One of our Dogster friends, Mica, gave me a bark about the Animal Planet’s 2008 Hero of the Year.

Her big sister Mckenna has been an animal rescuer and advocate for decades. Presently she is working with “Project POOCH”, one of the nominees.

Joan Dalton, Project POOCH Founder and Director, has been selected as one of 10 finalists, out of over 10,000 nominations, for Animal Planet’s 2008 Hero of the Year!

Some Oregonians may know what this means, but Mica and I invite you to come see what it’s all about and why we ask for your support.

We hope you’ll vote for our ‘candidate’ of choice.  Although there undoubtedly are many worthy recipients, they don’t get this close to home where we CAN help make a difference every day.

I’ve read about each of the top 10 finalists, there are some amazing candidates.  I hope all the Dogsters out there will take a minute to visit Animal Planet and cast their vote, you have until October 13th.  To find out who wins, watch Animal Planet Heroes, Dec. 4 at 10PM e/p.

Calling all animal lovers and rock music aficionados to come support Rational Animal’s eagerly awaited third annual Gimme Shelter: Rock & Rescue NYC benefit concert.

This rocking event takes place on Monday, October 6 at the Highline Ballroom. Located at 371 West 16th Street in Manhattan’s fashionable Chelsea district.

Join honorary chairperson Debbie Harry, MCs Chi Chi Valenti and DJ Johnny Dynell, and guest hosts Beastie Boy Adrock and Gina Gershon for an evening of music and entertainment with a purpose: to raise money for animal rescue groups that are working to save lives and create brighter futures for New York City’s homeless animals.

This year’s ten beneficiary groups all are members of the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals. They include A Cause for Paws, Adopt-A-Dog, Anjellicle Cats Rescue, Bobbi and the Strays, Linda’s Feral Cat Assistance, Loving Touch, Metropolitan Maltese Rescue, Rawhide Rescue, Spay Neuter Intervention Project (SNIP), and Tiny Treasures Rescue. The ASPCA, an Alliance founding member, is one of the event sponsors.

“Our goal at Rational Animal is to end euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals,” says Susan Brandt, Rational Animal’s founder. Gimme Shelter is a rockin’ way to spread our message, and we’re thrilled that this community of fellow artists and animal lovers have donated their time and talents to the cause.”

Wow, not only do they have an impressive musical line-up,  they also have an amazing list of worthy beneficiaries. Go enjoy a fun filled evening knowing your contribution (tickets start at $50) goes to some topnotch causes.

The Honest Kitchen, based out of San Diego, is a natural pet food company. They’re a company that loves what they do and take pride in preparing fresh, healthy products for your best friend.

“We believe our pets deserve the same quality food that we’d choose for ourselves. That’s why all our recipes are made with 100% human-grade ingredients that you’d recognize from your own kitchen.

Our recipes are prepared with care and uncompromising attention to detail, so you can serve them with confidence.”

Lucy Postins
Company Founder and Friend to Mosi & Willow

The other great thing about this company is that a percentage of their profits go towards animal-welfare causes. As if that wasn’t enough, they have a pet friendly office and are joined by up to seven co-dogs a day.

For all the Dogsters who are foodies, The Honest Kitchen has been nice enough to share one of their healthy and fun to make recipes.  You and your pal can spend a fall afternoon whipping up a batch of yummy brownies.  Although I would advise that the two legged member be in control of the oven.

Healthy Autumn Brownies
These rich but delectable brownie-style treats can be made with any one of our dehydrated raw foods for dogs, and make use of some of the fall’s healthiest vegetables and fruits. Squash may be substituted for sweet potatoes if desired.

Ingredients
2 Eggs
½ Cup of Cooked, Mashed Sweet Potato
½ Cup of cooked Parsnips, finely diced
3/4 Cup of Diced Ham
¼ Cup Grated Gruyere Cheese
¼ Cup of Dried Cranberries
4 Tbsp Applesauce
2 cups of Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food
1 ½ Cups Warm Meat Broth (low sodium, if commercial)
1 Small Pinch fresh or Dried Rosemary (optional)

What To Do:
Hydrate the food using the warm meat broth.

Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk lightly. Mix in the applesauce, ham and cheese.

Mix the sweet potato or squash into the hydrated food, along with the parsnips & cranberries.

Add the egg mix to the Sweet Potato mix and combine thoroughly.

Spread in a thin layer onto a well greased baking sheet.
Grate a little extra cheese on top if desired and cook at 300 F for about 60 minutes or until the top is slightly dried and slightly crispy.

Cool thoroughly and cut into squares to serve.
For firmer treats, divide the mix into teaspoon sized drops and space evenly on a baking sheet, flattening gently with the spoon. Cook as above.

