Celebrities and their Dogs

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Faith Inspires All

With all the chaos, issues and problems many of us are facing right now, sometimes we can't help it but feel desperate and think that there is no way out. But that is not the case with Faith, the dog who walks using the only two legs she has. She teaches us to make use of what we have and be happy with it. She is a proof that there is always hope as long as we are alive...

The Dog Who Loved to Suck on Toads

A dog may be man's best friend. But one dog, Lady, decided she needed more friends -- and she found plenty in the knot of toads living at the local pond. A suburban family's secret struggle with an uncommon addiction comes to light in this personal essay by NPR's Laura Mirsch.

Lady "was really perky, and happy, and generally excited to see you when you came in the door every day," recalls Andrew Mirsch.

But that was before the Mirsch family moved into a new house.

"We noticed Lady spending an awful lot of time down by the pond in our backyard," Laura Mirsch recalls.

Lady would wander the area, disoriented and withdrawn, soporific and glassy-eyed.

"Then, late one night after I'd put the dogs out, Lady wouldn't come in," Laura Mirsch says. "She finally staggered over to me from the cattails. She looked up at me, leaned her head over and opened her mouth like she was going to throw up, and out plopped this disgusting toad."

It turned out the toads were toxic -- and, if licked, the fluids on their skin provided a hallucinogenic effect.

What followed was the Mirsch family's quest to stop their cocker spaniel from indulging herself. But it wasn't easy. Lady was persistent, and resourceful.

The situation seemed to resolve itself when the toads went into hibernation for the winter.

But when they returned, so did Lady -- and with a vengeance.

"We couldn't keep our dog's addiction a secret any longer," Laura Mirsch says. "The neighbors all knew that Lady was a drug addict, and soon the other dogs weren't allowed to play with her."

In the end, Lady seems to have found a way to manage her problem.

"She seems to have outgrown the wild toad-obsessed years of her youth," Mirsch says, "and now only sucks on weekends."

Source:
npr.org

Holiday Safety for Your Dog

The holidays are all about family, friends, fun and food - but sometimes it's easy to forget about holiday safety for your dog. We all want our dogs to be part of the celebration, but there are some important guidelines to follow. Keep your dog safe this holiday season - no one wants their holiday celebration to end up at the veterinary emergency clinic!

No table scraps! Just because we humans like to indulge in the feast does not mean it is good for our dogs. Rich, fatty foods can seriously upset your dog's stomach and even be toxic. It is especially important to keep your dog away from the following dangerous foods:

• Onions, which can cause anemia (high levels of garlic can, too)
  
• Grapes and Raisins
  
• Chocolate
  
• Bones (especially cooked bones and ANY poultry bones)
  
• Alcoholic beverages
  
• Any foods high in fat, sodium and/or sugar

There are some human foods that are okay for dogs, so if you want to give Max or Maggie a special treat you have some options. Try a small piece of cooked turkey or chicken without skin or bones (and hold the gravy). Raw carrots and apples in moderate amounts are actually healthy for dogs. Just remember - everything in moderation.

Watch the holiday decorations! Most dogs are curious by nature, so they will want to check out any additions to the decor. Sniffing can lead to chewing, or even ingestion of foreign objects. Keep electrical cords tucked away and other decorations or holiday plants out of reach. Watch out for dangling objects that can be pulled down and cause injury. Candles should never be left unattended. Also, if you have a Christmas tree, don't let your dog drink the tree water - it can make her sick.

Don't let your dog get lost in the shuffle. Holiday parties and gatherings can mean lots of commotion. This might be fun for you, but not for your dog. Lots of people in your home can result in injury or stress for your dog. A large crowd is not the place for most dogs, so consider keeping her in a crate or quiet room - especially if she is the nervous type. If she is comfortable around a smaller group, just make sure you set down the ground rules with your company: don't feed the dog and keep the doors closed! Many pets get loose and run off during the holiday season. Though your dog should always wear a collar with current identification, this is especially important during the holiday season. Sadly, many dogs run off and become lost during the holiday season. don't let yours be one of them.

You and your dog can still enjoy the holiday season. Be sure to watch for any signs of illness and keep the vet's number handy. Stay safe and have fun. Happy Holidays!

