Just for Fun: Canine ID Quiz

I recently ran across this canine quiz on matching your dog to its ancestry. Try it out for fun...it's a lot harder than you'd think! Ellen

P.S. Can anyone guess what breeds are in our old dog T-Rex (above photo)?
BestFriendsStudios

Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Tonight!

If you love watching the créme de la créme of the dog world, don't miss the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The annual dog show started today (Monday, February 9), with the Hound, Terrier, Non-Sporting, and Herding group competition to be televised live tonight on USA Network from 8-9PM ET and continuing on CNBC from 9-11PM ET. On Tuesday, you can catch the Sporting, Working, Toy, and Best In Show live on USA Network from 8-11PM ET. The only newly-recognized breed competing this year among the 170 breeds is the Dogue De Bordeaux (French Mastiff). Ellen
BestFriendsStudios

Make Your Own Pet Travel Dish

I wanted to share this cool tutorial by Diane Gilleland for making a collapsible travel dish for your pet using basic origami fold and oilcloth (no leaks). Check it out at Craftstylish...this would be perfect for those of us who like to take our dogs hiking. Ellen
BestFriendsStudios

Photo: Diane Gilleland

Dogs and Cats Need Homes Due to Ice Storm

Within the week, the Humane Society of Missouri will have more than 50 dogs and cats that were displaced or surrendered due to the recent ice storm in Southeast Missouri available for adoption. If you live in the St. Louis area and have been considering adding a furry friend to your family, check out the details here. The Humane Society can also use the following supplies to care for the animals: blankets, towels, newspaper and single-cut shredded paper (both in southeast Missouri and in St. Louis). Supplies can be dropped off at the Humane Society of Missouri’s Headquarters, 1201 Macklind Avenue, in front of the Adoption Center. Ellen
BestFriendsStudios

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Humane Society of Missouri website.

Groundhog Day...Is it cruel?

This morning at dawn Punxsutawney Phil awoke and, according to the official Groundhog Day website, cast "a joyful eye towards thousands of his faithful followers." He then saw his shadow and decreed six more weeks of winter. Hmmm, not what I was hoping for after a week of snow and frigid temperatures.

I've always thought Groundhog Day was harmless fun until I heard our local weatherman talking about it yesterday on the news. He mentioned that the Saint Louis Zoo's resident groundhog was peacefully hibernating and would remain so, while the folks in Punxsutaney would once more drag poor Phil out of his burrow for a little unscientific silliness. Ouch!

So I'm wondering how others feel about the Groundhog Day tradition. Has it become one of those traditions that's lost its luster? (Feel free to comment.) For me, I'm proud that our Saint Louis Zoo has taken the high road and let sleeping groundhogs lie. Ellen
BestFriendsStudios