1. Veterinary laboratories in several states are investigating an unusual respiratory illness in dogs, and encouraging people to take basic precautions to keep their pets healthy as veterinarians try to pin down what’s making the animals sick. Oregon, Colorado and New Hampshire are among the states that have seen cases of the illness, which has caused lasting respiratory disease and pneumonia and does not respond to antibiotics. Symptoms of respiratory illness in dogs include coughing, sneezing, nasal or eye discharge and lethargy. Some cases of the pneunomia progress quickly, making dogs very sick within 24 to 36 hours. (via Oregon Public Broadcasting)
2. When Bingo first stepped foot in the airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after months of arrangements ahead of his departure from Cuba, he did what any grateful dog would do: He licked his owner's face. The 15-lb (6.8-kg), sandy-haired chihuahua with perky ears was among the lucky ones. Cubans, pushed by the economic crisis, have left their home in record numbers over the past two years - and increasingly, many now want to bring their dogs and cats, too. But like their owners, pets seeking to leave the island can face onerous regulations, expenses and logistical issues, said Nathalie Osorio, an animal rights activist who told Reuters she has helped facilitate travel for more than 150 pets. (via Reuters)
3. After a long day at work, you open the door to the place you call home. A chorus of furry happiness rushes toward you, the sound of unconditional canine love. With your return, your dog's world is whole. Virginia Tech and Arizona State University researchers are working to help more shelter dogs experience this kind of love, safety, and happiness in an adoptive home. The research team in Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences found that implementing shorter-term fostering programs at animal shelters vastly improves adoptions for our canine friends. (via Virginia Tech)
4. In 2022, the researchers Lauren Brubaker and Monique Udell recruited 48 parents and their children for a study on the behavioral effects of different parenting styles. The adult subjects were given a survey about their expectations for their children, and how they typically respond to their needs; the children were tested to determine their attachment style, sociability, and problem-solving skills. I should probably mention that the children involved were dogs. (via The Atlantic)
5. Rocky sat patiently as his people rubbed vermilion powder onto his forehead, placed a garland around his neck and showered him in marigold petals. Then he scarfed down some chicken-flavored treats. Rocky is a Japanese Spitz, and his owners, Mon and Mani Sanyasi, are Hindus who were honoring their dog as part of Tihar — the Hindu festival also known as Diwali — in their cozy apartment on Columbus’ Northeast Side. Often called the festival of lights, Diwali holds different meanings and is celebrated differently by different populations across South Asia, as well as their diasporas in the United States. A common theme is the victory of good over evil, which is symbolized by lighting candles and fireworks that illuminate villages, towns and cities over the holiday. For the Sanyasi family, the holiday also involves ritual worship of cows, crows — and dogs. (via The Columbus Dispatch)
6. An Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) undercover investigator who worked 40 shifts as a kennel attendant at a Petland store in Novi, Michigan, documented sick puppies, dangerous conditions and improper care with a hidden camera. Transportation documents revealed that the Petland store has sourced puppies from problematic puppy mills, at least five of which have been included in the HSUS Horrible Hundred report due to state and federal inspection records documenting egregious or repeated animal care violations. (via The Humane Society of the United States)
7. South Korea is planning to introduce a ban on dog meat consumption by the end of this year. Eating dog meat is neither explicitly prohibited nor legalized in South Korea, and successive governments have failed to make progress on pledges to stop the practice. Public and political momentum to outlaw dog meat has been growing in the country as the centuries-old practice has fallen out of favor with most young Koreans. It has also attracted international criticism from international rights activists. The ruling People Power Party on Friday laid out a timetable for action by 2027. (via The Washington Post)
8. Owners of American bully XLs can apply to register their dogs for an exemption before the breed is banned next year. It will be illegal to own a bully XL in England and Wales from 1 February. Owners who wish to keep their dogs must apply to the exemption scheme or they can choose to have their dog euthanised and apply for compensation. It follows a number of attacks involving the breed, although owners insist the dogs, despite their appearance, make lovable pets. From 31 December 2023 it will be against the law to sell, abandon, breed from or give away an American bully XL, or have one in public without a lead or muzzle. Dogs on the exempt list will also have to be neutered and microchipped. (via BBC)
9. One of the most beloved Thanksgiving traditions is back as the 2023 National Dog Show returns to NBC and Peacock after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, Nov. 23 at 12:00 p.m. local time. Hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, the show was founded in 1879 and has been held annually since 1933. The NDS is sanctioned by the American Kennel Club, and only purebred dogs registered with the AKC can compete. The AKC recognizes 212 dog breeds and varieties, split into seven different groups. NBC has televised the event after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 2002. John O’Hurley and David Frei will reprise their roles as hosts, having co-hosted together since the National Dog Show first aired. Mary Carillo will also be back for more commentary, analysis and behind-the-scenes looks at one of the oldest dog shows in the world. (via NBC Sports)
10. We've all heard of the hit show "Dancing with the Stars," but what about dancing with your dogs? That's right, it's a real thing. Every year, people and their dogs from across the globe compete in this international sport on the world's preeminent dog dancing stage, Crufts dog show, in Birmingham, England. "Heelwork to Music" is a competitive sport where handlers choreograph intricate dance routines with their dogs. An ABC News Studios six-part docuseries, "The Secret Life of Dancing Dogs," streaming on Hulu on Nov. 17, follows the journey of seven current and former. competitors and their dazzling dogs exploring the hopes and challenges competitors face as they train and prepare for the 2023 Crufts show, all in the hopes of claiming the top prize. (via ABC News).
Dog Photo of the Week
Photo by Nikki Vasconez, “She Charges $550 for 90 Minutes and Has a Wait List of 7,600 People” (via The Wall Street Journal)
Dog Video of the Week
By Crufts, “Hot to get started in Dog Showing”.