dogs

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Fuzzy Math: How Do “Dog Years” Work?

My next-door neighbors have a little terrier named Melvin (not pictured). My old neighbor had a very big Bernese mountain dog (also not pictured). I didn’t know its name, and usually just referred to it as The Big Dog or The Beast. Ten Melvins, soaking wet and carrying a few dollars in change in their mouths, would probably weigh about the same as The Big Dog. The Big Dog could probably eat all ten of those Melvins, and the change, and still be hungry. In other words, no two dog breeds are created... READ ON

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10 People Who Became Dog Toys

Dog toys generally come in three designs: classic toys such as Frisbees and tennis balls, indestructible designs like the Kong line, and cute animals that are fuzzy or squeaky. Of course, the problem with the cute designs is that they are usually the most easily destroyed. So rather than letting your pup rip an adorable kitten or duck to shreds, why not let him take out someone you really don't like? 1. Michael... READ ON

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6 Inspirational Animals That Overcame Abuse

Last month, we brought you the stories of eight disabled animals who overcame the challenges they faced. Today let's take a look at another group of special needs animals –- previously abused pets. These six animals learned to trust and love humans even after they were attacked by cruel-hearted men and women. 1. Wheely... READ ON

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The World's Cutest Janitors

Neo and Tuxedo are Boston terriers who've already become famous thanks to their skateboarding video and their shopping video. For Christmas, they visited a market in Montpillar, France and helped clean up the litter from the shoppers. With their bright yellow vests and custom-made janitorial carts, they made quite a splash and the video has already made its way around the world for everyone to... READ ON

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England's Ugliest Dog Finds a Home for the Holidays

Everyone says they want to be home for the holidays, but for homeless animals, this wish is often an impossible dream. Fortunately for Ug, who just might be the ugliest pup in Britain, Christmas came early this year when he was adopted from the Mayflower animal sanctuary. When cafe employee April Parker saw Ug on the sanctuary's website, she immediately fell in love. The mother of two brought him home to her two daughters, who added a couple letters to his name. While Doug the pointer mix may have cost... READ ON

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Adorable Animal Halloween Costumes

Opinions on animal costumes are widely varied, ranging from "oh those adorable little babies" to "how could you torture an innocent animal like that?" If you're in the first group, you'll be sure to appreciate these 13 precious animal Halloween costumes that include a Native American kitty, a Lady Gaga dog and the caveman pup above. As someone who likes to dress my dog up in costumes, I can say that some animals like it (mine will be a turtle this year), but I agree with detractors—it is torture to... READ ON

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And Man Created Dog

Dogs just might be the only animal man can actually take credit for creating. A new National Geographic special, And Man Created Dog, explores the evolution of the dog and their special role with humans. It is ripe with fascinating information about the animals and inspiring stories about human/K-9 relationships. I think my favorite part is the facts page on the site though. Take for example, the following bits of trivia: The only animal that can accelerate faster than a greyhound over a short distance... READ ON

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Scuba Dog Digs Diving

If you were a scuba diver and your dog got upset whenever you went on dives, what would you do? Personally, I'd let him deal with it or leave him at home, but that's not what professional diver Sergei Gorbunov chose to do when his little dachshund started showing serious anxiety whenever he went under the waves. Instead, he fashioned a scuba suit complete with an oxygen mask and full plastic head piece so little Boniface could come along with him. Regardless of what you think about letting a dog scuba... READ ON

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Great Danes and Goats, Oh My!

It's always difficult for a shelter to adopt out two animals as a pair, but when the duo are emotionally attached, it's sometimes the only fair thing to do. This is most certainly the case with Judy the Great Dane and Minnelli the Goat. They were discovered wandering around a Dallas-area wedding chapel in the beginning of July and the pair seems inseparable. In fact, when either animal is taken away from the other for a procedure, the other is simply miserable. The couple eats together, sleeps together... READ ON

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Why Do Your Dog's Feet Smell Like Popcorn?

My editor Jason has periodically brought up this topic in brainstorming sessions over the years, but I always figured the popcorn smell was a quirk of his dog, Bailey, and not an actual phenomenon (sorry, boss).Â But since I've already asked for some time off this summer and gotten it without any complaining on Jason's part, I humored him and did a little research to see if dogs besides Bailey actually do have popcorn-scented feet. Well, my mind is blown. Many dogs' feet actual do smell like popcorn!... READ ON