Source:
about.com

If Dogs could Send a Letter to God...

Dear God,
Why do humans smell the flowers, but seldom, if ever, smell one another? Where are their priorities?

Dear God,
When we get to heaven, can we sit on your couch? Or is it the same old story?

Dear God,
Why are there cars named after the jaguar, the cougar, the mustang, the colt, the stingray, and the rabbit, but not ONE named for a dog? How often do you see a cougar riding around? We dogs love a nice ride! Would it be so hard to rename the 'Chrysler Eagle' the 'Chrysler Beagle'?

Dear God,
If a dog barks his head off in the forest and no human hears him, is he still a bad dog?

Dear God,
If we come back as humans, is that good or bad?

Dear God,
More meatballs, less spaghetti, please.

Dear God,
When we get to the Pearly Gates, do we have to shake hands to get in?

Dear God,
Are there dogs on other planets or are we alone? I have been howling at the moon and stars for a long time, but all I ever hear back is the Schnauzer across the street.

Dear God,
Are there mailmen in Heaven? If there are, will I have to apologize?

Dear God,
We dogs can understand human verbal instructions, hand signals, whistles, horns, clickers, beepers, scent ID's, electromagnetic energy fields, and Frisbee flight paths. What do humans understand?

Dear God,
May I have my testicles back?

Dear God,
These are just some of the things I must remember (in order to keep my present living arrangements):

• The garbage collector is not stealing our stuff.
• I do not need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm lying under the coffee table.
• I will not roll my toys behind the fridge, behind the sofa or under the bed.
• I must shake the rainwater out of my fur before entering the house.
• I will not eat the cats' food before they eat it or after they throw it up.
• I will stop trying to find the few remaining pieces of clean carpet in the house when I am about to get sick.
• I will not throw up in the car.
• I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc., just because I like the way they smell.
• I will not munch on "leftovers" in the kitty litter box; although they are tasty, they are not food.
• I will not eat any more Kleenex or napkins and then redeposit them in the backyard after processing.
• The diaper pail is not a cookie jar.
• I will not chew my humans' toothbrushes and not tell them.
• I will not chew crayons or pens, especially not the red ones, or my people will think I am hemorrhaging.
• When in the car, I will not insist on having the window rolled down when it's raining outside.
• We do not have a doorbell. - I will not bark each time I hear one on television.
• I will not steal my Mom's underwear and dance all over the back yard with them.
• The sofa is not a face towel; neither are Mom and Dad's laps.
• My head does not belong in the refrigerator.
• I will not bite the officer's hand when he reaches in for Mom's driver's license and registration.
• I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear when he's on the toilet.
• I will not roll around in the dirt right after getting a bath.
• Sticking my nose into someone's crotch is not an acceptable way of saying 'hello.'
• I will not come in from outside and immediately drag my butt across the carpet.
• The toilet bowl is not a never-ending water supply, and just because the water is blue, doesn't mean it's cleaner.
• I will not sit in the middle of the living room and lick my crotch when company is over.
• I will remember that suddenly turning around and smelling my rear end can quickly clear a room.
• The cat is not a squeaky toy; so when I play with him and he makes that noise, it's usually not a good thing.

Source:
partipoodle.homestead.com

Best Dog Breeds For Your Family

If you're thinking about getting a dog, you should bear in mind that some breeds will be better for you than others.

The Early Show's resident veterinarian, Dr. Debbye Turner, offers insight on some of the nation's most popular breeds, to help you determine which might be best for your lifestyle, personality, home and family.

Labrador Retrievers
Labs are a member of the sporting group. They are naturally athletic, high-energy, and intelligent. They are genetically engineered to retrieve: birds, tennis balls, a stick, you name it.

They require a significant amount of attention. If they are left alone or unattended for extended periods of time, they will most likely develop objectionable, even destructive, behavior, such as incessant barking, digging, and chewing. Labs, like all dogs, are very social. They want to be a part of the family. So leaving a Lab outside all the time is not a good idea. They want to be inside with you.

Labs love to romp, play and roll. You will find that they actively seek out smelly stuff to roll around in.

