Brandi the Beagle Survives 70-Foot Jump Off Bridge

After running away and finding herself on a crowded bridge, Brandi only had one way to go: down.

After Brandi the Beagle ran away from her owner and found herself running in traffic, her day went from bad to worse -- and then she jumped off a 70-foot bridge.

Let's back up -- but not before mentioning that Brandi is fine. She just has a lightly bruised tummy because she did a belly flop when she jumped off the bridge. (If you smiled just now, that's okay. It's okay to smile over a lightly bruised tummy sustained during a belly flop, if only for a moment.)

Brandi's trouble with the bridge started earlier that day, when she was taking her usual walk with her owner, Robert Lorenz, according to the New York Daily News. Brandi, who had been abused by her previous owners, doesn't like strangers much, and she didn't like the strangers who approached her on the walk, crowding around her and trying to pet her. She got out of her harness and bolted. 

Unfortunately, she bolted onto the Burlington-Bristol Bridge. It was a poor choice. The bridge was full of traffic, with people -- all of them strangers -- stopping their cars and trying to help her, and there was no way out. 

Except off the side of it. 

“She’s running down the middle of this two-lane bridge with traffic coming at her, she dodges traffic, and finally goes to the side,” Liz Verna, a spokesperson for the Burlington County Bridge Commission, told the Daily News.

It was a 70-foot drop, with swiftly moving currents below. It's a tough leap, for any creature. 

“We have had human jumpers,” Verna said. “I think at least one of them survived, but usually they do not.”

Brandi, however, handled it like a champ. Even with no previous experience on the high dive, or any dive, she nailed the belly flop, dog-paddled against the current, hauled herself ashore -- and promptly hid in the bushes along the riverfront.

Police and witnesses saw her make the jump, and they scoured the area with Lorenz's wife, Alexia -- who was still in her bathrobe, because she had run out of the house like a hero the moment she learned from her husband that their dog was lost. At midnight she finally went home to change out of the bathrobe, and when she returned ... well, let her tell it: 

“I pulled up, and in my headlights, there were her eyes glaring at me in the darkness of the night,” she told CourierPostOnline. “I didn’t want to do anything to scare her, so I slowly grabbed the leash and her treats.”

“I clipped the leash and that was it,” Alexia Lorenz said. “I couldn’t believe it. It was a miracle.”

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Product Review: Magnetic Vehicle Signage

Social media may be all the rage for marketers these days, but old-school signage still works. If you’re trying to start or build a pet business, magnetic auto signage is still one of the most affordable ways to get your message out there. And they work, because you’ll find that you get phone calls while you’re stuck in traffic, and people will talk to you about your business when you park your car and step out of it. A sign can remind people that they need your product or service. When you’re in your car and you see a vehicle sign, it’s easy to pick up a mobile phone and call the number (that’s how I got my last lawn care guy).

An auto magnet can give your business a professional look for a reasonable price. You can remove it when you want, and with a custom design, you can add your logo or any image you like.

We tried www.magnetsonthecheap.com for their fast turnaround and affordable pricing (starting at under $10). They have stock designs that you can use if you don’t want to design your own. We uploaded some artwork and our logo, which reproduced very nicely.

The magnet quality was very good, and the color really popped. I had to take it off during the heat of the Texas summer (daytime highs of 108 degrees) because I didn’t want it to fade or anything. It may not have, but I didn’t want to take any chances.

It looks great on the vehicle and it’s very eye-catching.

These signs are great for:

Pet sittersVeterinary practicesYard poop pickup servicesGroomersDog walkersBoutiques and pet shops

Tips:

Clean and dry your vehicle before attaching sign.Do not place sign over trim or ridges that could create air pockets.If you place the magnet crooked, peel it off and start again. Do not try to nudge or slide it into place.Store the magnets flat.Use a light background if your vehicle is dark for good contrast.Make the type big enough for people to read 20 yards away.Think about whether your business (i.e. a pet sitter) only serves certain cities/towns in your area, and if so, say it on your sign.Decide what action you want people to take. I wanted them to go to a website, so I put a web address on the magnet. If you’re a groomer, you may prefer that they call you instead. In that case, put your phone number on the magnet in numbers as large as you can manage.Pay attention to safe driving and obey all traffic laws. Remember, people do business with people, not companies. They may get turned off if you change lanes without signaling or follow too closely. Be a courteous driver to help build customer confidence.

