Loyal dog continues to attend mass at church where owner’s funeral was held

A loyal dog whose owner died late last year has apparently been showing up for Mass every day for the last two months at the church where the funeral was held.
Tommy, a 7-year-old German shepherd, used to accompany his owner, Maria Margherita Lochi, to services at Santa Maria Assunta church in San Donaci, Italy, according to the Daily Mail, and was allowed to sit at her feet.
After Lochi died, the dog “joined mourners at her funeral service” according to locals and “followed after Maria’s coffin” as it was carried into the church.
Tommy, a stray who was adopted by Lochi, has been showing up “when the bell rings out to mark the beginning of services” ever since.
“He’s there every time I celebrate mass and is very well behaved,” Father Donato Panna told the paper. “He doesn’t make a sound.”
None of the other parishioners has complained, Panna said, and villagers give the dog food and water and allow him to sleep nearby.
“I’ve not heard one bark from him in all the time he has been coming in,” Panna added. “He waits patiently by the side of the altar and just sits there quietly. I didn’t have the heart to throw him out—I’ve just recently lost my own dog, so I leave him there until Mass finishes and then I let him out.”

A dog lies near the casket of a fallen Navy SEAL in 2011. (The Atlantic)
Examples of this type of extreme canine loyalty are incredibly common.
In 2011, a fallen Navy SEAL’s Labrador retriever lay down next to his owner’s casket at a funeral service in Rockford, Iowa, refusing to leave.
The heart-wrenching photo of the scene, taken by the SEAL’s cousin and posted to Facebook, soon went viral.
And on Tuesday, a 60-year-old man’s dog watched and waited for 30 minutes for the fire department to rescue his owner, who had fallen through thin ice into the freezing waters of the Colorado River:
Nearby hunters witnessed the accident and called 911. But while they waited for help, the man’s dog refused to leave the scene. Like a worried relative in the waiting room, the dog paced back and forth, trying to reach the man, who repeatedly waved the dog off, fearing for its safety.
“This is simply who dogs are,” Dr. Karen Overall, an animal behavior expert, told Yahoo! Shine. “We have had a close, cognitive, emotional and working relationship with dogs for tens of thousands of years, and we have both been changed by that history. Dogs are heroic to us because they live up to that relationship.”
Canine loyalty extends beyond humans.
Last year, a male pit bull refused to leave the side of a female pit bull who had been dead on the side of a road in Phoenix. According to local news reports, the male pit bull stayed with her for more than 14 hours.

BY: Dylan Stableford, Yahoo! News

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Dogs Helping To Mend Hearts In Newtown, therapy dogs visit victims of Sandy Hook

Author: Naomi Nix, tribune reporter, Chicago Tribune

Dogs Helping To Mend Hearts In Newtown

“Dogs are non-judgmental. They are loving. They are accepting of anyone,” Hetzner said. “It creates the atmosphere for people to share.”

When the charities’ dogs are not responding to a national tragedy, they will often visit people in hospitals, nursing homes and parks. Each dog carries a business card with its name, Facebook page, twitter account and email so those that meet the canine can keep in touch

“The dogs have become the bridge,” said Lynn Buhrke, 66, who is a dog handler for a female golden retriever named Chewie. “People just sit down and talk to you.”

The dogs’ first stop Sunday in Newtown was Christ the King Lutheran Church, which is holding two funerals this week for two children who were slain during the shooting, Hetzner said.

“You could tell which ones …were really struggling with their grief because they were quiet,” Hetzner said. “They would pet the dog, and they would just be quiet.”

The dogs have been helpful even to those without children in Sandy Hook Elementary School, where the massacre occurred Friday, organizers said.

“I asked (one man) how he is doing. He just kind of teared up and said: ”This year, I’ve lost five loved ones and now this happened,’ “ Hetzner said. ”The whole town is suffering.“

The comfort-dog initiative first started in 2008 at Northern Illinois University after a gunman killed five students. A group of dog caretakers associated with Lutheran Church Charities trekked to campus in hopes of providing a distraction to the student community.

The trip was so successful that weeks later students petitioned university leadership to bring comfort dogs back to campus, Hetzner said.

