From the AKC: Dogs have been known to increase happiness, reduce stress levels, and improve overall health in people. During this unprecedented time, dogs have been a source of relief and happiness for their human counterparts. In an effort to recognize dogs doing outstanding things during the global crisis we are facing, the AKC has awarded three wonderful dogs who have been spreading joy in their communities with the AKC Paw of Courage award. Continue reading Dogs Making a Difference: Jackson
As a former power company employee (not at Georgia Power), I really liked this story from WRDW in Georgia.
Dwayne and Shane, two linemen working for Georgia Power in Gainesville, GA, were kind enough to rescue three puppies from a dumpster in the cold rain last week. The puppies were severely underweight, with their ribs showing, and were very happy to find warmth at the Humane Society of NE Georgia.
Kudos to the men for taking the time to help.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!
If you follow the Cleveland Browns at all, you know they are nicknamed “the Dawgs” and you’re aware their unofficial mascot is a Bullmastiff named Swagger. We’re sad to report he passed away suddenly this month. Handler Justin McLaughlin says the dog had been battling cancer, but his sudden death following a stroke was not expected.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!
If you follow this blog fairly regularly, you know I have a soft spot for dogs and veterans. The US House of Representatives has now passed a resolution (#4305) that includes both. Here’s the bill summary from the congressional website:
Puppies Assisting Wounded Service Members for Veterans Therapy Act or the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement a pilot program to assess the effectiveness of addressing post-deployment mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder through a method where veterans train service dogs for veterans with disabilities.
Read the full text, if you’d like, then call your Senators and ask them to make sure the bill comes up for a vote in the Senate.
Let’s get this bill passed, as it helps both the dogs and the vets.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!
This is from a year or so ago, but I just found it. What a sweet story. Griffin the service dog was awarded an honorary masters degree for being right beside his person while she completed her degree from her wheelchair.
Well, I guess he did sit through all of the required classes. No word on his GPA.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!
From our good friends at Pedigree: Stevie Wonderful was blind and lost when he was found. But with care and love, he has become a beacon of hope. Today he has a loving family and is a canine greeter bringing joy at Cleveland Clinic. His enduring spirit is why we chose him as PEDIGREE Foundation’s 2020 Rescue Dog of the Year.
Stevie was found trying to cross a six-lane highway, dragging four feet of rusty chain that was wrapped around his neck. He had a flea infestation, ear mites, mange, heartworm disease and suffered from malnutrition. He was also blind, likely from past head trauma. Continue reading Pedigree Foundation Announces Rescue Dog of the Year Winner
From The Dog Lady’s mailbag: To celebrate the dogs who do extraordinary things in the service of humankind, the AKC Humane Fund is seeking YOUR nominations for its AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE). Nominations are open now through July 31st and winners will be announced in the fall of 2020.
Each year, the AKC Humane Fund pays tribute to five dedicated, hardworking dogs for making significant contributions to an individual or entire community. Since its creation in 2000, 100 ACE awards have been presented. Former ACE recipients have included a Poodle who helps his young autistic owner gain confidence each day and a Doberman Pinscher, who dedicates his life to Search & Rescue despite his own battle with Wobbler’s disease, among dozens of other extraordinary dogs.
“There are so many remarkable dogs to recognize with these awards,” said Doug Ljungren, President of the AKC Humane Fund. “Canines touch the lives and hearts of their owners and the world around them each day. We are proud to honor five of them each year with an ACE Award in recognition of their contributions.”
One award is given in each of the following five categories:
Uniformed Service K-9
Eligibility: Full-time working K-9s in the realms of city, county, state, or federal law enforcement; the military; firefighting; customs and border patrol; emergency services.
Exemplary Companion
Eligibility: Dogs without formal training or certification that have nonetheless distinguished themselves in some way and have made a meaningful contribution to their owners or communities.
Search and Rescue
Eligibility: Dogs certified to assist in wilderness and urban tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events and locating missing people.
Therapy
Eligibility: Certified therapy dogs working in hospitals, schools, disaster sites, war zones, and wherever else the affection of a good dog can provide comfort.
Service
Eligibility: Service dogs who enrich the lives of physically or mentally disabled owners, including, but not limited to, guide dogs for the blind, seizure-alert dogs, hearing dogs, balance dogs.
**(Note: Nominees doing therapy work without certification are considered in the Exemplary Companion category.)
Honorees will receive an engraved sterling-silver medallion and an all-expenses-paid trip for dog and owner to Orlando, Florida, to be honored at the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin in December. A donation of $1,000 will also be made in each recipient’s name to the pet-related charity of their choice.
Anyone, including the dog’s owner or handler, may submit a nomination form.
Submissions for the AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence for 2020 must include:
• A digital photograph of the dog. Files must be larger than 1MB in size and a minimum of 300 dpi. The photo should feature solely the nominated dog.
• A 500-word-or-less description of how the dog has demonstrated excellence.
• Dog’s call name, breed, age and sex.
• Owner’s/Nominator’s name(s), address and phone number. E-mail address if available.
Nominations will be accepted through July 31, 2020 and should be submitted here, with a photo sent to [email protected].
For more information about the ACE awards or to nominate a dog, visit the AKC Humane Fund Awards For Canine Excellence (ACE) page.
Let’s hear all about your hero dog!
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!
The agent was transported to the hospital with multiple injuries. The agent’s K-9 partner, Jackie, however succumbed to the injuries from the accident and died at the scene. K-9 Jackie had been serving since April of 2015.
“Thank you to all the rescuers and medical staff involved and please remember K-9 Jackie and the agent in your thoughts and prayers,” stated Acting Chief Patrol Agent David BeMiller. “We understand the risks that we take as well as our K-9 partners; it is never easy when we lose a partner.”
Our deepest condolences go out to Jackie, her handler, and her family at the Border Patrol.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!
When Franklin, Massachusetts police noticed toys were missing from their donation box, they never dreamed it would be their own dog who was stealing them! Golden Retriever Ben Franklin is a therapy dog who apparently thought all toys were his because he’s such a good boy! Officer Cusson investigated and was able to catch Ben on camera, in the act. He subsequently posted the video on the PD Facebook page, making the dog an Internet sensation!
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!
Remember right after the SEAL raid that killed Al Baghdadi, there was a fake picture on the Internet of Trump giving the K-9 a Medal of Honor? Well, the dog has finally gotten a real medal now. No more fake news!
Kudos to Conan and his SEAL team buddies.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!