I really liked the quality and fast shipping from MagnetsOnTheCheap.com. They also have another site, www.SignsOnTheCheap.com, if you need yard signs.

Lisa Woody is a former magazine editor and professional product tester for 15 years. She has been a pet products e-tailer for 8 years and loves to find out what's new and what works for dogs.

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Boots & Barkley Bully Sticks Recalled from Target

Salmonella is found in the popular dog snack consisting of dried bull penises.

Kasel Associated Industries of Denver is recalling Boots & Barkley American Beef Bully Sticks because of Salmonella risk, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. 

The recalled American Beef Bully Sticks, which come in a clear plastic bag and contain six sticks, were distributed nationwide through Target retail stores from April through September 2012.

The recalled bags are marked with the bar code number 647263899189.

Kasel is recalling all lot numbers of the sticks after tests by Colorado's Department of Agriculture found salmonella in the following four lots: BESTBY20APR2014DEN, BESTBY01JUN2014DEN, BESTBY23JUN2014DEN, and BESTBY23SEP2014DEN.

According to the FDA: 

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has any of these signs, please contact your veterinarian.

The FDA also warns that people can be affected as well: 

Humans are at risk for salmonella poisoning from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the pet products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Bully sticks are dried bull penises. They are known by a variety of names -- beef pizzles, beef sticks, pizzle sticks, steer sticks -- but they are all dried bull penises.

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Dog Food Recall: Breeder’s Choice AvoDerm and Various Thyroid Medications

One batch of AvoDerm is pulled off the market over Salmonella fears. Also, three manufacturers recall thyroid meds.

Because of possible contamination with Salmonella, Breeder’s Choice Pet Food is recalling a single manufacturing batch of its Breeder's Choice AvoDerm Natural Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Adult Dog Formula.

Look for the following information on the bag: 

Product Code: 1000065074

UPC Code: 0 5290702043 8

Best Before Code: 28 Aug 2013, 29 Aug 2013, or 30 Aug 2013

According to a company press release, a sample from this batch had tested positive for Salmonella.

Here's what to look out for if your pet is sick, according to that press release: 

"Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian."

For more information, call 1-866-500-6286 or visit Breeder's Choice. 

Also on the recall list: Lloyd, Vedco, and Clipper have recalled some thyroxine products because of an “incorrect in-process specification for blend uniformity criteria," according to the American Veterinarian Medical Association. These medications are used to treat thyroid conditions in dogs. Here are the products listed on the recall: 

Lloyd:

Lloyd Thyro Tab 0.3mg in 1000 ct NDC# 11789-253-20 KB15711
Lloyd Thyro Tab 0.3mg in 120ct NDC#11789-253-10 KB15711
Lloyd Thyro Tab 1.0mg in 1000ct NDC# 11789-268-20 KB17311
Lloyd Thyro Tab 1.0mg in 120ct NDC# 11789-268-10 KB17311
Lloyd Thyro Tab 0.7mg in 1000ct NDC# 11789-257-20 KB18011
Lloyd Thyro Tab 0.7mg in 120ct NDC# 11789-257-10 KB18011
Lloyd Thyro Tab 0.2mg in 1000ct NDC# 11789-252-20 KA16611
Lloyd Thyro Tab 0.2mg in 120ct NDC# 11789-252-10 KA16611

Vedco:

Vedco Thyrosyn Tab 0.8mg in 1000ct NDC# 50989-204-53 KD11711, KD11711A
Vedco Thyrosyn Tab 0.3mg in 1000ct NDC# 50989-201-53 KB13611, KB13611A
Vedco Thyrosyn Tab 0.3mg in 180ct NDC# 50989-201-86 KB13611, KB13611A
Vedco Thyrosyn Tab 0.7mg in 180ct NDC# 50989-283-86 KB18011, KB18011A

