The declaration that she had won was somewhat anticlimactic; the Doberman pinscher, the country’s second-ranked dog, received more applause as she moved elegantly on Madison Square Garden’s green carpet.  Earlier in the night, the golden retriever, never a winner, received raucous applause.  But to the judge, Elliott Weiss, the result seemed obvious.  He adored Sadie. “This is very special,” he said as he gestured to her as she celebrated on the table. “A dog of this quality comes along once every 10 years,” he added, recalling the 2001 winner, a Bichon frise, as the last one of Sadie’s singular caliber. “Her breed character is fabulous — she thinks very highly of herself. Her coat is absolutely breathtaking.”  Sadie became the eighth Scottie to win best in show and the first since 1995. She was the last of the finalists chosen.

On Monday, judges chose the best hound (Chanel the whippet), the best toy (Walker the toy poodle), the best nonsporting dog (Bru the French bulldog) and the best herding dog (Conrad the corded puli).  Before Sadie came onstage Tuesday, a Brittany called Tally became the best sporting dog and C. J., the Doberman, won the working group.  “She’s particularly pushy,” Carissa Shimpeno, C. J.’s handler, said after her group victory. “She thinks she’s kind of the best.” (Don’t they all?)  The terriers took the Madison Square Garden stage shortly before 10 p.m., the last group to be judged at the two-day show, Westminster’s 134th edition.  Then came the 28 terriers, from the Airedale to the West Highland white.  For pure entertainment, the miniature bull terrier gave a memorable, crowd-pleasing performance, leaping, hopping and, finally, sliding on the green carpeted floor.  Sadie showed calmly for the group judge, Lorraine Boutwell. She shook her head once, then stopped for a brief moment to examine the edibility of a stray morsel.  But she was undistracted by a squeaky bark from the sideline that might have irked a golfer. With little surprise, Sadie won her group. Rangel scooped her up and dashed backstage to cool her off before the best in show round a few minutes later.  Afterward, he said, “I was a little concerned, but she came on perfect.”

The final featured a protest just as the Doberman finished her showing. Two women rushed to center stage, holding signs over their heads. One said, “Mutts Rule.” The second said, “Breeders Kill Shelter Dogs.” Weiss wrapped up his judging with relative speed. He took his first view of the dogs from about 25 feet away as each handler tried to keep their dog focused on Weiss or on a treat. Their goal was to maintain their dogs’ perfect posture. Weiss then moved within 10 feet and sent each dog and handler on a circuit around the ring. He walked to what amounts to the show’s scorer’s desk, recorded his choice, picked up an armful of best-in-show paraphernalia and gave Sadie the good news.  “She’s pleasing to the eye at every angle,” he said afterward, and praised the balance of the short-legged, thick-set   winner.  Rangel was noncommittal about retiring Sadie.  But, he said, “I hear she has a Swedish boyfriend.”

"It takes time, patience, love and care to bring to life a Super Star Dog"!  ~Abel De Varona

Rider, the  most popular and famous Dog around the island of Puerto Rico is a humble, but very active and smart 6 years old Border Collie.  Just like any other dog, he loves to hang around with his human family and friends,  and loves to be petted.  When he's not working,  you can see him relaxing in his comfortable bed with the rest of his canine and human family.  He shares his life with 6 other dogs;   two Shelties, one papillion, two other border collies and an adorable 100% puerto rican dog "Sato" (a stray dog).   His proud owner and personal trainer,  Abel De Varona recently recorded with Rider some publicity scenes in the island for the new soap opera "Perro  Amor" coming soon to PuertoRico by Telemundo.  During the recording Rider had to do  many tricks and work together with human actors.  He did an excellent job,  with perfect scores in obedience and following his trainer commands admirably.  Also, he had a blast recording with the actors.

Watching Rider do all the tricks instructed by De Varona, was very pleasant and a lot of fun!  It is so nice to see that a dog  and a human can bond so lovely together.  As De Varona quotes, "The trainer doesn't has to be harm to the animal to get him to do whatever you want him to do.  Instead,  teaching or training your dog with love, tender and care demonstrates that everything done with respect, will turn out to get better results from your pet".   And,  that is exactly what he did; there were no screaming,  no abuse and no force at all during the time working together and  recording the scenes.  This makes me wonder, "Rider  really enjoys his job"! ... he got paid for just having fun and for giving  love to all the people present in stage and specially to his owner, who really enjoys seeing him act and do all the tricks that will make eventually people laugh and enjoy.

Rider,  is a really lucky canine!  He has a beautiful family and a wonderful trainer who adores him.  He gets the opportunity of being surrounded by children, be petted almost all the time, and receive a lot of hugs and kisses by all who meets him.   Rider is a real Super Star dog,  with his four paws down to earth!  Not only because he gets to travel a lot, be in shows, commercials, movies or soap operas,... But,  because he is an extraordinary pet,  living an ordinary life and enjoying each minute of it! ... Woof, Woof  hurray for Rider,  and for his beloved trainer ... keep up the good work!

For more information about how to train a dog to do tricks, obedience or agility with TLC, contact Centro De Varona (787)720-0455, (787) 287-1256 or visit www.devarona.com

Paws and Love,

Maribel Mendez

Send an email to the author of this post, at mmendez@gossippet.com 03/06/2010

With special participation of Susa and Epifanio, both Puerto Rican comedians.  Enjoy of various exhibitors, such as: Therapy Dogs, Product for Dogs, Fashion Shows,  fun contests for homeowners and more!

Fee: Adults $5.00 and children $3.00

Bring your dog leashed and with vaccination shots updated.  Prepare to enjoy of a wonderful day with your love ones. Fundraisning for Santuario El Faro de los Animales, Inc. For more information write to faroinfo1@yahoo.com

In December '08, an eBay shopper tipped us off to Crawford's auction of a miserable-looking kitten with a docked tail and heavy jewelry through much of his body. Crawford marketed him as a "gothic kitten." The ad read: "[S]ix weeks old floppy eared pure black gothic kitten.14 gauge ear piercings.14 gauge submission ring on the back of the neck. docked tail with 14 gauge barbell on the end of the nub. comes with 14 gauge surgical steel jewelry and decorative submission lead." Yes, not only had Crawford repeatedly pierced this kitten (which is bad enough), she had also "docked" his tail with a rubber band—and all without any anesthesia. Oh, and she'd done this to his littermates as well!

Posing as interested buyers, PETA learned that one of the kittens had already ripped out a piercing and that Crawford was waiting for the wound to heal before she pierced him again. During conversations with PETA, Crawford stated that the kittens could be walked by an ornamental leash fastened to the "submission rings" in their necks. The woman said she had done it to these tiny animals because she thought it was "neat." In addition to inflicting immense pain and disfiguring these beings, Crawford had effectively impeded their hearing, physical balance, and psychological health, according to court testimony from a veterinarian.

We submitted information to local authorities, Crawford was charged with cruelty to animals, and all the kittens were confiscated. A year later, she went to trial and—thanks to a blistering prosecution that included testimony from PETA investigators—Crawford was found guilty!

As we await Crawford's sentencing, please keep in mind animals who depend on you as their witnesses. Speak up for any animals you know of who are being abused. Remember, they are voiceless. It's up to you!

Posted by Logan Scherer

Source www.peta.com

Source  http://blog.peta.org/archives/2010/02/gothic_kittens.php?c=weekly_enews

In February 20th, a puerto rican  actress Iliana García was attacked by a man in her apartment in Santurce, Puerto Rico.  Because of multiple traumas and a knife wound by the assault,  she decided to move with her mother in Ceiba.  Biribara, her gray cat with beautiful and bright amber eyes, disappeared on Friday, February  26 from the condominium Costa Brava, in Ceiba Puerto Rico.  Biribara was wearing a black collar with silver stripes.

Biribara has been her solely, loyal and unconditional partner during the 3 past years.  Biribara is a very shy cat and wasn't used to go outdoors.  He needs to get back home to his family. If you find him,  please contact inmediately  this number 787-534-7928.  His family needs him badly and are offering a reward!

Pets,  specially dogs or cats are very sensible animals.  Like humans,  some animals can be allergic or intolerant to many ingredients on food or treats, causing them;  diahreas, vomits, skin problem and more... which it all points to your wallet with high Vet expenses.  A recent survey by the American Pet Product Association (APPA) reported that the number of dog owners who feed their dog food fortified with vitamins and minerals is on the rise.   Also,  APPA reported that over 60 million households own dogs and cats. So,  introducing unsafe pet foods into the home can potentially expose millions of people to dangerous pathogens and present serious health consequences, particularly for young children.   These numbers are alarming!  Imaging your love ones,  pets and children getting fatal consequences just because of your decision of changing your pets food for something that you thought it was good and it's not!  More pet owners are demanding better or high quality food for their pets.  They are looking for balanced, nutritious food that is as natural, and additive and pesticide free as possible.  More pet parents are following the organic diet for their love ones.  But, Is this the real solution?