*Oatmeal and a little ground meat can be used as a substitute for the THK products.

The Honest Kitchen has generously donated some of their homemade dog treats to give away.  Besides being all natural they have great names; Nuzzles, Pecks, Ice Pups, and Smooches.

We’re going to be giving one of each kind away, a total of four prizes. To enter use one of the treat names in a funny sentence, it doesn’t have to make sense. As an example, “I give my dog Smooches.”     Leave your comment, in the comment section, and I will choose the winners on Thursday, October 9th based on the funniest or silliest answers.

Halloween can be a lot of fun, but it can also be very scary for dogs. According to Liam Crowe, the CEO and master dog behavioral therapist of Bark Busters USA, Halloween is when they hear about more dogs dying or straying than any other holiday.

I would never have guessed that, but it makes sense when you think about it.  There’s usually a lot more accessible chocolate candy in the house for dogs to get into, the result of which can be deadly. Plus, the overabundance of loud noises and door bell ringing can set off a dogs flight instinct.

As pet owners we can keep a few simple things in mind to make Halloween a fun and safe holiday for all our four legged friends.

* Don’t leave your dog outside. Even if you have a fenced yard, bring your dog inside where it is safe. If your dog is usually kept outside, bring him in a few times before the big night to get him used to being indoors. Your dog may be used to strangers, but so many little ghouls and goblins running about may be too much. Remember also that it is a natural instinct for dogs to protect the family from strangers, and on Halloween there will be no shortage of strangers.

* Keep your dog restrained. If your dog is timid or scared, or if he tends to love people a little too much, it is best to put him in a separate room away from the front door to limit his excitability, aggression, and chance of running outside and becoming lost.

* Reassure your dog. The best thing you can do for your dog when he is feeling unsettled by Halloween activities is to act as you normally would. By over-reassuring your dog or giving him an unusual amount of attention, you inadvertently can communicate to him that because you are acting differently, there must be something to worry about.

* Have your dog get used to costumes. Your dog may see his family members as strangers once they don their Halloween costumes. Before the kids put them on, allow your dog to scent the costumes. If your costume has a mask, keep the mask off when you are with your dog because dogs can become confused when they can’t see our faces.

* Check your dog’s ID tag. Be sure identification tags are secure on your dog’s collar-just in case.

* Keep candy away from your dog. Many candies-especially chocolate-are toxic to dogs. The severity of the toxicity depends greatly on factors such as breed, age, size, and how much candy was ingested. Problems may range from a mild upset tummy to vomiting and diarrhea, or even death. If you have any concerns at all, consult with a veterinarian immediately. If you want to keep your dog safe, make certain that sweets, including their wrappers, are kept well away from your dog.

* Protect dogs from candles and pumpkins. Excited or agitated dogs can easily knock over a lit candle or pumpkin. Be sure those items are away from your dog’s reach, or consider a battery-powered candle that does not burn

* Think twice about dressing your dog in a costume. While some dogs might enjoy being dressed up, many don’t. Experiment first to see if your dog likes being in a costume. If so, fine-he’ll most likely enjoy himself and the extra attention it brings. However, if he shows any resistance, don’t do it. Dogs feel enough stress around Halloween without also having to endure the discomfort and peculiarity of wearing a strange costume.

* Be prepared. If you take your dog with you while trick-or-treating, be prepared at all times. Do not let your dog approach the door of a house, and stay clear of possible gags or gangs of goblins who will gather at the door. Dogs do not understand that the person jumping out at you will not hurt you; they often think they can only help you by acting aggressively. Neither children nor adults in costumes should approach a dog without the owner’s consent.

* Have fun but think of your dog’s safety. Finally, if you want your dog to be included in Halloween festivities, think about his safety much as you would the safety of a small child. Your dog does not understand Halloween, so he needs you to provide the guidance and safety that you always do.

Thanks to Bark Buster’s for sharing those great tips.

A man estranged from his family, living alone in a trailer in Florida, is hailed a hero for a selfless act that has cost him his life.

Robert Emery risked his life to rescue three dogs that were stuck on a highway in Texas after hurricane Ike.

Robert “Bob” Emery, who was from Florida and in Texas to help clear storm debris, died late Saturday after dashing onto the East Freeway to reach the dogs who were huddled in the emergency lane against a cement median. He was struck by a passing motorcycle.

Thankfully the dogs were saved and eventually reunited with their owner.   However, Emery’s family has not been located, and without anyone to claim his body he could be given a pauper’s burial.

Cheryl Lang, president of the Houston-based organization, No Paws Left Behind, which works to find solutions for pets from homes being foreclosed, is among those calling Emery a hero.

