The radio show is on 980 WCAP Wednesday, October 7th at 2 pm (EST) and can be listened to live or later via podcast .

Dog Lady was kind enough to preview Bo’s book before it came out and gave him 5 paws up.

“Bo’s rebel adventures in naps and squirrels will stir the heart and stoke human understanding of how dogs must think. His ‘voice’ is utterly original, sharp, and kind.”- Monica Collis, “Ask Dog Lady”

I want to thank all the Dogsters that have already ordered a copy of BAD TO THE BONE, we really appreciate the support. If you liked joining Bo on his adventures please leave a comment in Customer Reviews, Create Your Own Review on Amazon. Bo could really use the feedback and will send treats to the Dogsters who leave a nice message.

We need to get the word out about BAD TO THE BONE and would be extremely grateful if you would tell all your doggie loving pals about the book and ask them to do the same. It took three years to get this published, breaking into the literary would when you’re a writer in a fur suit is not easy,  we need to show the publishers out there that the dog lovers of America are ready and willing to buy a memoir written through a dog.

Order your copy now and give your pups something to bark about.

THANK YOU!

Horst and Bo will be interviewed about Bo’s upcoming book BAD TO THE BONE: Memoir Of A Rebel Doggie Blogger. For those who don’t know, it’s a funny memoir of our life over the last fourteen plus years told through Bo’s eyes.

Let’s get this clear right away: I’m a dog.

I’m 1′10″ and weigh 63 lbs, and although I’m a mutt on the outside, I’m a purebred on the inside. My good nature comes from the Golden Retriever side of the family, while my stubbornness is clearly from my Chowchow bloodlines. I’ve got Rastafarian ears, a black tongue for licking, and paws that should be on a dog twice my size.

I type 60 words a minute.

My name is Bo, and this is my story.

The segment will last about 20 minutes and listeners will be invited to call in with questions. Call in Talk Line: (727) 441-3000, Toll Free: (866) 826-1340, and Alltel Wireless customers: *1340.

Learn more about Animal Tales: Entertainment for Pet Lovers by visiting their website.

Carol Vinzant is an editor at People Pets, an online pet division of People magazine. She’s also a fan of our boy Bo’s website and contacted him to do an interview.

Of course Bo was honored to have been chosen and was more than happy to share his story. He was kind enough to share the spotlight and let me answer a few questions.

Just two years ago PEOPLE Pets member Bo Hoefinger was a largely unknown chow/golden retriever whose wit was only appreciated by his family. Now he’s an Internet star. He writes one of the silliest dog blogs around called Bo Knows, He Just Doesn’t Listen, he’s got a book deal and he helped get his dad, Horst Hoefinger, a gig blogging for Dogster.com.

Horst Hoefinger, who has a day job working for a big corporation, first started writing in the voice of his dog Bo because he wanted to give a special gift to his wife, Lisa. So he put together a book of stories about Bo and gave it to her for Christmas in 2006. Not only did she love it but she spotted his talent for bringing Bo’s personality to life, got him an agent and helped him start his hit blog. Now Bo’s book Bad to the Bone is due to hit shelves in October, read a preview chapter online.

Horst says he sticks to the light stuff for Bo Knows, but last year he started writing For the Love of Dog Blog over at Dogster.com, where he tackles the heavier stuff: dogs who need homes, puppy mills, abuse, lack of legal protections of animals and the 4 million animals euthanized each year. He hopes to shed some light on the problems – and the people working to overcome them.

“It amazes and humbles me to know there are so many wonderful people out there doing selfless things to help animals, and expect nothing in return,” Horst says. “I just try to support their efforts.”

As for his success, Hoefinger is modest: “It just goes to show anybody can do it. Even a dog.”

*Read the full interview on People Pets

What wasn’t included in the interview was Bo’s response when asked if he knew  he’s famous?

In the book there is a Q&A section where Bo is asked if he would change if he were to become famous. To which he replied, “I can’t see it affecting me. I would continue to be like any other dog; I’d put my fur suit on one paw at a time and go about my normal business. To all my friends, I’d continue to be Bobo from the block.”

