August 2009 Archives

Since it was hotter than blazes at San Pedro's small, off-leash dog park over this past weekend, I decided to drive Tess and Cowboy about 15 miles northwest to visit the much larger (and, weatherwise, much, much cooler) Redondo Beach Dog Park. (Not complaining, just sayin')

Cowboy has been keeping his distance from me since I started spraying him for a hot spot that had cropped up by Saturday morning. He hates being sprayed. This only confirms to him that I am up to no good and he has taken to running in the other direction whenever I call him. He clearly has "trust" issues. He is shown here slinking away & making his escape from me when I called to him at the park. Note that he's giving me what is known around my house now as "THE LOOK":

 

He seemed to like this other person he found at the dog park a lot, though.  I suspect he would have happily gone home with her.

 

 

As for Tess, she couldn't get enough of herding those pesky little dogs on the other side of the divider fence. She's such a border collie. Here's the girl in focused action below, showing 'em all how it's done:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ever wonder what the world looks like to an animal? The Museum of Animal Perspectives has strapped cameras to the backs of wolves, sheep, cows, armadillos, and even flies and scorpions.

One of the links below will take you to the Youtube page, where you can find lots more. The wolf one at the bottom makes me appreciate my dog a little more.

Two questions: What is the Museum of Animal Perspectives. And are they hiring? Please!

After a summer of freedom, with the kids having plenty of time to romp and play with the family dog, returning to school can be hard on everyone.

Dogs sometimes have trouble adapting to the new schedules as kids head back to school. Bark Busters, a dog training company, offers some helps and hints for families who are about to launch into fall with classes, homework and all the extracurricular activities:

"When kids return to school, the stress on every family member can be huge -- including the family dog," said Liam Crowe, master dog behavioralist and CEO of Bark Busters USA. "This abrupt change in routine can seriously affect our canine companions, who are creatures of habit. But with a little understanding and preparation before the first day of class, families can avoid many of the back-to-school behavior issues their dogs might exhibit."

Issues include separation anxiety, boredom, and unusual behaviors. The article offers ways families can cope with some of those issues.

HT: Dogster

The Pasadena Humane Society needs help -- they've been keeping displaced animals at their shelter and are now out of room. Crates are among the items needed, I hear. 

A  story posted on Politico  talks about how Sen. Ted Kennedy's long string of Portuguese water dogs will be missed around Capitol Hill:

Here's a moving story from the Long Beach Press-Telegram, our sister paper, about a homeless man who was killed in a hit-and-run incident last Sunday night and Lucky, the faithful dog he left behind. 

I received an email from Dr. Jonnie Quantz at Animal Emergency Referral Center today updating us on that clinic's involvement in the recent brush fire: 

Just wanted to let you know the Animal Emergency Referral Center at 3511 Pacific Coast Hwy in south Torrance did take in 2 fire evacuee dogs on Thursday night. No injuries, thank goodness.

We contacted Channel 9, the Torrance PD and Torrance Animal Control to get the word out. AERC is the city and Disaster Team veterinary hospital for the city of Torrance and the South Bay. We are always open - 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. Disasters inevitably happen at the worst possible time with minimal resources available and I just want to let you know we are always there to help. 

And see today's Daily Breeze article about the volunteers who all pitched in to make sure the Peninsula's animals weren't left behind. 

Let's hear it for all those animal lovers out there who jumped in last night and made sure the area's dogs, cats and horses had safe shelter. (That's Norman, left, who spent the night at Ernie Howlett Park after being evacuated.) 

As soon as word began to spread about the fire on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, San Pedro Realtor Rebecca Chamblis fired up her computer, using Twitter, Facebook and emails to offer services to area residents. She called the Terranea resort to make sure they'd accept animals as part of their overnight shelter package. She gives special credit to the American Kennel Club, a group she says is always ready to provide food, crates and other help during a natural disaster.

Meanwhile, horse trainer Callie Bell, also a San Pedro resident, hitched up her trailer and began ferrying horses out of the Portguguese Bend neighborhoods over to Ernie Howlett Park in Rolling Hills Estates. Owners were picking their horses up today.

Rebecca says someday she'd like to see a formal animal rescue group "on paper." But for now, the loose-knit, self-motivated band of volunteers -- some of whom don't even know each other -- is doing a pretty good job.

I've posted some more photos on the jump that I took this morning of the 15 horses who were taken to the Ernie Howlett park by Callie and others. Owners were picking them up by midday to return home.

 

 

Got this email from Redondo Shores Veterinary Center this morning:

Dr. Dirk Yelinek of Redondo Shores Veterinary Center will be open to receive and treat animals affected by the fires at the clinic today at 701 S Pacific Coast Hwy in Redondo Beach.

This is a private, local EOC for animals( Emergency Operations Center). Dr. Yelinek is Deputy Team Commander of the National Veterinary Response Team-4, under the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security and has been in private practice in the south bay for over 20 years. 

For information call: 310-540-5588

 

 

Nancy Backes of Rolling Hills and her dog Mozart take a respite from the fire outside the Red Cross shelter set up a Palos Verdes High School. (Sean Hiller/Daily Breeze Staff Photographer)

 

 

According to Rebecca Chamblis on Twitter: 

Rebecca Chamblis is helping with horses, dogs, cats that need evacuating from the Rancho Palos Verdes fire area. 

Fort MacArthur Museum is hosting a yard sale on its grounds to benefit the K-9 Corps Guard Dog Cemetery. The cemetery is the final resting place for many dogs who served in the armed forces.

The event runs from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 29. It's at 3601 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro. Call 310-548-2631 for more info.

 Got a problem dog? A dog who has "issues"?            

 

Dog Whisperer producers will be on hand from 4 to 5 p.m. Sept. 1 -- that's this coming Tuesday -- to screen "bad" dogs for a chance to appear on the popular National Geographic Channel show that features renowned celebrity dog trainer Cesar Millan (Cesar won't be there, but show producers only). The audition takes place at the Petco at 537 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach.

To be considered, owners must create a 5- to 7-minute video in which they talk about themselves and show at least three instances of the dog's bad, quirky or phobic behavior. There will brief interviews with the producers. Dogs can be brought to the audition (with the exception of aggressive canines), but they must be on a leash at all times.

****Submissions cannot be accepted without a video. For details and help -- and to print out a submission form -- go to the Dog Whisperer Web site.

The show also is looking for problem wolf-hybrid dogs, so if you live in Los Angeles or Colorado Springs and have a problem "wolf dog," let the show  know right away.

If you can't make the Redondo Beach audition, you'll have another chance the following week, from 4 to 5 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Petco at 1425 N. Montebello Blvd., Montebello.

 

And see South Bay Pets' previous posts on the Dog Whisperer.

 

 

Here's one. Go to the site to see some more. Some look like they might be Photoshopped, but they're funny anyway.

 

 

 

Yes, it is skunk season again.

One of our readers, 2Dogs4Now -- who has had some rather extensive, personal experience with the task of deskunking, both dogs and just recently her husband, we're told -- wanted to share with everyone the formula that has worked best in their household. (Click on the link for other great de-skunking tips -- and forget the tomato juice, by the way.)

This is the same one I found to be most helpful when there were skunks either passing through or hanging out in my backyard a few summers ago:

 

# 1 quart (or liter) of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, H2O2.
Use fresh (unopened) hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Hydrogen peroxide eventually turns into water (H2O).

# 1/4 cup (50 ml.) of Baking Soda

# 1 teaspoon (5 ml.) of Liquid Soap

Simply apply and let stand on the dog for about 10 minutes if possible. Follow with a full shampoo and the smell should be eliminated completely. DO NOT USE ON FACE OR AROUND EYES, use a douche if you need to treat the face. I use a sponge or old cloth to make sure that I get every spot on belly and legs as well as dunking the feet in the solution and taking off the collar to immerse in the solution.

And yes, it works on husbands, too. 

I published this entry more than a year ago. But somebody found it in an Internet search today and left a comment, so I thought I'd repost it. Ted Kennedy may have not been your cup of tea politically (or he may have been) but he loved his dogs, and that's what this blog is all about...

 

When Sen Ted Kennedy left the hospital today, along with his family members, he was greeted by his two dogs, Sunny and Splash.  And as soon as he arrived at his home, the first thing he did was take them out.

Along the way, he could be seen waving to nearby motorists from the front passenger seat of his SUV. He took a walk on the beach with his two Portuguese Water Dogs as soon as he arrived.

"Good to be back home," he told waiting reporters before heading off for a sail on his sloop, "Mya."

A story that ran a couple of years ago in the Washingtonian described what its like being the pets of one of the most powerful men in the country.

Senator Ted Kennedy's dogs, Sunny and Splash, have quite a life. They wander the halls of Congress most days, spend summers on Cape Cod, and play ball with one of the country's most powerful senators.

The Portuguese water dogs each have their own talents: Splash is the faster runner, while Sunny, pictured here, is a stronger swimmer.

