In what strange world does a convicted animal abuser get hoisted up above his non-criminal peers and heralded as a hero? Ours…where tv executives at networks like BET latch onto train wrecks like Michael Vick to use for ratings, and where money can buy you a “production company” and PR team with which you can film yourself acting like a human being and deliver the glorious footage into unsuspecting homes via tv and the internet.

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A Minnesota dog is being hailed as a hero for saving its owner's life. "Milky Way" ran for help after her owner fainted during a stroke.

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By Phil Trexler
Beacon Journal staff writer

Here's a great blog post from one of our volunteers. Vera took the time to write about her experiences helping animals through her volunteerism with PAWS. Great read! Please visit PAWSOhio.org for more information on volunteering or adopting...

http://www.luxuryreading.com/2009/12/tis-season-of-giving.html

This is a touching story of the rescue of Stanley. Get your Kleenex's ready. This is what can happen when people come together for the sake of an dog or cat.

This precious girl is Nila. Nila is a Shepherd mix, about 25 lbs. We guess she is about 8-9 months old, but will know more after she sees the vet on 11/27. She's a little on the thin side right now, but don't let that fool you. She's full of fun and life once she gets to know you. She gets along great with the other two dogs in her foster home. Nila is working very hard to be house-broken. Her foster Mom says that Nila loves to walk and jog on the leash with her. She's a little people-shy right now, but once she warms up, she will be your best friend!

Nila will be completely vetted and UTD on her shots, and spayed before she is adopted. If you are looking for a loyal, intelligent, loving companion, Nila is your girl!

You know you have too many cats living in your house when…

By Kathy Antoniotti
Beacon Journal staff writer

More on Basement Cat.

His name is Smokey. He is a short-haired gray male with a little white (or lighter gray) on his belly. He is front declawed and is fixed. He is also missing his upper left incisor. He is around 11 years old. He has been missing since Dec. 12 from Highbrook Street apartment complex. Highbrook is off Cole Avenue and near S. Main Street in Akron. He had a leopard print color on with a red heart ID tag. I have hung fliers, checked with Animal Control every day and call for him around the neighborhood. If you find him, please call me at (330) 762-3609. He is really missed.

Albert Whitehead is something of an institution in Anchorage, Alaska, thanks to Star, his pet reindeer. The animal is often seen on walks around the city, stopping for snapshots and adoring kids.

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The messages of love aren't just carved in stone at Los Angeles Pet Memorial Park. This time of year, they're embellished in bold splashes of red and green.

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Tokyo residents dressed up their dogs in festive attire on Christmas Eve

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Well, here we are. The time of year that mental health professionals suggest is the most stressful time of the year. From Pastors to PhDs, they say people are on edge, little things become magnified; the presents aren't wrapped yet, we are over budget, the house is a mess, the kids are off school and misbehaving (‘cause they've already played PS3 for 6 hours and are bored) and oh yeah, the in-laws are due in about 20 minutes.

I know!! Let's get a dog for Christmas!!!

This is a nice Christmas surprise for any kitty:

Looking for more Fun Stuff?  BrookeLynn writes for AkronDogStuff.com.  Check it out for fun tidbits for our local hounds!

Sue Manning, AP

What happens when you forget the Christmas presents for your pets?

You have been warned.

Rick Armon, Beacon Journal staff writer

Summit County Executive Russ Pry has canceled a fundraiser for an animal-rescue group whose founders have been charged with animal cruelty.

Spend some time with Faith the Dog, who walks using the only two legs she has. Faith's owners say their animal offers inspiration for all, including military families who may have loved ones injured by conflict.

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Hundreds of people — many of them strangers — gathered Monday in Sydney, Nova Scotia for the funeral of a seven-year-old boy who died after wandering away from his home just before a snowstorm.

Meet Lily....

Cruelly abandoned by her owners when they moved, Lovable Lily needs a new home now!

My dog charlie escaped out on the 13th and has not come back. He has tags on his collar registered to Stow OH. Both numbers on the tag received a call but was lost. If you have him please please call back. We have moved and now live on LaCroix in Akron, by manchester rd. His name is Charlie and I miss him so much. I am doing everything in my power to get him back, I will walk the streets and hand out flyers till I do. So if you have seen him or have him, please call me. There will be a reward for his return. You can reach me at 330-431-3922. Thank you for reading and please spread the word.

There is zero chance I could get any of my cats to do this.

Sadie the Pomeranian is happy to be home after escaping the clutches of an owl that was planning to have her for dinner.

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Kathy Antoniotti, Beacon Journal staff writer

-- One of a Kind Pet Rescue will add retail space and kennel areas by razing W. Market St. bowling alley --

New research from the University of Missouri has found that people who walk dogs are more consistent about regular exercise and show more improvement in fitness than people who walk with a human companion.

[Read the full story...]

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Idaho Humane Society says a good Samaritan rescued a family's two dogs from an icy pond in Ada County, but then left before anyone could thank him.

