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My dog, a 15 lb. Westie, escaped out the back door the other day when I wasn’t looking.  My sister’s dog heard her and barked but we didn’t know why and didn’t bother to check it out.  About thirty minutes later I called the dogs to get leashed up for a potty outing but she didn’t come.  My sister and I looked all over the house and realized that the back screen door wasn’t latched.  So, we went outside and started walking around the neighborhood calling her name.  A few minutes later she ran up to us and was so excited about the reunion.  That’s when I saw the poop.  She had been going around the neighborhood rubbing in all the poop she could find; dog poop, deer poop, bird poop, and who knows what else.  She had the time of her life.  I was disgusted and amused at the same time.  She was just so happy… until she received a good scrub in the tub.

…and cuddled some puppies. :D If you’re looking for a dog in West Virginia then check out Braxton County Animal Shelter. They always have such great dogs.

Whenever I go to a shelter I can’t help picking a favorite. This time it was Tucker the Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler Mix. He has beautiful markings and is so very sweet. He is such a wonderful dog.

There is a new reality show called Groomer Has It. In the show, dog groomers compete to get the title of Groomer of the Year. Here is the thing; the groomers that they selected to be on the show aren’t the best groomers in the United States. Instead, they were chosen because of their varying backgrounds. I don’t understand how you can dub someone “Groomer of the Year” if they aren’t competing against the very best.

The host of the show is Jai Rodriguez. You may recognize him from his hit show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. They make him say a lot of retarded puns like “one of you will go back to the dog house with your tail between your legs,” and “every dog has its day,” etc. I feel bad for the guy.

One of the judges, Xavier Santiago, is extremely awkward. At first I hated him but now I kind of like him because he is so weird.

I haven’t become attached to any of the competing groomers so far. Most of them seem like they’re missing half a brain. Hopefully that will change as the show goes on.

Overall, Groomer Has It is mediocre. There are better dog related shows out there like DogTown and Petfinder. If I weren’t interested in dogs and what it’s like to be a groomer I would stop watching it.

Iggy Palace Rescue is a wonderful dog rescue located in Utah.  They specialize in Italian Greyhounds but often have other sight hounds in need of homes.  If you’re looking for a sight hound, they are a good place to start.  Even if you aren’t in the market for a dog you can still donate money or items.  Every little bit helps.

They currently have a sweet Iggy, named Tina, that needs a special home without small children or large active dogs.  The adopter has to have the finances to give her continued veterinary care and must live in Utah or one of the neighboring states.  If you think you are the right person for Tina contact Iggy Palace Rescue.

I saw a clip about a lost dog named Hambone on YouTube.  (Click here to watch it.) Apparently the dog was stolen outside a 7-11 in Hollywood.  He is a sweet docile 3-year-old white and black pit bull.  He was last seen getting into a green van with “W2″ painted on the side.  The owner is offering a $10,000 reward for Hambone’s safe return, no questions asked.  If you have any information you can contact the owner at eric@findhambone.com.

Unfortunately, this sort of thievery seems to be gaining popularity.  Every dog owner needs to take it seriously.  People have had dogs stolen from their cars and even backyards.  Some dogs are taken because they can be sold for good money.  Others are taken to train fighting dogs, which is likely the case with Hambone.  Usually the dog is never found.  Don’t leave your dogs unattended where they can easily be snatched.

Edited June 13, 2008

Riley’s owner, Stacie Voss, created and posted this list on Dogster a while back. I loved it so much that I had to put it on my site. Stacie volunteers at the Beatrice Humane Society in Nebraska. If you’re looking for a pet, check them out!

Top Ten Misconceptions about Shelter and Rescue Dogs! by Stacie Voss

1. They have issues.
While sometimes this may be true, the majority of shelter/rescue dogs have previous owners with issues: not enough time, not enough money, they are moving, they got a divorce, they had a baby. These owner issues in no way reflect on the dog. Even if a dog’s history is not known they often don’t have any serious behavioral issues. And every dog has their quirks, even purebred champions!

2. They don’t know how to behave.
True, some shelter and rescue dogs don’t know some neat tricks like sit, down, and stay but it’s because no one’s taken the time to teach them! Most of these “behavioral problems” can be fixed with a simple 6-8 week obedience course.

3. They are sick.
Not true! Many dogs, even owner surrenders, don’t come with the proper vaccinations; however most shelters and rescues get an animal fully up to date on vaccinations, and will not adopt out sick animals until they are well. Also serious diseases are tested for before the animals are adopted out.

4. Shelters only have big dogs.
While smaller dogs tend to get adopted sooner than larger dogs there are always smaller dogs coming in. If you are interested in adopting a smaller dog speak with your shelter or rescue and fill out an application so that when a small dog comes in they can contact you first. Also look for breed rescues that specialize in certain breeds.

5. They are all mutts, or there are no purebreds in shelters.
While there are often several mixed breed available many owner surrenders end up being “purebred” dogs. While these dogs may not have papers attached to them they are often a purebred dog. Statistics vary but at least 30% of dogs in shelters are purebreds, and every type of breed there is can be found in a shelter or rescue somewhere.

6. They are all older dogs.
Hardly. Once again puppies tend to be adopted quickly but puppies come in all the time. Follow the same advice as for small dogs. Also many dogs tend to be relinquished when they reach their “teenage” years and are no longer a cute puppy. Most of these dogs are 1-2 years old and still have a lot of life yet to live. Even if there are a lot of senior dogs, these dogs need good homes too and can be a great addition to the family.

7. They were all abused.
While sad cases may come in from time to time most dogs at the shelter have not been abused. Some are just shy from being in a stressful environment. If anything these dogs were neglected but not abused.

8. Only puppies from unwanted/accidental litters end up at shelters.
Puppies from “planned” breeding can and do end up at shelters, it’s not just accidental litters.

9. Shelter dogs can’t be/aren’t potty trained.
Often shelter dogs cannot be let out often enough and are forced to go to the bathroom in their kennels. For some dogs (young, old, small) asking it to go more than 8-10 between bathroom breaks is just too long. These dogs can still learn the rules of housetraining once adopted. Same rules apply to housebreaking shelter dogs as to a puppy from a breeder.

10. Shelters are scary, dirty, sad places.
Yes, there are bad shelters where conditions are less than desirable. However, many, many shelters are clean, bright, and generally happy places. These shelters are also full of people willing to help you find the right dog for you!

I’m so sick of people that irresponsibly breed their dogs.  Millions of healthy dogs are euthanized every year in the U.S. because there are just too many.  Yet people just keep making more puppies, cuz puppies are cute, right? Besides…you’ll make sure to find good homes for all of your puppies…sure you will. Well guess what, for every dog you bring into the world, that’s one more dog that doesn’t get a home.  One more dog that spends the rest of its life in a shelter cage with a cold cement floor, hoping, begging, pleading, that just one person will give it a chance and get it out of that terrifying place.  The sad thing is that the animal shelter is their only hope.  Otherwise they’d be out on the streets suffering until they die from starvation or some disease.

So, spay and neuter your pets.  And if you’re thinking of getting a dog, please consider one from a shelter or rescue group.  Believe it or not, there are a lot of purebred dogs that need homes.  No matter what breed or mix, if you wait long enough, you’ll find one in a shelter or rescue.  It will love you just as much, if not more, than the overpriced puppy you buy from some irresponsible breeder’s backyard.  And please don’t even get me started on pet stores that sell puppies…if you want to know about all of that crap, Google ‘Puppy Mill’.

These dogs desperately need homes in California.

www.petfinder.com – a great site to find exactly the dog you’re looking for.