"She can stay in the water longer than you can walk," the senator says.

The dogs often can be found under the senator's desk. Sunny mainly sleeps, although both dogs have been present at many important meetings.

 

 

 

This is a very cool idea, the brainchild of Chris and Erica Nelson of Hollywood.

Several friends and family members of the couple had been affected by cancer so they decided to bring awareness to the cause in a unique way. They were looking for something that would attract attention, so their sights quickly focused on their Great Dane Roxy and Collars for Cures was born six months ago.

"Roxy gets attention everywhere we go and I wanted to utilize that attention to help fight cancer," Chris Nelson said. "Strangers who see Roxy are constantly asking me where they can purchase a collar and I'm excited to offer them online to an international audience."

Half of all proceeds from sales of the bright green nylon collar -- imprinted with "Collars for Cures" -- go to the American Association for Cancer Research Foundation (AACR).

 

This week, the couple launched their online ordering option, with the distinctive collars available in a variety of adjustable lengths for pets ranging from a cat or chihuahua to (of course) a Great Dane.

 

 

Costs run from $5.99 to $11.99. There also are T-shirts for sale. Shipping costs run from $1.99.

 

 

 

Here's yet another great way dogs are being used in remarkable ways.

The Dallas Morning News reports on a program called Courthouse Dogs in which dogs are used to calm the nerves of abused youngsters facing the prospect of testifying in court:

"Sometimes, these children will say things to the dog that they're too embarrassed to say to a person," Courthouse Dogs founder Ellen O'Neill-Stephens said. "We had a girl who had been severely abused and she could never talk about it. But she petted (service dog) Jeeter for over 90 minutes straight and she was able to tell what happened."

Stephens said the courthouse dogs, usually golden or Labrador retrievers, or mixes of the two, go through an intensive training regimen. And even then, only about 30 percent of the dogs that start out actually make it, she said.

The group's web site includes a link to a case study from the ABA Animal Law Newsletter.

HT: Dogster 

 

This recent MSN Money column by Donna Freedman has drawn a firestorm of comments.

From the piece:

How much is that doggy in the window?

At least $8,000 over his lifetime -- and that's just for basic expenses. Fido costs a lot more if he gets sick, chews up your work boots or ruins the rug. Cats are even pricier. It costs about $10,415 to be ignored until you run a can opener.

In short, if you can't find at least an extra $800 to $3,000 in your budget every year, don't get a pet. If you get laid off, start looking for foster care for your pets until times are better -- and if the job market is particularly bleak, you may have to give them away outright.

Check out the column at the link and tell us what you think.

And here's a link with the column on how to save "big" on pet care. Among the suggestions:

• Take care of some pet needs yourself -- brush your pet's teeth regularly, trim their claws, learn how to do basic grooming.
• Ask your vet whether annual vaccinations are necessary (my vet, I know, would still advise titers to check blood levels; cost is about the same).
• Shop around for medications
• Forgo pet "fashion." "Clothes and fancy bags are a completely unnecessary expense," says Jennifer Fearing, director of economic research at the Humane Society of the United States.
• Avoid emergency clinics when possible.
• Think twice before adding pets.
• But don't buy the cheapest food -- higher-quality food will keep your pet healthier.
• And, of course, spay or neuter your pet.

 

Previous South Bay Pets posts on pet costs. 

Cowboy, Tess & I were invited to attend a doggie event over the weekend organized by Deborah Harpur  (left) who has rescued, raised and trained dogs to compete in agility trials.

Dubbed the Pup Paw-Tay, the Saturday afternoon event at the agility yard set up at the business run by Deborah and her husband, it was a combination birthday party, game competition and donation fest benefiting Animals Rule based in San Pedro.

It was a really great event, although we realized quickly we were out of our league. All the other dogs there knew tricks and were champion competitors. There were dogs that did figure 8s, dogs that balanced treats on their noses for long periods of time, dogs that rolled over on command and dogs that proudly knew how to take a bow when their routines were done.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cowboy, Tess and I cheered them all on. We also had the good fortune to be on the team that placed 2nd in a game called 'My Dog Can Do That!"

