Putin’s Dog Tests Navigation System
19/10/08
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s dog was used to test a new satellite tracking device last week.
Putin’s Labrador Retriever, Koni, was fitted with a tracking dog collar that can follow the canine’s every step. The Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) was developed by the Russian army in the1980’s as a response to the GPS system.
Man Saves Dog from Shark
30/09/08
A man saved his pet dog from a shark in Florida this week by jumping in the water and punching the predator.
Greg LeNoir, 53, had taken his pet rat terrier Jake to the water for his daily swim when a 1.5m shark attacked the dog. LeNoir yelled and jumped into the water punching the shark’s neck. His heroic actions saved Jake’s life with both owner and dog making it back to shore safely. The rat terrier suffered puncture wounds to his chest, abdomen and back but is expected to make a full recovery.
Kudos from DogandCollar.com out to Greg LeNoir for his brave actions!
California Lap Dogs
29/09/08
Dog owners in California have maintained the right to drive with pets in their laps.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a proposal to fine drivers caught on the road with their dogs or other pets sharing the driver’s seat. Schwarzenegger says he is only signing bills that are “the highest priority for California” and that a lap dog ban is not a priority. The bill was introduced by Republican Assemblyman Bill Maze who said that it is distracting for dogs to be on the drivers’ laps.
Always remember to secure pets while on the road with a proper car-safe dog harness and seat belt.
The Benefits of Dog Walking
19/09/08
The Heart and Stroke Foundation has always promoted a daily walk to lower your risk of heart disease. Now they encourage pet owners to use Fido for motivation.
The most obvious benefit of dog walking is of course an adequate amount of exercise. Walking is wonderful for your health and your dog’s as well. Walking helps decrease your chance of heart attack, stroke, obesity, stress and makes for strong, healthy muscles and bones. Dogs are pack animals by nature, and rely on a system of leadership and hierarchy. Experts say that walking your dog with a dog harness and leash will help establish you as leader and keep your dog satisfied. Even if you have an older dog that has never been accustomed to leashes, a little practice is all it takes to master the ritual of the dog walk. Research has shown that walking your dog also makes you more approachable and helps with social skills.
Walking with your dog is more fun than walking alone. It’s the easiest and cheapest method to keep you and your dog fit and healthy. So get out there and start walking!
Future Uncertain for China's Dogs
18/09/08
Certificates created to permit guide dogs in all public areas of Beijing for the duration of the Olympic and Paralympic games, expire tomorrow.
Dogs are banned from most public places in China, and although nearly 12 million Chinese citizens are visually impaired, only 6 of these individuals currently have guide dogs. One of those citizens is Ping Yali, this year’s Paralympic torchbearer. Ping was given a golden retriever named Lucky as a reward for her previous gold medal in the long jump competition. Ping admits that the appearance of Lucky dressed in his guide dog harness, along with his size can be intimidating to the general public, and has often prevented her from hailing taxis or riding public transit. However, it is not stopping her from fighting for laws to protect the disabled persons of China. Since Lucky came into her life, she has managed to get around the city with ease, greatly reduce the risk of injuring herself, and generally feel more confident and safe.
Ping will continue to work hard promoting the benefits of guide dogs, and help them to achieve working dog status, similar to the German Shepherds used in the police force.
Read more of the Dog Blog. |
