It's not a toy ... It's a dog

New York Post reports Ellen's ratings were up nearly 10% the two days following her emotional plea to return Iggy (pic), the dog removed from the home of the family she gave it to (without consent of rescue agency). Ellen's quote: "And unfortunately, Ruby, the little girl, doesn't want another dog, she wants Iggy. It's not a toy that's broken that you can replace. It's a dog."

That's why more people are tuning in to "Ellen": Dog owners understand the pain she showed; and that dogs can't just be replaced. [pic-Baltimore Sun online]

Dogs with a Cause - Planet Dog Foundation

Local Planet Dog store held a Woofminster event to raise funds to train local service dogs. Competitions included costume contest, talent, look-alike contest, howling, dancing and wagging competitions. Local entry: dachshund named Manny Ramirez (pic - Maine Sunday Telegram 10/28/07), dressed like his namesake - the Red Sox player. Planet Dog Foundation assisted on behalf of My Wonderful Dog non-profit. Raised $10,000. In case you're looking for interesting way to raise funds .... or a good cause ... these dogs are helping dogs help people.

No, he's not a Westie

Most common response when walking my cairn: No, he's not a Westie. My additional follow up for public who can't tell difference - Westies (pic) are white, and usually have fuller face.

Westies definitely have advantage in terrier-related items. Friend gave me Westie christmas ornament with my dog's name on it one year. Thought it "close enough". Hmmmm.

Today's dog trivia (from West Highland White Terrier Club of America) - why Westies bred to be so white: "Originally, their coat colors ranged from black to red to cream or white. Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm, of Poltalloch, Argyllshire, Scotland, is generally credited with breeding the white dogs true, although he took none of the credit unto himself. He had kept a pack of light colored working terriers for hunting. As the legend goes, a reddish dog of his, emerging from cover, was mistakenly shot for a fox. Malcolm is said to have decided on the spot to breed only for white dogs that could be readily identified in the field."

Coat of many colors

These little cairns look European to me. Check out the cairn terrier coat colors posted like swatches or paint colors. Very visually descriptive.

Cairn hunt on Westminster Dog Show

Glued to Westminster Kennel Club dog show each year, mainly for 3 minutes where hunt down cairn appearance. They clearly can't give each breed notable television time; but there is online video of dogs in Best of Breed competitions. Here's video with cairn contenders.

The 2007 Best of Breed cairn winner (pic) and details:

Name: Ch Dogwood Love Affair

AKC: RN 07332701

Date of Birth: February 14, 2005

Breeder: Owner

Sire: Ch Kyleakin Scotsman Invasion

Dam: Ch Dogwood Love In A Mist

Owner: Pamela Davis

Hand stripping for better coat

I know stripping the cairn's coat makes it shinier. I can't do it. Freaks me out. Pulled out one hair and Baxter flinched. No way entire coat would go. Did find these excellent instructions for "novice strippers" explaining how to hand strip, including color-coded diagram (pic from site with instructions).

Best Song Lyrics Ever - Terriers

These lyrics from mockumentary movie "Best in Show" are truly best dog song lyrics ever ... Written by Christopher Guest and Eugene Levy ... "God Loves a Terrier" ...

"God loves a terrier

yes he does

God loves a terrier

that's because

brown sturdy bright and true

they give their hearts to you

God didn't miss a stitch

be it dog or be it bitch

when he made the Norwich merrier

with his cute little 'derrier'

yes God loves a terrier!"

... Here's the clip on YouTube.