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Stump, a 10 year old Sussex Spaniel took Westminster! In Westminster’s 133 year history, Stump is the oldest dog ever to have claimed the “Best in Show” title.

Stump’s story is one of the greatest come-back stories of all time! Stump retired from the show ring in 2004 at the age of five after having won “Best in Sporting Group” at Westminster.

Shortly after he was stricken with a mysteriuos illness. He began wasting away and his body systems began to fail.  He was near death when he was finally arrived at the vetrinary hospital at Texas A&M. After 19 days, and near death, it was discovered that he had a rare bacterial infection.

During his long recovery, no thought was ever given to his returning to the show ring. Not only did Stump make a complete and total recovery, he showed a vitality and spirit that few dogs his age are capable of.

Five days before the show, expert handler, Scott Sommer thought that Stump might enjoy one last walk on the green carpet at the Garden. I for one, am truly greatful that Stump made his appearance!

You see, this morning I woke up to face yet another birthday. I must admit that I was feeling that my “Best in Show” days were suely all behind me. But then I though of Stump. I stretched my old bones and took my 11 year old Guinness for a walk. I think we both held our heads a little higher and walked a little more briskly today. May our “Best in Show” days are still ahead of us!

1. 1. Never let your dog off leash in snow or ice, especially during a snow storm. While it might seem like a fun thing to do, keep in mind that dogs can loose their scent quite easily in the cold and snow. If they wander a bit too far, they may not be able to find their way back.

2. Make sure to thoroughly wash your dogs paws, legs and underbelly after coming in from the snow or sleet. Salt, de-icing chemicals and antifreeze is often mixed in with the snow and slush. Your dog may then lick his paws and become sickened or worse. Not to mention bringing those chemical into your home is not a good thing for you either!

3. Check your dog’s paw pads for ice balls. These can become embedded and are quite painful until they melt.

4. Never shave your dog down in winter! Infact I can never understand why people would shave thier dog in any weather!

5. Never let your dog out after a bath unless he is completely dry. I wait several hours before letting my dog out after a bath. I also try to avoid bathing at all on the coldest of days.

6. If you own a short-haired breed please consider getting him a coat or sweater. Many breeds are sensitive to the cold and winter outerwear is a must!

7. NEVER leave your dog alone in the car during winter. Although many people are aware of the dangers of dogs overheating in a locked vehicle during the summer months, they fail to realize that an unheated car quickly becomes a refrigerator in winter.

8. Please keep in mind that puppies and senior dogs are often more at risk than others dogs during the cold weather. Puppies, just like babies may be unable to regulate their body temperatures as well as a mature dog. Most senior dogs like senior humans suffer from osteoarthritis and the cold weather can really increase discomfort.

9. If you and your dog are very active in cold weather and enjoy outside activities make sure to increase your dog’s protein intake during the winter months. Extra protein intake is essential for keeping your dog’s coat thick and healthy, His best protection from the cold.

10. Make sure your dog has a warm place to sleep, off the cold floors and away from drafts. A cozy dog bed or soft blanket would be best.

I couldn’t let Veteran’s Day pass without taking a moment to honor all the dogs that have served in the US Military since World War I. 

Italy, France, Germany, Great Britain, Japan and Russia are among the countries that have formally honored their canine military with a memorial. Not so with the United States.

Nearly 4,000 dogs served in Vietnam saving as many as 10,000 American serviceman’s lives. Yet when the United State withdrew from Vietnam in 1973, the military deemed these brave service dogs “surplus equipment” and abandoned these dogs. Despite objections by the handlers only a handful of dogs made it safely back to the US.

Today the US military still regards their service dogs as “equipment”. They are “drafted for life” into the military and are euthanized when they are old, injured or no longer able to do their jobs. The US military continues to claim that these dogs can not make the transition to retired life. Since police dogs are given much the same training as military dogs we know this to be untrue.

I am not sure what we can do to change the fate of these brave canine soldiers, but I wanted to honor them today and give you some links where you could find out more about these remarkable dogs.

Here are just a few of our heros:

• STUBBY, Bull Terrier mix, WWI. The most decorated war dog in U.S. history. As a small, stray bull terrier, he was smuggled aboard a troop ship to France. There he was wounded in no-man’s land but recovered and still served in battles at Chateau Thierry, the Marne and the Meuse-Argonne with the men of the 102nd Infantry. One night in February 1918, he roused a sleeping sergeant to warn of a gas attack, giving the soldiers time to don masks and thus saving them. Gen John “Black Jack” Pershing awarded him a special Gold Medal. He was given Life Membership in the American Legion and the Red Cross. He met Presidents Wilson, Harding, and Coolidge. He died of old age in 1926. Stubby is now on display as part of American military history in the Hartford Armory in Connecticut and is called “Sargeant Stubby”.
• SMOKY, 4 pound Yorkie. WWII’s littlest soldier . Read about Smokey at Smokeydog.com
• NEMO, German Shepherd, Wounded in Vietnam. Depsite losing an eye to gunfire, he threw himself on 4 Viet Cong to save his handler in 1966. Both survived. One of the few Vietnam war dogs given passage back home to the United States.
  
