Dog Craving Doughnuts Blamed for Fire

Wash. State - A dog with a craving for doughnuts was blamed for starting a house fire in this city north of Vancouver.
According to Clark County fire investigators, the homeowners had left a box of doughnuts on the stove on Sunday. The dog jumped up onto the stove to get to the doughnuts and accidentally flipped on a burner.
"The burner set the box on fire and the fire spread from the kitchen to the attic," Fire District 11 Capt. Ben Meacham told The Columbian.
Investigators said the fire caused about $75,000 worth of damage.
The dog, home alone when the fire started, escaped injury.

Caring for Your Dog: The Top Ten Essentials
 
Your dog gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, loyalty, and friendship. In return, she counts on you to provide her with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, exercise, companionship, and more. Take care of these ten essentials, and you'll be guaranteed to develop a rewarding relationship with your canine companion.

Outfit your dog with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your companion may become lost—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your pet will be returned home safely.
Follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccinating him for rabies. Check with your local shelter or humane society for information regarding legal requirements, where to obtain tags, and where to have your pet vaccinated.

Follow this simple rule—off property, on leash. Even a dog with a valid license, rabies tag, and ID tag should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard. It is best for you, your community, and your dog to keep your pet under control at all times.
Give your dog proper shelter. A fenced yard with a doghouse is a bonus, especially for large and active dogs; however, dogs should never be left outside alone or for extended periods of time. Dogs need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time inside with their family.
Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral.
Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs who have this routine surgery tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavior problems (e.g., biting, running away). By spaying or neutering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce the problem of pet overpopulation.

Give your pooch a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.
Enroll your dog in a training class. Positive training will allow you to control your companion's behavior safely and humanely, and the experience offers a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your dog.
Give your dog enough exercise to keep him physically fit (but not exhausted). Most dog owners find that playing with their canine companion, along with walking him twice a day, provides sufficient exercise. If you have questions about the level of exercise appropriate for your dog, consult your veterinarian.

Be loyal to and patient with your faithful companion. Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved. If you are struggling with your pet's behavior, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice, and check out The HSUS's Pets for Life campaign information.

Little Johnny's mother asked him what he would like for his birthday.  "I'd like a little brother," he
replied.  

"Oh my, that's such a big wish," said the mother. "Why do you want a little brother?"  

"Well," replied little Johnny, "there's only so much I can blame on the dog."

PET TIP

Dogs and cats, as well as some other animals, have a tasting device called the Jacobson's organ which functions somewhere between smelling and tasting. Your dog activates this device by opening his mouth slightly, picking up scent substances from the air, and then pressing them into his Jacobson's organ. 

DOG TIP

When your pooch gets dirty a bath may be in order. However, if you want to spot clean him between baths, a baby wipe works well. Dogs can suffer from dry skin if bathed too frequently.

CAT TIP

Strings And Ribbons are a NO! NO!  
Strings, ribbon and yarn may be fun for kitty to play with,  
but they can be hazardous if swallowed. Your cat can get  
dangerously tangled up, as well. If you and your cat like  
to play string games, make sure the string is safely put  
away after every game

 We say goodbye to Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. Thank you, Steve, for loving all species of life! We will remember you.