According to the American Pet Product Manufacturers Association there are some 75 million pet dogs in the United States. Those dogs are owned by every possible sort of person — singles, families, urban people, rural owners, the young the old, the rich, the poor. And the dogs are made up of mixed breeds, purebreds, designer dogs, dogs found on the side of the road, hunting dogs, show dogs, dogs who do police work, service dogs — you name it. The 45 million homes who own these 75 million dogs (lots of people have more than one dog) have lots of different ideas about what dogs should do and how they should live. Most dogs can manage to get along with each other. So can most people. But a few people go ballistic about ideological beliefs and they include dogs in their beliefs.

I try to post stories that appeal to a wide range of people who love their dogs, whether you adopted your dog from the pound or whether you show your dog or hunt with him. I sincerely believe that, as dog lovers, we can learn a lot from each other and the things we do with our dogs. I've never had a dog who does water sports but I enjoy reading about these events and the people who take their dogs out to do them. I don't know very much about lure coursing but I admire Sighthounds and I like to read about these activities. I've never had a Beagle but I still enjoy reading about the hunters who compete with their dogs. And, I've never been to the Iditarod but I like to read about the preparations for the race and the commitment and work that goes into it, from both the humans and the dogs.

As I say, I love dogs, all dogs, and rather than criticizing people who don't have the same kind of dog I have, or who don't keep their dogs the same way I do, I like to learn about other people and their love for their dogs. They may not express their feelings the same way, but, in their way, they are just as devoted and committed to their dogs as I am, or as anyone else who loves their dogs.

For many people hunting is part of a deeply-held tradition. It's not just about killing something or even putting meat on the table. It's about bonding with your dog and being part of nature — a ritual that humans have been part of for millennia. It goes back to the very beginning of our species. For many people it's a very affirmative activity and the dog is central for many hunters. In fact, hunters are often some of the staunchest conservationists in our society. When we lose touch with our past, with our traditions, with nature, we have lost touch with some of the things that make us most human.

Here's a story about Beagle hunters in Ohio.

From the Coshocton, OH Tribune.

National beagle hunt comes to Coshocton
By HOLLY RICHARDS
Staff Writer

Brandon Vance of Harts, W.Va. (left), Cub Runyan of Bradford, Pa., and Jim Schumaker of West Lafayette lead a group of beagles back to the trucks at Schumaker Farms during Saturday's UKC Hunt. Hundreds of dog owners and handlers from various states participated in the 17th annual Kennel Club Hunting Beagle Nationals in Coshocton County. JIM BARSTOW/Tribune

COSHOCTON - Even though Brandon Vance of Harts, W.Va., has been beagle hunting for 13 years, he was especially impressed with the caliber of Coshocton's event.

"This is a better hunt," Vance said. "They're all good guys."

Early Saturday morning, Vance and his 3-year-old female beagle, White River Bad Banana, joined hundreds of dog owners and handlers from various states for the 17th annual Kennel Club Hunting Beagle Nationals.

The event, which continues at the Coshocton County Fairgrounds today, is new to Coshocton County.
"This is the first time we've hosted nationals," said Roy Pasmore, chairman of the board of directors of the Coshocton County Beagle Club. "We've hosted the world hunt before. This is a major event in the country right now, and this is one of the biggest Kennel Clubs."

After the hunters and their dogs registered in Hunter Arena in the morning, roughly 200 dogs in 52 castes were sent out to various areas in Coshocton, Muskingum, Guernsey, Holmes and Knox counties. About 400 dogs total are registered for the weekend event.

"They'll compete for two hours, and will be judged on their ability to run a rabbit and chase a rabbit by scent," said Todd Morgan, director of beagle field operations with the United Kennel Club. "Each of the 52 castes will have one winner, and the top 16 (from Saturday night's hunt) will advance (to Sunday's hunt)."

No game was taken during the hunts, and no firearms were permitted.

Pasmore said the success of the event was not only due in part to community support, but also area farmers who allowed the local Beagle Club and UKC to use their property for hunting.

Jim Schumaker was one of the gracious landowners. He let several hunters release their beagles on his land.

"This guy's place is the best place in Ohio to hunt," Vance said about Schumaker's property. "This is my first time hunting on this farm."