Good Morning America correspondent Dr. Marty Becker and geneticist Dr. Neale Fretwell conducted satellite interviews on May 6th on the Wisdom Panel Test, the most comprehensive doggie DNA test available today.

With Wisdom Panel MX, mixed-breed dogs will receive the most reliable DNA breed test available.

Today is the final segment with Dr. Becker and Dr. Fretwell as they answer reader questions about dog DNA testing.

If you can’t see the video in your RSS feed, then click here.

Good Morning America correspondent Dr. Marty Becker and geneticist Dr. Neale Fretwell conducted satellite interviews on May 6th on the Wisdom Panel Test, the most comprehensive doggie DNA test available today.

With Wisdom Panel MX, mixed-breed dogs will receive the most reliable DNA breed test available.

Today is the second of three segments with Dr. Becker and Dr. Fretwell as they answer reader questions about dog DNA testing.

Watch and see if one of your questions was chosen to be answered.

If you can’t see the video in you RSS feed, then click here.

I want to thank everyone who left a question about dog DNA testing for Dr. Becker and Dr. Fretwell.

Good Morning America correspondent Dr. Marty Becker and geneticist Dr. Neale Fretwell are conducting satellite interviews on May 6th on the Wisdom Panel Test, the most comprehensive doggie DNA test available today.

With Wisdom Panel MX, mixed-breed dogs will receive the most reliable DNA breed test available.

* Blood-based sampling, scientifically proven to provide the highest quality DNA analysis
* Detecting 157 different AKC breeds (incl. 4 Foundation Breeds) and counting
* Proprietary algorithm providing 90% accuracy
* Backed by a decade of peer-reviewed veterinarian science research on dog genetics
* Detailed report illustrating your dog’s heritage, revealing breed traits and characteristics

This is the first of three segments, hear what the doctors had to say in response to your questions…

If you can’t see the video in your RSS feed, then click here.

Don’t forget now’s your opportunity to get all your questions answered about dog DNA testing. I have to turn in the questions at the end of the week so don’t miss out by not getting your question submitted in time.

Good Morning America correspondent Dr. Marty Becker and geneticist Dr. Neale Fretwell are conducting satellite interviews on May 6th on the Wisdom Panel Test, the most comprehensive doggie DNA test available today.

I’ve been invited to ask the doctors some questions, but I thought rather than me asking my questions I would let Dogsters submit them. Post any questions you have on DNA testing and I will forward them on, the interview footage will be posted on Wednesday, May 6th.

Please leave your questions on the ORIGINAL post so I can keep them all together.

The economy, bailouts, foreclosures – all need to take a back seat right now as did you witness as I did the trouble at the White House?

Obama Bo is pulling all the weight literally dragging our Commander-n-Chief and First Family across the lawn.

I heard Bo had been at puppy boot-camp, so what happened?

Alright, so the Obama family is a pup themselves when it comes to dog leadership. So we need to help the First Family get a grip on Bo while the President has the lead on the nation.

So let’s put the kids in charge! That’s what Oscar Winner Marcia Gay Harden did with her daughter, Eulala, for their dogs even though they have a tête-à-tête on whether she’s resentful.

The girls first command for Bo is to teach him sit, down, and off.

What would you like Bo to learn? Let me know as we’ll continue the sessions for Bo!

Sheryl Matthys, The Dog Expert, helps you learn what your relationship with your dog can teach you about yourself, and how that knowledge makes your human relationships more successful – in life, with friends, family, associates, and in love! As creator of Leashes and Lovers online social community, a certified dog trainer with a psychology degree and master’s in Radio/TV, Sheryl’s doled out advice to thousands of dog lovers.

If you can’t see the video, click here.

In December we had a contest to win a Wisdom Panel Test, it’s a  DNA kit for your dog. The test was created by Mars Veterinary to give dog owners an opportunity to find out exactly “Who’s your daddy?”  For anyone who’s thought about ordering a kit but has been reluctant because they have some questions now’s your chance to get answers.

Good Morning America correspondent Dr. Marty Becker and geneticist Dr. Neale Fretwell are conducting satellite interviews on May 6th on the Wisdom Panel Test, the most comprehensive doggie DNA test available today.