Clipper:

Clipper Thyrozine Tab 0.3mg in 1000ct NDC# 57319-333-16 KB13611, KB13611a, KB15711
Clipper Thyrozine Tab 0.3mg in 180ct NDC# 57319-333-31 KB15711F
Clipper Thyrozine Tab 0.7mg in 1000ct NDC# 57319-337-16 KB18011
Clipper Thyrozine Tab 0.7mg in 180ct NDC# 57319-337-31 KB18011F, KB18011FA

Visit the American Veterinarian Medical Association's page on the recall for more information. 

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"Let's Ask America" Picks a Scrappy Canine Mascot

Buster "Cash" Brown makes his debut on the new TV game show.

As we recently reported, Let's Ask America is a new breed of TV game show that lets contestants win money from home. Because Dogster readers prefer to participate while stationed on the sofa with their favorite couch hounds, the show has announced the winner of its nationwide canine mascot star search.

He's a Parson Russell Terrier named Buster "Cash" Brown. Buster was rescued off the streets, right near owner Amber Brown's apartment in Long Beach, CA. When she discovered him in October 2010, the 6-month-old was an extremely skinny puppy.

Now a strapping, mediagenic 2-year-old, Buster wins a trip to the Los Angeles set of the show with Amber, plus a professional photo shoot with Let's Ask America host Kevin Pereira. Buster will also appear on the program throughout the season.

Want to be a contestant? Fill out an application at the show's website.

Watch a clip here:

Let's Ask America premieres Monday, September 17, on Scripps Television stations. Check www.letsaskamerica.tv for your local listings.

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Play-Dead-A-Palooza Calls Attention to Tainted Dog Treats

The event aims to educate people about tainted Chinese jerky by setting a record for dogs playing dead.

With the constant onslaught of recalls and warnings about tainted treats from China, giving your pup a tasty snack has come to feel like a game of Russian roulette. If chicken jerky made for humans was suddenly killing off hundreds of people, there would probably be an immediate halt to its import, but the unfortunate fact is that these treats are still available in pet shops throughout the United States. While we've always carefully considered what we put in our dogs' bodies, we know have to take time to read the fine print.

In an effort to raise awareness, Bixbi Pet Products and Recordsetter is holding a Play-Dead-A-Palooza this weekend in Boulder, CO. Trying to warn the public about the dangers of jerky treats from China, the event hopes to set its own record for the most dogs playing dead at the same time (just playing dead -- all dogs involved are alive and well).

With an alarming number of dogs becoming sick or dying after eating Chinese-manufactured chicken jerky treats, it's become an epidemic that warrants more than just a recall. By gathering a record-setting number of dogs in one park to play dead, Play-Dead-A-Palooza hopes to bring attention to a scary situation in a playful way, so that no more humans have to suffer as Terry did when Samson -- her Fox Terrier mix -- died as a result of consuming tainted treats.

Find out more information at the Facebook event page.

Will your dog be playing dead as part of Play-Dead-A-Palooza?

Photo: A cute Chihuahua in the grass by Shutterstock.com

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After Four Long Years, Cassey the Collie Comes Home

After running off one day, Cassey spent years on her own. Last week, she found her family again.

Expecting their third child, Brandy and Dave Metcalf of Wake Forest, N.C., came up with a plan to calm the household during those often chaotic first months with a newborn: They decided to let Brandy's sister, Chelsee, dog-sit.

It was not a bad plan. They had a small house, two other children, and understood that Cassey, their Border Collie, might get shoved to the sidelines in all the commotion. It would be good for the dog -- a short vacation with a member of the family who knew and loved the dog, who could give her the attention she needed. Even if she lived in another city. 

“We just had our third child and we live in a small three-bedroom, so it was close quarters with baby stuff. We were just trying to give the newborn the attention she needs,” Metcalf told ABC News. “My sister was living alone in Charlotte and she’s not good at being alone and she’s known Cassey, so she got a roommate while we got past the newborn stage.”