 

 

 

Unfortunately, there were no calls for dogs that stared for bugs on the ground (Tess's favorite pasttime) or dogs that liked to hang out underneath an out-of-commission semi truck (which is where Cowboy spent a brief time during a break in the activities -- way to go, Cows):

 

Tess enjoyed getting some pats from other spectators:

Have a fur or fur-trimmed piece of clothing that you no longer want? The Humane Society of the United States wants it for its Coats for Cubs program.
The donated furs are given to more than 200 wildlife rehabilitators in the United States and Canada who "use the furs to warm and comfort orphaned and injured wildlife," the program's Web site says.
Furs are cut to the appropriate size and are placed in the enclosures of orphaned and injured wildlife, the Web site says. Sleeves turned inside out can be used to provide a warm nest for burrowing animals, the Web site says. "Some animals adopt a piece of fur as a playmate, jumping on it and wrestling with it," the Web site says.
In addition to fur apparel and trims, the programs accepts fur accessories such as hats, gloves, and muffs.
Place donations in a sturdy box. For small items, a large padded envelope is fine, the Web site says.
Mail donations to The Humane Society of the United States, 2100 L St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20037, Attn: Coats for Cubs.
If you want to receive a letter of thanks, include a note with your e-mail or mailing address requesting an acknowledgment. Letters are sent two to three weeks after the donation has arrived.
For more including tax deduction information, check out the society's Web site.

South Bay Collie Fanciers, Inc., invites the public to attend its annual AKC-sanctioned puppy match to be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23.
Collie puppies of both varieties, long -haired or "rough" and short-haired or "smooth" in all four recognized colors (sable, tri-color, blue merle, and white) will be judged for breed conformation at this specialty match. Those considering the addition of a collie to their family are especially encouraged to attend. Entries will be taken from 10:30 a.m. to noon, with confirmation judging at noon.
In another ring, (from 9 a.m. to noon) dogs of all breedsare invited to participate in the Canine Good Citizen Test. Dogs passing the test are eligible for a certificate from the American Kennel Club.
The match will be at Ernie Howlett Park at 25851 Hawthorne Blvd., Rolling Hills Estates. Admission is free. For more information call Helga Kane at 310-547-1053.

Charm and Luck designer handbags will be on sale Saturday (8/22/09) for discounted prices ($30-$70) as part of a fundraiser at the Harbor Animal Care Center, 957 N. Gaffey St., San Pedro.

The sale runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the shelter, which also is offering 50 percent off adoption fees through Sunday.

Cats will be adopted for a "two for one" price.

The event is sponsored by Pedro Pet Pals, a nonprofit organization. More information is available at www.pedropetpals.com.

 

Thanks to Justin Rudd in Long Beach for alerting us to the news that Long Beach's new downtown dog park is set to open in just about three weeks.

It will be a good addition to serve residents living in the downtown lofts. The park is at 186 W. Broadway (at Pacific Avenue) in Lincoln Park:

You can also check the park on this Google map.

I thought we'd posted about the park plans just about a year ago, but that apparently is a different, smaller park that is still under construction at Pacific & 9th.

If you live nearby and plan to use the park at Broadway & Pacific, you can volunteer to serve on the dog park advisory board by calling 562-570-6684.

When these two downtown area parks open, Long Beach will be the home to four off-leash facilities. That's no doubt part of the reason Dog Fancy Magazine has named LB as one of the nation's most dog-friendly cities.

The other facilities: Inside Recreation Park, (2 acres) at 5201 E. 7th St.; and the popular Dog Zone Beach (3 acres) at 1 South Granada Ave.         

Way to go, Long Beach.  

(Right, dog owners and their canines socialize in the shade at the dog park at Recreation Park in Long Beach.)  

 

 

 

 

 

So Cowboy's 2nd obedience class went a bit better than his first day of class where he froze and virtually refused to do anything.

We actually got a good 30 minutes of attention from him this past Saturday. And I must give credit to two of our readers, Pat and Josh's sister, who recommended treats to try (Wellness Wellbites and the dried liver -- though I didn't bake my own). Both held Cowboy's attention quite well, thanks for the suggestions.

(And I didn't get to try Sanpedrodogs' Pawr bars yet.)

Hardest for him is the lie down position, although he did lie down (bored) at one point. The trainer thought he did that on command and pointed him out as an outstanding class member. (I smiled, took a bow. Mum's the word.)

Treat, please? 

Being in TV news is tough, judging by this CNN video.

 

 

Obviously, we can't publish a post for every dog or cat that needs a home. But this one comes from a friend of mine, so I figure if I write about it, I could earn a few brownie pints. And who knows, maybe some sort of gift in the mail.

This abandoned puppy was found at a freeway rest stop and is now waiting for a new home at the Santa Monica animal shelter.

It's a 4-month-old white and brown lab mix. She kinda looks like a rat in this photo, but I'm sure she'll grow out of it.

