Doggy Bubble Fun!

More Dog Haiku

I lift my leg and
Wiz on each bush. Hello, Spot -
Sniff this and weep.

How do I love thee?
The ways are numberless as
My hairs on the rug.

My human is home!
I am so ecstatic I have
Made a puddle.

I hate my choke chain -
Look, world, they strangle me! Ack
Ack Ack Ack Ack Ack!

Sleeping here, my chin
On your foot - no greater bliss - well,
Maybe catching cats.

Credit: travelingdogs.com

Vick Back in the NFL

Quarterback Michael Vick has signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, his agent, Joel Segal, confirmed to ESPN.com.  The Eagles will hold a news conference on Friday morning to announce his signing. The first year of the deal is for $1.6 million deal with an option for the second year at $5.2 million.

Signing with the Eagles is a surprise landing point for Vick. It was among 26 clubs that said there was no interest in Vick.  Vick was the No. 1 draft pick in 2001, and once the highest-paid player in football. But he has not played since 2006 when his career came tumbling down. He was convicted in August 2007 of conspiracy and running a dogfighting operation, sentenced to 23 months in federal prison and suspended indefinitely by the NFL.

But after serving his time and being released from home confinement July 20, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell conditionally lifted Vick's suspension, allowing him to sign with a team.  Vick can immediately take part in preseason practices, workouts and meetings and can play in the final two preseason games.  Once the season begins, Vick may participate in all team activities except games, and Goodell said he would consider Vick for full reinstatement by Week 6 (Oct. 18-19) at the latest.

Vick filed for bankruptcy protection last July, listing assets of about $16 million and debts of more than $20 million.  Vick pleaded guilty after his three co-defendants had already done so. They told of how Vick participated in the killing of dogs that didn't perform well in test fights by shooting, hanging, drowning or slamming them to the ground.

Vick's appearances at federal court in Richmond, Va., prompted large groups of protesters to gather outside. Many were with PETA and held signs depicting photographs of pit bulls ravaged in dogfights.  Still, there were supporters who wore his No. 7 jersey.

Source:  espn.com

Changes In Your Senior Dog

Sensory Changes - As some dogs age, their owners will notice a gradual "slowing down" of their companions. Their major senses--sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell--begin to dull and they do not respond as quickly to external stimuli. This sensory perception loss is often so slow that you may not even notice it until one day you look at him and wonder, "When did he get so old?"

The best defense against aging is to keep him active. Daily walks, playtime and training, making allowances for your dog's physical condition, are excellent ways to keep all of his senses sharp.

Some dogs also show signs of mental deterioration as they age. These age-related cognitive and behavior changes are generally subtle and can be addressed proactively. Regular geriatric exams are vital to detect and treat these problems before they control your dog's life.

Physical Changes - The physical changes in your dog are generally easier to spot than the sensory changes. As his body begins to deteriorate, his ability to fight infection is reduced and it takes longer to heal.

That means it is crucial to consult your veterinarian if you notice a significant change in behavior or the physical condition of your dog. There are many signs indicating your dog is approaching senior citizenship status, but they can be indicative of a variety of different problems (see the list at the end of this article).

One of the most common and frustrating problems for aging dogs and their owner is inappropriate elimination. The kidneys are one of the most common organ systems to deteriorate in a dog, and as a result, your once well-behaved dog may have trouble in controlling his bathroom habits, especially if left alone for a long time without access to the outdoors.

You may also notice he dribbles urine while sleeping. This is stressful for both you and your dog. Excessive urination or incontinence could be indicative of diabetes or kidney failure, both of which can be treated if caught early enough.

Credit: dogtime.com

Pleazzze ... Can I Hold Just One?? :)

A sailor holds a green turtle hatching from its egg in Thailand. Each year special care is given to around 15,000 green and hawksbill baby turtles hatched and housed at the Thai navy's conservation center. Once the baby turtles are about six months old and their shells are big and strong enough to protect them from predators, the turtles are released to the sea.

Source: reuters

Happy 20th Birthday, Miss Paras!!!

A most Happy 20th Birthday to the Beautiful and Fabulous, MISS PARAS!!

Double Trouble!

Newborn ostrich chicks walk in their enclosure at Berlin Zoo in Germany. Six ostriches hatched at the zoo on June 21 and 22, 2009.

Source: reuters