• CARLO, Belgian Malinois, Desert Storm. During a ceremony in which Carlo’s handler received the Bronze Star for his service in Kuwait, his handler removed the medal from his own uniform and pinned it to Carlo’s collar, saying, “Carlo worked harder than me. He was always in front of me.”
  
• CHIPS, German Shepherd-Collie-Husky mix, WWII, Tank guard dog and the most decorated dog in WWII being awarded the Silver Star for Valor and a Purple Heart. When he and his handler was attacked by a concealed machine gun in July 1943 during the invasion of Sicily, he streaked for the Italian machine gun pillbox, capturing 4 Italian soldiers and saving his handler. He suffered powder burns and a scalp wound – proof that the Italians had tried to kill him. That same night he helped capture another 10 Italian soldiers. The U.S. newspapers called him a hero. He was personally thanked for his services by General Eisenhower. Chips’ military honors were removed because the the commander of the Order of the Purple Heart determined that decorating a dog was “…demeaning to servicemen.” 
• Suzie, German Shepherd, Vietnam. Her handler gave her his Bronze Star.
• Pfc. Kory Wiens of the 94th Engineer Detachment and his dog Cooper, 94th Engineer Detachment, Iraq. Korry and Copper were both killed in an IED explosion.

 To find out more about these dogs please visit War Dog Memorial.

Olive Drab is another excellent web site that has a complete history of dogs in service to our country and the brave men that fought beside them.

Although I have painted a negative picture here of how the US armed forces seemed to have let htese dogs down, I am sure as we go forward that these dogs will soon get the recognition and consideration that they deserve. I have read so many articles in the past year about soldiers that have gone through great obstacles to recue dogs that they have befriended in Iraq.

Who can forget the story earlier this year of Marine Major Brian Dennis who rescued his dog Nubs from a life of cruelty and pain in Iraq. Watch his story here.

Here is the story of Army Specialist Gwen Beberg of Minneapolis who rescued her dog Ratchet.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Barack Obama has no pets and aparently dog owners have taken notice.  A recent poll shows that pet owners prefer McCain over Obama 42% to 37%. Dog owners are particularly inclined to vote for McCain they prefer him over Obama 43% to 34% .  Does this mean that McCain will be elected president or does it just mean he’s “Best in Show”?

While the polls indicate McCain is preferred by dog owners, sales at Brown Dog Treasures have so far favored Obama. If you want to see our full line of political dog collars, leashes, shirts, hoodies and costumes visit our Patriotic Department.

These designer jackets made the cover of “IN STYLE” magazine last fall.  Don’t miss your chance to own one of these.

We have also re-stocked many more sizes in our popular Maxi’s Dog Business Suit. FREE shipping has been extended until October 31st.

August 16th 2008 – 3rd Annual Pet Fest – Missoula, MT

The 3rd annual Pet Fest happens on Saturday, August 16th at Caras Park in Missoula, MT. Pet food distributors, retailers, groomers, vets, rescue organizations, breed clubs, pet boarding and pet adoptions. Wiener Dog Races, Agility Demonstration, Parade of Adoptable Pets and Adopt a Pet Row.

August 16-17, 2008 – Petapalooza – Huntington, NY

Join us for a fun-filled weekend that will include Search & Rescue displays, entertainment, other rescue groups, a Blessing of the Animals Service, kid’s games, a delicious barbeque, huge Chinese auction, dog contests, demonstrations, and hundreds of adoptable animals.
As always, this is an event not to be missed!

August 24, 2008 – PADS Walk & Roll for Independance – Burnaby, BC

Registration Opens 9am, Walk starts at 10am.  Walk and Roll through Central Park and raise money for PADS.  Choose the 5k or 2k route and stick around for a bbq and party in the park. Fun for the whole family with bouncy castles, airbrush tattoos and so much more!

September 6-7, 2008 – Fido’s Festival USA – Woodstown, NJ

 Calling All Dogs and Dog Lovers! Get ready to move those paws! Fido’s Festival USA is proud to present two full days of dog-centered, dog-loving fun and activities for dogs and dog lovers on September 6-7, 2008 at Salem County Fairgrounds, 735 Route 40, Woodstown, NJ.  The festival includes Fido’s Shopping Mall, Friendly Canine Competitions, Celebrities, Health & Training Seminars, Entertainment, Adoptions & Rescue, Kiddie Fun Park, Doggie Play Park, Food Court, and much, much more!

