Paw Print

Those that have adopted dogs and been told what the dog’s likely breed is or speculate based on “looks like a...” can now find out for certain with a simple DNA test.  A friend adopted a dog named Niko a couple of years ago that she thought was probably border collie/lab mix, but once she had his DNA tested she found out Niko was actually a mix of Chow Chow, Akita and Samoyed.  The DNA testing is a Canine Heritage Breed Test, that costs $79.00 - they use state of the art DNA technology to genetically identify breed characteristics and certify 38 potential breeds.  The DNA test uses a non-invasive cheek swab with quick turn around results of the breed composition in certificate form that includes a photo of the dog and the breed composition.  Benefits of having the breed composition test is to learn more about your pet’s heritage, infer potential health risks associated with breeds, better health and wellness management through breed knowledge and understand behavior and personality. (I’ve attached Niko’s certificate below.)
I’m particularly interested in doing this on my youngest, Ryder 10, I’ve always thought he was a Sheltie-poo as is my older dog Tahoe 12 but the more I look at Ryder I’m not convinced, I think he might have some Beagle or Corgi mixed in with the Sheltie.  Ryder is shorter with a solid little body similar to a beagle and he has the best sniffer and hearing in the state, he can smell or hear something miles away.  Ryder is also very sensitive, people oriented, and only wants to please - the Beagles I’ve known seem to be somewhat aloof and stubborn.  Ryder is the best dog I’ve ever known - besides the unlimited unconditional love he offers he is my angel - I want to know what mix he is so if possible I can find another just like him one day.  Stay posted for Ryder’s DNA Breed Test results.

We have been fortunate to have the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Baltimore this past week and it’s always a fun time to see the elephants coming off their trailer and having lunch at Lexington Market.  This year however there was more excitement for some of the guests - three zebras!  Mali, Giza and Lima all seven or eight year old geldings decided they wanted to see more of Baltimore than the inside of the First Mariner Arena and so they did!  There happened to be a door ajar near their pen and since it was already open why not take a walk around Baltimore right?  Unfortunately their experience of Baltimore City was in lanes of traffic at Hopkins Place downtown but only until these three escapees found the good sense to get on the sidewalk until their trainer and handlers arrived to spoil the fun.  Everyone was fine and quickly escorted back to the Arena.  The funny and ironic thing is this wasn’t their first escape - the same three girls plus another, Guinea escaped briefly during a circus trip in Colorado Springs, Colorado!  Carrie Coleman, a circus veterinary technician said “they must have enjoyed the mountains”...hmmm.  These curious females known as Grant’s zebras have keen eyesight, a shy nature and swiftness - each weighing between 600-700 pounds.  A few female zebras just out taking a walk and enjoying the scenery or A.D.D. zebras?

It’s a boy!  After weeks of keeping round the clock vigil around Felix the expecting African elephant delivers her healthy bouncing baby boy - all 290 pounds of him.  Felix, 24, who is considered petite in African elephant standards only 7,490 pounds endured a 22-month pregnancy, a mere 3 hours of labor, and poof a bouncing baby boy.  The yet to be named calf was up and standing within 30 minutes - of course, he’d been laying down for 22 months!  Interestingly, baby elephants stay babies for a much longer time not seeking independence from the mother for three to five years.  Felix is being a doting mom while other resident elephants at the Maryland Zoo Dolly and Anna, are also keeping a keen eye on the little guy.  On average only five African elephants like Felix and her calf are born in the United States each year.  This is Felix’s second birth, she had another male calf five years ago at Riddle’s Elephant Sanctuary and Wildlife Center in Arkansas where Felix was retired after a career in show business.  Felix arrived to the Maryland Zoo from Riddle 19 months pregnant with Tuffy, a male elephant, although not the new calf’s father.
Congratulations Felix and The Maryland Zoo! 

I’ve already established my respect for those who rescue dogs instead of buy dogs noting that too many thousands of dogs are in shelters. 
And because I’ve used this space to Paris Hilton bash - remember, she took her adopted kitten “Prada” in to be spayed and never went back to get her! 
On a positive note today I want to acknowledge one of the many celebrities who’ve rescued dogs over the years, Sandra Bullock.  Sandra is truly a compassionate animal lover unlike Paris Hilton adopting or buying pets for arm candy.  Two of Sandra’s past rescues include a three legged dog named Poppy and a two legged dog named Ruby, Lucky Dogs!  When Sandra totes Poppy and Ruby along with her it’s not for arm candy, it’s for the animals - something Paris Hilton and others should consider. 

There aren’t too many ways today you can make a difference without it costing you time or money but The Animal Rescue Site costs you nothing and by clicking on the site everyday you help feed thousands of rescued animals.  The link is to the right of this blog in red (Help Animals In Shelters with One Click, Click Daily!) each click counts towards food and care of rescued shelter animals paid for by their sponsors, how could you NOT click?

And, The Animal Rescue Site has launched a new forum called “Community,” a wonderful place where you can meet other animal rescuers, pet owners, and more. Trade and comment on amazing stories of animal rescue with others, ask advice, or start your own conversation in the Community forums. Talk about your special relationships, experiences, and thoughts in your own blog. And share pictures and comment on other cute animal photos with a friendly group of animal lovers in a wonderful collection of member photo albums!

Click today and everyday and help animals that need your help:  http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

I couldn’t agree more with this quote and it’s right in line with Cesar Millan the Dog Whisperers theme so it must be true!
This however is from the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund at University of Baltimore - a group of U of B law students are championing
this effort to make sure all pet owners are responsible owners.  This group of law students are dedicated to advancing the legal status of animals
and protecting the rights of responsible owners. They believe as do I, there are no bad dogs only irresponsible owners,
when properly socialized and given the love they deserve any dog is a good dog.  Hear Hear, stop blaming the poor dog already people!
The SALDF will have their 1st Annual Community Dog Walk Saturday, March 29th at 11 a.m. - for more information go to http://www.ubsaldf.org/upcomingevents.html. 
Put the pooch on a leash and enjoy a fun walk around Mt. Vernon!

There are so many great quotes like the one from Andy Rooney I recently included in this space and another that is so TRUE…
There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.
- Ben Williams

I am enamoured with most things from our four legged creatures but a few of my very favorite things are:
Puppy Breath - #1 all time smell
Puppies, puppies, puppies
Kittens - they are so playful and are fun
Guaranteed body wiggle and tail wag with every greeting when I arrive home
Unconditional love dogs give so generously 24/7
The very, very soft noses of horses
Cardinals and Blue Birds
Penguins - they are so cute they always make me smile
No-kill animal shelters!
Celebrities that own animals because the care about them, not for fashion accessories
Miniature spotted donkeys
Other people passionate about animal welfare
Adopting shelter dogs and cats and rescue dogs

More than a few I know but those are what tops my list for now...ta ta.

Photo:  Miniature spotted donkey

How fun are these ads for Juicy Crittoure, The First Couture Fragrance For Dogs!  For the dog obsessed friend that has everything check out the line of products.
The have Pawfum , Shampoo (Dog Shampooch), Conditioner (Dog Coif Fur Conditioner) and Nail Polish in Brown (thank god) and Dog Paw Polish Remover Pads - how great is that?  Of course they also offer the darling Cashmere Dog Hoodie, Patent Leather Dog Carrier and a Princess Dog House for those very special crittoures! 

Under-bite and all, the Bulldog has for the first time since 1935 placed in the top 10 most popular breeds in the nation.
And without any cosmetic dental work - or nose jobs to fix their challenged breathing.  The Bulldog makes you smile back because they are just so darn funny looking!  Go Bulldogs!