AKC News...

According to Dog Fancy magazine, the American Kennel Club has a new program for mixed-breed dogs that gives them eligibility to compete in most AKC sanctioned dog sports:

"As of Oct. 1, owners of neutered or spayed breed mixes can list their dogs with the mixed-breed program. This allows mixed breeds to compete in AKC agility, obedience, and rally, and gives them the support of the AKC in dog-ownership matters nationwide."

Put Your Pet in the Picture: TAILS OF LOVE Pet Photo Extravaganza

Through May 26, Michelle Buonfiglio of Romance: B(u)y the Book blog is hosting the purrfect contest—cute animals and fabulous prizes—to celebrate the upcoming release of TAILS OF LOVE. This Berkley anthology raises money for a no-kill animal shelter and features ten romantic stories by authors Lori Foster, Stella Cameron, Kate Angell, Dianne Castell, Ann Christopher, Marcia James, Donna MacMeans, Sarah McCarty, Patricia Sargeant and Sue-Ellen Welfonder.


To join the extravaganza, simply snap a photo of your pet and visit the Romance: B(u)y the Book blog - http://romancebythe blog.blogspot.com/ - during the celebration for instructions on how to submit the photo for the drawing. The winners will be announced on May 27.

Whether your pet is furry, feathered or covered in scales, give it a shot at joining the TAILS OF LOVE Pet Gallery. Don't miss this chance at barking rights and great prizes!

Extravaganza Mascot prizes include:

Lori Foster: IMPETUOUS (reissued), doggy-themed T-shirt, hat, mouse pad, pen, keychain
Stella Cameron: CYPRESS NIGHTS, a luscious fur throw for a furry star and a collection of yummy treats
Dianne Castell: HOT AND BOTHERED, $30 Barnes & Noble gift card
Kate Angell: Books from her BOYS OF SUMMER BASEBALL SERIES and $100 Barnes and Noble gift card
Ann Christopher: TENDER SECRETS, ROAD TO SEDUCTION and SWEETER THAN REVENGE, an Ann Christopher book bag, and pet pillow/bed
Marcia James: AT HER COMMAND, gift basket of pet treats and toys
Donna MacMeans: THE EDUCATION OF MRS. BRIMLEY and assorted pet munchies
Sarah McCarty: PROMISES REVEAL and $100 Amazon.com gift certificate
Patricia Sargeant: YOU BELONG TO ME and $30 Target gift card
Sue-Ellen Welfonder: SEDUCING A SCOTISH BRIDE; DEVIL IN A KILT; TALL, DARK, AND KILTED; and $50 Petsmart gift card

So, come on! Send in your pet photos, and help them celebrate the release of a new book called TAILS OF LOVE.

Top 10 Health Problems in Dogs

According to Pet Age (May 2009), the 10 most common health problems in dogs are:

1. Ear infections
2. Skin allergies
3. Pyoderma/hot spots
4. Gastritis/vomiting
5. Enteritis/diarrhea
6. Urinary tract infections
7. Benign skin tumors
8. Osteoarthritis
9. Eye inflammation
10. Hypothroidism

Pet Fitness is So Important

Obesity isn't a problem just reserved for people. Nearly 54 million American pets are overweight or obese. Check out PetFit.com, a site created as part of the Alliance for Healthier Pets, a partnership of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Hill’s Pet Nutrition. The site offers lots of pup fitness tips plus videos with celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson.

Go GRReen - Tip #10

10. Don’t get overwhelmed. You don’t have to make drastic changes in your (or your pet’s) life to live sustainably. Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference!