The Governing Board

of your dog park is worried about your health. This is the flu season and we all know that a major route of transmission is via the hands. Therefore, after consultation with the health authorities, we RECOMMEND that humans refrain from shaking hands and instead adopt the method of greeting used by our furry friends, butt sniffing. This may appear awkward at first, but we urge all of you to bend over trying.
Happy Holidays!!

17 Puppies, the sequel

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101223/ap_on_en_ot/eu_germany_puppies

And you thought you had a lot of poop to pick up

http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/entertainment/pets/122110-dog-has-litter-of-17-puppies

Another car break in

I heard this evening that another of our dog park people had their care broken into last Friday. This is the second one I am aware of. I think we need to assume that thieves are watching as people get out of their cars. My guess is that they are looking particularly at women that may be placing purses under the seat before they get out with the dog(s). Be careful.
Also, although I haven't heard of any personal violence, now that it is getting dark so early, be very careful in the park and walking to your car. I am willing to walk the ladies to their car and I am sure that most of the other guys would be willing to do that as well.

Nothing to do with dog parks

I am an investor in, and board member of a Tucson company that is doing some very good things for special needs children. I thought some of you might be interested in recent local media coverage.

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http://www.kvoa.com/news/toys-designed-for-special-needs-children/

Hey, It's Monday. let's have a party!

Thanks to Kathy for taking the pictures

StrawDogs? Rumor has it they are filming a new version in Tucson.Some of the actors?

A rare sight

What is Mia doing, I've never seen that before!

Back to the pictures

What the heck????
Vienna

Dog Wars Part 2

I have heard much support and some criticism of my last editorial. Let me clarify one point- I love ALL dogs, hell I love animals. I love big dogs, little dogs, fat dogs, skinny dogs. I love poodles and pit bulls. I do recognize that our dog parks have been organized to separate dogs by size, I just think that is wrong headed. Yes, really big dogs that are running at warp speed should probably be in a different park, but it is a fact that many many parks do not segregate dogs in this way. To the best of my knowledge there is not a major problem with attacks, NFL style tackles etc in most of these parks. Again, I appeal to all to use common sense about this issue. Yes, some dogs display behavioral issues, but I doubt it breaks along weight lines. We had a nice, cordial community and my sense is that while the dogs are generally getting along, the humans could perhaps take a few lessons in that regard from watching our canine pals. Just a thought.

Dog Wars- an editorial

I am worried about our small dog world. Today, I overheard a confrontation involving a friend of mine. It was over one of the sensitive issues, oversized dogs. Apparently this gentleman was reprimanded because he had a puppy lab that appeared to be over the weight limit. I am quite sure that it was, but he also had a smaller mature dog that hardly moves, threatens no one and is uncomfortable in the larger dog park. The puppy lab is exuberant but I have never seen it threaten or harm any other dog. The gentleman left as I was entering, so I do not know his feelings, but I can imagine.
Now, rules are rules, right? Well in out little dog world, apparently not. A few minutes after that gentleman left, a lady arrived with two dogs one that had to be at least 50-60 lbs. No one complained, no snide comments issued. The difference? The lady is well known in our park, the dog is old and moves slowly. The owner of the dog in the offensive case was male, the owner of the dog in the ok case was female.
If we look beyond this, by a strict weight test, we have several small in stature, but shall we say rotund dogs that surely over the limit- but no complaints.
Yes, we have rules, but can't common sense apply? I hope this generates much discussion. And while we are at it, how about those other "offenses". My particular favorite is the seemingly increasing number of people that visit the park to socialize and completely ignore the piles of poop their precious pooches are generating. Then there is my other pet peeve- humping. I realize that most of the male dogs are neutered, but several dogs exhibit this behavior which can be both sexual and dominance related. I have heard laughter among some when they see this, but in many cases I consider this unacceptable aggressive behavior- often ignored by the owners. I have never seen a dog and owner asked to leave due to pooping or humping. Maybe it is about time. Just a thought.

Well, DUH!! :)

Dogs Have Bigger Brains Than Cats!

The constant battle of dogs vs. cats continues!

It has been found that dogs have larger brains than cats since they are more sociable creatures. According to a study from Oxford University, highly social species of mammals need more brain power than solitary animals.

It found that the brains of monkeys grew the most over time, followed by horses, dolphins, camels and dogs. The brains of the more solitary mammals, such as cats, deer and rhino, grew much more slowly during the same period.

According to the study done, it may be that the cooperation needed for group living can be challenging and over time some mammals have evolved larger brains to be able to socialize better.