The initiative has grown from a handful of dogs in the Chicago area to 60 dogs in six different states, he said.

Since then, the dogs have traveled across the nation to comfort people in the aftermath of major tragedies such as, Hurricane Sandy, and the tornado that hit Joplin, Mo.

On Monday, the dogs plan to be with Sandy Hook students for after-school activities, Hetzner said.

”There are a lot of people that are hurting,“ he said. It’s ”good for the children to have something that is not the shooting.“

Orginal Article: Dogs to help mend hearts in Newtown
Author: Naomi Nix, tribune reporter – Chicago Tribune
nnix@tribune.com
Twitter: @nsnix87

Dogs Helping To Mend Hearts In Newtown

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Firefighters Pull Dog to Safety Just In The Nick of Time

Daisy Saved From Quarry

Workers at the Knife River Quarry in Gresham, Oregon first spotted the dog, Daisy, the day before, six days after her owner, Tammie Johnson, said her furry friend had gone missing, local ABC affiliate KATU reports.

On Tuesday afternoon emergency officials received a telephone call that a dog had fallen 50 feet or more down the quarry and was stuck on a ledge, still in desperate need of help.

Firefighters and a rescue team from the local Humane Society were called to the scene but had to first get permission from the quarry’s owner and the federal agency that oversees the quarry, the Mine Safety Health Administration, to enter the mine and start the rescue.

With permission granted, the team from the Humane Society made the first rescue attempt, trying to lure Daisy into a safe trap with food so that she could then be pulled up from the ledge.

When that proved unsuccessful, firefighters from the Gresham Fire and Rescue squad stepped in. Reports said they were working against the clock, trying to get Daisy out before fireworks from early Fourth of July celebrations would scare her and send her even farther down the gnarly 200 foot cliff.

Just before 10 p.m., Gresham firefighter Bob Chamberlin repelled down into the quarry himself to manually pull Daisy to safety. Chamberlin used another tactic to lure Daisy to come with him, a T-shirt.

“She was dug into the bank,” he said, according to KATU. “I took a T-shirt the Humane Society gave me – the owner’s T-shirt – as soon as she sniffed that she was right up against me and was ready to go.”

Back on more solid ground, Daisy was returned to her owner, Johnson, who told KATU she had spent a week posting flyers in her neighborhood in hopes of finding her missing dog but never expected she’d be found in such a dramatic way.

“I’m so excited,” Johnson said. “I just can’t believe she’s back, and I can’t believe she did this. It’s like, oh my God this is almost embarrassing.”

Daisy reportedly suffered only a bump on the nose through the whole ordeal. Pretty amazing if you ask me.

Firefighters Pull Dog to Safety

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Children Raised With Dogs?

Baby Sleeping With Dog

The study released Monday, says findings are based on the overall health of 397 children who lived in suburban and rural parts of Finland. The children were monitored weekly to decide if contact with dogs and cats during a child’s first year of life provides any protection from respiratory tract infections, colds and resulting common ear infections. “The children having dogs at home were healthier, they had less ear infections and they needed less antibiotics,” said pediatrician Eija Bergroth, the study’s lead author.

According to the research, infants living in households with dogs were healthier and had fewer ear infections than those without a dog. Another positive result; children with dogs were reported as being healthy for about 73% of the time, compared with about 65% of children with no dog at home.

Dr. Bergroth said that children who lived in households where dogs spent more time outside enjoyed the greatest health benefits, probably because dogs who spend much of their time outdoors are likely to bring more dirt and bacteria inside the home, and it is believed that the exposure to dirt and bacteria strengthens babies’ immune systems.

The Study by Dr. Bergoth followed children born at Kuopio University Hospital in Finland. Parents completed weekly questionnaires, documenting ailments such as fevers, coughs, runny noses, ear infections, diarrhea, urinary tract infections and rashes. Families were also asked if they had a dog or a cat and if so, how much time the animals spent outside.

This study shows up that maybe that childhood dog of yours did help you growing up, more than you know! This children raised with dogs study may shed more light on dogs improving our health later on down the road.