The shelter is at 9th and Olympic. Her ID number is  A030596.

If you bring her home and if you name it Kim, I'll send you a Daily Breeze pencil!

If not, you get nothing. But let me know if you adopt her anyway.

And by furry friends, I don't mean people from Lawndale.

I kid. I kid.

Actually, the Hawthorne Library is inviting animal fanciers to meet representatives from the South Bay Kennel Club and some of their furry friends.

Children will learn about the different breeds and be able to pet them. 12700 S. Grevillea Ave., Hawthorne. 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15.

The event is free! For more info, call 310-679-8193.

Gibson, a great Dane that stood 7-foot-1 on his back legs, has died. According to the record books, he was the world's tallest dog. The 7-year-old died of cancer.

Born in 2002, Gibson took the title of the world's tallest dog from 'Harvey', who measured 41 inches, in 2004.

Weighing 180 pounds and measuring 7 feet 1 inch standing on his hind legs, Gibson worked as a therapy and special needs training dog, visiting care centres and schools throughout the California area.

Gaining world wide attention due to his huge frame he was diagnosed with bone cancer in his right front paw in April of this year.

As far as the world's loudest dog,  Rocket is doing just fine after last week's scare. He was acting subdued for a couple of days, but he bounced back. Concerned readers asked me to make sure he wasn't suffering from internal injuries. But he's eating just fine. And he's not skittish around cars. In fact, he's chasing garbage trucks as much as ever.

Thanks to everybody for your concern.

And let me take this opportunity to remind you to please be careful when you're walking your  dog. (You ARE walking your dog, aren't you?) We pedestrians may have the right of way, but cars are bigger and can do plenty of damage.

Boy, I sound like a stupid public-awareness commercial, so I better stop.

And I guess it's for the best that I never found the culprit. What was I going to do if I found him? Get all Dirty Harry on him? But if you find the jerk, let me know anyway. I'll let the police get all Dirty Harry on him. 

Pepsi, a funny, short-legged dog, has been a mainstay at the San Pedro Dog Park almost since it opened.

Sadly, her owners lost her on Saturday, just two days after she seemed to take ill and was diagnosed with advanced liver cancer. She was 9. Her owners adopted her in 2003 from Purrfect Pet Rescue. They are absolutely heartbroken. Pepsi was their first dog.

Owner Rosie and her daughter, Nirvana, now 11, faithfully walked Pepsi daily and every weekend brought her to the dog park where we all enjoyed her "Pepsi-kin" antics -- like her owners playing "hide-n-seek" with her and how Pepsi especially liked to groom a little dog named Daizy, like a mom with her baby.

Oh, and about the name: Her rescue foster owner had named her Betsy (because of her black-and-white cow-like spots). But Nirvana couldn't pronounce "Betsy," it kept coming out "Pepsi." And so she was (uniquely) named. 

 

From Rosie: 

"The first time I saw her picture on their website I already wanted to see her. She was under the care of her foster mom, Jane Hendrikson in Whittier. Pepsi was found wandering the street in Whittier. It took Jane about a month to catch her. She would hang around the police station and the library (where Jane was the librarian) ... It took about a month to catch her.

Jane mentioned that it looked like Pepsi just had puppies, but she couldn't find any. We knew she belonged to somebody before because she was potty trained already. She didn't know how to play ball or play catch at all. ...I fell in love with her instantly.

(More memories and pictures on the jump)

The dog was probably just getting revenge for them doing this to him.

HOUSTON --  Prosecutors told jurors Monday that a Texas woman accused of cutting off her infant son's genitals two years ago was a drug abuser who showed no remorse or concern for her child as he was on the verge of death.

Katherine Nadal's defense attorneys, however, said an expert will back up the 28-year-old woman's claim it could have been the family dog, a 6-to-7 pound dachshund, that mutilated her son in their suburban Houston apartment in March 2007.

Nadal is on trial on a charge of injury to a child, a first-degree felony. She faces up to life in prison if convicted of attacking her then-5-week-old son, Holden Gothia. Her trial is expected to last at least a week.

Photo by Carol Beuchat

 

Meet CH Maplecreek Back in Black, the 3-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi who won the Best in Show titles both Saturday and Sunday at the All-Breed Dog Show in Torrance. Those in the know are saying he is a dog to watch. Best in Show is the dog that has won in his breed category, group (herding in this case) and then over all the other top group winners.(What a cutie, no?)