People should be conscious that not everything in the market works well and that not all what it is said that works well,  is true!  In my opinion, always ask your Vet for a balanced nutrition food that suits your dog needs.  Sometimes, trying to do the best gets you to do the worst. If you are planning to go to the raw diet with your pet, please consider searching for a Vet that supports this style of life or nutrition. Don't try to be smarter than you are, you are not a Vet!  So, don't  try to give your pet the food that you eat or your diet!   As humans, dogs or cats are different... what is good for you or your pet may not be good for others and vice-verse.  One thing I can tell you,  ideas and information about different food benefits and characteristics grows and changes daily. Realize that what you learned two or four years ago may not be applicable today.  So, please be careful and aware of what you feed your pets,  a mistaken ingredient or food today, can be a loss tomorrow!

Some Tips for Smart Pet Owners:

1. Provide a clean healthy water supply.  An animal can live for days without food, but needs water replenished daily.
2. Do not assume all dry food or canned food is the same, even if it is formulated for the same “life-stage.”
3. Use your pet food’s feeding instructions as a guideline.
Learn what a pet food name really means.
4. Take a few minutes to scan the ingredient list.
Discuss “enhanced” food claims with your veterinarian.

This activity was covered and sponsored by Channel 6,  Puerto Rico's Public Broadcasting and Puerto Rico Film Commission. People from Guaynabo and its boundaries gathered with their pets and enjoyed of an educational, fun and happy day with their pets! Some Puerto Rico's celebrities such as; Tita Guerrero "Comedian, Actress and Radio Host", Otto Openhiemer "Technological Reporter and Radio Host" and Abel De Varona "The Dog Whisperer from PR" (#1 Certified Dog Trainer) shared with all the Pet Lovers present at The Pet Park, their true love and compassion for animals.   Their genuine love, enthusiasm and commitment for the unfortunate ones,  our ... "4 legs living beings,  SATOS"  motivated people to make adoption their first option!  Keep up the good work,  Puerto Rico needs more people like these truly animal lovers!

Gossip Pet is very proud of young people like the 100,000 crew,  for doing great things for the unfortunate 4 legs friends. We commend and congratulate them for such a great movement and commitment. Woof, woof  hurray!

For more information about the documentary please visit www.100000movie.com , for information about The Pet Park please visit www.petparkpr.com

02/01/2010

This action can really pissed anyone off!  Dog or any other pet waste contaminates the ground and becomes a means of passing intestinal parasites, infections or diseases to other dogs and people. Picking up the feces prevents a great deal of contamination and plagues.  Before adopting a pet, specially a dog, people should know that it is a responsibility to follow the rules!  Pets are part of the family.  So, being responsible and aware of what it comes with it,  is an essential part of becoming a good parent for that pet.  Analyze this, Would you leave your dog poop all around your house? If the answer is no... then, why not clean or pick up after your dog goes?  

Dog waste can be highly offensive to many humans. It often becomes a particular reason to restrict dogs from some community areas or places.  Sadly, because of one's mistake all rest responsible owners should pay and suffer these restrictions. Of course,  animals can't clean up after themselves, so this is a people problem rather than a dog's problem.  

Image from poopbegoneoftucson.com and dogbehaviorsecrets.com

If we want people to understand, respect and treat animals nicely... we have to start doing our job as responsible owners. If you live with your dog in an apartment or condominium, try to be conscientious.  Any kind of waste, specially dog feces can offend neighbors, bring health problems to your pet and even to your love ones.  This BAD practice can bring unpleasant odor to your house, neighbors or community areas. It damages landscaping, and it can cost more money to landlords or homeowners associations.  I am sure that we can fix this problem. Let's educate ourselves and our children on how to be responsible with our pets and with our community or country.  

Next time you are going to take a walk with your dog,  remember to take a bag with you and pick up after your dog poops! Don't you think it would be pleasant, to walk your pet any place without any restrictions or bans? If your pets are part of your family, let's start treating them such as it is.  Protect them and fight for their rights!... But,  be aware of your duties and responsibilities as a parent should be. Train your pet and train yourself!  

"Keeping your front and backyard, house and community areas clean will keep your dog clean and safe.  Remember, next time you walk your dog put the poop in your environment- friendly bag"!     

Paws and Love,  

Send an email to Maribel Mendez, the author of this post, at mmendez@gossippet.com 03/01/2010

Vasha Hunt | Opelika-Auburn News

Orion, an 18-month old female Labrador retriever, is able to sniff out people carrying explosives.

Orion, an 18-month-old black labrador, hunts explosives because it’s in her blood.

After a quick sniff around the room Friday, she sat to indicate hidden explosives in Overton Auditorium during a demonstration for U.S. Sen. Jeff Session on the Auburn University campus.
“I think we are on to something special,” Sessions said.

Orion is one of the current batch of dogs being trained at the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Canine Detection Research Institute to find explosives. The center works with U.S. law enforcement and agencies across the world to provide explosive-detecting dogs, said Dr. Robert Gillette, director of the Animal Health Performance Program which oversees the institute.

