The Artist has just won big at the BAFTAs which is a good indication that the film may do equally as well at this year’s Oscars.
According to The Telegraph, Uggie the dog star of the film is being retired.
Uggie, a Jack Russell, also starred in Water for Elephants. He’s 10 years old and his younger brother Dash will be carrying on the acting tradition.
You can catch a bit of Uggie’s work in this trailer for The Artist, courtesy of YouTube:
Posted in special dogs and awards
Tagged baftas, dog star, Jack Russell, oscars, The Artist, trailer, Uggie, Water for Elephants, YouTube
Sled dogs are appearing this season wearing a spandex legging that extends from ankle to shoulder, according to a new article in the Anchorage Daily News.
The leggings protect against “chicken leg” which is a problem when snow builds up on the back of the leg and balls up, eventually pulling the fur out, leaving raw spots that are prone to infection.
Dogs competing in the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race are amongst the first wearing the new invention, which has received praise from the head veterinarian in the competition.
Isn’t it great to see new products coming on the market that help dogs?
Posted in dog care
Tagged Anchorage Daily News, Iditarod, leggings, racing, sled dog race, sled dogs, Yukon Quest, yukon quest international
Six breeds have been added to the list recognised by the American Kennel Club and are now eligible to compete in conformation shows like next week’s Westminster Kennel Club show. They are:
The American English Coonhound evolved from Virginia Hounds, themselves descendents of English Foxhounds.
American English Coonhound
The Cesky Terrier originated in the Czech Republic. It is well-muscled, short legged terrier developed to be worked in packs.
Cesky Terrier
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a herding dog native to Switzerland.
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
The Finnish Lapphund, a reindeer herding breed from Scandinavia. This breed is thought to have existed for hundreds of years and is known for its strong devotion to family.
Finnish Lapphund
The Norwegian Lundehund is a Spitz-type dog that has at least six toes and was used for hunting puffins (birds) that were a meat and feather crop in Norway (before the birds were protected).
Norwegian Lundehund
The Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced show-low-eats-queen-tlee) but usually abbreviated to the “Show Low,” is an ancient breed from Mexico. It comes in three sizes (toy, miniature and standard) and two varieties (hairless and coated). This breed is known for their intelligence.
Xoloitzcuintli
A letter to my dog is the website collecting stories for photographer Robin Layton’s book project. Dog owners from across the United States are encouraged to write a letter to their dog, include a photo, and upload both to the site.
This year, Layton will select some of the submissions and visit the dogs and their owners for professional photographs – and the letters and photos will go into his book. A contribution from the proceeds of the book will be donated to the Humane Society of the United States.
What I like about the site is that people can include the breed of their dog as part of their submission (and there’s a category for mixed breeds, too!). If you’re partial to the Dalmatian, for example, you can click on the Dalmatian link and read all the stories submitted by Dalmatian owners.
What I really like about the site is that it is a great pick-me-up after a long day. It’s dedicated to the bond between dog and owner and gives owners a chance to express their great love for their dog. Excellent reading!
Some excerpts:
Full of jokes and hugs, you always know how to make me laugh, even in my darkest depression.
The way you look at me, it makes me feel as if I am every thing good in the world, because that is what you see in me.
I am so happy to have you and I hope you live a lot more years.
How could we have known when we walked into the animal control (the pound) the special connection and impact you would have on our lives.
I adopted you 9 years ago, and I still have vivid memories of that day when I came to pick you up.
This might seem a little odd because you can’t read, so I’ll explain it to you over a beer and a few treats very soon.
You instantly won my heart and even managed to win over my mom.
We’ve all heard the jokes and comments about dog breath. Things like “I owned a dog named Halle, he had such bad breath we called him Halle tosis”
However, dog breath is no laughing matter. Bad breath is one of the common symptoms of gingivits and periodontal disease. February is National Pet Dental Health Month in the USA. Take this time to learn a bit more about your dog’s dental health.
Plaque consists of saliva, bacteria, and food particles. Dental experts say that plaque is 80% bacteria and when it isn’t removed, it will harden into dental calculus – commonly known as tartar. Tartar is clearly recognizable as a brown hard coating on your dog’s teeth.
The earliest form of periodontal disease is gingivitis. A reddening or swelling along the gum line in your dog is a sign of gingivitis. The gums may also bleed when touched. Gingivitis is reversible if you clean your dog’s teeth.