Dave dutifully checked up on Cassey by phone for months, and Chelsee reassured him that all was fine. The phone calls got fewer and farther apart. After six months, Dave drove over to visit Chelsee and Cassey. The dog didn't run out to the car. The dog wasn't in the house at all. Cassey had run off. 

As Dave relates what his sister-in-law told him, "There was a lot going on at the house one day. Cassey is very intuitive about big noises and is very sensitive when it comes to sounds. Something startled her.” 

They searched for their dog, but she was nowhere to be found. Time passed, and the Metcalfs got on with their lives. Years passed -- four years passed -- but they never forgot Cassey. 

“We gave up hope a long time ago, but every day she was mentioned in our house,” Brandy told CBS 6 WTVR. “My daughter just said two days prior to [finding the dog] that ‘I wish we had our Cassey back.’”

Then, on September 11, the phone rang. Someone had Cassey. She was without a collar or tags, she was covered in fleas, and she had lost weight, but it was Cassey. A microchip confirmed it. The people who had found her -- Cheryl and Scott Smith of Charlotte -- had some trouble locating the Metcalfs, since the information on the chip was outdated, but they kept at it and within a few days had located Brandy's mother. 

(In fact, the Smiths even had trouble locating the microchip, since it had migrated from under Cassey's neck to under her ribs. The Smiths, who had met the dog three days earlier and were convinced she had come from a good home, had refused to leave the vet until it was found.)

The Metcalfs jumped in the car and drove to Charlotte, ecstatic. 

“It was a beautiful experience. You’re just in shock. You feel like this couldn’t be the miracle that you want it to be, that it’s too good to be true,” Brandy told CBS 6.

“When we got out of the car and called her name, and she came running up to us, it let us know for sure that yes, she remembered us,” she said. “She came right up and jumped in the van. She was ready to go home."  

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More pet shelters and rescues go green!

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Wordless Wednesday

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Bingo the Service Dog's "Lick-It List" Goes Viral

It's a "bucket list" for a loyal service dog. Yes, Bingo is heading for the Rainbow Bridge.

For nine years, a Jack Russell named Bingo has had an exemplary run as the service dog to 11-year-old Cole Hein, who suffers from an undiagnosed condition that causes him to stop breathing. Indeed, Cole's parents have "lost track" of the number of times Bingo has alerted them when Cole started gasping. In the probation period alone, beginning when Cole was just 2, Bingo saved the boy three times.

Bingo is a hero dog through and through -- but even hero dogs need help.

Earlier this summer, the 14-year-old dog, afflicted with seizures and failing eyesight, received bad news from the vet: Bingo suffered from cognitive dysfunction syndrome, and the vet gave her weeks to live.

The family was devastated. Cole, who now can cope with his illness without assistance, wanted to send off his friend the proper way -- with a "lick-it list," the canine version of a "bucket list."

“He went to bed that night and I heard him talking,” Cole’s mom, Mandi Hein, told CTV News. “I thought at first he was playing his video games. I listened and he was actually talking with Bingo about all the things he wanted to do with her.”

Among the items on the list:

Dog treats from around the world -- "so that Bingo can 'TASTE' the world."One last visit to Ruckers to play video games.One last walk around the block.A photo shoot with Cole and Bingo.

Mandi Hein posted the list online, where it simmered for a few weeks. Then it exploded, going viral.

The treats began to arrive, first from Canada, and then from places around the world; the dog's Facebook group swelled to 12,000 members; and the story even reached the boozy, fourth hour of the Today show.

Where do those treats go? No, not on eBay. Cole is made of better stuff than that. The boy sends bags full to Winnipeg’s animal services shelter, so other less-fortunate dogs can have nice treats. And the Dog Whisperer's Cesar Milan even stepped in, helping to create the Bingo Hein legacy fund, which will raise money to train service dogs and abandoned animals, according to CTV News.

