—and the rest is history!”

Skylar is now happily ensconced with Jan, her partner, Peter, and their three cats, Prism, Maddie and Oliver. The family has adjusted well as Skylar learns for the first time to be a well-loved pet.

“It’s so fun watching her discover what it means to be a dog,” Jan reflects. “She is really coming out of her shell and loves to be outdoors. At first, she was unsure of the grass, but now every time I take her for a walk, she is so happy. That’s why I named her Skylar—the lure of the sky—Skye, for short.”

P.S.: Live in Wisconsin and looking to foster a pup like Skylar? DCHS is looking for experienced volunteers to care for the animals rescued from the Thyme and Sage Ranch. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Jan Viney at janviney@giveshelter.org.

Courtesy of ASPCA

Phoebe and her Therapy Dog Buddies

Thought you might all like to see Phoebe with some of her friends at Bryn Mawr Re Hab. This was the hospital's thank you Day to us as Pet Assisted Therapy Dogs and Owners. They served hot dogs!!!!!!

Lynda Farrell
Blue Heron Consulting &
Honeysuckle Hill Farms

Urge Congress to Support the Great Ape Protection Act

One thousand chimpanzees in the United States need your help! The Great Ape Protection Act, HR 1326 would finally prohibit invasive research on chimpanzees. But the bill needs more support—and your federal representative has not yet joined the 58 representatives co-sponsoring the bill.

Under the language of HR 1326, which is supported by Democrats and Republicans, chimpanzees could no longer be subjected to “death, bodily injury, pain, distress, fear, injury, trauma, isolation, social deprivation, or other experimental manipulations…”.

Chimpanzees owned by the federal government would be released to sanctuaries to live out the remainder of their lives, just as they have been in several other countries.

Chimpanzees suffer from stress and trauma remarkably much like humans. Their needs cannot be met in a laboratory environment. Most chimpanzees in research are kept in isolation, but chimpanzees are naturally social. Their psychological well-being requires group coordination, kinship structure (families being together), and cultural development.

Although chimpanzees are our closest genetic relatives, there are significant differences in how those genes are expressed. And differences between chimpanzees and humans significantly influence responses to drugs and pathogens like viruses and bacteria.

After over two decades of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) research in chimpanzees, there should be no doubt that chimpanzee research has failed to produce an HIV vaccine for humans. Physiological differences between humans and chimpanzees also confound research on human diseases like hepatitis C.

Research funding should be spent on modern testing methods, such as ethical human-centered studies, computer simulation and mathematical modeling, microchip technology, microdosing, in vitro testing, and tissue engineering.

Please click here to EMAIL your representative and ask her or him to co-sponsor HR 1326!

Best regards,

Hope Ferdowsian, M.D., M.P.H.
Director of Research Policy

Jack

Thank you so much for the opportunity to bring the new little man into our home. We have decided to call him "Jack", and we had a fabulous first day. As you are aware, he is very smart, and needs only minimal prompting to get something figured out. He spent his first day running an errand with us, exploring his new yard, then he had a leisurely evening snuggling with the teenagers while they played monopoly.

At bedtime, he opted for a nice spot under our bed, instead of the little bed we bought for him, and seemed quite content. I didn't hear a peep out of him, and I didn't notice any accidents. He seemed to just be part of the morning parade, when all the dogs went out first thing to do their business. I switched him over to the puppy version of the food that we feed; and he LOVES it.

Jack had a fabulous weekend up in the mountains. He loves his mountain home, and we enjoyed some raucous games of flinging toys down the long wood floor hallway, and watching him run as fast as he could to capture them. He is learning so much. He responds 85-90% to "come" with a hand signal; and 60-70% to "sit". He even got to go on an excursion to Vail, where he started out very stubbornly refusing to walk on his leash, and then by the end of the evening, he was the hit of the town. He learned very quickly to walk with the leash and attracted all sorts of young ladies. He is definitely a chick magnate. We had to laugh about that. Jack loved sitting at the end of my bed watching the hummingbirds in the window, and he got a real kick out of hunting for chipmunks.

He enjoyed some long walks in the woods with his big brothers. And would lay on the deck overlooking his new kingdom. He is slowly figuring out the dog doors, and has lessened in his desire to chase the cats. He is relatively quiet, and only barks when he needs to tell you something.... unless you are vacuuming... that makes him crazy. We will need to work on that. I have been very impressed at how quickly Jack adapts to any situation. He is remarkable. Please thank Theresa for rescuing Jack, and all the other doggies. We are totally in love with him, and he fits nicely with our family. You all do a wonderful thing for these little fur people, and I am so glad that I have had an opportunity to be part of rescuing one of these tender souls. I am in total admiration of everything that you all do.

Courtesy of National Mill Dog Rescue

Share a "Tail"

Let's honor your wonderful adopted dogs by featuring their stories in a book! We have many breed-specific and region-specific books in the works, so regardless of your dog's breed, we want to hear about them!

You can submit information for one of several sections in our books. Longer stories (600-1200 words, please!) will be considered for features. Shorter stories, preferably no more than a paragraph in length, will be considered for our "Even Shorter Stories" section. This section either tell a funny or heartwarming anecdote about your dog, or describe a challenge you had with your dog and how you overcame it.

We are also open to poems, recipes and of course, great photos!It is not necessary that your dog came from a rescue group. The only stories we will not consider are those about dogs who were bought from a breeder or pet store. (Note: We have nothing against responsible private breeders - in fact we hope for a day when they are the only ones breeding dogs - their dogs are just not appropriate for the focus of these books.)

http://happytailsbooks.com/submit.htm

Winnie is WONDERFUL! I must say she is the best dog. I don't even have to keep her on a leash in the yard because she stays right next to me. She loves to run around the yard in circles and our cat, Stewie, likes to play with her.

Her potty training is not so good, but she is trying. Winnie tinkles if she gets too happy, but I can't get mad at her because she's really trying.

At bedtime she jumps in the bed, scratches, rolls around, and then lies down. She's great! Thanks so much for blessing our home with her. This past weekend we decided to foster 'Pixie' for National Mill Dog Rescue. We're hoping that Winnie can teach Pixie a few things.

Courtesy of National Mill Dog Rescue

ABOUT THE ANIMAL RESCUE SITE

The Animal Rescue Site focuses the power of the Internet on a specific need — providing food for some of the 27 million unwanted animals given to shelters in the U.S. every year. Over 10 million animals are put to death every year in the U.S. alone because they are abandoned and unwanted. Each click on the purple "Click Here to Give - it's FREE" button at The Animal Rescue Site provides food and care for a rescued animal living in a shelter or sanctuary.

Funding for food and care is paid by site sponsors and distributed to animals in need at The Fund for Animals renowned animal sanctuaries (including Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch in Texas and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in California), pet shelters supported by The Petfinder Foundation, The North Shore Animal League, and other worthy animal care facilities supported by the GreaterGood.org foundation. 100% of sponsor advertising fees goes to our charitable partners.

How You Can Help In Mere Seconds — Every Day

The Animal Rescue Site provides a feel-good way to help promote awareness and prevent rescued animal deaths every day — through easy and quick online activities. Please remember to click every day to give help and hope to those most in need. Every click counts in the life of a rescued animal.

You Can Help Even MoreIn addition to clicking the purple "Click Here to Give - it's FREE" button, visitors can help more by shopping in The Animal Rescue Site Store. With each item purchased, shoppers generate funds for the feeding and care of animals in shelters and sanctuaries. The store offers a wide array of items to show your support.