Lang said he deserves better than a pauper’s burial, and is looking at ways the community can honor his memory, perhaps with a temporary pet shelter.

“He didn’t even think twice, just went out and did it,” she said of Emery trying to reach the dogs.”That says a lot about his character.”

It’s very sad that Robert Emery lost his life, it would be a tragedy if he’s buried in an unmarked grave. This man is a hero who deserves recognition.

Hopefully, if this story keeps making its way around the internet someone will know how to reach Robert “Bob” Emery’s family.

Hurricane Ike has left more than just physical devastation in its wake.

There are 120 dogs who were abandoned being transported to Minnesota to be put up for adoption.

The process starts this morning, when a team from the Animal Humane Society (AHS) of Golden Valley, with the help of Northwest Airlines, brings back 59 dogs from Texas that were lost, abandoned or surrendered after the hurricane.

I just can’t understand how anyone could take shelter and leave their dog behind.  I realize that some of the dogs probably got lost in all the confusion,  but I would go to the ends of the earth to get my dogs back.

Once in Minnesota, the dogs “will rest and recover at AHS’ five facilities,” the society said in a statement Tuesday. “Some may require additional medical treatments and be in AHS’ care because of the extraordinary circumstances they have been through.”

I hope that these dogs will all be adopted into wonderful new forever homes.  They have not released adoption information yet, but anyone residing in the vicinity and looking to adopt should keep checking for updates.  Remember…it’s Adopt-A-Dog Month, here’s your chance.

In 1992 Lisa and I adopted our first rescue, Bo, from a shelter in Albany, NY.  Bo  holds, and will always hold, a very special place in our hearts.

He has been a wonderful companion over the last 16 years, and is proof that adopting a shelter dog really can rock your world. He’s definitely rocked ours, on more than one occasion.

n 2006 I wrote a book about Bo, to give to Lisa as a Christmas gift. I wanted to give her something to memorialize Bo’s life, something she could cherish long after Bo was no longer with the family. The book was written through Bo’s eyes about the adventures the family had with him over the past 14 plus years.

Lisa enjoyed it so much that she found Bo a literary agent. Finally a canine with an agent! The upcoming book is titled Unleashed: Memoirs of a Man’s Best Friend , it’s being published by Kensington Books and is slated for a fall ‘09 release.

To kickoff the American Humane’s Adopt-A-Month here’s a happy tail about life with a rescue.

OF ALL THE GIN JOINTS IN ALL THE WORLD SHE WALKS INTO MINE…..

We met back in the early 90’s, December of ‘92 to be exact. I just had a major blowout with my first, somewhat dysfunctional family and decided that it was best for all if I just left. My foster dad gave me a ride to nowhere that ended up at a boarding house in Albany, NY. The place was great, warm with plenty of company, and their cheesy poof biscuits were to die for. On the downside, it was loud and smelly, not unlike me.

Even a lowly pug could smell her coming from miles away. It was Monday, as I recall, and the bells on the door jingled to announce her arrival. She was a beautiful blonde with a quick smile and a big heart. We’d seen this type before; they usually left with one of the pure bred puppies, but something was different about this one. My instincts told me that any canine would be darn lucky to go home with a dame like her, so I made it my top priority to be that hound.

She wandered back to where we lived. Frankly, I was a bit embarrassed about the condition of the place. Some of my cage mates were not very clean and some even took to pooping where they ate. My next cage neighbor’s lack of etiquette was particularly noteworthy as he took to eating kitty snickers (that’s slang for cat poo in the big house) openly. Sure they taste good, but you’re not getting adopted if you’re seen eating one.

As she came closer to my humble accommodations, I tried everything I could to grab her attention. When she finally got to me I made direct eye contact with her, angled my head at a 45 degree tilt and gave her my trademark BoPaw’ reach. As a bonus, my head as a pup was fully-grown, although my body wasn’t. While it would have been abnormal on any other dog, my oversized cranium actually made me cuter.

With the paw in the air and the bobble head turned just so, I stared into her eyes. I could see instantly she wanted me. Needed me. Had to have me. Hey who wouldn’t?

With her finely manicured nails, she reached out and petted me. She was clearly enjoying our encounter. How easy these humans are to manipulate, I thought. Her hands were refreshingly cool and her smell put me in a state of delight. I was in love. I could tell she loved me too.

After a few gushing, “He’s so cute!” comments, she took her hand out of my cage, gave me one last look and proceeded to move on to Pumpkin’s cage.

What?? Move on?! Hey, we just made a connection. You can’t move on. But that’s exactly what she did.

Realizing I was still sitting there with a half-cocked head and a paw in the air, I felt my muzzle glow red hot under my furry face as the other dogs chuckled with delight. After a few minutes I got my bearings back, but by then she had moved through the room, out the door and out of my life.