Study: Children Raised By Dogs are Healthier

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5th Grader Writes Woof of Rights, Great ‘Dog Rights’ Article

5th Grader Writes Woof of Rights

The Bill of Rights was created in 1789. Our founding fathers wanted to make sure important rights were protected, and while they did a great job, they forgot one important sector of the population -dogs! As funny as that might be, with 39% of Americans owning at least one dog, it’s more important than ever to establish The Woof of Rights.

Maybe canines shouldn’t have constitutional rights to bear arms, but they do deserve certain protections, especially the ones that are critically important to their well-being.

1.) The right to adequate gear related to their jobs (dogs do work!)

2.) The right not to be subjected to dangerous product testing

3.) The right to basic care and annual medical checkups

4.) The right to a local park where they can play and exercise

Adequate Gear Related To Their Job – You cannot deny that Police K-9s are very important to every police station that has canines on their team. They use their nose to sniff out bombs, drugs, and suspects. They chase lawbreakers, follow scents of criminals and help locate missing people. With all that being a full time job and being just as dangerous as a normal police officer’s job, they have less protection than an officer. Dogs should wear bulletproof vests. Police Officers wear vests, construction workers wear hard hats and Firemen wear protective fireproof suits. People can choose to wear raincoats and use umbrellas when it rains and I’m sure I left out professions that wear certain protective gear (extreme sports comes to mind). If all these industries strive for safety, then it seems stupid to not have a Police K-9 wear a simple vest. Dogs deserve what’s best for them.

Ban Inhumane Product Testing – Have you ever thought of who actually tested that shampoo you use before you got your hands on it? Testing labs all over the world would be a great bet. Scientists who are looking to invent new shampoos, conditioners, hair dyes, hair sprays and gels all across the world use animals against their will in testing facilities. Dogs, just like people, have certain allergies to some chemicals that get used in these testing facilities. Obviously, people like to keep the animal testing behind the scenes, which also makes their activity even shadier. The animals that are used essentially as lab rats have no choice in what gets thrown on them. If you want to help support animals and ban inhumane product testing, choose brands that have “not tested on animals” labels on the front.

Basic Care and Annual Checkups – Most humans decide to visit a doctor at least once a year, while nobody likes getting shots, you go because you know that a doctor’s visit and prevent illness. Moreover, when a human gets sick, we can express how we are feeling. Animals cannot tell us how they are feeling very often; most of the time illness and pain go unnoticed. Annual checkups are just as important to dogs as they are as they are to humans. During a check-up, dogs get shots that prevent life-threatening diseases like Lyme disease. About 350 dogs die every hour for decades, with many dogs dying because they didn’t get the shots they needed. Don’t neglect your four-legged furry friend.

A Place To Play – Take your dog out to a park to play. Most kids cannot wait to run through the park after a long day at school. Dogs, however, do not have that luxury. Many parks are banning pets from entering because park rec departments have been increasingly concerned in having, “clean parks”. According to Dogpark.com, there are only nine public dog parks in central Connecticut. All you need for your dog to have fun is a nice big area to play, and some quality time with their loving owner.

There are a ton of issues. Dogs starve, over heat, thrown into bad working conditions, thrown in overcrowded space, yet the problems persist. There are many steps we can take to help our furry friends, one paw at a time. Educate others, take care of your own pet, and speak out.

We must take a stand for what is right, and secure a Woof of Rights for these important animals.

Inside Out Dog Training - Training your dog from the Inside Out instead of using force.

Abandoned Puppy Gets Adopted Soon After Being Rescued

Sometime last week, Winnipeg Animal Services Officers rescued a puppy who was abandoned in a dumpster. The dumpster was located in the 1000 block of Jefferson Avenue and ‘Rayne’, the puppy, is recovering in the care of the agency. Sources from the Animal Services Agency say the small canine will be well enough to go to a new home very soon.

Chief Operating Officer of the city’s Animal Services Agency, Leland Gordon, said the eight-week-old puppy is a shepherd-collie mix, and will be up for adoption ASAP. He also mentioned that people who are considering relinquishing pets should drop them off at shelters, as opposed to dumping them in a trash can.