Although their coat is relatively short, they shed quite a bit. Labs are not for "neat freaks" who don't want a messy, smelly dog. They are also not the best choice for an inactive, frail, or older person who can't provide the necessary activity for a Lab. A Labrador will want to sleep in the bed with you. So this might not be the animal for you, if you wish to keep some distance between you and the dog.

Labs are best suited for a person or family who has plenty of time to spend with them. The owner or owners should be active and willing to provide the dog with plenty of time and space to run and exercise.

Labs can be good family dogs, but might not be the best choice for a family with very young children. Labs' exuberance may cause unintentional harm to a small child. Labs tend not to understand their own strength, and 2-year-olds tend not to enjoy being bowled over by a big dog.

German Shepherds
German Shepherds are herding dogs (as their name implies). Their historic role was that of watchdog and guard dog. They are strong, alert, very intelligent, fearless, and loyal. German Shepherds are great for companionship, for a role as a working dog (guide dog or law enforcement, for instance), or guardian. These are fairly large dogs that require adequate space and exercise.

This is not the best dog for someone with a shy, hesitant personality. This is not the dog for a home that has limited space or no enclosed yard.

These dogs are great for the person with an active lifestyle. They are great running companions.

They are loyal, protective family dogs that are patient with the pokes and prods of small children, provided the dog is properly trained. Of course, no small child should ever be left unattended with the family pet.

Because German Shepherds have such a strong, resolute personality, you should have an equally assertive approach.

Border Collies
Border Collies are in the herding group of dogs. They have an intense, natural instinct to herd, lead, and control almost anything: sheep, flocks of birds, small children, you name it. Border Collies have an almost endless supply of energy. They demand "work" to do. Because of the characteristics selected over years of breeding, they can be quite independent, which is not always a good thing. And they are master problem-solvers.

This is not a good breed choice for a family with small children. Most assuredly, the Border Collie will try to "herd" the child or children. This can be disconcerting to the child. As a natural part of a Border Collie's behavior, the dog may nip at your child's heels or rump. Most kids will interpret this as an attack, which wouldn't be good.

Border Collies are for the person who wants to dedicate a lot of their time to his or her dog. The Border Collie owner must be able to provide an extended amount of time outdoors, exercising.

Because Border Collies are so smart, the owner needs to be smart, too. These dogs are great for the intellectual person who enjoys solving problems.

This may be a dog for a small family or single person. They tend to bond with a particular person to the exclusion of everyone else.

Dalmatians
Dalmatians are a non-sporting breed. They enjoy a lot of attention, and are sensitive to extreme heat and cold. Dalmatians can be "high maintenance." They want to be around people, but don't necessarily want to snuggle. They are not couch potatoes. They can be taught to be good with children, but this requires time and training. Dalmatians have short, beautiful coats, but they shed considerable amounts of hair.

Dalmatians have a genetic predisposition for deafness. It is estimated that 10-to-12 percent of Dalmatians are born with partial or total deafness. Caring for a deaf Dalmatian takes special care and patience. A deaf dog can pose a danger to children. Because they cannot hear you approach them, they can be easily frightened. In most cases, frightened dogs bite. Dalmatians may also tend to strongly protect their territories. So the household that has a lot of people in and out all the time would not be ideal for a Dalmatian.

Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are a non-sporting breed. They are very social and affectionate, with lively personalities. They are easy to train. They are not "yappers" like other small breeds. Bichons have a thick coat of curly hair that requires considerable grooming. Bichons tend to be good with children, and love being with the family. Because they are a small dog, good play sessions will provide the exercise that they need.

Bichons are good for people with limited space or small apartments. However, the cost of keeping them adequately groomed can be considerable. They should be professionally groomed at least once a month. And it is advisable to brush them daily to prevent matting. Because Bichons don't shed as much as other breeds, they are good for the person who likes a clean, neat environment.

Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are in the toy group. They are very alert and expressive, and sometimes aggressive. Don't let their size fool you. These dogs have a lot of confidence!

Of course, Chihuahuas are quite small, with a pretty fragile bone structure. Chihuahuas don't need a lot of outdoor exercising. In fact, a good play session inside should be sufficient for a Chihuahua's needs.