The story is a bit long, so go grab your leash and run on over to Bo Knows: He Just Doesn’t Listen to finish.

Today we’re kicking off the start of the American Humane’s Adopt-A-Dog Month.

Throughout the month of October I’m going to feature articles regarding all things adoption; tips, advice, adoption stories, and ways to help even if you’re not looking to adopt.

Big dogs, small dogs, adult dogs, puppy dogs — you can find them all at your local shelter or breed rescue group. And each one is guaranteed to enhance your life, make you smile and rock your world.

Millions of dogs are surrendered to our nation’s animal welfare organizations every year, not because they are bad or unlovable, but because their owners just couldn’t take care of them anymore. Now these dogs are homeless, and they need a second chance.

American Humane works year-round to support these animal welfare organizations, promote adoptions and enhance the bond that people share with their companion animals. And each year, we celebrate American Humane’s Adopt-A-Dog Month and give shelters tools and resources to continue fostering connections between people and pets.

We encourage everyone to visit their local shelters, learn about the services they provide and — best of all — see all the wonderful dogs they have ready to be adopted.

Having a dog rocks. Experts say dogs promote exercise, help lower blood pressure, prevent heart disease, and fight depression and loneliness. Plus, dogs often can serve as “social aids,” helping people get to know others, sparking conversations, and encouraging increased social contact and greater bonds between people.

If you’re ready to have your world rocked, check out the resources at American Humane to learn about the adoption process, behavior and training, and pet care.

So, are you ready to rock your world?

Usually we hear about sharks attacking humans, not so in this case.

Here’s a story with a  twist, human attacks shark to save his dog.

ISLAMORADA, Fla., Sept. 30 (UPI) — Greg LeNoir of Islamorada, Fla., says he had to overcome his own fear before he could save his 14-pound dog, Jake, from the jaws of a shark.

Jake, a 28-month-old rat terrier, was taking his daily swim retrieving soaked coconuts when LeNoir watched a 5-foot shark swim up and pull Jake under water, The Miami Herald reported Tuesday.

I would say Greg has some big kahunas, kudos to him.

“I clenched my fists and dove straight in with all my strength, like a battering ram,” LeNoir, 53, said. “I hit the back of the shark’s neck. It was like hitting concrete.”

The shark let go of Jake, who swam to shore trailing blood from punctures in his abdomen, chest and back, LeNoir said of Friday’s attack. Jake is expected to fully recover.

Jake was adopted from an animal shelter and is now part of the family.  The LeNoir’s have no two legged children so Jake is their four legged child.

It’s so nice to post a story with a happy ending.

* There was no picture of Jake so pictured above is Rocco, a Dogster member.

I received a message about a potential danger concerning the “Real Ham Bone” made by Dynamic Pet Products.

I have not been able to find any recall of this product, or any information for that matter.  Regardless, this is definitely something you’ll want to be aware of.

I would like to warn all dog lovers out there to be very careful about the dog treats that you give your dogs. Last week I bought a “Real Ham Bone” made by Dynamic Pet Products of Missouri from Walmart.

Here is what it looks like: . The label says it is made with “100% Food Grade Ingredients” and it isn’t made from China. I thought that meant that this would make a good treat for my dogs. Boy was I wrong.

Trace, my dog, enjoyed chewing on this bone. It did not splinter or anything, in fact there is quite a large piece of it still left. Then in the evening she started vomiting.

She spent the next day at a veterinarian’ s office where she was diagnosed with a blockage of the colon. That night she endured a 4 hour surgery at Brandon Veterinary Specialists where the vet picked out small round pellets of the bone, up to the size of about a b-b.

The next morning she was moved to Florida Veterinary Specialist critical care unit. Again in the evening she had another 2 hour surgery, because the blockage had caused poison in her body. She passed away at 4:30 the next afternoon.

Everyone who hears this horrible story immediately says “Well that sounds like a lawsuit to me”. That is what I thought also. Since then, I have learned that is not that easy to sue on behalf of a dog.

The lawyers say a dog is a possession just like a couch. So, so far, all I have been able to do is write a certified letter to Dynamic Pet Products of Missouri.

In it I requested my vet bills to be paid and their product to be relabeled or preferably removed from the shelf. I don’t know if I will get a response. If anyone else has any ideas about how I may address this issue, please let me know at djurgens12@aol. com.

In the memory of Trace, please pass this email on to all of the dog lovers that you know. This type of bone is sold in all of the stores under several different manufacturers names. I would assume they all may do the same thing. Even if they don’t splinter, they can cause a blockage.

I would like to pass on my condolences to Trace’s owner, and thank them for sharing this tragic story to help prevent it from happening again.