And this special note from dog show watcher/blogger Billy Wheeler:  "The corgi beat the number one dog in the country, the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot (call name Sadie), to win the BIS.  Saide and handler Gabriel Rangel are from Rialto CA."

Our winning corgi is owned by Les and Ginger Veik and Bill Shelton. The two-day show at North High was sponsored by the South Bay AKC and drew more than 1,500 dogs to compete in breed conformation and obedience trials.

Our special thanks for permission to use this photo goes to photographer Carol Beuchat of Mission Viejo (check out her galleries of beautiful dog photos in natural, outdoor settings on her web site) and to Billy Wheeler of the the "Dog Show Poop" blog site.

And congratulations to all the winners at the show. Keep your eye out for that corgi at upcoming dog shows.

Read related posts.

 

 

OK, so I've actually had Cowboy, my border collie/Australian shepherd mix for more than a year and a half now. But we've never gone through training classes.

Shortly after I'd adopted him from Border Collies in Need, my resident dog, Ellie (14 years old) was diagnosed with lymphoma. Needless to say, that became the focus for the next month or so as I tried to keep Ellie comfortable in her waning days.

After losing her, there was the usual mourning period, but I did let BC's in Need know that I'd be interested in adopting a female at some point. Little did I know they'd find almost the perfect fit just weeks later. A little sooner than I'd anticipated, but Tess did seem like such a good fit so home she came.

So then I had 2 essentially new dogs at almost the same time. They fast became inseparable. Tess immediately had a couple medical issues -- a bout of accute pancreatitis that landed her in the animal ER for a few days, followed by a broken toe that kept her in casts for the next few months, so that occupied all my attention for the first months.  

Training would just have to wait.

But they were both such good dogs, really, that there didn't seem to be an urgency for the classes. I've gone through the drill before with other dogs, so I knew enough about the basics to keep things managable.

But now, life has settled down and I decided to take them through (one at a time) Barbara Millman's dog obedience classes at Kritter Korral in Harbor City. I chose him to go first because I actually think we need more one-on-one bonding time together. Tess is so outgoing that it's hard to keep her out of the way when I'm trying to give Cowboy some attention at home or at the park.

Cowboy already sits well on command at home, he's very motivated by treats and food. But he generally lacks confidence and can be a "quietly" nervous dog. He's fearful of having his picture taken, he's fearful of lots of odd things.

So on the first day of class, he was easily outshined by Betty and Barney and all the other

dogs in class. Cowboy's response to it all: Passive resistance.

Meaning, he stood there, tail down, ears back, with a very worried look on his face. He literally stood frozen in place for most of the entire hour-long class.

"Cowboy, SIT," I said in a firm but happy voice, treat held over his nose.

Nothing.

"Cowboy, LIE DOWN."

No response. No movement. No nothing.

"He looks anxious," Barbara concluded. "Bring some 'high-end' treats next time."

So we'll go back this weekend to see if we can't get a little more enthusiasm and cooperation (or at least some movement?) going.

Any advice on the best treats to use for motivation? (We tried cheese and moist dog bits, but he really showed no interest even though he hadn't been fed yet that day).

Cowboy (or "Cowwws" as I sometimes call him) seems intent on being the class Conscientious Objector. Who knows, maybe he really is standing on principle.

Wonder if there's a class ribbon for that?  

 

JetBlue Airways is offering some deals in September if you want to go somewhere with your pet.

Under the airline's JetPaws Pet Program,

If you travel in September, your pet can fly for 50% off the regular pet travel free.

 

This is what happens when a miniature horse also happens to be a dwarf.

 He is so tiny, visitors often assume he's a stuffed toy. 

Standing at 59cm tall, if Koda the horse wants an equal he has to turn to the vetinary cat for company. The 'American miniature' horse - who suffers the double-whammy of being born a dwarf - has had a bout of health problems caused by his size, but he is now recovering and enjoying the life of a pampered pet.

I had a chance to stop by North High in Torrance this weekend where the 66th annual All Breed Dog Show was being presented by the South Bay AKC. Something like 1,500 dogs along with their owners and handlers -- and dozens of vendors selling everything from specialty dog beds to leashes to supplements and toys -- converged on the school grounds for the two-day competitions.

Of special interest to me this year was the rally obedience course supervised by San Pedro dog trainer Barbara Millman.

We'll post the winners here when we get them. Meanwhile, here are some photos I took:

 

 

 

This is VanDyke, a Lhasa apso, getting ready to go on.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below are some scenes from the obedience "rally," a contest that has owners take their dogs through various obedience stations off-leash. Dogs sit, stay, lie down, walk backwards and jump hurdles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are always plenty of vendors set up for the show each year:

 

 

More photos on the jump.  

