Give your dog an IQ test... CA A few simple do-it-yourself tests reveal your dog's problem solving abilities... (my dog's so smart, he won't take the test... ) Is your dog an Einstein of dogs [KFMB]

Woman murders her mother over family dogs 'Frances McMurry's son, Jeff, 16, testified that his mother was sobbing and shaking hysterically while in jail on Oct. 4 of last year, the night his grandmother was murdered. She had told detectives she killed her mother during an argument over the dogs. 'She tried to kill Misty, she tried to kill Misty. I couldn't let her,' Frances McMurry told her son that night, according to Jeff McMurry...'  Son Cites Canine Troubles [Newsday]

Spunky dog gets high-tech doggy wheelchair PA 'Crippled by a spinal condition, a Riverside family pet has gotten his life rolling again thanks to a high-tech doggy wheelchair. 'When you see him in his wheels, he’s a happy dog. Designed and built by Doggon’ Wheels of Livingston, Montana, the wheelchair has probably saved his life. 'If it weren’t for the wheels, I don’t know if we would have the dog today,' his owner said... Cody, a mixed-breed, was adopted from the Humane Society. More: Canine cruiser [Johnstown Tribune Democrat]

The Feline Mystique: Feminist agenda disguised as cat book? or a book for animal lovers who just happen to be women... 'Having a dog is like having a baby, but having a cat is like living with an interesting roommate from another culture...' writes the author of The Feline Mystique. And my vote goes to putting this book in the woman's studies section. Clea Simon doesn't know much about dogs, period... The Feline Mystique has garnered favorable reviews, is a best seller in Boston, and recently went through a second printing... [Fort Wayne News Sentinel, IN]

In dog we trust: NY Public Art Program honors World Trade Center rescue dogs NY 'A temporary art project, the American Kennel Club DOGNY Public Art Program, began in August in various public spaces throughout the city. The statues' purpose is both to honor the 300 dogs and handlers who traveled from as far away as Washington, California, Texas, and Utah to participate in rescue missions associated with the events of September 11, and to raise money to benefit canine search and rescue organizations throughout the country....' Grocery Shoppers give dog art mixed reviews  [New York Downtown Express] (The statues, placed in urban areas such as next to grocery stores, got mixed reviews from adults, but good reviews from children. 'In dog we trust' is inscribed on the dog statue outside the Food Emporium, near ground zero... )

Wandering cat found 350 miles from home A Burmese cat who often strayed like a homeless dog was finally found. Gallagher, the golden kitty, survived his adventure with nary a scratch, despite its years of pampering and an asthmatic condition which required inhalers... Wandering cat makes 350-mile trip [Ananova.com Quirkies]

Woof! Burglar in legal dog house after being caught in dog house WY 'A suspected burglar is in the legal dog house, after being caught in a dog house...' Once he'd been found, police had to drag him out...  Police: Burglar In Dog House Before Arrest [WNBC]

Burglars get $3 million jury award in Prince George's County Police Dog case MD 'A Prince George's civil jury yesterday awarded more than $3 million to two admitted burglars who testified that a police canine officer released her dog on them after they had surrendered and been handcuffed. It is the largest award a jury has ever made in a lawsuit alleging brutality by a Prince George's canine unit officer. Dozens of lawsuits in recent years have accused the county canine unit of excessive force...'  $3 Million Verdict in Attack by Police Dog [Washington Post]

Scientists have created a talking dog collar 'with a built-in translation system which they claim can convert the assorted barks, howls and whines into language. scientists researched 2000 different dog phrases over three years of studying 100 dogs from 14 breeds. Scientists are also working on a Bow-lingual Mail, a product which delivers a dog's message via the Internet.' The Bow-lingual, already a smash hit in Japan, will come to the English speaking world soon... Dog collars to talk [Melbourne Herald Sun, Australia]

Australian government officials have banned the eating of cats and dogs. 'The move by Victoria state comes after a newspaper sparked public outrage by publishing a story about a man pretending to eat a dog in a shopping centre. The Moonee Valley Community News stated that a man, of Asian apappearance, was seen in Victoria acting as if he were consuming a 10-week-old dog.' Australians outlaw eating cats and dogs [Ananova.com] (In Asia, dog meat is considered a delicacy... )

Manassas Virginia sniper shooting not linked yet VA ATF agents are feverishly looking for any physical evidence that will help solve the sniper shooting in last night's (8:15 pm) Manassas, Virginia, gas station shooting. They cannot positively link the shooting to the Maryland serial shooter because an autopsy has yet to be performed. The victim, Dean Harold [last name withhel], was a Gaithersburg, Maryland, resident. One other possible clue is that a witness saw a white Dodge caravan with side panels (no windows on sides of van) leaving the scene. Whether or not two white males were in the van was not a credible clue because of poor lighting and could not be confirmed. A reward for clues leading to arrest and conviction of the shooter (or shooters) is up to $307,000. Clearly, the shootings have covered the entire DC metropolitan area and police and law enforcement agents are frustrated with the lack of evidence to identify the shooter. It is safe to say that the shooter is a careful, cold-blooded killer and always keeps a getaway route available and does not want to use more than one shot for each victim. Related: Google News