“Don’t throw the dog in a dumpster, especially a puppy. It’s not that hard to find a home for a cute little puppy. Pets are not disposable. When you get a pet, it’s your responsibility to take care of that pet.”

Anyone with information regarding the dog’s previous owner is asked to call 311. To view Rayne’s information, and a list of other dogs available for adoption, go to www.winnipeg.ca/cms/animal.

Since writing this article, we have discovered Rayne, the dumpster dog, has found a loving home sooner than expected. Remember, there are a ton of great dogs out there looking for an owner and while if you wanted Rayne you are out of luck, check a shelter near you for an amazing rescue dog.

Inside Out Dog Training - Training your dog from the Inside Out instead of using force.

Heroic Dog Shot Chasing Robbery Suspects

SPOKANE WA – Two suspects fleeing from the scene of a crime fired off rounds into a dog during a home invasion late Tuesday in Spokane Washington.

Authorities told reporters that two suspects were on the run after the robbery around 10 p.m. on the 800 block of West Euclid, when the victim’s dog charged out the door after them.

Spokane Police Department detectives said two masked men broke into a home with guns and robbed the residents inside. They also said a small child was in the home at the time but thankfully no one was hurt. However, while the suspects ran away from the home, the victim’s heroic dog bolted after them. That is when the suspects fired off three rounds into the canine ‘Guardian,’ according to police.

The fearless pup was taken to an animal emergency clinic for treatment and was in serious but stable condition early Wednesday. Guardian was hit three times, shot next to his spine, behind his leg, and behind his shoulder. A few days later you would have no way of knowing that this heroic dog just got shot three times. Guardian was up and walking around, appearing to be in little pain at all.

Authorities said the suspects fled the scene in an older white van with no windows and had a faded Spokane Shock sticker on the back. Police located the white van and are following up on suspect leads.

Anyone with information on the car or about the crime should contact Crime Check at 509-456-2233.

Inside Out Dog Training - Training your dog from the Inside Out instead of using force.

Young Calicoe Dog Fighting Ring – Police seize animals by Detroit rapper

Before I begin telling you what I think about this guy and what he is doing with his dogs, I want to let everyone know that this is just my opinion. I am a true dog lover and someone who cares for these animals everyday. So this rant I am about to take is just what most of us are thinking and not be willing to say, so I will go ahead and just say it.

  I know there is a fine line between educating someone and judging them, which gets confused all the time. As dog lovers, we want to educate people about how to take care of their dogs properly in hopes teaching them how to train their dog using positive methods. When I see someone who enjoys what they are doing as much as Young Calicoe seems to be doing in this video, my blood begins to boil and causes a response such as the rant below.

Recording The Tour Of Your Dog Fighting Facility.
1. First we have to start with just how much of a dumb ass this guy is for recording illegal activity for the world to see and then post all over the web. You should be on the world’s dumbest criminal’s show for being so stupid. In your ignorance, you brag about all the things you do with the dogs so the Feds will have plenty of information to prosecute you. The only thing you forgot was a written confession, signed and hand delivered to their door.

Put Your Attention Elsewhere Like Rapping Or How You Will Spend Time In Your Jail Cell.
2. If you were better at rapping and your current profession, Young Calicoe, you wouldn’t need to fight dogs. Maybe you should be in the studio working on a song that sells and makes money instead of torturing dogs. YES! I said torturing dogs because I have rehabilitated bait dogs and fighting dogs and you sir are preventing these dogs from having a normal, loving existence.

Giving The Authorities A Reason To Raid Your Sorry Ass.
3. This one is just the icing on the cake. You said, “Anyone want to fight some dogs, hope we don’t get indicted for that, that Michael Vick type shit”. Then you post evidence all over the internet for the world and the Feds to see. Your not really the sharpest tool in the shed.

Please Tell Us More About Your Illegal Activities.
4. Thanks for showing us the other felonies so we can put you in jail even longer. You said, “Oh yeah, we fight them too, that’s a grand champ right there”. Last time I checked, rooster fighting is illegal in every state and a felony in 39. I didn’t check on your state but I am hoping it is because that will probably add to your jail sentence.

