Pillion pooch clocks up the miles

Minnie has been riding the open road since she was a puppy
Easy rider Minnie the dog likes nothing more than feeling the wind through her fur as she rides on a motorcycle.

The canine cruiser has clocked up more than 27,000 miles as a pillion passenger on her master's bike.

The border terrier's owner, Peter Garner from the New Forest, Hampshire, made a special box and bought "doggles" to protect his pet's eyes.

The nine-year-old pooch has now been picked as one of five animals to be the face of an insurance company.

Mr Garner, from Hale, said: "I think she enjoys it because it's getting out and about and seeing different things.

"As a puppy she always liked to sit and watch what goes on, so what better way to sit up high and see what's going past you."

He found a pair of special dog goggles at the famous Crufts show to protect her eyes.

"We do about 3,000 miles a year and she's nine years old so that's about 27,000 miles," added Mr Garner.

He said the police have not stopped his canine companion as she does not obstruct his view or interfere with the cycle's controls.

Dog Survies Days In Rabbit Hole

A dog has been reunited with its owners after spending nine days trapped down a rabbit hole in the Scottish Borders.
Mongrel terrier Brook went missing from her home near Coldstream on the banks of the River Tweed last month.
Owner Sheena Black said she had never given up hope of finding the dog which got stuck while chasing rabbits.
Brook was eventually dug out of the hole after a neighbour's springer spaniel alerted Mrs Black to the spot where her dog had become lodged.
When Brook first went missing her owner and her two sons, Jonathan and Ben, were confident she would return.
Terriers are remarkably resilient but I have to admit this is quite extreme to say the least
Sheena Black
Mrs Black said: "When she never came home that night obviously we got worried but we never gave up hope.
"Jonathan, who had taken her for the walk, took us all back to where he last saw her and friends and neighbours joined in the search to no avail.
"We were out every day looking for her but there are so many rabbit burrows on the estate it was like searching for a needle in a haystack."
The search went on for nine days until friend Alison Barton visited with a springer spaniel.
"We were only about 40 or 50 yards from the house and the spaniel was getting a bit excited and then Jonathan heard a slight yelp which he instantly recognised," said Mrs Black.
"It came from a rabbit hole on a steep banking which was amazing because we had been in the area over the previous days and never heard anything."
'Wonderful result'
However, the ordeal went on for another few hours as it took three men to help dig the dog out.
"Terriers are remarkably resilient but I have to admit this is quite extreme to say the least," said Mrs Black.
"If there is any lesson to come from this, it is that people who have lost a pet should never give up hope because we didn't as we felt there was always a chance and it was a wonderful result in the end.
"Brook does not seem affected in the least at what she has gone through and is back to her old self."
Source: K9 News

This is the World Breaking Litter of doggies

There Moma holds the World's Record for having the largest litter of Puppies.
Not normally known for having litters much larger than 10, an American Bulldog from Hertfordshire has birthed an incredible litter of 20, yes that’s TWENTY puppies.
The bullie bundles belong to Kaiser, owned by Kerry New, and could find their way into the Guinness book of world records. Web News

Want to know if Spot loves you

If You Want to Know if Spot Loves You So, It’s in His Tail


If You Want to Know if Spot Loves You So, It’s in His Tail - New York Times
Every dog lover knows how a pooch expresses its feelings.

Ears close to the head, tense posture, and tail straight out from the body means “don’t mess with me.” Ears perked up, wriggly body and vigorously wagging tail means “I am sooo happy to see you!”

But there is another, newly discovered, feature of dog body language that may surprise attentive pet owners and experts in canine behavior. When dogs feel fundamentally positive about something or someone, their tails wag more to the right side of their rumps. When they have negative feelings, their tail wagging is biased to the left.

Dog Lovers

The Dogs We Grew Up On - Meet Pop Culture's Most Captivating Canines

At some point in time somebody somewhere said; “Everybody loves dogs… Now how can we make money from that?”. This speculatory statement has spawned a legion of adorable, marketable and merchandisable cuddly canines who leapt, tails wagging and tongues lapping, from the popular media and through the pet flaps of our minds.



They wolfed down the meaty chunks of our monetary food bowl and rolled over to have their tummies tickled by advertising executives before settling down for a nap in the basket of our affections. Every dog, they say, has his day and some have endured for longer than others, indeed a select few have attained superstar status and become endemic in our popular culture.

However hard nosed and cynical we may be or however aware we are of advertiser’s manipulation of our affinity for the wet nosed and cuddly, nobody can deny that our childhood memories all owe a great deal of affection to these larger than life canine characters. Anyone here not giggle when an oblivious Odie stared over the precipice of a table while Garfield snuck up on him and gave him a crafty PUNT over the edge?

Anybody not tickled when Droopy stated in his laconic drawl that he was “very very happy”? I thought as much! So why not rouse your childhood affections from their slumber, put a collar and lead on them and take them for walkies down memory lane.

Name- RIN TIN TIN
Appearing in- NUMEROUS WARNER BROS. FILMS
Things we loved- The official German Shepherd of the Millennium and his decedents have entertained the world for eighty years. The original Rin Tin Tin (1918-1932) served as a Red Cross dog in World War I with his owner Duncan before going on to make 26 films for Warner Bros. His popularity is even accredited with saving the company from bankruptcy. His descendants have gone on to make numerous films and television shows and most recently Rin Tin Tin has endorsed a charity called ARFKids (A Rinty For Kids) to provide service dogs for disabled children at no cost. Quite a legacy!
Things we didn’t- The original died years before most of us were born.

Name- BRAIN
Appearing in- INSPECTOR GADGET
Things we loved- If you’re a bumbling detective with good intentions but a right arm that doubles as a giant Swiss army knife then a plucky child prodigy and her lovable highly intelligent pet dog are instrumental if you ever hope to fight any crime. Brain was a fearless and intelligent (as well as largely bipedal) canine who, along with juvenile owner Penny was often accredited with thwarting the evil schemes of Doctor Claw while Gadget engaged in half an hour of slapstick tomfoolery.
Things we didn’t- Despite impeccable loyalty and good intentions Brain would often get hurt, trampled, set on fire, caught in a bomb blast while looking after his human counterparts. Sheer barbarity!

Name- K9 (good name!)
Appearing in- DOCTOR WHO
Things we loved- Britain’s answer to R2D2, Doctor Who’s all knowing robot companion had personality, humour, a funny voice, a tartan collar, the ability to detect sonic waves and even a laser blaster on his nose. What more could any time travelling adventurer demand from a companion?
Things we didn’t- He didn’t have enough screen time and spent most of it in the Tardis “holding the fort”.

Name- ERIC
Appearing in- WOOF
Things we loved- Possibly every eight year old in Britain has read the children’s classic by Allan Ahlberg which chronicled the adventures of Eric, a young boy who wakes up one morning having inexplicably metamorphosised into a Norfolk Terrier, and his comical sidekick, best friend Roy. However many are more likely to remember the hugely popular counterpart children’s television series which serialised and expanded upon the book providing .
Things we didn’t- The creators ended up with Harry Potter syndrome i.e. puberty hit the young stars of the series who then had to be replaced. Subsequently the characters got changed and the series went rubbish!

Name- SANTA’S LITTLE HELPER
Appearing in- THE SIMPSONS
Things we loved- This slow witted but loveable greyhound has been charming audiences the world over since the late 1980s and those of you who read the Greyhound article in the last issue of K9 will know we’re all big fans. His proudest achievements include earning a degree from a prestigious canine academy, enjoying a brief stint as an attack dog for miserly billionaire Monty Burns, and fathering 25 puppies. This quintessential cartoon dog is loyal, loving, friendly and mischievous but unfortunately has yet to learn to talk… We live in hope!
Things we didn’t- During the course of the long running series the poor greyhound has had his back legs broken by the evil Mr. Burns and been abandoned for a “better model” found in trained pedigree Laddie. Still Santa’s Little Helper has maintained an air of cheerful optimism.