Heart-warming news!!!

Husky reunited with family after 5 years apart

http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?S=13559697

Now safe and sound, Nike's story serves as a great reminder of the importance of properly identifying your pets.

TUCSON, AZ (KOLD) - This week at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, Zuleica Sanz was reunited with her beloved Siberian Husky, Nike, after losing him 5 years ago.

Sanz had given up hope of ever finding her then-puppy again.

Thanks to Nike's microchip, he found his way back home again after arriving just days ago at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona as a stray.

Despite their years of separation, Nike and Sanz recognized each other instantly in a reunion that unfolded with hugs, smiles, a wagging tail, and cheers all around. Where Nike has been this entire time is a mystery only he knows.

"He looks exactly the same," explained owner Sanz. "Just bigger."

While hugging an ecstatic Nike, Sanz explained that the family still had pictures of their puppy proudly displayed on the refrigerator at home. Although they held on to memories of their furry family member, they never expected the phone call explaining that Nike had been found over 5 years later.

Within minutes, the Sanz's rushed to the Humane Society and Nike went home with the family. With some surprises in store, Nike came home to an expanded family, with a new Chihuahua and Shih Tzu sibling to welcome him back.

Rest in Peace Target

I cannot even imagine this family's pain and anger.....

11/15/10

Target, Afghanistan War Dog, KILLED; Pound Mistakenly Euthanizes Canine Hero

FLORENCE, Ariz. — A dog named Target that lived through explosions in war-torn Afghanistan couldn't survive a brief stay at an Arizona animal shelter.

An unidentified employee at the Pinal County facility was placed on administrative leave after euthanizing the female shepherd mix by mistake, county Animal Care and Control officials said Monday.

"When it comes to euthanizing an animal, there are some clear-cut procedures to follow," Ruth Stalter, the county animal control director, said in a statement. "Based on my preliminary investigation, our employee did not follow those procedures."

Sgt. Terry Young, the owner of the dog, told The Arizona Republic, "I just can't believe that something like this would happen to such a good dog."

Target frightened a suicide bomber inside a military base and potentially saved dozens of soldiers' lives, Young said.

He said the dog was treated like royalty from then on at the base at Dand Patan, near the Pakistan border.

Young brought Target to the San Tan Valley area southeast of Phoenix in August, when he returned home from his tour of duty.

The dog escaped from the family's back yard Friday. Young put out online notices and contacted TV stations that did reports on the missing hero dog.

A neighbor found Target wandering later Friday, put her in his back yard and called the pound. The dog did not have a microchip or tag.

On Friday night, Young found Target's picture on a website used by Pinal County's dog catchers to help owners track lost pets. Young figured the shelter was closed for the night and weekend.

He showed up at the shelter in Casa Grande to claim his dog on Monday, only to find out she was dead.

County officials say the employee mistakenly took the dog out of its pen Monday morning and euthanized it.

The Republic said Young and his family will get Target's cremated remains.

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/hero-dog-from-afghanistan-mistakenly-killed/6qhu3d3?q=afghanistan%20dog&FROM=LKVR5&GT1=LKVR5&FORM=LKVR1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2_c-bGmmZY

Useful Dog

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9Fyey4D5hg

"Jesse chooses to do the behaviors in this video, and has so much fun bringing smiles to people's faces. He gets treats for doing his tricks, and enjoys learning new things. Jesse loves adventure, and lives each and every day to its fullest. Jesse is my best friend and truly a member of the family, and I love him with every beat of my heart."
The Jack Russell terrier is a small terrier that has its origins in fox hunting. Originating from the dogs bred and used by Reverend John Russell in the early 19th century, it is a high energy breed which relies on a high level of exercise and stimulation. Jack Russells have appeared multiple times in film, television and print with several historical dogs of note.

Brownie gets married !!

What a beautiful bride. Oh, wait a minute, do you think it is a halloween costume?

Let there be light(s)

As we all know it is getting dark early in Tucson. I believe the original plan for our park was to install lights similar to those in the larger dog parks, but we see no signs of progress in that regard. For those who work, it means less time, if any, at the dog park during these months. Anyone have any ideas on how we can rectify this?

AND THE WINNERS ARE!!!!!!!

CUTEST

AND THE WINNERS ARE!!!!!!!

SCARIEST

AND THE WINNERS ARE!!!!!!!

MOST UNUSUAL

AND THE WINNERS ARE!!!!!!!

BEST HOMEMADE COSTUME - A TIE:

AND THE WINNERS ARE!!!!!!!

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The Chilean Coal Miner Dachshunds

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