Cub Runyan of Bradford, Pa., joined the group at Schumaker's to hunt with his four-year old male beagle named Purple Ribbon Brinsky's Take 'Em Out Kingpin. He said he tries to participate in at least two or three hunts a year.

"I've been to Ohio several times," he said. "It's nice here; I love it here. This is a nice hunt; first class all the way."

Morgan was also pleased with the first day of the Coshocton hunt.

"We're excited and happy to be here," he said. "It brings the hunt up a level, and it far exceeded our expectations. We want to thank the mayor, Belinda (Williamson) from the Visitor's Bureau and the Coshocton County Beagle Club. We plan on being here next year and in the years to come."

hrichards@nncogannett.com
740-450-6772

Congratulations on being a great dog owner, and wanting to learn more about how to properly take care of your dog.

Today's newsletter will discuss one of the major reasons for dogs ending up at pound: people getting dogs for the wrong reason. You want to learn these reasons to make sure it does not happen to you.

One of the worse experiences a dog owner can go through is to have a dog that becomes a burden instead of a joy, so read on:

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Title: The Five Wrong Reasons To Get A Dog
Author: Dr. Mayra Alfonso
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Nobody should make the decision of getting a dog lightly. It is a huge responsibility to bring home a new member of the family. Yes, we have to admit, the new puppy looks adorable and sweet, and we want to do is to hug the little guy or girl. The puppy looks adorable, but the same puppy will grow up, and will require a major time and money investment for many years to come.

The new puppy will need socialization, training, constant supervision, veterinarian care and proper feeding. The possible new dog owner wants to make sure that they are willing to do what it takes to keep the puppy safe and healthy.

Below are the 5 wrong reasons to get a dog:

1. Getting a dog for your someone else, like your girlfriend, boyfriend, daughter, children, etc. This person might not be ready to take care of a pet, or might not have the space or the finances to take care of the new dog.

2. Getting a dog because your other dog is lonely when you are at work, and you want your dog to have some company. Although this is not always a bad idea, the dog owner has to be certain that they want to have an additional responsiblity, and also keep in mind that the old dog might has some difficulty accepting the new dog.

3. Because you saw the breed in a movie or TV show, and it is a cool breed that everyone is talking about. Before getting a dog you need to make sure that the dog is compatible with your lifestyle or otherwise you might end up with a cute puppy that is not right for you, for being too hyper, or too aggressive, or too big or too small, etc.

4. For protection: You might end up with an aggressive dog, difficult to control which could cause a lot of problems down the road due to their aggressive behavior. For protection, it is consider an alarm system, additional door and window locks, etc.

5. With the purpose of breeding puppies: This is a huge responsibility, and could be very expensive and require a lot of time, labor and knowledge. If you sell the puppies, you need to be ready to take the puppies back if the new owner can't keep them. You have to be able to provide veterinarian care for the dam and the sire, and the puppies. You could end up loosing more money than what your would make.

"Among God's creatures two, the dog and the guitar, have taken all the sizes and all the shapes, in order not to be separated from the man." - Andre Segovia

Don't miss your next newsletter, I am going to share with you the eight main considerations when taking care of your dog.

Have a great Cool Dog day,

Dr. Mayra Alfonso

In the present Cool Dog newsletter, I want to cover a serious and important issue. What to do with your dog in the case of a disaster? Are you ready? Do you know the steps you need to take? Are you willing to leave your dog behind if you need to evacuate your home? Will the government be there to help you?

Learn what to do, by reading the article below.

Here is your article:
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Title: What to do with your dog when a disaster strikes.
Author: Dr. Mayra Alfonso
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Pets Evacuation & Transportation Standards Act (PETS), What you can't afford not to know?

We all have seen it happened, many dogs owners had to abandoned their dogs after huracaine Katrina, many other dogs where left without owners after the traggic 911 attack on US soil.

Since the 2005 Hurricane Katrina disaster, several new laws have been passed to ensure the safety and protection of our four-legged canine friends. The animal welfare organization has come up with a better emergency plan of action and more shelters have been established to keep the pets with their owners in case such an event happen again. Two major disasters had to happened to get these law passed, but at least we have something we can count on.