Name- SNOWY
Appearing in- HERGE’S ADVENTURES OF TINTIN
Things we loved- The tiny, affable, brave and possibly super-intelligent canine sidekick of nosy Belgian reporter Tintin earns a well-deserved spot in this column. He has loyally followed his master from the mountains of Tibet to the bottom of the sea and has been instrumental in the incarceration of countless smugglers, pirates, terrorists etc. The plucky white terrier is the model of loyalty and bravery and his determined scowl ensure that generation after generation has fallen in love with this remarkable animal.
Things we didn’t- Nobody really cared how many times Tintin got captured, kidnapped, beaten, tortured etc. but if any enemy of the free world laid a hand on snowy juvenile hearts the world over were broken.

Name- LASSIE
Appearing in- THE BOOK “LASSIE COMES HOME” AND NUMEROUS FRANCHISES.
Things we loved- Along with Rin Tin Tin, Lassie shares the seat reserved for the most recognised dogs in popular culture. Images of the collie bounding through a field of green grass and marigolds are firmly embedded in the minds of dog lovers of all ages the world over. Currently in his ninth generation Lassie has been an irreplaceable part of dog lover’s culture for fifty years and chances are as long as dog lovers continue to own televisions, images of Lassie will endure for further generations.
Things we didn’t- Lassie’s success spawned legions of do-gooding animal imitators which in turn led to clichés of epic proportions…. What’s that boy? Bert’s trapped down the mine shaft?

Name- GROMIT
Appearing in- WALLACE AND GROMIT
Things we loved- Product of acclaimed animator Nick Park, this ponderous and resourceful plasticine dog is best remembered riding side saddle on a motorbike adorned with a ridiculous flight cap and goggles, or peering out of the port hole of a space rocket bound for the moon. Like most of the canine compatriots we remember he represents the more intelligent, thoughtful half of the dog/ human relationship as he regularly compensates (or is the brunt of) the ineptitude of his human counterpart, cheese-loving inventor Wallace. Considering his inability to talk and lack of facial features his expressions speak volumes and his deeds vary from selfless to heroic. Achievements include landing on the moon, thwarting a diamond robbery by an evil penguin and going toe to toe with a canine version of The Terminator.
Things we didn’t- Gromit’s simple but loveable image led to his becoming a merchandising phenomenon and every schoolgirl in the United Kingdom seemed to own a bag/ handbag/ pencil case/ lunchbox bearing his likeness, which somehow detracts from his charm.

Source: K9 News

Sniffing Dog Butt

This is why people shake hands and say hello!! Ha- ha- ha- ha- ho- ho - hee- hee- hee. Weird but True.... Want to know some Weird but true news ? well Dogs Inherit $800,000

Three dogs in Maryland inherited an estate worth $800,000 after their rich owner died. The dogs are in the care of a caretaker.

I know the federal government imposes an inheritance tax, but can they tax dogs, being that dogs are property, not people? Source: CNews

On the Spot Fine for Dog Owners

Dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets in a Devon city now face on-the-spot £80 fines.

Plymouth City Council could also fine people who do not to have their dogs on a lead in parks and sports pitches.

It said environmental health teams receive more complaints about dog fouling than anything else.

Owners also face penalties for dogs found in other places, including children's play areas, school grounds and cemeteries.

Claiming not to know the dog has done something will not be an acceptable excuse. Nor will not having a bag to clean up with.

Exemptions will be made for guide dogs and disabled people using trained assistance dogs.

Fines paid within seven days will be reduced to £60.

