Human carelessness, canine suffering...

Police dog, alone in SUV, dies - probe launched

Sadly, this type of Dog News story happens way too often. I suspect that the officer was very fond of this dog and had no intention to hurt him. Too many people take shortcuts and eventually one of them turns into a disaster.

Something I don't understand...

Steeler player's son home recovering from dog bite

I know of several Pit Bulls. They are as sweet as can be. What I don't understand from all of these "Pit Bull Attacks" Dog News stories is whether the particular animal that committed the attack was trained to be aggressive or whether it was a sweet gentle dog until the attack. Is it just the nature of the dog to be aggressive and any Put Bull is subject to attack at any time, or are the attacks a matter of the ones that are trained to attack getting loose?

Puppies facing death sentence

Puppies facing death sentence

I am always biased in favor of the dog, but I can concede that this supposed Puppy News article is also biased in favor of the dogs. There could be more to this story. The dogs could be a menace and the SPCA could be doing the community a favor. I doubt it. I think the likely story is an overzealous bureaucrat flexing his muscles against a helpless citizen. I wish I could trust the media enough to know the real story here.

Pet Stores and Puppy Mills

Large pet store chains breed puppy mills

Simple puppy buying advice: DO NOT BUY FROM A PET STORE!

This Puppy News article is just further information validating the advice I have long advocated at Buyingapuppy.com.

Dealing with a Dog Breeder

Suggestions for puppy shopping

Check out this Puppy News article for another of the many things that can go wrong with buying a puppy.

Do dog have souls? Let's hear from the affirmative vote.

Dogs have souls, but you already knew that

Read this Dog News article and decide on the arguments for yourself.

Man Sentenced for Killing a Police Dog

Police dog's killer gets a life term: Conviction was man's third strike

Unable to argue the sentence, Barrar expressed hope the case will get people to think about how poorly society deals with the mentally ill.

The basic problem here is that we as a society don't want to lock up the mentally ill indefinately. This is a sad Dog News story where no one wins in the end. We'd have to lock up many mentally ill people who may never be violent to make sure we get the ones who will be. In letting many mentally ill people free in society, some will inevitably hurt themselves and others.

Tougher Laws Proposed for Puppy Mills in Texas

Legislation to Clean Up Texas Puppy Mill Industry Heads

The rules proposed here seem reasonable. There is some paperwork required for the health records. That could be a bit of a nuisance. I don't see a definition of "large-scale breeding operation" in the article.

Advice for Children and Puppies Coexisting

Can dogs and kids can go hand in paw?

This Puppy News contains some great advice here for happy coexistence between children and dogs. I would also include picking a puppy that matches the lifestyle and characteristics of your child. Active, outdoor child? Active, outdoor dog. Quiet, bookworm child? Docile, companion dog.

Concise and Important Advice on Worms and your Puppy

Puppies and worms

Here is advice from this Puppy News article:

Caution: if you see any signs of worms you will need to take a sample of faeces to the veterinary surgeon. Do not handle your puppy without wearing gloves and constantly wash your hands.

I'd take the puppy, not just the sample. Puppies should be seen by a vet for basic care. Find a good vet you like and can afford and let him care for your pup.

Bo's Beanies

Bo, our country's First Pooch, has been honored with a Beanie Baby lookalike.

Here is a Puppy News story about it:

First Puppy has furry lookalike

And here is a Dog News story about it:

Dog gone! Bo Beanie Babies scamper off shelves

Animal cruelty charges filed in puppy mill case

Animal cruelty charges filed in puppy mill case

There is not a circle of Hades deep enough for people who abuse pets.

From this puppy news article:

The case stems from a raid on Jan. 16 in which authorities say they seized about 160 dogs, many of them covered in urine and feces.

PEOPLE! DO NOT BUY A PUPPY FROM A PUPPY MILL! It is not good for you, the puppy or the other dogs at the puppy mill. You are not saving a puppy; you are providing cash to a disgusting breeder and encouraging him/her to continue mistreating more and more animals.

Dog saves man who saved him

Dog saves man who saved him

A great dog news story.

Sad story...

Sad dog news:

Coyote snatches Chihuahua off Englewood trail

There seems to be little that can be done about this. Leashes are very confining. I never walk my dogs with leashes. They walk with me. I coyote is too stealth and too wiley to completely avoid.

From the article:

...people who come across coyotes should haze them - yell, or throw stones or sticks - in an effort re-instill a fear of humans in the animals.

I can't imagine this is a PETA-recommended strategy.

Dog Whisperer visits puppy mills

Dog Whisperer visits puppy mills

Info from the dog news and puppy news story:

The show premieres at 9 p.m. Friday, May 8, on the National Geographic channel. It will also air at 6 a.m. Sunday, May 10, and 2 p.m. Friday, May 15.

This sounds like a show that people involved in the world of dogs needs to see, even if it is not pleasant.

More Defense of Responsible Breeders

It's Where the Obama's Didn't Purchase Their Pup That Matters

Here is a nice puppy news article that makes an intelligent and impassioned defense of responsible breeding.

I completely agree with this assessment of pet stores:

Totally at fault are the pet stores (whose supplies are from puppy mills and commercial warehouses) selling to anyone who has cash (credible breeders are discerning and interview perspective buyers).

More recommendations against buying "cute"

How to choose the right puppy for your family.

People picking out a puppy for its "cute appeal" and then when it needs constant attention and exercise and gains 100 pounds, they can't take it.

Don't buy a puppy because it is cute. Make sure you would want to own the parents of the pup before you buy it. I have many other recommendations on this site. Do your research before buying a puppy.