Dogs stay younger with Vitamin C and E National Geographic finds scientific evidence that demonstrates dogs' brains benefit from Vitamin C and E... [PR Newswire]

Wild dog species almost wiped out; do they forecast mass extincion? S. Africa "Many credible scientists fear that the sixth mass extinction in the planet's long history is unfolding - a doomsday scenario dismissed as alarmist by some." Yet these scientists point to the alarming disappearance of some beautiful species, including the wild dog of Africa. In fact, a new UN report  predicts a quarter of all mammal species are globally threatened... [The Namibian]

Holy crap! Dog poo the biggest pollutant to streams KS Well, at least that's what research from the Geological Survey and Kansas City's Water Services Department determined. At a cost of $1 million, the study "sampled streams throughout the Blue River basin. Federal researchers tested for trace levels of compounds not normally expected to be found in streams... The study showed that during base flows, not during storms, E. coli bacteria from dogs and geese can contribute more bacteria to Brush Creek than human sewage." [Kansas City Star]

The end result -- what common sense dictates: if you want clean water, clean up after your dog. [maybe we shouldn't encourage a huge geese population either.]

The study's report is available at  http://mo.water.usgs.gov/

Wacky ways to kill your laptop "A list of the strangest wacky ways in which people have managed to wreck their machines beyond all repair has been compiled by analysing claims submitted to a British insurance company, Complete Computer Cover..." [Business Day]

Of course, a dog can destroy laptop; what can't a dog destroy ...

• The strangest case was that of a student who dropped his laptop off a bridge into a river (on purpose? He says a friend pushed him...)
• Second spot in the computer catastrophe chart went to a child whose mother dropped an iron on the laptop's screen...
• Third place went to a person whose dog chewed through the cable, causing the laptop to short out. The laptop died and  the dog lived to chew another day (no injuries).
• Fourth place went to a woman who accidentally backed her car over her laptop.

Dog dies in car while man shops WI A beagle type dog was cooked in a car while his owner shopped Walmart for 17 hours. The temperature outside was only 77 degrees, but inside the car, it soared to 120 degrees. The man told police he loved his dog and took care of him; the dog had no water and the windows were rolled up in the car....[Green Bay Press-Gazette]

Maybe he needs to buy a 'hotdog' detector, sold by Criminalistics for detecting when a car is too hot for a dog. Too bad they don't sell that at Walmart.

Dog fight organizer goes to jail UK A man who staged dog fights in his home received  six months jail time and  his pit bull dogs were all put down. (what a cruel fate: first, they had a cruel owner; then they were destroyed for being forced to fight.) [Cambridge News]

Japanese spare no expense in pet spas Japan  "Every month [Noriko Uchiyama] gets into a tub full of mineral hot- spring water with her dog, Pon-chan. Why? Because Pon-chan is too frightened to do it without her. Uchiyama says she used to take her dog to a dermatologist for skin problems that were so bad that his fur was falling out. The troubles stopped after she started bringing him to the spa." Pet spas are thriving in Japan, despite an economic downturn. (great photo and video of dog with owner in whirlpool accompany the article) [CNN.com]

You're fat and so's your dog "Over 60 percent of adult Americans are now overweight or obese, and an estimated 60 million cats and dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese. That is 50 percent of the pet population.  The Wellness Institute at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago and Hill's Pet Nutrition have teamed up for a new research study, a 12-month weight management program for people and their pets..."

Tell me something I don't know already. We're fat; our dog's fat (well, okay ... he's plump). We're all on diets. It's really pathetic to see your dog scrounging for something to eat when he finishes his bowl of dog food. Last night, our dog nosed over the entire house and he finally found an old, lone piece of  popcorn lurking in the corner of the living room; he plopped down and feasted on it. ugh... I feel like my dog, ready to eat just about anything slightly edible...

Dogs attend 'In heat' party at VIP beach club FL The nonprofit group 'Pet Rescue' feted 100 homeless dogs at the trendy waterfront La Piaggia in hopes of matchmaking them to owners who would take good care of them. "VIP canines enjoyed a doggy buffet, featuring a five-star blend of chicken-and- liver formula. They posed, some in pink tutus and black leather biker vests, for a crew filming an upcoming Dick Clark television show called Livin' Large. Felipe, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, dived into the shallow wading pool..." [Miami Herald]

Dogs suffer in hot car while owner fights animal neglect hearing IA 'A courthouse employee spotted the animals in the late afternoon and "thought one of the dogs was dead" because it was hanging out a partially open window, said Capt. Gary Foster of the sheriff's department.'  The owner, a zoology professor, teaches at Iowa State University. [Desmoines Register]

A Memorial for the dogs of war National Geographic does a magnificent job of detailing the history of dogs who served in war. (That's fine, but let's make sure that today's service dogs receive medical benefits and a well deserved home life after war. In the not too distant past, many dogs were euthanized when they no longer were required by their human soldier companions. They were deemed property: army surplus for quick disposal.)... [National Geographic] 

Goldendoodle, Schnoodle, Labradoodle: custommade dogs People can order custom sofas, cars and design their own houses, so why not dogs? Why indeed. If taking a chance on a doomed dog in a pound is too risky for you, you can order a designer dog with all the qualities of your favorite breeds rolled into one... [just remember that the pound dog will be more grateful, however.]

"Another way to get a custom-made dog is to log onto one of a number of Web sites — like www.petnet.com or selectsmart.com that prompt visitors to answer a series of multiple-choice questions about the kind of pup they're after." [FOXnews.com]

Whoah ... what a load of crap ... who says a custom made dog is going to please his master; people are fickle. When the puppy gets past the 'cute' stage, I bet he'll just as likely end up at the dog pound. And since when is a lab crossed with a poodle a perfect dog for a couple?

What if the perfect dog for you IS the dog at the Humane Society, SPCA or the Pound? Wouldn't that be a kick in the pants if the dog you chose becomes one you love the most and the one that loves you the most. That's what happened for us. We got our adorable dog via the SPCA. How many dogs must go unloved and gassed to death in some horrible chamber because we're too selfish to open our hearts. Oh no. We must have the custom-made-to-order dog, not the one that is going to die tomorrow because we have a throwaway society. Today's fad dog is tomorrow's pound dog.