Because they are so small, with a very short coat, they do need to be protected from the cold. A sweater is a big help for a Chihuahua when taken outside. Chihuahuas have a strong will and great sense of loyalty. They are great lap dogs.

Chihuahuas are not ideal for a large family or a family with small children. They don't necessarily like a lot of new people, so they are not great for a very busy household with lots of people coming and going.

Chihuahuas are great for apartment dwellers and single people. They tend to bond strongly with one person in the household. They are great for the person who wants a lap dog and constant companion. But be prepared: Chihuahuas require a long-term commitment. They can live up to 20 years. This is a good dog for the quiet, retiring person who is not necessarily a social butterfly.

These are not the best dogs for a family with small children. Their small frame makes them a candidate for severe injury at the hands of a rambunctious toddler. A Chihuahua will not hesitate to bite if he feels threatened.

Source:
cbsnews.com

Rainbow Bridge Poem

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Source: http://rainbowsbridge.com

Best Friends

A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead. He remembered dying, and that the dog had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them. After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight. When he was standing before it, he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother of pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side. When he was close enough, he called out, "Excuse me, where are we?"

"This is heaven, sir," the man answered.

"Wow! Would you happen to have some water?" the man asked.

"Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up." The man gestured, and the gate began to open.

"Can my friend," gesturing toward his dog, "come in, too?" the traveler asked.

"I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets."

The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going. After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road which led through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book. "Excuse me!" he called to the reader. "Do you have any water?"

"Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there" The man pointed to a place that couldn't be seen from outside the gate. "Come on in."

"How about my friend here?" the traveler gestured to the dog.

"There should be a bowl by the pump."

They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it. The traveler filled the bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog. When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree waiting for them.

"What do you call this place?" the traveler asked.

"This is heaven," was the answer.

"Well, that's confusing," the traveler said. "The man down the road said that was heaven, too."

"Oh, you mean the place with the gold streets and pearly gates? Nope. That's hell."

"Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?"

"No. I can see how you might think so, but we're just happy that they screen out the folks who'll leave their best friends behind."

Five Tips for Better Vet Visits with Basset Hounds

Taking your Basset Hound for his/her vet checkup is often quite the adventure. Aside from the fact that your dog may very well dread going to the vet, he/she will be overwhelmed by all of the different smells and by all the other animals that may be in the waiting room. herefore, to make sure your Basset Hound stays safe and in your control, here are 5 tips for you to keep in mind –

1. Make sure your dog is leashed. You should never bring your dog to the vet without being leashed. You need to have more than verbal control over your dog at the vet, especially since there is a high chance that there are a number of other animals waiting to see the vet. Plus, there may not only be dogs waiting, many vets who offer their services to canines also look after cats, reptiles, and other house pets.
   
   You need to make sure that your Basset Hound is placed on a short leash. A short lead will ensure that your dog isn't allowed to roam freely and will not become tangled in other dog leashes. If your dog is halter trained, it's also a good idea to have him/her in the halter when visiting the vet.
   
   Remember, even if your dog is obedient, you can't take a risk on rusting that the other animals that may be waiting at the Vet's are. Leashing your pet and keeping him/her close to you is as much for the protection of other dogs as it is for yours.
   
   
2. Muzzle train your dog. Although you may not feel your dog requires a muzzle, you need to make sure that this isn't a requirement of your vet hospital. Some vets find a muzzle is the safest way to ensure that their staff and other patients are protected from being bitten. It also ensures that dogs don't destroy items by chewing or biting.
   
   Although the Basset Hound is not an aggressive dog by nature, you would be surprised what can happen in a Vet hospital environment. Your dog will be anxious, the smells can drive him/her wild, and having to wait in a room with a bunch of other animals can change your naturally docile hound, and make his/her behavior unpredictable.
   
   If a muzzle is a requirement to visit the Vet, be sure to introduce your dog to the muzzle well before your visit so he/she can become familiar with the device in a positive environment. A muzzle can be a scary contraption for a dog if they are not slowly and properly introduced to it. Be patient and take your time accustoming your dog to a muzzle.
   
   
3. Bring a treat. Unless your Vet has specifically told you not to feed your pet while waiting because of a test or for some other reason, bring a treat along. Treats make your pet happy, and will help them feel more comfortable with their surroundings. It also helps to keep your dog's attention on you and not other animals of interests.
   
