Why dogs aren’t allowed to play baseball

Meet Mona. The seven-month-old beagle mix was the Northwest Arkansas Naturals’ Iams Adoptable Pet of the Game at a recent minor league baseball game. But she wasn’t content with her brief appearance and decided to do some “relief” work. Unfortunately, it was in the outfield and had nothing to do with pitching.

The good news is, Mona found a home, as did two other pups at her shelter, when folks began lining up the next day to adopt her.

- Staff Writer Bryan Dean


Pets in the paper – beekeepers buzzing

Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll


Bixby dog finalist on America’s Funniest Home Videos

I’m not sure what the Gartner family paid to adopt Junior the Chihuahua, but I’m sure they’ve made a profit. They adorable pup earned the family $100,000 on America’s Funniest Home Videos, and now they’re competing for the grand prize. The finale will be taped in March and will air in May. Here’s the video that won the Gartners the big bucks:

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll


Pets in the paper – smacking the shark

Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll


Rescue group robbed, dogs stolen

A dog rescue group is looking for help after someone robbed their Doggie Care Center in Johnson City, Tenn.

The group, led by Tammara Josselyn, keeps all its rescue animals in the center while they are nursed back to health so they can be adopted. Josselyn’s niece, who lives in an apartment above the center, came down to check on the dogs when they wouldn’t top barking in the middle of the night.

She was confronted by the robbers, one of whom pulled a knife and cut her. The woman was treated at a nearby hospital. The robbers made of with 14 dogs. Twelve were dobermans, one was a labrador retriever and one was a miniature pinscher. Some of the dogs have special medical needs.

Animal advocates in the area fear the robbery could be the work of a local dogfighting ring. There has been a strong of break-ins at shelters recently, with thieves taking large breeds known to be used by dogfighters, along with declawed cats, puppies and small dogs.

The small animals are used as bait to test the larger dogs’ fighting instincts. They are often mauled and killed. As the owner of a miniature pinscher mix, this story is particularly disturbing to me.

Supporters have set up a Web site with the full story along with photos and contact information for anyone who might be able to help bring these dogs home.

- Staff Writer Bryan Dean


Pets in the paper – goodbye, lions

Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll


How to help animals in Haiti

As aid pours into Haiti from around the world, animal advocates have joined together to help pets in the country devastated by a major earthquake and its aftershocks. Several organizations are partnering to create the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti, according to a press release issued this afternoon. You can donate to the three largest groups here:

These are all reputable groups, but I would be sure to include a note in any online donations that the money is specifically for relief in Haiti.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll


OKC Pet of the Week

FredFred, 2-year-old Labrador mix

ADOPT A PET

Fred is an adorable 2-year-old Labrador mix. He has short legs that make him look like a Basset hound. Fred was born with one back paw that has only one toe. It does not inhibit his ability to run and play. Fred likes other dogs and he is housebroken. Pictures of many pets available for adoption can be seen at www.okc.petfinder.com and www.okc.gov.

The shelter is at 2811 SE 29 and is open from noon to 5:45 p.m. daily for adoptions and from 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. daily for receiving. For more information, call 297-3100.


Pets in the paper – the lions are leavin’

Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll


Pet Show – Pitt Boss star Ronald Lee Clark!

Ronald Lee ClarkListen to Pet Show! We are joined by Ronald Lee Clark, one of the stars of the new Animal Planet series Pitt Boss.

Clark is originally from South Korea, but he was adopted by an American family. He grew up in Choctaw and moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. He met Shorty Rossi and joined his team at Shortywood, a performing agency for little people. Though Clark is a booking assistant, he doesn’t just workin the entertainment industry. He helps Rossi with his side project – a pit bull rescue. Clark tells us he’s always been an animal advocate, but this job has given him a new appreciation for pits.

The show debuts Jan. 16 on Animal Planet. Check our local listings here.

Here’s the commercial: