FUN QUIZ: What Dog Breed Are YOU?

My daughter turns 11 in two weeks and has only one wish for her birthday: a puppy of her own. After nearly a year of talking about this birthday wish, Elena has finally managed to wear down my husband...the search for the perfect rescue puppy is on! So in the spirit of our search, try out this clever quiz from Dogster to find out what breed you are. You can even enter your email address to see your friends' results. (Elena is a Jack Russell Terrier, my husband is a Border Collie, my son is a Poodle and I'm a Golden.) Ellen
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Vote for an Animal Shelter Makeover!

Starting today you can vote for one of ten different needy shelters up for a makeover! Go to Zootoo and place your vote now. The contest ends on April 19th so make sure you vote soon! There are 10 needy shelters from these states: California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, & Wisconsin. Of course, Ellen and I are favoring our own states of Missouri and California, but choose any of them as they are all definitely in need.
Mary Ann
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Mr. & Mrs. Mallard Return

OK, I know it's a bit silly, but I got so excited last week when our two Mallard ducks stopped in for a swim in our backyard pool. Mr. and Mrs. Mallard, as we like to call them, have been flying in every spring for the past five or six years to hang out in the mucky water that collects atop our pool cover.

Now, of course, we aren't positive that the same duck couple visits each year, but since Mallards have a lifespan of seven to nine years in the wild, I like to think it's possible. So far, we've never found their nest, but it must be nearby. One year, Mrs. Mallard laid an egg at the edge of the pool then abandoned it. Who knows? Maybe this year will be the year we can "make way for ducklings!" At any rate, having Mr. and Mrs. Mallard as houseguests makes our lives just a little more interesting. Ellen
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Get Ticked Off! Protect Your Dog Against Lyme Disease

April is the official "Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs Month" so if your dog spends any time at all outside (which we certainly hope is the case!), you should make sure he or she is protected. The Lyme disease bacteria is carried by the black-legged or deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) and the western black-legged tick (I. pacificus), both of which are smaller than the typical tick found on most pets. The disease can affect the heart, brain and kidneys. Outward symptoms of Lyme disease vary among individual dogs but may include joint stiffness, fever, loss of appetite, lymph node swelling, lethargy and a red rash near source of tick bite.

Luckily, we can all prevent Lyme disease. Our dog and cat both receive monthly Frontline® treatments (click here for a coupon), and we always do extensive tick checks after hikes in the woods, especially this time of year. Parts of the body ticks especially like to hang out include ears, groin, armpits and under collars. There is also a vaccine available to prevent Lyme Disease, though some veterinarians are against it. For more information, visit lymeprevention.com, which includes a U.S. Positive Canine Lyme Map and tick identification section. Ellen
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