Every Dog Has A Tale:
That’s why Mars Veterinary created Wisdom Panel^TM MX Mixed-Breed Analysis, the gold standard in mixed-breed genetic identification for dogs.

Over 38 million people own a mixed-breed dog. One simple dog DNA test at your veterinarian’s office reveals the untold story of its ancestry.

Separate FACT From FICTION:

With Wisdom Panel MX, mixed-breed dogs will receive the most reliable DNA breed test available.

* Blood-based sampling, scientifically proven to provide the highest quality DNA analysis
* Detecting 157 different AKC breeds (incl. 4 Foundation Breeds) and counting
* Proprietary algorithm providing 90% accuracy
* Backed by a decade of peer-reviewed veterinarian science research on dog genetics
* Detailed report illustrating your dog’s heritage, revealing breed traits and characteristics

I’ve been invited to ask the doctors some questions, but I  thought rather than me asking my questions I would let Dogsters submit them. Post any questions you have on DNA testing and I will forward them on, the interview footage will be posted on Wednesday, May 6th.

I want to thank Mars Veterinary and all involved for giving Dogsters this fun and unique opportunity.

* I cannot guarantee your question will be picked to be answered, I won’t know beforehand.

On Dogster people post through their pup, that’s how most get to know each other.  I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know some of the people behind the dogs, and the stories they have shared are both inspirational and motivational.

I recently sent Manny , a cute German Shepherd/Collie mix, a message to let him know he had won a prize in a contest he entered.  When I got a response back I met David Burnette, the man behind the dog.  I don’t recall exactly how we started talking about rescues, but we did, and the more he shared with me about the rescue work he’s involved in the more I wanted to hear.

While I’ve always adopted rescues, I never really knew the behind the scenes story of what it takes to save just one dog. It’s sort of like the saying about it taking a village to raise a child.  Saving rescues happens when a group of individuals who don’t know each other, may even live in different states, possibly have never spoken, put all else aside and  come together for one cause. Saving the lives of innocent dogs.

I asked David if he would mind sharing some of his stories with us, he said yes. Before I begin I’d like to give you a little background information on him, he’s no different than anyone out there, except that he took that first step to get started, to become a rescuer. He became involved in rescue shortly after adopting his first dog from AARF, a home based rescue group.

It started out some five years ago as “Just one afternoon holding out dogs at the adoption stand,”  launching a journey through rescue that is still evolving. Along the way, I have come across amazing people that make such effort to save just one, or over forty lives, that I can only shake my head in wonder. There are fabulous dogs needing rescue, some with stories that make you want to scream in frustration! I am honored to have a small role in rescue miracles others pull off weekly.

I am hoping that this will be the first of many articles to come sharing the stories and people behind the scenes of rescue.  It would be great to have David share more of his stories to hopefully inspire others into action. I would also like to hear from other Dogsters who participate in rescue, be it working at a shelter or transport,  to possibly initiate the butterfly effect.  Our first story begins on a  recent visit to the Nelson County SPCA.

Nelson is a rural county in Virginia that had only two claims to fame I was aware of. One, major flooding almost wiped it off the map during Hurricane Camille back in 1969. And two, Highway 29 which goes from other more important places, to other more important places, passes through it. That was all I could say about Nelson County until recently.

But Nelson now has a new claim to fame, its Almost Home Pet Adoption Center! Traveling through Nelson County recently (on US 29 of course), I happened to catch a glimpse of a sign that said; “SPCA Thrift Store”. I had already passed the store by the time the sign registered on my mind, but fortunately a turnaround was just ahead, so I went back to see what this was about.

The Thrift was a humble affair outside, just a series of older buildings linked together by a common entrance way. But, inside was an impressive collection of donated materials. There was everything from clothing, skis, books and much more. I didn’t ask if they had a kitchen sink, but wouldn’t have been surprised to have stumbled across one. Yep, they had dog stuff.