   
4. Make sure your dog is well socialized. Make sure your dog has been well socialized with other people and dogs before you visit the vet. This is how your Basset Hound will learn what is considered acceptable and unacceptable behaviors around others, and will apply what he/she has learned during a vet visit.
   
   
5. Visit the vet regularly. Make sure your dog is taken for regular vet visits. Young dogs require yearly checkups and elderly dogs (8 and up) should visit twice a year to ensure they are still in good health. Regular vet visits not only ensures the overall health and wellbeing of your Basset Hound, it also makes the vet visit less stressful because it becomes a familiar routine.
   

Richard Cussons is a champion for all breeds of dog and Basset Hounds are a favorite. You can find out more about Basset Hounds at the Basset Hound Savvy website.

HOW COULD YOU? A Dog’s Story

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" - but then you'd relent, and roll me over for a belly rub.

My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.

She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" - still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love."

As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch- because your touch was now so infrequent - and I would have defended them with my life if need be.

I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog" and you resented every expenditure on my behalf. Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family.

I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers." You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too.

After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"

They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you - that you had changed your mind - that this was all a bad dream...or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.

I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood.

She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"

Perhaps because she understood my dog speak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself - a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

By Jim Willis

Ten Commandments for Dog Owners

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years; any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you buy me.
2. Give me time to understand what you want from me; don't be impatient, short-tempered, or irritable.
3. Place your trust in me and I will always trust you back. Respect is earned not given as an inalienable right.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment; I am not capable of understanding why. I only know I have been rejected You have your work, entertainment, and friends, but I only have you.
5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice and your tone. You only have to look at my tail.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it, and if it's cruel, it may affect me forever.
7. Please don't hit me. I can't hit back, but I can bite and scratch, and I really don't ever want to do that.
8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right foods or I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak. I may be just dog-tired.
9. Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old and may also need love, care, comfort, and attention.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch" or "Let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, regardless of what you do, I will always love you.

This article was written by ©Stan Rawlinson (The Original Doglistener). A professional full time Dog Behaviourist and Obedience Trainer. You can visit his website at www.doglistener.co.uk for more articles and training information. 

George Against Pitbulls

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — This is a dog story.

It's about a plucky little Jack Russell terrier named George, who stood like a giant against two marauding pit bulls and gave his own life to save five kids from the steel-trap jaws and razor-sharp teeth of the vicious attack machines.

Local officials say it's also a story about the people who trained the pit bulls to kill and who may have fed the animals methamphetamines to make them even more deadly.

The tragedy unfolded Sunday afternoon on New Zealand's North Island, in the town of Manaia, where a group of children — and George — were walking back from a trip to the candy store.

Out of nowhere, the children told police, the two pit bulls lunged at them.

One of the kids, Richard Rosewarne, 11, told the local paper that George never backed down against the pit bulls, doggedly refusing to let the them get at his little brother, 4-year-old Darryl.

"George tried to protect us by barking and rushing at them, but they started to bite him — one on the head and the other on the back," Rosewarne said. "We ran off crying and some people saw what was happening and rescued George."

It was too late, however, to save the little 9-year-old terrier. Steven Hopkinson, the veterinarian who treated George, said the dog's wounds were the worst he'd seen. Putting him down, Hopkinson said, was the only option.

For Allan Gay, George's owner, the loss is especially devastating. He lives alone and George had been his faithful companion for seven of his nine years, inheriting the pup when neighbors moved away.

"These two pitbulls rushed up and were going for the little boy," Gay said, choking back tears. "George went for them, it's what he would do. He didn't stand a chance, but I reckon he saved that boy from being chewed up.

"If it wasn't for George, those kids would have copped it," Gay said.

Source: Foxnews.com

Man's Best Friend

Dogs are known as man's best friend. But of all the animals here on this planet, why are dogs considered as man's best friend? Why not birds or fishes?

That is why this blog was set up - to find out the deepest and greatest reason why these four-legged creatures are considered as man's best friend. Later posts will be about different breeds, their characteristics and personality, health issues, training and a whole lot more.

You and your dog will surely love this!