Cole and Bingo, meanwhile, have been working on that lick-it list.

“There’s still one more thing we haven’t completed on the list," Cole told CTV News. "Her last public outing.”

The pair still have to make that trip to play video games together. 

"It's a bittersweet story. It's taking a negative and turning it into a positive," Cole's mother told the Winnepeg Free Press. "One child, one dog, one world. That's the way I see it." 

If you want to help give Bingo a taste of the world, visit her Facebook page and click on the About link to find a mailing address. 

Via CTV News

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Watch the Trailer for Jake Torem's "Letting Go," a Film About Life, Death, and Dogs

When the filmmaker lost his beloved Rottweiler, he made a film to cope with his sadness.

One aspect of sharing our lives with dogs that is particularly painful is that their lives are so much shorter than ours. It is pretty much inevitable that we will outlive our pets; we experience all the pleasure of watching them grow and all the pain of letting them go. It teaches us about our own mortality -- and that life is short but sweet, and that we should savor every moment of our own lives and our lives with dogs.

For filmmaker Jake Torem, the loss of his beloved Rottweiler was a deeply emotional experience. To commemorate the life of his canine companion, the Los Angeles actor decided to produce a film about life, love, and loss. Called Letting Go, the independently made movie revolves around Joel Slater, whose life is in turmoil as it reaches a critical turning point. At the eye of the storm are his three dogs, who all happen to be large breeds.

The dogs vie for his attention along with his girlfriend, boss, and mother ... but the one thing Joel really needs to do is properly mourn the death of his father. Will he have to give up his dogs in order to do so? Or is there something else he's holding onto?

Have you ever had to choose between your dogs and something else? Then you might just identify with this charming comedy.

For more information, check out the Letting Go Facebook page.

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Happy National Dog Day from Raise A Green Dog!

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Pet Photographer Serenah Captures Dogs' Sense of Humor

Dogs embody visual puns in these images -- we bet you can't look at them without smiling.

Free of society's inhibitions, dogs operate with primal indulgence -- if something in the garbage smells tasty, they will help themselves to it. Which is why we love them, even as we mop up our kitchen floors after them. Their lack of self-consciousness makes it easier for us to be ourselves around them, knowing that our canine friends will embrace us no matter what.

Award-winning photographer Serenah has always loved dogs, but it wasn't until four years ago that she turned her lens on our furry friends -- and on her own dogs in particular: Rocco, Ralph, and Simon. Inspired by their cleverness and the way her pups make her laugh all the time, Serenah's pet photography captures the sometimes unintentional humor of dogs in a loving, gentle way. Her images are guaranteed to crack a smile across your face and kindle a flame of contentment in your soul.

Following in the pawsteps of famous dog photographer William Wegman, Serernah first started photographing her pups Rocco and Ralph, who, according to her, "are always up for some fun if cheese is involved." Her Bulldog, Simon, has is own "look and personality to work with," and now Serenah pushes her artistic skills by challenging herself with creative ideas.

 The result is a portfolio conveying the essence of dogs that is both wild and wildly funny. It almost makes us wonder whether the dogs are actually doing it on purpose just because they love to see us smile.

Make sure to like Serenah's Facebook page for updates and more adorable photos.

Photos used with permission

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Do You Protect Your Dog?

A dog training video recently reminded me that my dog sees me as his pack leader. And as such, my job is to provide for him and protect him. I provide for him by feeding him, taking him for walks, getting him to the vet, etc. But — in his eyes — do I protect him?

A dog on a leash is at a disadvantage against an aggressive dog.

When small children run up to us wanting to pat him, so I just hang on to the end of the leash and let them rush him or do I ask them to stand still and let him approach them?

When stray dogs approach, do I put my dog at a disadvantage by keeping him on a tight leash or do I try to keep the dog away?

Do I keep my dog tethered on a leash at the dog park or do I take the leash off and let him move around freely?

When we’re on a walk, do I carry a spray bottle, stick, or other means of fending off dogs who threaten my dog?