If gingivitis gets into the cavity around a tooth, the problem literally deepens. Gums may recede and expose the bone which can also become infected. This is full-blown periodontal disease and it can be stopped with a proper dental cleaning but in many cases there is still lasting damage.
As periodontal disease progresses, your dog is at risk of systemic infections where bacteria and associated toxins spread throughout the bloodstream. Researchers believe there is a connection between dental disease and liver, kidney, lungs and heart problems.
Signs of gingivitis and periodontal disease may include:
Many dog owners swear by the ‘bone a day’ rule – that chewing something hard will clean their dog’s teeth. However, more veterinarians recommend teeth brushing now than ever before and they will check your dog’s teeth at their annual check-up.
Dog toothpastes are available in flavours like chicken, beef, malt and vanilla and most dogs will rapidly get accustomed to having their teeth brushed. It can be a game and the toothpaste is the reward.
Posted in dog care
Tagged dental calculus, dental health, gingivitis, periodontal disease, pet dental health, receding gums, tartar
The Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in the UK has issued an urgent appeal for bedding and jumpers to keep its residents warm this winter.
One puppy grateful for her new jumper is Cilla, the three month old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who was found abandoned in a box in a park . Photo courtesy of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
The dogs are also being wrapped up in hand knitted sweaters (jumpers) crafted by supporters.
Claire Porteous, Operations Manager at Battersea explains “Here at Battersea our staff and volunteers are doing everything we can to keep our dogs and cats warm as the temperatures drop. We’ll be using thick bedding, knitted blankets and coats to keep the dogs and cats snug, but we are always incredibly grateful for donations of bedding and dog coats at this time of year.”
The Home would be grateful for dog or fleece blankets, warm bedding or fleece dog coats.
Anyone wishing to donate can bring their items to one of Battersea’s three sites in London, Old Windsor or Brands Hatch, or post them to:
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
4 Battersea Park Road
London
SW8 4AA
Want to knit for the dogs but don’t know where to start? Try the Big List of Free Dog Knitting Patterns.
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand |
In the United States alone, it is estimated that 500,000 animals are surrendered to shelters each year because their owners have passed away without leaving instructions or plans for their care.
The Stevenson Companion Animal Life-Care Center is based at Texas A&M University. Entirely privately funded, the Center operates with the support of endowments and private gifts. Animals that are enrolled with the Center come to live there when their owners are no longer able to care for them. It’s a rest home of sorts for pets whose owners want their animals to live out the remainder of their lives in a social atmosphere with quality veterinary care.
This YouTube video gives you an introduction to the Center:
The Center opened in 1993 and is named after Mrs Madlin Stevenson who donated 50% of the start up funds for the facility. The Luse Foundation donated the other half.
This video provides a tour of the facility:
Admittedly, not everyone will be able to send their dog for care at the Stevenson Center. Enrollments are based on the owner’s age at the time of enrollment and may either be paid in advance or through a bequest in the will. This is the current chart of fees for a dog (or cat or bird) in US dollars.
| Age | Minimum Endowment by Bequest | Minimum Amount for Paid-up Endowment |
|---|---|---|
| 30 – 39 | $100,000 | $10,000 |
| 40 – 49 | $85,000 | $20,000 |
| 50 – 59 | $70,000 | $30,000 |
| 60 – 69 | $60,000 | $40,000 |
| 70+ | $50,000 | $50,000 |
Want to know more? Visit the Stevenson Companion Animal Life-Care Center’s website.
People magazine speculated several weeks ago that Prince William and his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, had expanded their family to include a puppy. “The dog beside William and Kate’s side is most likely a black cocker spaniel.”
It’s now been confirmed. The Prince and his wife are owners of a male cocker spaniel whose name hasn’t been released. The pup will be company for Kate, who is home alone for the next six weeks as Prince William takes up his military posting in the Falkland Islands.
For my part, it’s nice to see the Royals confirm that they are dog people. (As we know, the Queen has always been partial to the Corgi – read my previous blog posting on this breed).
May Kate, William and their little bundle of joy enjoy a happy life together!
Beauty without Vanity,
Strength without Insolence,
Courage without Ferocity,
and all the Virtures of Man
without his Vices.
– Lord Byron in memory of his dog Boatswain (a Newfoundland)
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