From Lebanon with Love

Over 300 displaced dogs and cats were rescued from the rubble in the aftermath of the Lebanon war this week in an operation coined Paws for Peace. The hundreds of stray animals were carefully loaded onto cargo planes and delivered to an American animal shelter near Kanab, Utah. At the shelter, the animals will be nursed back to health while they await adoption. The effort, costing in excess of $250,000 dollars was funded for the most part through individual donations.
Displayed in the left hand corner is Safa Hojeij, founder of Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals; an instrumental organization in the rescue effort. Safa is pictured petting Ringo, on of the many abandoned animals, and escorting him to his new home at the Kanab animal shelter.

Trendy in Tel Aviv

Signafur scouts abroad spotted this pet fashion boutique amidst the bazaar of Shuk HaCarmel (Carmel Market) this weekend in Tel Aviv. Hanging from the balances of the booth are funky jewel embellished collars, leads, and even a Geisha inspired canine coat.

Shuk HaCarmel is known for it's succulent produce, unique trinkets, artisan crafts, and now canine apparel. It may seem like an unconventional location to house a pet style store, amidst rows of delicatessen meats, barrels of olives, spices, and homemade cheeses, but the boutique meshes surprisingly well with the eclectic surroundings. Now you can find mangos, mezuzahs, and canine couture all in one stop. Thanks Shuk HaCarmel!

Bark at the Park

Prepare to get your paws dirty with the upcoming events at Lancaster City Park in California. On October 7th, the park will host it's annual "Bark at the Park" day of doggy fun to benefit the Lancaster Animal Society. Expect to be wowed with the array of activities including a pet costume contest, a human-pet look alike contest, CaninEnstein doggy IQ testing, splash doggy diving demonstration, and even a singing (or should we say barking) competition. The day will be filled with food, vendors, special guest appearances, games, and prizes. Last years event was a howling success raising $1500 for animal charities.
Check out pictures from Bark at the Park's gone by here.

Admission is free, visit the website for more details at www.lancasterbarkatthepark.org.

Sit, Stay, Speak...Good Boy!

Celebrate this month's Responsible Dog Ownership Day by reviewing the best pet owner practices and making sure that your pooch is up to date with grooming, vet visits, exercise, and training. Pictured above, four well-mannered dogs display their discipline in the face of a feast of juicy T-bone steaks. The event, held at Frank's Restaurant in NYC, was sponsored by the AKC to celebrate responsible dog ownership and put the spotlight on canine needs. Celebrate with the AKC and take this time to establish and encourage a lifetime of good habits and behavior.
Remember to protect your pooch from the elements with Doggles and Hound Hikers.

Barkitechture for your Best Friend

Every mutt needs a mansion, so this year make the upgrade from dog house to pooch palace with the "do it yourself" guide from DIY Network. "Doggie Homes: Barkitechture for your Best Friend" provides step by step instructions to build your own canine castle. The book retails for $14.95 and includes plans for constructing your choice of the traditional "Home Sweet Home," lavish "Pagoda Palace," or a "Doggie Schoolhouse" for studious Schnauzers. Read more about doggy homes here.

Does your pampered pup have his own luxurious living quarters? Send us pictures and we will post them to the blog!

Dining with Doggy

Searching for a scrumptious establishment where you and Fido can dine together? Look no further; Pantheon, a Greek diner in Nebraska, is extending a warm welcome to pooches and parents alike to partake in a taste bud tickling experience. Pantheon recently opened a large outdoor patio where pups can mingle and delight in homemade dog delicacies such as Grrrrreek Spanielkopita, Swedish Muttballs, or an Apple Great Danish. To date the diner has proved to be a success in an ever growing market of canine enthusiasts. Outdoor Doggy Dining at the Pantheon runs until October 3rd, where the event will close the year with a "Final Beast Feast." For more information on Doggy Dining click here.

The Nose Knows

Canine's acute sense of smell has for years aided officials to apprehend suspects, drugs, and missing persons. Their scrumptious little snouts can spot even the smallest scent from a distance—but get this, British hounds are now being trained to detect the smell of mobile phones. Apparently mobile handsets have a distinct smell recognizable to our furry friends. Cell phones pose a major security risk in prisons and can lead to serious organized crimes. By using cell phone sniffing canines to uncover the hidden devices, police in England are hoping to severely cut down on mobile phone usage in prison. We tip our hats to all the scent savvy snouts making the world a safer place!

Designer Dalmation Owns Runway

Move over models, the catwalk is for canines! Lately we've been seeing a lot of fashion forward pups featured on the runway, and this weekend was no exception. Seen strutting her stuff down the aisle in Spain on September 18th is this beautiful Dalmatian baby. The show featured designs by Antonio Pernas displayed during the Spring/Summer 06-07 Pasarela Cibeles Fashion Show in Madrid. One couldn't help but notice the complimentary accents of plaid and polka-dots as the ensemble made their way down the runway. Once again, it's confirmed, fashion has truly gone to the dogs!