Our dogs DO look to us for protection, and I think as modern dog owners, we forget that sometimes. I’m going to be more mindful of ways to protect my dog. Not to be an overprotective pet parent, and not to keep my dog from being a dog, but to provide protection when he needs it.

Lisa Woody is a former magazine editor and professional product tester for 15 years. She has been a pet products e-tailer for 8 years and loves to find out what's new and what works for dogs.

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Mystery Dog Spotted in Three Places Along U.S. Highway 101

Bay Area commuters see a small dog running down the freeway -- in locations that are miles apart. We hope he's safe.

During Wednesday morning's Bay Area commute, the California Highway Patrol received numerous calls about a mysterious dog that was reported in three locations miles apart along U.S. Highway 101.

The animal, which was described as a small, brownish-white Chihuahua-type dog, was first reported just before 9 a.m. near San Francisco's Candlestick Park on the freeway. The first caller reported the dog was next to the center divider, heading south. The CHP dispatched a unit to the scene, and traffic was slowed to a near-standstill while the dog loped cheerfully ahead of three lanes of restrained, backed-up traffic.

According to commuter Floyd Stone, who snapped a picture of the elfin animal, it appeared as though the little Chihuahua was a pied piper leading the morning commute to Silicon Valley.

"The Highway Patrol was successful in steering the dog safely to the shoulder, allowing the cars to resume their speed," said Stone, who gave the dog an apt moniker. "'Freeway Dog' seemed happy, content, and quite satisfied in leading the commute today and had a big smile on the side of the road when we passed by."

CHP Officer Peter Van Eckhardt said animal control officers were called to the area, but after searching for half an hour, they were unable to find the dog.

Then the situation took a strange turn. An hour later, another report had the dog still on the freeway, but almost 25 miles south, seemingly an impossible distance for a dog with such short legs to cover in such little time. There was another sighting of a small dog matching Freeway Dog's description on Highway 101 at Woodside Road in Redwood City.

Then, an hour after the first report, a third caller had the dog a half-mile farther south at the Marsh Road exit. According to the caller, the driver of a white Mercedes-Benz had pulled over onto the side of the off ramp and was apparently trying to capture the dog.

After that, Van Eckhardt said, there were no more reports.

"The descriptions match, though that is an awfully long distance for a dog to run," he said. "One hopes a good citizen was able to rescue the dog and it's now in a safe place." 

Did you see this little dog? Can you help us give this story a happy ending? Let us know in the comments! 

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Rescued dogs dedicate their life to helping the environment.

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Great Dane Puppy Cam: Watch Future Service Dogs Grow Up

Explore.org and Dog Bless You provide a look into the lives of six puppies as they're trained.

Here at Dogster, we love big mutts and we cannot lie. While there's definitely a place in our hearts for petite breeds, big dogs like sweet giant George and record-breaking Zeus amaze us with their sheer size, engaging our imaginations and inviting us to hug them tightly.

We are no stranger to puppy cams -- in fact, we've got them all bookmarked in our browsers and we sneak a peek of adorableness whenever our boss isn't looking (well, all right, here at Dogster, our boss is usually looking at puppy cams with us and the squeals of glee echo throughout the office). But this particular cam of Great Dane puppies is especially awww-inspiring -- the six big pups are destined to become service dogs to disabled veterans, children, and people suffering from diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Friedrich's ataxia.

Thanks to the efforts of explore.org and Dog Bless You, we get a glimpse into the lives and training of these amazing service dogs with multiple cameras, which allow you to watch puppies Perry, Lola, Ebony, Mia, Willow, and Roxanne grow into healthy, noble dogs.

But that's not all! For every one thousand likes Dog Bless You's initiative, Dog Bless USA, receives on its Facebook, Tumblr, and Pinterest pages, the organization will donate one service dog to a disabled veteran. Since June, more than 150 dogs have began improving the lives of men and women who have fought to defend our country.

Are you ready for cuteness? You can watch the puppies sleep with the indoor cam and during the day you can watch them outside at the "puppy hill."

Photos via the Service Dog Project

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