September 8, 2008 – DuPage County’s 1st Annual Dog Fair and Amateur Dog Competition – Wheaton, IL

 The fun takes place Sunday, September 7th at The DuPage County Fairgrounds, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2015 W. Manchester Road, Wheaton, IL. Join the parade to kick off the event at 9:15 a.m. in the parking lot on the northeast corner of Roosevelt and County Farm Road. Let us know you’re coming to reserve your FREE Dunkin’ Donut!

September 14, 2008 – Canine Cruise – New York, NY

Canine Cruise
Sunday, September 14, noon to 3 PM
Circle Line Cruises, Pier 83, W. 42nd St. and 12th Ave.
It’s a 3-hour sight-seeing cruise for small dogs and their people. There’s also fun doggy-centric activities including, pet psychic readings, doggy massages, and cool contests.  This is what your pooch has been barking about! 

 September 14, 2008 – Pet Rockfestival – Worcester, MA

Pet Rock is the largest animal expo on the East Coast. A daylong festival of fundraising fun for the entire family, Pet Rock’s purpose is to promote responsible pet ownership, bring attention to animal cruelty and educate humans on a variety of animal related issues. Proceeds benefit New England based animal welfare organizations. Pet Rock Fest boasts live music, vendors, vegetarian fare, games, prizes, raffles, guest speakers, rides and more than 200 breed rescues, shelters and animal welfare organizations. The 10 Annual Festival takes place Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008 [rain date, Sept. 21] from noon to 5 p.m., at Quinsigamond Community College, 670 West Boylston St., Worcester.

October 11, 2008 – Wiggle Waggle Walk – Lake Mary, FL

Franklin’s Friends was created to raise money for the SPCA of Central Florida’s annual Wiggle Waggle Walk, scheduled this year for October 11. This is a “no kill” shelter so any healthy, non-aggressive animal can stay until they find the perfect “forever” home. Please help us help the pets!

November 6, 2008 – The 2008 DogCatemy Awards – New York, NY

This pet-friendly event will take place on November 6, 2008, from 6-10 PM at the spectacular venue, Capitale, located at 130 Bowery Street, NYC. At this Red-Carpet event, an expected crowd of 400 people will screen celebrity-made short films starring their pets. Awards will be presented for Best in Show, Best Tail-Waggin’ Comedy, Best Musical, Best Dogumentary and Best Pawformance. There will be an extensive national media campaign as in 2007, when Rachael Ray, Howard Stern and Beth Ostrosky, Richard Belzer, and Katie Lee Joel attended. Join notable celebrities alongside authors, socialites, media influentials and supporters of North Shore Animal League America at this year’s event.

All proceeds will benefit the life-saving mission of the Animal League.

Over the years we had given up trying to clip our Guinness’s nails ourselves. Labs tend to have very thick, difficult to trim nails. To make matters worse, Chocolate Labs have dark toe nails, making it impossible to see the quick. After a few painful yelps during nail trimming when Guinness was a puppy, we decided to always let his Vet (or one of his techs) handle this for us. $10 once a month seemed like a small price to pay for this service and Guinness like the people at his Vet’s office. He began to see this visit as a social call so he has never really minded visiting the Vet.

In the last year or so I have been noticing that Guinness seemed to need to go for a trimming more and more often, we are now at once every two weeks and his nails always seem to still be too long.

I found out that this is common in senior dogs. The nails can become thicker and more brittle and the quick gets closer to the surface so that you can’t always trim off as much of the nail as necessary.

We were watching TV one night and saw an advertisement for a product called Peticure. We copied down the web address. The next day we received a pet industry trade magazine in the mail. They also had an advertisement for this products.

If ytou have not seen this, it is basically a dremel type of tool. The difference here is that it does not have the high pitched sound of a regular dremmel, that often frightens dogs. It also has a guard or cover around the sanding drum which should help guide the tool smoothly across your dog’s nails.

It sounded like just what we needed. We waited three weeks for this thing to come and when it arrived we were VERY disappointed. Fist of all our model did not look at all like the picture on the box. It seemed very flimsy and we had ordered the upgraded, more professional model! It was hard to put together. When we finally had it going we realized that the sanding drum did not fit properly over the dremel. It seemed very loose. We went online and watched an insturction video to make sure we had put it together correcctly.

When we were satified that we had done everything according to instruction, we decided to give it a try. Armed with a bag full of venison treat for Guinness, we went to work. Within 5 seconds of operating the Peticure, the sanding drum slipped down off the dremel.

The next day we called the company. To their credit they were very nice. They told us that the sanding drums should fit tightly and perhaps we had a defective model. We decided to send the thing back. They do promise us a refund of the purchase price. We are out the shipping cost both ways.

I found the whole experience very disappointing. There now some similar items coming out on the market. Brown Dog Treasures will be traveling to Super Zoo in Las Vegas in September. We will have a chance to try out many new products. We will keep you posted on which products we think will be beneficial for you.

If anyone else has had an experience with one of these newer grooming devices, please let us know.