Crazy for Critters

Your Minimum Daily Requirement of Cuteness

  Here's Abby, a 12-week-old Bichon from Fort Pierce. What a doll baby!

Today's Outrage

The tainted pet-food story just keeps getting worse. Now officials of a Chinese company that sells ingredients to Menu Foods, the Canadian firm that manufactured the deadly products - which have caused kidney failure and death in at least dozens, maybe many more, cats and dogs - are admitting the company routinely adds melamine to animal feeds. They don't see what the big deal is.

Do I need to remind you that this is the country where police go around clubbing pet dogs to death in the street as an anti-rabies measure? Loathesome.

Click here for today's story.

Is Pet Insurance for You?

Parade Magazine recently had a feature on pet insurance: where it can help, where it might not, how to choose it. Click here to read it.

Yet Another Reason Not to Eat Pork

Click here for an update on hogs that ate tainted pet food then got into the human food supply.

Your Pet Pix

Meet the extremely adorable Whiskey (top) and Lucky Salup.                                                              If you'd like your precious baby on the blog, send a jpeg photo and some basic info - name, age, gender, where he/she lives - to pets@MiamiHerald.com

Check 'Em Out

"Therapy Dog, Inc., group is participating in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.  On Saturday, April 28th, a team of certified therapy dogs and their owners will be walking to raise money for cancer research.  You can see us at Coral Gables High School, from 4 to 10 pm. 

"Our teams regularly visit at local nursing homes, Mercy Hospital and provide "reading dogs" at a local elementary school.  We are proud of the work that our beautiful partners perform.  It is amazing what a wonderful affect a gentle and loving dog can have on a sick or sad person.  It's magic.

"Please support our efforts to fight cancer.  Donations can be made through the web page. Anyone interested  in therapy dog visits can meet us at the relay site.''

Feline Grooming Advice

From the Rev. Jim Houchens of Pembroke Pines: tips on keeping your long-haired cat smooth and sleek.

"Here is a technique that avoids the shaving. Make a mixture of corn starch and talcum powder. Work the powder into the clump with your fingers. Keep picking at the clump with your fingers and a metal flea comb. It's tedious, but eventually, you can get the fur untangled. The powder lubricates the fur so it will loosen the clump. Kitty may grow tired of this and give you a hard time. Give her a rest before you continue. My Maine Coon was so passive, she would tolerate most anything, same with the Persians.''

Note to Attorney:

With any luck, he's burning in hell.....

Man Admits Feeding Puppy to Snake

PHOENIX — A man who admitted feeding a puppy to a pet boa constrictor failed to show up for sentencing Tuesday.

Joseph E. Beadle, 40, had pleaded guilty last month to a charge of animal cruelty, a felony. He was set for sentencing Tuesday in Maricopa County Superior Court, and a judge issued an arrest warrant when he failed to show. He was facing up to a year in jail and a $150,000 fine.

His attorney, Gerald Bradley, told The Arizona Republic newspaper he did not know where his client was.

Police reports say Beadle fed the mixed-breed, 3-week-old puppy to the snake in June as two 15-year-old boys watched. He poured cooking oil on the dog so it would be easier for the snake to swallow, according to the reports.

Investigators found the snake was also a victim of neglect. The snake was removed from the home and is in the care of the Arizona Herpetological Society.

Great Photo in the Herald

Click here to read a story about "designer' public parks, catering to various activities (including dog parks). But the real draw is the great picture of a dog thoroughly enjoying himself.

Little Black Dog

Someone rescued this little guy in the Redland area of Homestead last weekend.

"He's got a long black coat, is around 10 lbs. (with a small white patch on his chest). This is someone's dog.  He's housebroken, well mannered, leash trained, rides fine in the car and is non-destructive when left alone. I have not had to crate him at all .He can be a little yappy when he gets excited.'' 

He was found in the area of SW 187th Ave. & SW 320th St.  Call 786-259-3386. He wasn't injured.