There are so many delightfully screwball sites on the Internet, it's a wonder I manage to get even 45 minutes of work done a day (any more than that and I charge overtime!)

There are sites featuring ugly guys dating hot women, men who look like women, you name it.

But here at Animal Centrial, we offer you this: A site featuring dozens of animals with broken bones, ears and tails. It has an unfortunate name, which accounts for the comic book style swear word in the title of this post. But we're adults. We can handle an occasional F bomb, right? If you're not an adult, get off this site or go ask your mother for permission. I mean it! And stay out of gangs while you're at it.

Here are a coupla pics from the site. Have you ever seen anything as sad and forlorn as an animal wearing one of these?

 

 

 

You can't trust them. You just cant. Judging by the headline, it could also be a warning against feeding UCLA students.

In the evenings, Donna Munson liked to sit in front of her picture window and watch the bears amble toward her Ouray County log cabin for dinner.

The 74-year-old woman -- who stocked her backyard with dog food, fruit and yogurt -- was found dead outside her home Friday, being eaten by a bear.

The dog is fine, but shaken. We were walking at Weymouth and 7th Street at 9 p.m Saturday night. The light turned green and we started to cross the street. A car that had been stopped at the light turned left in our direction. It didn't stop. I saw it and tried to figure out which way to move to get away. It didn't slow down. I jumped at the last second and tumbled in the street. The dog screeched.

From the most trusted name in news. Actually, I'm the most trusted name in news. So this would be from the second or perhaps, the third most trusted name in news.NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ--A team of three out-of-work stem cell biologists announced Monday that, after four weeks of rigorous observation and field testing, the evidence conclusively shows that chief researcher Dr. Henry Rogers' dog Franklin likes beer. 

I blame my cat for everything, so I can see where this guy is coming from. But yeah, nobody ever believes me either. Maybe this is where the term "kitty porn" came from.

JENSEN BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Florida investigators say a man accused of downloading child pornography is blaming his cat.

Keith Griffin of Jensen Beach is charged with 10 counts of possession of child pornography after detectives found more than 1,000 images on his home computer.

According to a sheriff's report Friday, Griffin told investigators that his cat jumped on the computer keyboard while he was downloading music. He said he had left the room and found "strange things" on his computer when he returned.

See?

 

 

This is Jester. In his tux.

Jester belongs to the daughter of a co-worker and had a special role in her wedding last Saturday up in Washington state (the happy couple are Brooke and Shannon Stabbert). Jester is a Jack Russell Terrier who is now mostly blind. But that didn't stop him from walking down the aisle and joining in the festivities at the outdoor wedding.

We think he looked awfully handsome.

 

 

Who, you ask, is the South Bay's best-dressed dog? And no, I don't mean those silly dogs that wear clothes. I'm talking actual dog attire.

Here, I'll give you a clue: He's also the loudest dog in the South Bay.

Check out Rocket's new collar I got for him.

Cool, huh? See, it's made of of  little rocket ships!  (The photo also shows what an amazing coat of fur my dog has. Look at all those rich colors blending together)

Where did I get such an amazing collar?

I got it in San Pedro!

It was made by a guy named Adam Dover, who custom-makes dog collars at his 6th Street store. He also has a mail order business that keeps him pretty busy.

Adam has the air of a philosopher about him and he explained to me how he stumbled across the dog-collar business as an adjunct to his many other money-making ventures.

Adam is a busy guy and he keeps some pretty crazy hours. And he works by a clock that only he can see, so don't expect a rush job.

Also the store is closed more than it's opened. He sometimes shows up at lunch time. Sometimes he's there at 9 at night when all the other stores are closed. So it's best to give him a call first before you drive down there.

Rocket's collar was a little more amititious than he's used to. People typically get their dog's names stitched into the collars. Or sports teams also seem to be popular. I don't know where he found the rocket patterns and he wasn't even sure if he could do it, It took a couple of months, but Adam figrued it out.

And because Rocket knows how to pull out of collars, Adam figured out a way to make it so he can't free himself.

It's also fleece lined, to be extra cumfy.

if you're not looking for anything as elaborate, Soprting Collars is a good place to go anyway. He's got different sizes, shapes and collars. There are 2-inch thick collars, studded buckle collars, harnessas and just about anything else. He's got leashes too. 

And if he doesn't have it, Adam might just finagle a way to do it.