'Praying' dog at Japanese temple

Conan the dog joins the priests at Jigenin temple at prayer time
Attendance at a Buddhist temple in Japan has increased since the temple's pet, a two-year-old dog, has joined in the daily prayers.

Conan, a Chihuahua, sits on his hind legs, raises his paws and puts them together at the tip of his nose.

"He may be showing his thanks for treats and walks," says a priest at Jigenin temple on Okinawa island.

Priest Joei Yoshikuni would like Conan to meditate, but "it's not like we can make him cross his legs", he says.

"Basically, I am just trying to get him to sit still while I meditate," he told Associated Press news agency.

Mr Yoshikuni said it only took Conan a few days to imitate the motions of praying.

"I think he saw me doing it all the time and got the idea to do it too," he said.

Jigenin temple now gets 30% more visitors than it did before Conan joined in the prayers, Mr Yoshikuni said.
Source: BBC news

Dog Walkers asked to tackle crime

Dog walkers asked to tackle crime

Follow my lead: dog walkers are being urged to help combat crime
Police are appealing to dog walkers to help them fight crime and anti-social behaviour by reporting anything suspicious they spot out and about.
Owners are being invited to join Ceredigion Dogwatch, which is launched in Aberystwyth by Dyfed-Powys Police.

They are being encouraged to sign up for the Neighbourhood Watch-style scheme.

"It could be as simple as a case of fly-tipping or could be as serious as drug dealing," said Pc Hefin Jones.

Pc Jones, an officer with Aberystwyth Rural Policing Team who has been setting the scheme up with a colleague, came up with the idea after talking to a woman out walking her dog.

She mentioned that she had read about a "dogwatch" scheme run by the Metropolitan Police.

He contacted them and they sent him the packs they had distributed in one area under their scheme.



Dog walkers... tend to be out all hours of the day and in different locations

Pc Hefin Jones

"The aim is to provide extra eyes and ears in the Aberystwyth area to help reduce crime and fear of crime and thus improving the quality of life for everyone," said Pc Jones.

"It's based on a neighbourhood watch scheme but instead of utilising people who live in a certain area, you're utilising dog walkers - the reason being they tend to be out all hours of the day and in different locations."

He said people would not be expected to walk in areas which they were unfamiliar with, nor to walk their pets late at night.

"They will also not be expected to get involved in confrontational situations," he added.

"It is simply just a case of reporting what you see when you're out walking your dog."

The scheme will begin in the Aberystwyth area, but if it is successful police could set up other schemes, with a view to it eventually going force-wide.

The organisers will hold quarterly meetings and invite guest to talk about dog care and training.

Anyone interested in joining Dogwatch can contact the team on 0845 330 2000. Source: K9 news

Shi Tzu found dumped in a bin bag

Shi Tzu found dumped in a bin bag

The Shi Tzu was dumped in West Lothian
An investigation has been launched after a pedigree dog, which is believed to have been stolen, was found dumped in a bin bag in West Lothian.
The female Shi Tzu had been thrown over an 8ft fence in Whitburn after being led to the scene with a choke chain.

The dog was discovered on Friday 8 February, near the Rom Ltd plant at Murraysgate Industrial Estate.

Inspectors believe the people responsible would have known the area and may have dumped it at night.

The fact we found it with a choke chain around its neck when it already had a collar suggests it has been walked to that spot before being killed, put in the bag and thrown over the fence

Fiona Greig
Senior Scottish SPCA inspector

Senior Scottish SPCA inspector Fiona Greig, who was called to the scene, said she was convinced the dog had been stolen.

She said: "It's a very unusual case. Most of the times when we find dead animals that have been dumped, they are in a terrible state and it's clear that they have been very badly treated or neglected.

"However, this little dog was in a really good condition, which suggests that it was stolen.

"There's no doubt it's a pedigree Shi Tzu and it had been recently groomed and clipped.

"The fact we found it with a choke chain around its neck when it already had a collar suggests it has been walked to that spot before being killed, put in the bag and thrown over the fence."

