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Pets

Dog parks lead to tail-wagging

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (AP) — A dog park has been discussed in Jamestown for more than four years, with barks of opposition from those against proposed sites. In other communities, fenced-in areas where dogs exercise have led to much tail-wagging.

Group cares for pets when owners are deployed

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — One Army National Guardsman, just back from a nine-month tour in Iraq, realized he could no longer keep his "boy" — his beloved dog, Rocky. The Guard might need the soldier to serve again, this time in Afghanistan.

Bill collectors keep hounding basset rescue owner

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The basset hounds at Daphneyland aren't the only ones with long, sad faces.

Naples program prepares dogs for a life of service

NAPLES, Fla. (AP) — Jazzy is a star.

Cats are trainable _ and it's no punchline

People have low expectations of cats.

Firefighters rescue trapped, pregnant dog

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Stray Rescue of St. Louis has credited city firefighters for rescuing a pregnant dog that was stuck in a dilapidated building for nearly a week.

Rescuer who lost pets to fire finds one, alive, weeks later

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Bobby Wright thought he had buried Smoky.

Gone to the dogs: LA church starts pet service

LOS ANGELES (AP) — When the Rev. Tom Eggebeen took over as interim pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church three years ago, he looked around and knew it needed a jump start.

Trick star horse used to spook in his own stall

WALNUT, Calif. (AP) — Lukas was all bite, buck and bitterness before Karen Murdock adopted him six years ago and made him an Internet star.

World's fastest man adopts world's fastest feline

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — The world's fastest man adopted the animal kingdom's fastest sprinter Monday, as Usain Bolt welcomed a new baby cheetah named Lightning Bolt into his life.

Pets get less routine care in bad economy

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Last year, Cindy Jenkins heard about a cat roaming the streets after its owners' home was foreclosed upon.

Dogs funnier than cats? Home video show says yes

LOS ANGELES (AP) — "America's Funniest Home Videos" has been going to the dogs for years, even if cats make it a game from time to time.

Hospice dog kept working when old age came for him

LOS ANGELES (AP) — As a therapy dog, Baxter comforted hundreds of hospice patients in their final hours. This year, old age caught up with Baxter.

Couple gets pair of zedonks

DEXTER, Mo. (AP) — A pair of zedonks are turning heads in a southeastern Missouri town.

Assistance dogs give help hearing impaired

Ray Dobson and the dog he now calls Goblin both had a problem.

Stylish bag developed for dog poop

Publishable Editors Notes:

AP Poll: Pet owners willing to go mouth-to-muzzle

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Most pet owners would leap into action for an injured pet, even if it meant risking dog breath by going mouth-to-snout.

Pet area opens at St. Louis airport

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Lambert Airport in St. Louis has opened two outdoor rest areas where traveling animals can spend a few minutes off the leash and play.

Service dog reject Ricochet becomes surfer dude

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ricochet is a service dog dropout. It's not that she wasn't dog enough. To the contrary, there was way too much dog in her.

ASPCA to honor Nora the piano-playing cat

NEW YORK (AP) — A piano-playing cat who became an Internet star will be honored by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at its annual awards luncheon.

Safety tips for pets wearing Halloween costumes

If Halloween means a costume for your pet, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has some safety tips:

Poll: Most pets going bare this Halloween

LOS ANGELES (AP) — There's an Arabian horse in Idaho who may go as Mickey Mouse and a black cat in Minnesota who will turn into a skunk or a witch, but the majority of pets in America will be bare this Halloween.

Canine sports: Putting the fun into dog training

Too often, dog training seems like it's all about saying "No."

Blind, abandoned Boston puppy preparing for surgery

BOSTON (AP) — A blind Chihuahua puppy abandoned at a Boston supermarket is preparing for brain surgery to save his life.

Service dogs help boy balance, stay safe

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — It was the slide that had her slightly stumped and a little nervous.

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