Article from FT.com - Moscow's Stray Dogs

Banjo's parents were feral, so I was pleased to find this very interesting article about the unusual stray dogs in Moscow - twenty of them have learned to ride the subway/ metro there!

There's even a website for all the photos and videos taken of these station hoppin' canines at www.metrodog.ru.

Banjo in the snow

Here's Banjo enjoying the snowfall in NYC this past weekend, courtesy of a friend.  (You can tell which dog is Banjo because he's wearing a red jacket!)

Old Sweaters = New Coats for Shelter Dogs

With their thin fur and lack of body fat, Greyhounds get cold very easily.  I just received an email from a blogger who had the idea of collecting old sweaters to keep dogs in shelters warm over the winter.  What a great idea!

Help! My Shyhound Ate Some Chocolate!

Banjo once stole a chocolate chip cookie from my plate and I was terrified that he would suffer serious consequences.  Luckily, our vet said a single milk chocolate chip cookie for a dog his size wouldn't kill him, but I was curious to learn more about the effects of theobromine on dogs.

Disclaimer: The following links are for your information only and are not a substitute for your vet's advice!

Chocolate comes from the cocoa tree, Latin name theobroma cacao, and it is the chemical theobromine in chocolate which is so toxic - and potentially lethal - to dogs. We humans can process theobromine more efficiently than our four-legged friends, which is we we can eat and enjoy it, but dogs can't.

Simply put, the smaller the dog and the darker the chocolate, the more likely the effects of poisoning.  If you think your dog has eaten some chocolate, here are a few symptoms to watch out for:

• Excitement / nervousness / trembling
• Vomiting / diarrhea
• Excessive thirst
• Muscle spasms
• Seizures
• Coma
• Death

In a succinct and informative article, veterinarian Kevin Fitzgerald discusses the lethal dosage and consequences of consumption of chocolate in dogs (you'll have to scroll down past the bit about spider bites) as well as the early symptoms of chocolate ingestion. It's a good place to start learning about the toxicity of chocolate for dogs.


Here's a list from the ASPCA of other people foods that are toxic for your pet - don't forget that some plants can be toxic to dogs too.

Guest Bloggers!

If you have a shyhound and would like to share your experience/ wisdom/ links, or if you want to go a step further and write on this blog from time to time, drop me a line! Banjo and I would love to hear from you {:o3

Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Links Coming Soon!

Grain-Free Dog Food

Post Coming Soon!