Vote for your favorite rescue story!

Purina’s Rally to Rescue Doing More for Pets Rescue Stories Contest is going on now. Check out the video below then visit RallyToRescue.org to vote for your favorite rescue story!

China Tails

China doesn’t always get the best rap when it comes to pets and animal welfare. “Don’t eat any dogs!” a friend half-joked before my trip.

I went to China last month as a tourist, but my curiosity got the best of me. I wanted to know what it was like to have a pet in a country known for either eating or killing dogs and cats.

What I found surprised me. During my two-week trip, I ventured to Shanghai, Chongqing, Chengdu, Beijing, and Suzhou. While in Shanghai we stayed mostly in the financial district, so I didn’t see any pets. But after doing a little research, I was happy to find out that Shanghai actually offers the adoption option with Second Chance Animal Aid Shanghai.

It wasn’t until we journeyed to Chongqing that I really got a taste of what being a Chinese pet guardian is all about.

My first day in the city I saw this poodle walking around a shopping district on his hind legs. He had a giant grin on his face and seemed to enjoy the attention he was getting.

Mustachioed horse refuses to shave

A horse in Gloucestershire, England, has beaten out thousands of frustrated adolescent boys in the facial hair department. Alfie, a 10-year-old Shire-cross, has grown a wavy blonde mustache to dashingly offset his black and white coloring. And surrendering his blonde mustachioed locks he is not. According to reports, Alfie is evading attempts at a trim at every turn. As they say, each horse to his own, and well done Alfie!

The death of a great

This has been a bad summer for celebrity deaths. Now the animal community has lost one of it’s own–Gidget, aka The Taco Bell Dog. She died from a stroke Tuesday night at the age of 15.

Gidget was not only the famous “Yo quiero Taco Bell” spokesdog, she also starred as Bruiser’s mom in Legally Blonde 2. Gidget’s trainer said she loved being on set and in front of the camera.

Gidget’s commercials sparked an interest in the Chihuahua breed, and I’m sure also made people want Taco Bell (if for nothing else than to get the collectible talking stuffed Chihuahua toys! Which I may or may not have on a shelf at home).

Gidget, you were a true star, and you will be missed. I hope there is Taco Bell in doggie heaven.

–Renee Krejci

HSUS seeks info about pet stores, breeders

The Humane Society of the United States is looking for information about pet stores or breeders selling sick animals.

If you or anyone you know has recently had a problem with a pet store or breeder, visit HumaneSociety.org/puppymillstory to submit your information.

ASPCA responds to Vick’s release from custody

ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres has released a statement prompted by former NFL star and convicted dogfighter Michael Vick’s release today from federal custody.

Read the statement here.

Vick has intentions to work with the HSUS to promote anti-dogfighting campaigns. PETA had previously considered working the suspended NFL quarterback, but rescinded its offer late last year after Vick did not react to a request by the group to have a brain scan along with psychological evaluation.

Vick’s return to the NFL is dependent on commissioner Roger Goodell, who has said he would review Vick’s status after Vick completed his sentence.

Dogs and veterans have a friend in Franken

Newly sworn in Senator Al Franken (D) of Minnesota has announced his first legislative item of business following a nine-month battle to secure his senatorial status. And funny business it is not. Franken has pledged his commitment to providing funding for the training of service dogs to assist wounded veterans.

“Yes, they provide companionship. But they can also detect changes in a person’s breathing, perspiration, or scent to anticipate and ward off an impending panic attack with some well-timed nuzzling. They are trained to let their masters know when it’s time to take their medication and to wake them from terrifying nightmares,” wrote Franken wrote in a column for the Star Tribune. Franken cited the potential for service dogs to reduce suicide rates among veterans, among other studied benefits of a service dog program.

Check out this video!

And now, a little something to brighten up your Monday–a pug pushing her stuffed pug puppies in a stroller!

Win $500 in LHJ photo contest

Here’s another photo contest opportunity! The Ladies’ Home Journal Cutest Pet Contest is looking for your cute pet photos! If you think you have the most adorable cat or dog, prove it and submit a photo by August 7. Twenty finalists will be featured on the Ladies’ Home Journal Web site, and one will win the grand prize of $500 – and the national title to go with it.

To submit your photo, go to LHJ.com/cutestpets.

Deadline for AHA photo contest is approaching!

Time is running out, but there are still about two weeks left until the deadline to submit pictures to the American Humane Association’s 2009 Pets & Pals Photo Content, which ends on July 31.

The contest is awarding two grand-prize winners with $1,000 and four others with $500 category prizes. A child and animal protection organization, the American Humane Association created the contest to display great relationships between people and their pets.

The four categories include: Pets, People & Pets, Down on the Farm, and Shelter Life. So, whether your best friend is a puppy, a parakeet or a pig, you are encouraged to enter photos – at no limit.

For rules, submission guidelines, and the required form, visit  AmericanHumane.org/petsandpals before time runs out!

–Morgan McMillan