Where Did Dogs Become Our "Best Friends"?John Roach
for National Geographic News

August 3, 2009
DNA from scrappy dogs in African villages is raising doubts about a theory that dogs first became "man's best friend" in East Asia.

Based on DNA evidence, scientists believe that domestic dogs originated from Eurasian gray wolves sometime between 15,000 and 40,000 years ago.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/08/090803-dogs-first-domesticated.html?source=email_wn_20090807

1. Abused Kitten Rescued—ASPCA Agents Attacked
On July 23, two ASPCA HLE Agents, responding to a case of suspected animal cruelty, were physically assaulted by the owner of a kitten whose leg had been broken and whiskers cut off. The accused perpetrator faces two counts of felony assault and one count of animal cruelty. Read more about the case...
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/08-07-09.html#1

  2. ASPCA Rescue Tails: Learning to Be a Dog Again
Timid pup Skylar, rescued during our full-scale raid of the Thyme and Sage Ranch, is learning from her new mom what it means to be loved.
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/08-07-09.html#2

 3. Your Videos Wanted: Dog Days of Summer Contest
Whether sunbathing, swimming or enjoying a family BBQ—send us a video of how your pooch is spending his summer days. Top ten winners will receive an ASPCA prize pack and be featured on our website!
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/08-07-09.html#3

*DOG TIP*

The first sustenance that a newborn puppy receives from his mother is called colostrum. This milk-like substance contains antibodies and other protective nutrients that the newborn lacks. Puppies that fail to receive colostrum can be especially prone to infectious diseases and have poor survival rates.

*CAT TIP*

To reduce or remove cat odors from your home, clean litter boxes daily and dispose of waste in a garbage can outside. Clean accidents with an enzyme odor remover sold at pet stores. Don't use ammonia-based cleaning products, cause it will bring your cat back to the same spot.

*BONUS TIP*

Choose pet food without the chemical preservatives BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin, vary cats’ diets to limit their exposure to mercury in seafood, and choose organic or free-range ingredients rather than “by-products.”