Even though I had good directions, I almost drove past the shelter. It was a gray day with drizzle, and the sign was hard to read  while zipping down the highway being chased by traffic and tractor trailer rigs. I would have turned back had I missed it, by now my curiosity was really up about this group.

There was the sign; “Almost Home Pet Adoption Center”, and I pulled into the gravel lot next to a nice, new looking building. As I walked up, my very first impression wasn’t the best, as I saw several dogs outside in small runs. But looking closer, each dog had a Dogloo and very fresh looking straw, even in the rain. Later in my visit, I saw these dogs were being switched out with indoor dogs regularly, allowing each a bit of quiet time and fresh air.

Entering the brightly lit office, I was cheerfully greeted by a volunteer. Cats were everywhere! There were cat towers with cats in the office, a couple of cat rooms, cats under my feet, you name it. While being swarmed by the cats, I explained to the volunteers, I was impressed by the Thrift effort and wanted to see what the store was supporting.

Hoping to spare a few minutes from my drive to get in some mid-week dog rescue, I asked if I could socialize with some of the dogs there. They happily agreed, but in order to be able to enter the runs there was paperwork to be filled out. In fact, I’m pretty sure I joined the SPCA of Nelson County! Cats ran across the paperwork as I filled in the blanks, so I could be mistaken. Finally, it was time to visit the dogs, and I was led through another swarm of cats to the kennel area.

As usual, opening the door to any occupied kennel results in bedlam, and this was no exception. A visitor is the second biggest event of the day for the dogs, surpassed only by the gloriousness that is feeding time. Over the noise, I asked what dogs could best benefit from the short time I expected to be there. The volunteer directed me to a run housing a pair of skittish hounds.  She made sure I knew how to act around frightened dogs, and gave me some treats to encourage the dogs to interact with me.

Entering the indoor part of the kennel, I noticed the walls were painted with scenes inspired from living inside a home. I don’t remember the details, but you can imagine free drawn tables, windows, plants and other things typically found indoors. Did the dogs appreciate the artwork? Maybe not, but I could see the love this extra touch for the animals demonstrated. The runs were clean too. Some mud because the dogs could come and go as they please during the wet day, but no poop! Another volunteer was even cleaning the mud up while I was there.

The hounds I was asked to visit never got over their fear. Nelson is a rural County, and these were most likely failed hunting dogs. What must they have gone through when they proved not to be proper hunting companions? It must have been bad. I squatted down, and gently threw treats across the room to them, while they both cowered on their bed, one visibly shaking. I tried three times. I would toss the treat, leave, and return to see the treat gone, but they never let me touch them, only quaked in fear at the very sight of me.

I wanted to touch one dog before leaving, and entered another run. There, a female hound enthusiastically mobbed me.  She finally calmed down enough to where she was almost sitting and was rewarded with treats.

Her roommate was a male shepherd mix. He was very shy, but did show interest. He slowly came near while the female pawed all over me. I let him sniff quite a while before attempting to touch him, and back on the bed he went. Armed with more treats and still being continually mobbed by his rowdy roommate, I worked with the shepherd until finally he stayed near and allowed me to feather touch and pet him on the side. A small victory, but one hard earned.

It was time to go, and I reluctantly left the kennel area and the shepherd behind. Entering the office I was surprised to see it dark outside, and the volunteer placing the “Closed” sign on the door. Had I really spent a couple of hours there?

After a bit more time visiting with the volunteers, I tore myself away to head home in the rain and gloom. I said my good-byes to my new rescue friends, a proud member of the Nelson County SPCA, if only for a day.

Bette Grahame is the President of the Humane Society/SPCA of Nelson County, prior she served seven years as the volunteer coordinator for the Nelson Animal Control Facility, the kill shelter.

She went on to say over half the dogs were euthanized then, and how it often brought her to tears. The Almost Home Pet Adoption Center is a-dream-come true for Bette. This no-kill facility has been in operation for five years. Just this year, they saved almost a thousand lives, a major accomplishment anywhere, and especially in a rural area!

“A cumulatively large effect that a very small natural force may produce over a period of time,”  the Butterfly Effect.  It has begun.

*  Jasper and Shinner available for adoption at the SPCA of Nelson County