Westminster dog show gets new breeds and viewer interaction on TV

'A lot of people at home,' says David Frei, 'probably think the dogs at Westminster spend their time lounging on satin pillows and eating doggie bon bons.'

But the approximately 2,500 purebred dogs that will be competing in the 135th annual Westminster Kennel Club show tomorrow and Tuesday at Madison Square Garden harbor a secret, says Frei.

They really aren't much different from the 10 or 20 dogs the average New Yorker passes every day on the street and in the neighborhood.

Full story: Westminster dog show gets new breeds and viewer interaction on TV

New dogs hope to learn old tricks at Westminster

NEW YORK — Kaffi looked as if he needed a coffee break. Rolling on his back, paws in the air, eyes getting heavy, he was dog tired.

'It's been a long day,' owner JoAnn Secondino said a few days ago after arriving in town.

And the Westminster Kennel Club show hadn't even begun for this Icelandic sheepdog, one of six new breeds this year at America's top pooch pageant.

In all, nearly 2,600 dogs will compete in 179 breeds and varieties. They'll come from 49 states — North Dakota is absent — and from several countries, including Thailand, Brazil, Slovenia and Australia.

Judging starts Monday in the hound, toy, nonsporting and herding groups.

Full story: New dogs hope to learn old tricks at Westminster - WSJ.com

Over 100 in people years: 20-year-old Portsmouth pooch gets a bit of pampering

"PORTSMOUTH NH— 'Pooh' isn't exactly the spry pup he used to be, but even hard of hearing 20-year-old poodles enjoy a day of pampering every once in a while.

It was for this reason that Pooh enjoyed a trim and nail clipping on Tuesday that has him looking fine as he heads into his 21st year.

Longtime Portsmouth resident Janet Goodreau — the owner of a dog estimated to be easily over hundred years old in human years — said her fuzzy companion is often described as one of the oldest animals brought to his veterinarian or groomer, but she said he remains a playful animal whose longevity might be attributed to a slightly unusual diet and top-shelf treatment."

Full story: Over 100 in people years: 20-year-old Portsmouth pooch gets a bit of pampering - Fosters

Helping our dogs be all that they can be

"PHILADELPHIA Hannah grabs the tennis ball out of the air, drops it on the floor, and nudges it toward the colorful plastic pins with her nose.

She scores a spare - and a chicken-flavored treat.

Not bad for an 8-year-old yellow Lab who started bowling only a few months ago (albeit eons in dog years) at Doggie Style's Camp Dogwood, the Philadelphia pet boutique and dog care that provides cognitively challenging activities to its four-legged charges."

Bellingham Neighborhoods, Whatcom County Communities | Bellingham Herald

More than 100 puppies rescued from 14 Missouri "puppy mills" will be up for adoption on Long Island this Saturday.

"PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. (WPIX) - More than 100 puppies rescued from 14 Missouri 'puppy mills' will be up for adoption on Long Island this Saturday.

The dogs are currently under the care of the North Shore Animal League America (NSALA), which announced Tuesday that the dogs from their partner, National Mill Dog Rescue, had arrived. Before they go up for adoption, all the animals will be spayed or neutered and given full medical checkups.

'Puppy mills' are companies that breed dogs for sale to pet stores and are not illegal."

Full story:More than 100 puppies rescued from 14 Missouri "puppy mills" will be up for adoption on Long Island this Saturday. - WPIX

Lucky dogs get love, care at Jo's Hope

: "A Lexington woman has launched a 'safe haven' for mentally and physically impaired dogs, and she has big plans"
Lucky dogs get love, care at Jo's Hope - Neighbors - Kentucky.com

Factions vie for control of Menifee Valley animal rescue group

"Will the real president of the Menifee Valley Humane Society please stand up?

For the past three months, two people have been claiming that title. And, the U.S. Postal Service is holding all the organization's mail until it becomes clear who's in charge.

On May 6, a Riverside County probate judge is set to decide which board of directors will receive a check and estate that was recently bequeathed to the animal rescue group."

Factions vie for control of Menifee Valley animal rescue group | Local News | PE.com | Southern California News | News for Inland Southern California

Pet Adoptathon set for May 1

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y., April 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2 more than 2,000 animal shelters around the world will unite with North Shore Animal League America for Pet Adoptathon® 2010, the premiere global pet adoption event. Renowned dog expert Cesar Millan, National Geographic Channel's Dog Whisperer, is the spokesperson for the 16th annual global adoption extravaganza that helps save the lives of homeless pets. Purina ONE® serves as Pet Adoptathon's presenting sponsor.

On Saturday, May 1, participating shelters will open their doors for this important weekend event. Pet Adoptathon events have taken place in shelters located in every time zone around the world, and in 2009 over 20,000 pets were saved. The first Pet Adoptathon, in 1995, began as a North Shore Animal League adoption event, with the goal of finding homes for each pet in the shelter. Encouraged by its success, the Animal League invited shelters worldwide to participate in Pet Adoptathon. Sixteen years since its inception, Pet Adoptathon has helped find loving homes for nearly 300,000 animals.

Dogs can suffer tooth pain

"IT CAN be hard to resist letting your pooch polish off the scraps from your plate, or giving him the odd biscuit as a treat. But poor dental health is one of the biggest undiagnosed problems in dogs and cats, according to local vets. They say around a quarter of pets have serious teeth problems, which can sometimes lead to life-threatening illness."

Pets: Dogs can suffer tooth pain - Edinburgh Evening News

Puppy mill owner, employee out on bail

"Guilford County, NC -- The owner and an employee of a kennel subject to a puppy mill investigation are out of jail on bond."

Sheila Savage, owner of Rush Kennel in Pleasant Garden, and Robert Landreth, an employee at the facility, both face 12 counts of animal cruelty.

Rush Kennel Customer Euthanized Sick Dog | digtriad.com | Triad, NC | Local