In October of 2006, President Bush signed a new federal law, called the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act. This act states that FEMA is required to include the needs of individuals with companion pets and service animals. It also states that evacuation rescues for emergency or major disaster is included in the funding of state as well as local disaster plans. The act also allows FEMA to help rescue pets and other service animals before, during, and after a disaster occurs.

This effort has not only been limited to the Federal Level but also to the State Level. In addition to the federal PETS Act, many states are also joining in on the effort to ensure animal safety during a disaster. These states have either passed their own pet evacuation bill or revised an existing bill that includes the protection of companion pets and service animals.

The state of Louisiana, for example, passed a bill on June of 2006 that enables the state to aid in the evacuation as well as give shelter and other assistance to pets when disaster strikes. These pets and service animals will be given a bar code tag and the owners will get a copy to help them locate their pets after the emergency.

Other states such as Louisiana, California, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, New Mexico, New Hampshire, Vermont, New Jersey, Illinois, and New York have also established a better disaster action plan to make sure that no pets are going to be abandoned and left behind.

The American Red Cross has also modified its policy on pets. The organization is now joining forces with local animal welfare agencies all over the country to establish shelters that can accommodate pets in separate rooms  or in a facility in the same location.

Animal control departments and local human societies are also using the World Wide Web to post pictures and descriptions of pets to help reunite them with their owners.  For more information, call your local animal agency.

Have a great Cool Dog day,

Dr. Mayra Alfonso

I buried Emma yesterday. I only have half an acre here at my house and the yard is fenced for the dogs. I didn't want to bury her here because I was afraid the other dogs might disturb her, so I asked my friends with a farm if I could bring her there to be buried. I took her to a pretty place under some trees near a little creek and left flowers in her grave and on top of it. It was still hard saying goodbye.

I know we all have to say goodbye to our pets and it's never easy. I made sure that I let people know about Emma's passing and I was very touched by all of the notes and messages of comfort I received. I probably had over 50 notes from people, most of whom I only know online, offering support. It's a good idea to reach out to other pet owners when you're grieving. They are the people who are most able to understand your feelings. Unfortunately, sometimes your family and friends without pets don't really understand your grief over losing a pet and that can make you feel isolated and angry. Talk to other pet owners who know what you're going through and it will help, even if they didn't know your pet.

You can do things to memorialize your pet. I know that helps many people feel better and cope with their loss. People who have their pet cremated can choose a lovely urn or memory box for their pet and they will always have their cat or dog with them. If you bury your pet you can make a memorial for him or her. Flowers, stones, or any kind of remembrance at the site can honor your pet. Many of us may choose to have a special photograph framed and placed in a prominent place in our home so we can continue to see our friend every day.

I have one friend who advised me to be open to "messages" from Emma. He strongly believes in spirit life and thinks that our dog friends come back to visit us. I think he's right. I know when my Sami died I felt her presence for a long time and I think she still visits me in dreams. I still think I hear her bark sometimes, letting me know she's around and looking after me. I have another friend who lost her Afghan Hound. She loved that dog with her whole heart. After he died she swore that she would find the trash turned over, just the way he used to do it, and she thought that was his way of saying hello and letting her know he was still around.

There are some good resources online for people who have lost their pets — places where you can chat with other grieving pet owners, read poems for pets, and write things for your own pet. The Pet-Loss Support Page is a good site. They tell you that you are not crazy for feeling so deeply about your pet. It's normal and natural. Petloss.com is another good site. They have a candle ceremony for pets who have passed away and healing poems.

Your other pets may also experience grief over the loss of a pet in your household, even if they seemed to dislike each other. They can show many of the same signs that people exhibit. They can become restless, anxious, depressed. (In my house, some of my dogs have seemed to need extra comfort and affection since Emma died.) Your dogs may eat less. They can even search for the missing pet.

I know it can be hard to go through this with your other pets while you are grieving yourself, but try to maintain as much normalcy as possible, at least in their routine. If the dog who died was a "higher-up," then a new hierarchy may have to be established in the household, with another dog taking charge. It may take some time to sort things out. There may be some skirmishes. Use as much patience as possible at this time. It's stressful for everyone, including your dogs. Separate dogs during feeding times and avoid situations that could initiate fights, like tossing out a toy or giving everyone treats at the same time. You should wait a few months before bringing in a new puppy or dog to this changing situation.