Small Dogs, Big Hearts

Nearly 40 percent of all registered dogs in the U.S. fall into the "small dog" category, according to the American Kennel Association…so it's no wonder why they are getting so much attention these days. Really, who else packs that much personality and still fits into a purse? "Small Dogs, Big Hearts," A new book by Darlene Arden, narrates how to care for your precious pup and gives historical antidotes on the cultural significance of small dogs throughout the ages. For example, did you know that at one time, small dogs were bred specifically to warm the laps and feet of Europe's upper crust? Arden also dives into concepts for caring for your pet in a size specific way, arguing that tiny breeds interact with the world entirely differently than do large breeds. Check out more details on Darlene Arden's new book here.

Hidden Hound Talents

Hidden hound talents surfaced this weekend in Rockford, IL with the Pet Star competition at Sunday's Canine Classic. The event displayed pooches in action; running, jumping, fetching, rolling, and the usual dog show fare. However, an unexpected category emerged that blew the patrons away: hidden talent. Furry friends were flaunting a fantastic array of skills from playing patty-cake, to playing dead, speaking to solving math equations. That's right, a dog who loves digits! Skeeter, the canine calculator, performs simple addition and paws out the answers. "He does the square root of 64 too!" His owner commented.

What talents are hiding in your hound? Tell us and we will feature them on the blog.

A Loo for Lassy

New inventions keep springing up in the world of canine convenience making pleasing your pup easier than ever. Those of us living in cramped city apartments know we're lucky enough to have a fire escape to call a balcony, let alone a backyard. Urban dwelling can make difficult the work of raising a dog, but thanks to the Pet Loo, our living conditions just got a little bit better.
Pet Loo is a simulated portable patch of grass (think litter box for bowzer) designed to bring the outdoors inside. The "backyard in a box" features synthetic odor-reducing grass, drainage system, collection tray, and all washable components. The Pet Loo has taken off in it's native Australia and is expected to catch on in metropolitan centers around the globe.
Say goodbye to early morning canine treks to the curb. Thanks Pet Loo! Check out all the specs and stats here.

America's Cutest Puppy

A California-based competition has commenced sweeping the nation in the hopes of finding America's Cutest Puppy. It all began in Pasadena, CA on September 9th and will push it's way east hitting 10 major US cities along the way and finally making full circle to Los Angeles to announce the winner.
Puppies are judged in 3 categories: Overall appearance, playfulness, and interpersonal interactions. After the grueling 10 city elimination process, the semi-finalists will be brought back to California for an hour long show down and the crowning of America's Cutest Puppy on November 18th.
Think your pup can make the final cut? Download the contestant application here.

Do you think you've got the cutest pooch? Send us pictures and we'll post them to the blog.

Denim Down Under

This Jack Russell Terrier is stylie in Sydney sporting over $250 dollars of designer doggy denim. Fang, the fierce fashionista, is doing his best to stay abreast on the latest designs in a country of tremendously trendy canines. People are pampering their pets worldwide, and Australians are no exception; Aussies spend in excess of $5 billion annually on apparel and accessories for their furry friends.

It's no secret that the canine fashion industry is exploding; prediction for the future point to even more lavish and luxurious pet products and services. So how much does it cost to stay chic in Sydney these days? A pair of Bowzer's blue jeans will run you up to $140 bones--now that's something to bark about!

Bride and Grrrrrrrrrroom

Puppy love loomed large in London this weekend as Muffin and Timmy, two courting canines, made their feelings official by tying the knot. The May-December relationship all started with a chance encounter at Harrods while the two were having outfits tailored. All involved agree, it was love at first sight. The couple is hitting it off well despite the age difference; Bride 8 months old and Groom two and a half (a 14 year split in dog years.)
The ceremony was an extravagant event that began with the Bride pulling up Cinderella-style in a horse drawn carriage sporting a white frock and veil. It was a company first in bow wow weddings, but many more are expected to follow.
Planning a commitment ceremony for puppy? Harrods offers their nuptial services for a mere 2,500 GBP a luxury event and 3,500 GBP for the premium package.

On the Streets, Philadelphia

Signafur scouts spotted this bombshell of a Bichon Frise in the old city of Philadelphia, PA this weekend. Bentley, the fuzzy buddy, rolled up in a silver SUV accompanied by a small entourage of two-legged friends busting "More Than a Woman." The party took a seat on the umbrella covered patio and proceeded to celebrate Bentley's birthday. Rocking his bright purple Mohawk and stylish attire, Bentley owned the attention of all the passerby's and greeted his fans with grace and charm. Signafur would like to send out a very happy birthday and applaud this creative canine for pushing the fashion envelope!

Is your furry friend a fashionista? We want to know!