Sporting Collars is at 418 6th Street in San Pedro. But, like I said, it's best not to drive by. The store is closed a lot. You're better off  visiting the Web site or by calling him at 310-519-0850.

If you tell him I sent you, he might cut you a sweet deal.

And here's one more picture of Rocket's awesome new accessory:

You can read the whole story here.

GREELEY, NE--Experts confirmed Monday that a single black crow perched ominously on a fence post in rural Nebraska is almost certainly a harbinger of great doom and despair for all Americans.

The crow came eerily to rest on the rickety wooden post at 10:26 a.m. Monday, according to farm hands working in a nearby field at the time. Citing a vague but certain feeling that "something just wasn't right," one of the laborers contacted law enforcement officials, and within hours federal authorities had converged on the site. 

By late afternoon, sources in the Pentagon had received intelligence corroborating their suspicions that the crow is in fact a dark omen foretelling widespread economic ruin, famine, pestilence, and perhaps even the total collapse of the national infrastructure.

I spotted this post today on our cross-town bloggers' site, L.A. Unleashed, and felt compelled to let our readers know about it as well.

This is Sinky, a 12-year-old dachshund (ID# A0809289) who was left at the South Los Angeles Animal Shelter. Workers there say he may not have much time left if he's not adopted..

The shelter is at 3612-11th Ave., Los Angeles, or call 888-4LAPET1 with his ID number for more information.

 

Our colleague Sandy Mazza reports that Cooper, her new kitten whom we've posted extensively about before, is doing very well, thank you.

This past weekend he watched the movie Babe with Sandy and liked it a lot. He has received some new toy mice and a new toy bunny to hunt and kill. Repeatedly.

But his favorite prey? Sandy's feet (Oww!):

Here are some more shots of our favorite formerly-feral kitten, now almost 4 months old. You can see he is quite content in his new home (and is, Sandy says, showing signs of becoming a lay-about "bum"):

 

 

It's that time again.

The South Bay Kennel Club will present its All Breed Dog Show and Obedience Trial Saturday and Sunday (that's Aug. 8 and 9) at North high School in Torrance. And it's free (you pay only for parking, but you might want to bring some cash or a card for the many dog-related vendor booths and lunch).

I've attended the show in the past and posted about it last year.

It's great fun to see all the breeds up close, watch them being groomed, and get a real-time view of how these shows unfold and all the work that goes into showing a champion dog. You also can chat with owners, handlers, breeders and judges if they have a few moments in between shows.

Judging begins at 8 a.m. both days and group judging (for the various breed 'groupings' such as working, herding, toy, etc.) begins at about 2:30 p.m. Best in Show is judged following the groups.

The schedule can be found at www.jbradshaw.com where you can link to the Judging Program to find out when and which ring number your favorite breeds will be showing.

 

If you ask me, being upset about horses in Rolling Hills Estates is like being mad about sand in  Redondo Beach or guys with beards in Lawndale.

A half-century ago, when Pat Murnane was growing up on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, it seemed like practically everybody had horses.
He recalls riding dusty trails - not to mention skateboarding down steep hills and swimming in backyard pools - and thinks of what a paradise for children the Hill was back then.
Now, the former house painter from Manhattan Beach is trying to re-create one aspect of that experience for local youngsters who have grown up in an environment where the equestrian spirit has waned.
"I always wanted to do trail rides. That was my dream," said Murnane, 58. "This is the nicest place to ride anywhere."
Murnane's Rolling Hills Estates-based trail-riding business, Wagon Wheel Ranch, has steadily attracted local youth groups and visiting tourists since it opened several years ago.
His rides are popular among his clients, according to letters submitted to the city on his behalf.
But not with some of the neighbors.
"If we thought for one minute that our street would be subject to strangers from all over coming and going, we would have moved elsewhere," said Jack Epstein at a City Council meeting last week. "It's a matter of privacy."

I know I'm supposed to be the "pet guy" and all, but some days you just want to send them to the moon. My idiot dog broke through the wood fence in my backyard. The nail-filled planks slammed into a new car in the driveway next door so now it's got scratches all over the hood. My neighbor was not happy with me. So not only do I have to fix the fence, I'll probably have to pay to get the scratches taken out. Of course, the dog ran away and it took me a half hour to catch him.

If you have a dog, you know they smile. Sometimes they do it because they're angry. Sometimes they do it because they're upside down and they have flabby lip muscles. And sometimes they do it just because they find something amusing. This is my dog giggling after he chased the cat around the house.