But Orion is special among detection dogs. She is one of the few that can be trained for vapor-wake detection, according to John Pearce, associated director of the institute. The dogs sniff for traces of explosives in the air
in the wake of a
passing person.

Pearce said the dogs sample the air about four times a second, a hard feat for electronic sniffers to match.

The friendly lab also doesn’t need recalibration like machines, Pearce said.

The program produces 80 to 90 dogs a year and has about 20 in training at any given time, Pearce said. It costs about $20,000 to train a dog and its handler.

Pearce said other breed can do the work, but the labs are less alarming than “pointy-eared” dogs like shepherds. The program was looking for dogs comfortable being surrounded by large groups of people.

“A labrador is a happy-go-lucky dog,” Gillette said.

Labs were the first choice for the program because of their temperament, size and sense of smell. The institute’s dogs are bred and selected for particular traits, Gillette said.

“We were planning canine Orion here before she was ever born,” Pearce said.

The puppies are placed in programs at several prisons where they are cared for by inmates as a way to socialize them with humans, Pearce said.

After prison, the dogs return to the Anniston campus for months of training to detect explosives and vapor wakes and are eventually paired with their future handlers.

It doesn’t take much to inspire the dogs — a tennis ball and a chin scratch from their handler after a successful find.

“We work with dogs that want to do this,” Gillette said. “They love this kind of work.”

Source: http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/local/article/dogs_trained_at_au_to_fight_terrorism/132415/

Canines claimed center stage in New York City today as the 134th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show opened at Madison Square Garden for its two-day run. Representing more than 150 breeds, the elite entrants included over 2500 individual dogs, ranging from the affable Affenpinscher to the toy Yorkshire Terrier.

This year’s competition also marked the debut of three new breeds: the Irish Red and White Setter, the Norwegian Buhund, and the Pyrenean Shepherd.

Six simultaneous show rings filled the main floor of Madison Square Garden’s arena during the day, as judges evaluated the 92 breeds comprising the four Groups of Day One’s competition: Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding.

Behind the scenes, spectators flooded the backstage area to meet some of the canine celebrities and to glimpse groomers giving dogs finishing touches.

Because the Westminster Dog Show is a benched show, all dogs must be present in the backstage area throughout the day to greet their fans—although many pooches passed the time napping in their crates, exhausted from the glare of the spotlight.

The daytime events concluded with the preliminary rounds of the Junior Showmanship Judging. This perennial favorite, which gives young handlers the opportunity to hone their skills, included over 100 entries this year. The four finalists, showing breeds as varied as beagles and whippets, will face off before Day Two’s evening program.

Monday evening’s judging competition featured the best of the day’s breeds as the dogs strutted their stuff in the main ring one more time to beat out the competitors in their respective groups.

The 28 breeds of the Hound Group took the stage first to kick off the competition. Whether by scent or by sight, underground or in the water, the ability to track and hunt characterizes all of these breeds. Hound Group Judge W. Everett Dean, Jr. selected the Whippet for the number one spot and chose the Greyhound, the reputed fan favorite, for second place.

The diminutive charm of the Toy Group elicited a warm response from the crowd as the 23 competing breed winners entered the ring next. Although small in size, the Toys commanded a large presence. From a tough pool of entrants, Judge Shirley D. Limoges chose the Toy Poodle as the top dog in the Group.

After the judging of the Toy Group, the Westminster Kennel Club honored The Seeing Eye, its 2010 philanthropic partner and the oldest existing dog guide school in the world, currently celebrating its 80th anniversary. Proceeds from the sale of this year’s Westminster commemorative poster will be donated to The Seeing Eye.

The evening’s competition swung back into action with the judging of the Non-Sporting Group, designated for breeds that have outlasted their original purpose. Although both the Bulldog and the French Bulldog were overwhelming crowd favorites in the category, Judge Dorothy A. Dalton bestowed the Best in Group title on the French Bulldog.

The judging of the Herding Group closed out the evening’s program. Judge Linda C. More evaluated the 23 breeds, including two of the new breeds in 2010, the Norwegian Buhund and the Pyrenean Shepherd. Last year’s winner in the Group, the Puli, claimed the top spot once again, and the Belgian Sheepdog secured second place.

These winners will barely have time to rest on their laurels and enjoy some well-deserved pampering before they head back into competition. After Day Two’s judging concludes, all four dogs will face off against the Best of the Sporting, Working and Terrier Groups for Westminster’s ultimate title: Best in Show.

Source: http://www.zootoo.com/petnews/westminsterdogshowopensinnewyo-1519