According to his adoption papers, Finn is a Lab/Great Pyrenees mix.  However, I am starting to have my doubts about his roots.  The gentle, loyal personality traits of a Great Pyrenees are definitely present, but so are some pretty intense hunting instincts as well.

Chasing geese, several noxious encounters with skunks and one tangle with an aggravated porcupine have been par for the course, yet Finn does not seem to learn his lesson and will chase any non-canine furry creature that moves.

In the animal lover community, we are all well aware of the overcrowding issues shelters across the country are facing, exacerbated by the current economic climate.  We are also well aware of the tragic fate that many of these homeless pets face and it is not something that many of us like to think about.  But one organization is taking an inspired approach towards helping this problem in New Mexico and nationwide.

No matter what store I bring a bag home from - it could be Safeway, TJ Maxx or Home Depot - our dogs take it upon themselves to nose through the purchases to determine if there are any treats for them.  Nothing is more exciting for them than seeing their 35-pound bag of dog food come through the door or being handed brand new biscuits to chew on.  This time we had the opportunity to provide that happiness to some area shelter animals.

Coming down with a whopper of a stomach bug a few days ago was a very unpleasant surprise to say the least.  There are only so many Popsicles, bowls of broth and glasses of carbonation one person can consume.  And with my human companion at work during the day, the one thing that made it even remotely bearable was the company of my two favorite canine friends.  

There are tons of dogs out there, as well as cats but how do you know which breed is right for you? For starters, characterize your lifestyle and find what is most important to you breed-wise. There are many choices out there for you, all of which are unique and special in their own ways.

These are before and after photos of Brauny, a male pit bull taken in by Jail Dogs in Gwinnett County, Georgia.  Seeing these photos, this blog was by far the most difficult but also the most inspiring for me to write. My eyes are watery with tears of sadness and joy for the hope this program provides for both canines and humans alike.

Nearly fourty-percent of dogs in the U.S. today are obese. And just like humans they have the risk of heart disease, a shortened life and arthritis. Dogs, just like you, need their exercise. 

Exercising helps both you and your dog(s). Once the dog is taken out a few times to run, walk or taken on trips to the dog park, they will start depending on you to follow-up with the routine. Thus, bringing you off the couch more often to exercise with them. After a while, they count on you. 

The theme of this year’s Super Bowl commercials went to the dogs - literally!  From the Biggest Loser-esque pooch in a Volkswagen ad and a blackmailing Great Dane selling Doritos, to a campaign by Bud Light to raise money for rescue animals, there were upwards of eight ads featuring our furry friends.  And I’m not just talking about the Puppy Bowl here (though those rambunctious little ankle biters WERE just the bees knees).