Lily Needs a Home...Now

I'm posting this for a good friend who is trying to place a dog as soon as possible. The dog's owner can no longer take care of her, and she will unfortunately have to be surrendered to a shelter in the next week.

Lily is a 10-year-old Golden Retriever mix. She's much smaller than a Golden, though, and is about 40 pounds. She's in very good shape, and she has many years ahead of her. Lily would do best in a home with no other dogs as she's a little bit "socially anxious," but she is perfectly fine with cats. She isn't aggressive around food at all. Here's some info from Lily's current caretaker:

"Lily has the sweet, affectionate Golden Retriever qualities...she leans in for loving pats and bonds strongly with her immediate family. Since she is an older dog, she is happy to spend the day indoors snoozing while you're at work (and I can honestly say, she has never chewed anything in the process. She's the least 'destructive' dog I have ever known!) While she loves walks, she does not need as much exercise as a younger dog."

Lily's main limitation is that she is simply anxious upon first meetings with other dogs. Lily has not spent time around children, so she'd be best in a home without them.

More from the woman trying to place her: "In my visit with her today, I am reminded what a sweet dog she is. She was so happy just to go for a brief car ride! Her face was just beaming the whole time. :) So I really do believe she's a good pup (though not a perfect one!). I'd be happy to talk with anyone who would like to hear more about her."

If you are interested in giving Lily a home or you know someone who would be, please email nina.e.carbone@gmail.com. Thank you so much!

First Dogs Get H1N1

Over the weekend, Chinese media reported that two dogs in Beijing tested positive for the H1N1 virus. According to China's agriculture ministry, the strain was 99 percent similar to that found in humans and was most likely transmitted from the animals' close contact with human Swine Flu sufferers.

China Daily/Reuters

But before you go getting all panicky, keep in mind that "scientists said there is no evidence to suggest pets are already spreading the illness."

To read the entire China Daily story, click here.

Chew Toys For Every Dog

I'm always trying to think of ways to keep my dog occupied, and I've become a little bit of a connoisseur when it comes to chew toys because Riley goes through them so quickly. Below are a few options that you may like (based on my own experiences with Riley), depending on what you're looking for.

For dogs with bad breath:

Dental Mint Rawhide Chew Treats
$9.99
The rawhide cleans plaque off your dog's teeth, and the mint freshens his breath. The best part is, these chews won't stain your carpet.

For dogs with crazy-strong jaws:

Natural Rawhide Compressed Bones
$5-$25, depending on length
If your dog goes through rawhides far too quickly, and you don't want him to get an upset stomach, try this. Because the beefhide is compressed, it takes nearly triple the time for your dog to finish. Plus, it's much less likely to splinter and cause your dog to choke.

For dogs who could use a teeth cleaning:

Busy Buddy Bristle Bone
$14.99
This bone has nylon bristles and rubber nubs to stimulate your dog's gums and clean off plaque. Just note that you have to buy the Gnawhide chews separately.

For dogs who get bored easily:

Active Snacker Tug Toy
$16.75
Ok, so this isn't necessarily a "chew toy" per se. But, this tug-a-jug toy is interactive, so it will keep your dog occupied for hours. You fill it with treats (most kibble works just fine), and your pup has to figure out how to get the pieces out.

Does your dog have any favorites?

AKC Adds 3 New Breeds

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has officially recognized three new breeds: the Bluetick Coonhound, Boykin Spaniel, and Redbone Coohound. This process, according to the AKC, can take up to three years.

A Bluetick Coonhound

According to USA Today, The Bluetick Coonhound "gets its name from a coat pattern, which is dark blue in color and covered in a ticking or mottled pattern. Working ability is very important to owners who prize the sturdy and athletic Bluetick for its skill in trailing and treeing raccoons and other small animals."

The Boykin Spaniel is the official State Dog of South Carolina, and it "is a medium-sized, all-around hunting dog with a cheerful, energetic personality...Originally used to hunt wild turkeys, Boykins now typically work with ducks and other waterfowl. With a rich, chocolate-brown coat and charm to spare, the breed thrives on human companionship and enjoys children and other dogs."

And the Redbone Coonhound? "Known for its flashy red coat, the dog is a versatile worker and possesses the ability to hunt and swim over a variety of terrain while still maintaining its speed and agility."

You can read more about the history of all three here.

What Your Dog Says About You

Thought you all may want to read this article that Cityfile did on what you can learn about a dog owner just by looking at the type of dog he or she owns.

To read the full article, click here. 

What do you guys think? Do you think the dog behaviorist is accurate?