If you have lost a pet recently my heart goes out to you. I know what it feels like. But dogs give us so much. Try to remember your friend during all of the happy days you spent together. There will be happy times again.

Here's a related story about pet theft from the AKC.

American Kennel Club Cautions Owners: Pet Theft on the Rise
– Dog Owners and Breeders Advised to Keep Dogs Safe at Home and on the Road —

The American Kennel Club® is warning pet owners and breeders about an alarming rise in dog thefts in recent months. From parking lots to pet stores and even backyards, more dogs are disappearing. In the first three months of 2008, the AKC has tracked more than 30 thefts from news and customer reports, versus only ten for all twelve months of 2007.

Media reports have chronicled the escalation of these "dog-nappings" from all around the country. Incidents have included armed robbers entering a breeder's home, tiny puppies being stuffed into purses at pet stores and most recently, purebred pets being snatched from cars in parking lots and even shelters.

"The value of pets in people's lives has been on the rise for a long time and now we are seeing thieves trying to capitalize on this. Whether they seek to resell the dog, collect a ransom or breed the dogs and sell their offspring, thieves seem to be attuned to the increased financial and emotional value pets have in our lives," said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Losing a treasured family pet is devastating to the owner."

"Criminals look for weaknesses and exploit them. They know pets can't protect themselves, so that means owners need to be alert," said Lt. John Kerwick, a law enforcement K-9 handler and the President of the U.S. Police Canine Association, Region 7. "Be wary of anyone who approaches you and asks too many questions about your dog or where you live. This is a red flag that they may be out to snatch your pet."

Peterson added that "These 'dog-nappers' are misguided and naïve. They're stealing living beings, not jewelry that can be pawned. Plus, it's unlikely that they can sell the dogs for high prices without proper registration papers, and these inept criminals are not realistically going to collect a ransom. Caring for a dog — and especially breeding — is a time consuming endeavor that requires a lot of knowledge. Thieves will find themselves with a frightened and confused animal that needs a lot of care."

The AKC offers the following advice to prevent your "best friend" from being a target of a crime:

At Home
Don't let your dog off-leash — Keeping your dog close to you reduces the likelihood it will wander off and catch the attention of thieves. A Saint Bernard that had wandered away from his owner in Nebraska was snatched up right off the road.
Don't leave your dog unattended in your yard — Dogs left outdoors when no one is home for long periods of time can be potential targets, especially if you live in a rural area and the fenced-in yard or dog runs are visible from the street.
Keep purchase price to yourself — If strangers approach you to admire your dog during walks, don't answer questions about how much the dog cost or give details about where you live.
Breeders need to be aware of home visits by potential puppy buyers — Criminals posing as would be "puppy buyers" have visited breeder homes to snatch dogs, while other homes have been burglarized when the owner was away. From Yorkies in Los Angeles to Bulldogs in Connecticut, thieves have targeted young puppies of these highly coveted breeds.

On the Road
Never leave your dog in an unattended car, even if it's locked — Even if you are gone for only a moment, an unlocked car is an invitation for trouble. Also leaving expensive items in the car such as a GPS unit or laptop will only invite thieves to break and possibly allow the dog to escape.
Don't tie your dog outside a store — This popular practice among city dwelling dog owners can be a recipe for disaster. Reports have surfaced of such thefts in Manhattan. If you need to go shopping, patronize only dog-friendly retailers or leave the dog at home.
Be vigilant when entering or leaving establishments or venues catering to dogs such as grooming salons, veterinarians, doggie day care or hotels — Be aware of your surroundings, such as slow moving vehicles, or people watching you and your dog. Carry pepper spray as a precaution and, if possible, don't walk alone late at night or stay in a well lit area.

Recovery
Protect your dog with microchip identification — Collars and tags can be removed so make sure you have permanent ID with a microchip. Keep contact information current with your recovery service provider. Several pets have been recovered because of alert people scanning and discovering microchips. For more information and to enroll your pet in a 24 hour recovery service visit www.akccar.org.
If you suspect your dog has been stolen — Immediately call the police / animal control in the area your pet was last seen.
Have fliers with a recent photo ready to go if your dog goes missing — Keep a photo of your dog in your wallet or on an easily accessible web account so that you can distribute immediately if your pet goes missing.