I have not made it all the way to the end but I would already recommend this book, or book on tape, to anyone who loves animals and a true feel good story.

I heard on the news this morning that a koala had walked into someone’s home due to a current heat wave.

Here is the first reports I heard earlier in the year:
Koala comes in from a heat wave February 2009

Here is some other animal news:

Hilarious cake wrecks with animal themes!

Dog lost in Afghan battle found after 14 months!

Politician’s pet cat’s death spreads rumor of Margaret Thatcher’s passing…

The amazing story of Nubs has been recorded by Maj. Brian Dennis in his new childrens book ” Nubs: the True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle”. Nubs is an amazing dog, despite being wild was very affectionate and formed a special bond with Maj. Brian Dennis. Nubs, got his name because someone had cut off his ears.

Maj. Dennis formed a special relationship with Nubs but when it was time to leave on a patrol that would take him 75 miles away he thought he would never see his canine pal again. BUT to his surprise 2 days later Nubs showed up at their new location.

The book details Nubs journey from Iraq to the US and details about their relationship. To read more visit this story: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23295271/

To purchase the book visit your local bookstore or visit amazon.

It’s one of my favorite websites – so much information and amazing photos!

H1N1 can pass to pets? I’ve started hearing more about this and today Boston 5 issued an article about this saying that vets are saying that pets can get H1N1. Although, it will be atypical for your pet to contract H1N1 here are some useful tips the article recommended:

“To protect their animal, pet owners should follow these recommended precautions:

• Avoid close contact with your pet until you are no longer infectious. That includes preventing animals who sleep in your bed from doing so.
• Wash your hands before and after touching your pet.
• Do not sneeze on or nearby your pet.
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Do not kiss or hug your pet.
• Wear gloves when changing your cat’s litter.
• Know who’s handling your pet besides you, and try to reduce their contact with others who appear sick.
• Keep cats indoors to decrease their chance of coming into contact with other sick humans or animals.

Washing an animal frequently in soap and water will not reduce its chances of getting sick, said Adams. An infection like the flu is respiratory, and will not be stopped by external bathing.”

To read the full article visit: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/health/21540810/detail.html

This link shows a video near the bottom that was so touching I almost cried. In Chile, there is an estimated 220,000 stray dogs, a mind blowing number. In the video you will see one stray get hit by a car and another dog save it – on a busy highway no less. Now, for those that say that dogs don’t have any conscious awareness why would this dog even attempt this? Why do dogs wait for their owners even after death? Or save their families from a burning house?

The truth about dogs is that they are everyone’s best-friend. So please think about adopting a dog from a shelter – and think about the 220,000 stray dogs that may not get that chance in Chile.

Here is the link: http://www.sonnyradio.com/herodog.html

Greyfriars Bobby was a skye terrier who lived in Edinburgh Scotland and guarded his owners grave for 14 years. After his passing he was buried by the graveyard near his owners grave site. His story was touching to many and when he should have been put down for being a street dog the city council took him on as their responsibility. Greyfriars Bobby has a monument in his honor in Edinburgh.

All these stories started me thinking about other great animal movies I enjoy, like:

The Incredible Journey - the adventure of two dogs and a cat as they travel 300 miles through the Canadian wilderness searching for their beloved masters, it is actually set in northwestern Ontario.

Marley & Me - based on is a New York Times bestselling autobiographical book by journalist John Grogan, Marley & Me takes place during the 13 years that the family lived with Marley. It’s a touching story – the book is great (of course I generally prefer a book to the movie) but I think movie is well done too.

The Three Lives of Thomasina - this movie is a Walt Disney Productions film starring Patrick McGoohan, Susan Hampshire, and Karen Dotrice in a story about a cat and her influence on a family. Although this is not based on a true story I really enjoyed this movie growing up.

So if you feel up for it check out some of these movies but also let us know about your pet experiences and stories – we’d love to hear them!
Cheers!

Hachiko was the beloved dog of a University Professor in Japan. Everyday the dog came to greet the Professor at the train station when he got home from work. One day the Professor did not show up as he had suffered a stroke that day at the University but Hachiko did not understand and after being given away and constantly running away to return home started showing up at the train station each day when the Professor’s train would arrive.

One of the Professor’s students started writing articles about Hachiko and these articles created a media buzz about the dog and his loyalty. He became a sensation and returned to the train station every day for 10 years until he passed away.

A monument was errected in Hachiko’s honor and is celebrated every April 8th. Hachiko is a symbol to many of loyalty and how we should all be to those we love.

Richard Gere stars in a movie to be released based on the story of Hachiko but is based in the US.

Here is the movie trailer:

This is the kind of pet story that makes you want to cuddle up with your dog and thank them for their loyalty!