Cats and Dogs Star Taco Bell Chihuahua dies

Photograph by: Chris Weeks, Getty Images

LOS ANGELES — Yo quiero no more: The Taco Bell chihuahua has gone to doggie heaven.

The pooch famous for its role in the late-1990s Taco Bell commercials has died, reports People.com.

Continue reading after the jump.

Tough Guys and Puppies

About 15 years ago, a group of animal-loving, tattooed bikers in the New York area began acting on behalf of abused animals. The men volunteered at shelters and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty Toward Animals, and they tried to solve cases of missing or abused animals that other organizations had neither the time nor the resources to address.

Batso and Big Ant held pups from the litter.

Photo: Librado Romero/The New York Times

View the entire collections in slideshow now!

Best Dog in America

Holly, a pointer, is led around the ring by her handler Michael Scott during the competition for Best in Show at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship on Sunday, December 14, 2008, in Long Beach, Calif. Holly was selected Best in Show.

Photo: Matt Rourke/Associated Press

Ten Commandments for A Responsible Dog Owner

As dictated by dog from Leslie Bocobo.

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Put your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you.
5. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
6. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when you talk to me.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike or kick me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, and yet I choose not to bite you, because I love you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy and uncooperative, ask yourself if something could be bothering me. Perhaps you’re not feeding me the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old and weak.
9. Please take good care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old and I would like to still be with you when that time comes.
10. On the difficult journey, on that ultimate journey, go with me please. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

Take a moment today to thank God for your dogs. Enjoy them and take good care of them. Life would be a bit dull and less joyful without man’s best friend.

Pet Fashion Week NY for 2009

If you are interested in exploring the pet lifestyle and fashion market, Pet Fashion Week NY 09 is a must see!

In an upscale tradeshow and fashion environment, you will be interacting with the who’s who of the international pet world while viewing the latest trends in high-end clothing, accessories, furnishings, and runway designs.

First will be the debut of our Spring event February 8th and 9th, 2009 at Pier Sixty of NYC’s Chelsea Piers.

We will also be hosting the 4th annual Pet Fashion Week NY Fall event August 22nd and 23rd at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC. Pet Fashion Week NY will also be working with the JPPMA show in Yokohama, Japan March 26-29.

For more information visit www.petfashionweek.com for more details or simply Register Online.

Dog Show

Getting tired? Take a break and let your pets entertain you!

Protect your pet from winter dangers

From coast to coast temperatures are dropping. Baby, it’s cold outside and it’s time to protect our pets from the frosty elements.

To learn what you are doing right and what you should be doing differently, read these time-tested tips from the ASCPA.

Until spring rolls around, it’s a good idea to be extra vigilant with our companion animals.

1. Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.
2. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.
3. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.
4. Thoroughly wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.
5. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.
6. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
7. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.
8. Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him—and his fur—in tip-top shape.
9. Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center more information.
10. Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

Thanks to Casey Cavalier, Dallas Pet Health Examiner
Photo: ASCPA