Dream Doggy Getaway

Planning a vacation for the whole family--including Fido? No problem, the days of dog discrimination are long gone. Lately, more establishments are accommodating furry friends with a pet pleasing attitude.
Signafur stumbled across this great website while searching for dog friendly destinations; Petfriendlytravel.com offers a comprehensive list of national restaurants, hotels, parks, and establishments that cater to canines. The list even includes bars featuring hound happy hours when pups and people can mingle freely amongst the patrons. Other features of the site include travel tips for parents with pets and a brief run down of dog etiquette.

If you are getting ready to pack up and head out, don't forget the staples...Reach your destination in style with the Sling Pet Tote or the Cate Canine Carrier

Bon Voyage and have a great weekend!

And the Award Goes To...

Emmy's, VMA's, move over! There's a new awards show in town. This year marks the first annual Canine Hero Awards sponsored by the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Marion County. The event was part of the weekend-long "Paws Rock" festival which drew crowds of over 1000 all the way from Oklahoma to Florida. The recognition ceremony included categories such as Professional Service, Individual Service, and Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Taking home the Individual Service Award was Simon, a spunky Jack Russell terrier with impeccable interpersonal skills. For years Simon has served faithfully as a companion dog to persons living with chronic diseases. Simon's owner, David Reynolds, recalls finding new reasons to enjoy life after adopting the furry friend.

Signafur is pleased and excited to commend these amazing canines for their work in public service. Do you have an exceptional pooch with a story to tell? Let us know and we'll recognize them on the blog.

Puppy Pool Party is Big Splash

Forget about the backstroke and the butterfly, because this weekend, the doggie paddle ruled. This Labor Day, in several cities around the nation, pets and people said goodbye to summer with a splash. Per tradition in towns such as Suffern, Sioux City, and Ann Arbor, canines took over the parks and pools in the area for an annual Doggy Dip.
This Schnauzer splash in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio caught our attention with an outstanding attendance of 230 hounds and 500 of their Homosapien friends. Swimmers were separated into two catagories: Heavy weights over 40 lbs designated to one pool and featherweights under 40 lbs in another. This is the third year Water Works Pool of Ohio has sponsored the end of season Dog Swim; the park is scheduled to re-open Memorial Day weekend.


Was there a Puppy Pool Party in your neighborhood? We want to hear about it!

Best Bark Parks, Spotlight on Portland

Trying to find a nice place to settle down and raise a litter? Look no further --Portland, Oregon has recently been named the nation's dog-friendliest city by Dog Fancy Magazine. The award comes as no shock considering the city's geography, pet-friendly businesses, and over 20 exclusively off-leash parks in the area. Adding to Portland's canine catering reputation, a new member's only dog park has been opened in the city. Glenhaven Off Leash Park, "the Disneyland of dog parks", features one and a half acres of sprawling greens, key card access, doggy pool and fountain, custom canine wash station, and four separate enclosed areas.
The park is free but requires that all dogs be documented, with current shots, and be of good social standing.

Glenhaven Off Leash Park is located at 82nd Ave and Tilamook

To find dog parks in your area, click here

Weekend Wrap-up

Signafur has scoured the web and found a few incredible canines to include in the labor day weekend wrap-up. Among our list of noteworthy pooches is Freddie, the Jack Russell Jockey, from Gloucestershire. Nicknamed the Flaxey Flyer, Freddie is famous for his equestrian skills on the farm. Since a young age, this playful pup has hopped on Daisy, a 37 inch tall white horse and fearlessly ridden the environs of the farm.

In other news, we found Ringo, a black Russian Terrier skilled in the art of self defense. This rambunctious round-houser was recently featured on Japanese television displaying his kickboxing skills. Ringo's owner, also a martial arts enthusiast, taught his pet pup to kick and punch and pounce. Check out the kickboxing canine here.

Think that's impressive? Get a load of Tiger, America's Fastest Chihuahua, a ten pound powerhouse hailing from Bakersfield, California. Tiger proved his superior speed this weekend by sprinting down a 35-foot long track and taking home first place at the 2006 National Chihuahua Race at Petco Park.

What has your hound been up to this long weekend? Let us know, and we'll note it on the blog.

Blog Exclusive

To thank our regular readers, Signafur is offering free shipping on all merchandise purchased on the site between now and 12a.m. ET tonight. Happy shopping!

Doggy Howzer, M.D.

It seems there are never enough hours in the day to accomplish all we set out to--and maintaining an exercise routine often takes a back seat to our busy lives. A new innovation has recently revolutionized the regular exercise routine and made it possible to squeeze in Woofer's walks without leaving the house. Pawwws, a creative pet care company, has released a fully functional canine treadmill specified to a dog's specific needs. Constructed of a high strength aluminum frame, the treadmill features an adjustable 3 position incline, a multi-LCD display, and a speed range of .5 to 6 miles per hour.
Regular cardiovascular activity coupled with a healthy diet reduces your dog’s risk of certain diseases and obesity. While we still recommend joining your pup for a jaunt in the park, or a game of Frisbee in the backyard, the Pawwws pet treadmill is a great way to encourage healthy habits.