The Video Wasn’t Enough So You Gave Us Examples Of Your Crimes.
5. The tour of confessions… every time you walk in and point and say he is a grand champion, you’re admitting that you fight the dogs. Also, you should know that the Feds will be able to check these dogs and know if they have been fighting. If so, thanks for the confirmation.

You Really Race That Crappy Car?
6. I am sure you can’t charge someone for saying they street race, but by showing that crappy car you said you race with and that tore up engine just speaks volumes… You cannot even race cars properly.

Things that Young Calicoe did right when showing the world his dog fighting facility

1. It looks like you surrounded yourself with some upstanding citizens that I am sure when it comes down to facing jail time will gladly take your place so you can continue your glorious rapping career. NOT!

2. You were smart enough to video tape the whole thing so we can really understand just how stupid you are and now there’s evidence to convict you (cross our fingers).

3. Last but not least, you have posted this horrible video all over the internet. This means that not only all the dog lovers in the world can despise these revolting actions towards dogs but the authorities can now raid your house to obtain evidence… which they did yesterday so thank you for that.

  Now that my rant is over, let’s talk about a few things that happened with this situation. First you will notice that the dogs were glad to see these douche-bags. The sad thing is, these are the same people who fight them. Dogs are pack animals and seek interaction which most love and that’s why dogs are called man’s best friend. I just hated to see these dogs in these type of conditions… because all the kennels and crates where also in horrible condition. On a positive note, this should help raise awareness to everyone, including the government to legislate stiffer penalties for people who decide to fight dogs. If you want to watch the video tour of his crimes, the video is included below. Please comment and let us know what you think about these douche-bags.

Young Calicoe Dog Fighting Tour…

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Pug wont go to bed and talks back to the owner!

This is a hilarious video of a pug named Ozzy that just refuses to go to bed and isn’t shy to tell their owner. At some points in the video it really does sound like Ozzy is saying actual words! This dog is no doubt very vocal and does not want to go to bed. I love a dog that is not afraid to speak his mind. Pugs are one of my favorite breeds, they have such personality and this video really shows it.

Inside Out Dog Training - Training your dog from the Inside Out instead of using force.

Take Your Dog to Work Day – Friday June 22nd

There is nothing harder than leaving the house for work in the morning with Max and Maggie giving you the sad-eyes as you walk out the door.

Well today, you and your little canines are in luck.

Friday, June 22nd, marks the 14th annual Pet Sitters International’s Take Your Dog to Work Day, an event first instilled in 1999 by Pet Sitters International (PSI) as a way to celebrate the friendships between humans and their dog companions and to promote shelter adoptions.

While only one in five U.S. companies allows pets in the workplace year round, but PSI encourages companies to welcome their employees’ four-legged furry friends each year on the Friday following Father’s Day.

Bringing Fido to the work place with you has been proven to have many benefits for the employee and the company also. Dogs have been shown to improve office morale, boost productivity, and reduce job-related stress; just ask top companies like Google, Amazon, and Ben & Jerry’s, all of which allow their employees’ dogs to tag along at the office. A recent study conducted by Central Michigan University demonstrates that when dogs are allowed in the workplace, coworkers tend to trust one another more and collaborate better.

This year’s Take Your Dog to Work Day event and campaign includes a very special message that PSI hopes will increase adoption rates at shelters and rescue organizations across the country. Due to the economic crisis, the number of unemployed and underemployed pet owners has increased tenfold.

This leads to a crisis – many otherwise wonderful pet moms and dads cannot afford to properly care for their pets. Intake numbers at U.S. animal shelters are on the rise, and the inflating numbers of homeless dogs and cats has taken its toll. There are an estimated six to eight million dogs and cats relinquished to animal shelters each year, and according to the Humane Society of the United States, three to four million of those pets are ultimately euthanized.

On this Take Your Dog to Work Day, PSI encourages people to consider adopting from a shelter or animal rescue organization in order to lower “the dog unemployment rate” for good.

The day marks the culmination of Take Your Pet to Work Week, which accommodates owners of cats, rabbits, birds, and any pet that walks, swims, slithers, or flies.

Inside Out Dog Training - Training your dog from the Inside Out instead of using force.