Officials hope that someone will recognise the dog or the collar it was wearing.

Source: K9 News

Dog training tips

The Two most important things to remember when training your dog is plenty of Love and lots of patience. The sit command is probably the easiest to teach the older dog. It can be done by placing the hand on the dog’s back near the tail while saying sit. After the dog sits, you will want to give them a reward. Small dog training treats work the best for this type of training. After a few times, the dog will get the idea.
There are some dog training tips for teaching the dog to stay and come. You can use a dog leash that is long enough to walk away from the dog after giving the command. Tell the dog to sit, and then tell them to stay, while walking a short distance away. You need to repeat the word until you stop and turn to face them. After facing the dog, you can then walk back to them while telling them to stay. If this goes well, the dog can have a reward. This helps to reinforce what they have learned.
Dog training tips vary from book to book as well as from trainer to trainer. The way that works the best for you and your dog is the way you are going to have to figure out while learning to train the dog. Each situation is a little different. The come command is more difficult, but using the dog leash can help with the training process. After the dog learns to sit and stay, you can start teaching the come command. This is done by telling the dog to sit and stay. After you walk away from the dog, you will tell them to come while gently giving the dog leash a pull. The dog should willingly come to you. Any training periods with your dog should be reinforced with a petting and a reward to show them that they are doing what you expect of them.
Dog Training Tip #1 - ConsistencyYour dog needs the proper message every time. Consistency is one of the keys to success when training your dog. When you expect a certain behavior, always give the same commands and responses. Remember, if you keep using different commands or respond differently to the same situation, you create confusion and slow the training process.Dog Training Tip #2 - PatienceThis is not an easy one for some people. Training your dog requires a lot of patience. You cannot train a dog in one sitting. Your dog will make mistakes. Do not lose patience, they will eventually come around.Dog Training Tip #3 - Love and RewardsWhen you puppy or doggie does something good, lavish praise, love and occasionally some treats on them. Love and rewards should be as generous as you can give. Positive reinforcement works wonders. When training your dog, no matter what they do, remain positive but firm. You do not want to get angry. Your dog should not walk around in fear of you.
We hope you enjoy your stay here. Come back and visit with me and look around, the information contained on our website is intended to help you Provide a better life for you and your dog. Good Luck!

I work hard to help as much as I can! Want to say thanks by buying me a Coke

Two Men and two Dogs rescued

Two men and two dogs have been rescued from tidal waters in Lancashire after the van they were in became trapped in three feet of water.
A specialist rescue team from Lancaster fire station was called to Sunderland Point near Overton on Friday night.

The van's occupants were forced to climb onto the roof to await help because of the rising waters.

After being rescued by fire crews, they were taken ashore by a Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) hovercraft.

The men did not need hospital treatment following the rescue, which happened at about 0100 GMT on Saturday. Source: K9 News

Animals rights advocates are squaking about Chickens rights

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Animals rights advocates are squawking at a measure that would make fried chicken Kentucky's official picnic food.

State Rep. Charles Siler is sponsoring legislation to assign the designation to KFC's "finger lickin' good" chicken, first served by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1940.

The late colonel's fried chicken deserves the title because of the worldwide attention and economic benefit it has brought to the state, Siler said. KFC, a subsidiary of Louisville-based Yum Brands Inc., has 11,000 restaurants in more than 80 countries.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals bristles at the idea. The animal rights group claims that the chickens KFC serves are abused, even tortured.

"If the state legislature moves forward with this one, then they should change Kentucky's state bird from the cardinal to the debeaked, crippled, scalded, diseased, dead chicken," said Bruce Friedrich, PETA vice president.

PETA has been involved in a long-standing battle with KFC, and even began a push two years ago to have a bust of the bespectacled Colonel Sanders removed from the Kentucky Capitol. Sanders, with his white goatee and black string tie, became recognizable worldwide by marketing his fried chicken. Source: Web News