The society says the man saw the two yellow Labradors struggling and exhausted in the middle of the pond Friday. So he tied a rope around himself, waded up to his waist in the chilly waters and brought the 2-year-old animals to safety.

STUARTS DRAFT, Va. (AP) — Almost a year after Virginia's puppy-mill bill became law, restricting the size of breeding operations and stiffening inspection and record-keeping practices, canine advocacy and breeding groups remain divided on its impact.

Fueled by a Humane Society investigation into Virginia breeders, last year the state became the first to limit kennel operators to no more than 50 dogs older than 1 unless approved under local ordinance.

LUMBERTON, Texas — Those visiting the Lumberton Police Department are carefully evaluated by one member of the office staff.

The question in those big green eyes: Do you like cats?

Part Three  . . . HOW TO LOOK FOR A LOST DOG

On December 10, 2009, a Roto-Rooter crew used their drain equipment to help find a dog trapped in a foxhole in Upstate New York. They eventually helped a group of firemen dig out the 8-year-old jack russell terrier called Bella.

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Looking for that special gift for the cat lover in your family?

Kathy Antoniotti, Beacon Journal staff writer

Come join the Humane Society of Greater Akron on December 12th at the Pet Junction, 4046 Fishcreek Road, from 10 am - 5 pm to get your pet's photos taken with Santa. The cost is $5 for sitting fee and all proceed benefit the Humane Society of Greater Akron.

For eight years Matthew Watkinson worked as a vet. But are vets really the saints they are made out to be? Here, Matthew, 32, now an author, exposes the uncuddly truth about vets that every animal lover should read.

While home may be the ideal destination this time of year, many pet owners find that there is no place like the veterinarian's office for the holidays. Unfortunately, the most wonderful time of the year is also one of the most dangerous for pets. In order to assess the impact of the holidays on pet health, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, analyzed claims submitted in 2008 for pets treated on December 25. The company found that last year more than 200 policyholders spent Christmas Day at the veterinarian's office--most with pets receiving treatment for accidental injuries or dietary indiscretion. Following are the top five Christmas Day claims of 2008:

Top Five Christmas Day Claims

Back in August we introduced our faithful pet readers to the world of cat massage. The star of that entry, Maryjean Ballner, has made an appearance on David Letterman.

Don't give up on this video after a few seconds. The real action starts about 25 seconds in. For a cat video this one is well done, plus it's pretty funny.

Stephen Huneck is an artist whose dog paintings and sculptures are showcased in the Smithsonian Institution. He conceived the idea of the chapel after his near-death in 1995 from adult respiratory distress syndrome, a condition that left him in a coma for nearly two months.

California has more Chihuahuas than it can handle, and experts say pop culture is to blame.

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As those Christians who believe in the Rapture get taken up into eternity, the pet-lovers among them will have one less thing to worry about if a Langdon, New Hampshire atheist has anything to say about it.

The Kelleys, of Eatontown, N.J., lost control of Buddy on Aug. 31 as the family attempted to switch the dog's leash while frolicking on Dog Beach in the Manasquan.

From diarrhea to constipation, get the facts about common cat digestive problems.

Whether you’ve just adopted your first kitten or you’ve shared your home with cats for years, your cat’s litter box habits might be a mystery to you. But if you know what to look for, your cat’s poop can contain lots of clues about her health.

This has been floating around as an email for a long time now, but it's still a fun read.

Glamourpuss: The Enchanting World of Kitty Wigs from Julie Jackson on Vimeo.

A man who was presumed dead in this week's string of attacks in Baghdad stunned neighbors Wednesday when returned to his toppled home, and then he drew more stares as he cuddled his pet dog that was remarkably unharmed in the blast.

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Don't know what gift to give that person on your list this year? You can now adopt either a dog or cat from the Humane Society of Greater Akron online. With "virtual" adoptions, you can adopt one of the animals via the web.

With these cyber adoptions, people can adopt one of our shelter animals and their monthly donations will help feed and care for the animals and they will receive personalized updates twice a month. If your animal gets adopted, then you will receive an email notification that they found a forever family and you will receive a new shelter animal that you will adopt.

Ben Stein has some thoughts on how to get through the recession, or any of the horrible curve balls life may throw your way. His advice? Get a dog.

Eating poop. Sniffing butts. Licking.

One reason we love dogs is they give us so, so many reasons to feel superior to them. But much of what they do is so bizarre and unfathomable that you can't help but wonder what they're thinking.

I was just watching an Animal Planet show, and this episode was about elephants in the wild. Elephants are one of my very favorite animals, and while they don’t qualify as pets (you can hardly put a blanket on the floor somewhere and invite it to lie down, and I can’t imagine what one might use as a litter box—a refrigerator crate? Would you tell it to sit, and if it decided that would comply, what might it sit on? The complications get dicey), they are incredibly complex, intelligent, interesting beasts. Although we associate tremendous power with elephants, they can show a gentle nature.

I had a great day on Saturday. Much of it was spent at a dog adoption day with the Stark County Pound. The event was two-fold: 1) was to help adopt some of the great dogs they have there that need a home. 2) was to help raise money for Friends of the Pound. This organization supports the adoption efforts of the pound. The money they raise helps sponsor (pay for) the spay and neuter of some of the dogs that come through.

It was fun to see all the dogs and how they each react to their environment. One thing I always relate to my dog obedience clients is that if you are "shopping" for a warm and furry companion to bring home:

ATHENA IS SO SWEET AND SO LOVABLE.... JUST A HAPPY WIGGLE BUTT! LOVES PEOPLE, DOGS AND CATS! Athena is about 6 years old and looking for her forever home. It appears that Athena was bred and had a few litters of puppies in the past. Well, we are making sure that she will not be allowed to breed ever again. She appears to be healthy.

Paws to Read - 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 12, Canal Fulton Public Library, 154 Market St. Read to a trained therapy dog, children's program. Register at 330-854-4148.

Coalition for Animal Concerns Christmas Party / Candlelight Ceremony - 7 p.m. Wednesday, Grace United Methodist Church, 1720 Schneider St. NW, Plain Township. There will be a short business meeting to discuss items such as the new spay and neuter clinic. Free event is open to anyone interested in the welfare of animals in Stark County. Contact Mary at 330-499-6511 for information.

Part 2 - Finding MY Dog  (if you missed it, here is Adopting a Dog, Part 1)

It’s a busy, frenzied time for many dedicated Christmas celebrants, and the busier a reveler becomes, the more likely a pet is to be ignored, neglected, or insufficiently monitored.

Holidays may be great for merry-making, but your dog or cat may be bewildered by all that’s going on and become a bit neurotic. Some animals will join right in with all the gaiety—we had two kittens who thought the Christmas tree was put up and decorated just for their delight. They thought this for a couple of years, when they had put on over fifteen pounds each, and their pleasure in climbing the branches and curling up on a nice stiff limb led to the collapse of a big tree—in the middle of the night—with ornaments smashed—and two highly indignant cats yowling.

AKRON: Citizens for Humane Animal Practices, in cooperation with Summit County Executive Russell M. Pry's Division of Animal Control, will offer a low-cost spay and neuter clinic for cats at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 12.

The clinic will be at the NEFCO Building, 180 E. South St. near downtown Akron.

The Invisible Force of a Dog

LOS ANGELES (AP) — What do cats do when their owners are away? There was one way to find out — "cat cams."

Ziggy, the cat that went missing after a fire at the Canton Veterinary Hospital on Tuesday, was found Thursday morning.

Via Bookofodds.com:

And as far as pet owners are concerned the pact is reciprocal. Over half of American pet owners (1 in 1.79, 56%) believe they’d risk their lives for Fido or Fluffy. In February 2009, an Australian woman jumped from a police helicopter to rescue Poncho, her half-rottweiler companion. The previous year, Greg LeNoir jumped into the waters off the Florida Keys to save his rat terrier from a five-foot shark that had the 14-pound dog clamped in its jaws.

The China Agricultural University tested 52 sick dogs, and two of them tested positive for H1N1. Since their virus matched the human virus 99%, it is likely they caught it from their human companions.

No cases have been reported in the United States yet, but this discovery means that transmission is possible. At this time, there's no evidence that our pets can transmit the virus to us.

The Humane Society of the United States and retailer Lord & Taylor have reached a settlement in a lawsuit filed last year alleging that several of the nation's largest department stores and fashion designers have repeatedly engaged in false advertising and mislabeling of fur garments. Pursuant to the agreement, Lord & Taylor will end all use of raccoon dog fur (a canine species often skinned alive in China), and will reform its advertising and garment labeling practices so that shoppers are better informed about what kind of animal fur is present in fur-trimmed garments.

By Rick Armon
Beacon Journal staff writer

AKRON: Heaven Can Wait: Rescue and Adoptions will hold an open house from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 12 as the group unveils its renovated Heaven Can Wait House at 51 Vesper St. in Akron.

Volunteers will be on hand to talk about rescued cats and dogs that are available for adoption.

Meet Casper, The Friendly Cat.  Casper is a long haired, loveable soft white fluffball. A 1-year-old male, Casper has the sweetest personality. He just loves to cuddle and be kissed. Casper gets along with other cats and medium size dogs. He's an absolute gem to have around.

By Laura Allen

Thousands of dogs kept by commercial dog breeders are brought to Ohio each year where it is still legal to sell them at auctions. In Pennsylvania, for example, it has been illegal for some time to buy and sell dogs at auctions. Commercial dog breeders or “puppy mills” in Pennsylvania and other states bring their dogs to Ohio, places like the Buckeye Dog Auction in Holmes County, where they can be auctioned off to other puppy mills like used cars or old furniture.

This may be the cutest thing you will see all year. Click the image below to see the video.

AKRON: Summit County leaders will kick off the construction of an animal shelter and the sale of 2010 dog licenses at a news conference at 10:30 a.m. today at 250 Opportunity Parkway, the site of the new facility.

The county is spending $2.96 million to renovate a former warehouse located just south of downtown into an animal shelter.