Around the dog blog-osphere!

Some cool links and info we've seen around the Internet and the dog blog-o-sphere the past couple of weeks that we wanted to share with you:

A long time coming...if you haven't heard yet, the Kennel Club (UK) has introduced new standards for 209 breeds, following concerns of ill health in pedigree dogs.

Last year, the RSPCA pulled out of Crufts, saying breeding to exaggerate certain features, such as bulldogs' jowls, had led to painful deformities. Now new rules designed to prevent exaggeration and incestuous breeding have been brought in. Here's a link to the article.

Since we're not on a heavy agility schedule right now, Mum has been looking into feeding me and Gracie some raw foods, in addition to my kibble and some cooked foods. If you are looking for inexpensive raw food sources here's a great link to Raw Co-ops listed by state, (scroll down about half way) as well as other dog feeding links and information.

If you've ever seen some of the The Dog Files episodes you know how great they are. The newest episode - The Wolf Files - is available now. Run with the pack, aaaaarrrrooooooo!

Silvia Trkman has a new vid up, showing her running dog walk training with her new pup, Bi. Shows some great info on the beginnings of using her methods, including turning after the DW.

If you're looking for a new addition to your pack, Kyra Sedgwick is working with Change A Pet's Life Day. On January 24th fees for the first 10 adoptions at participating shelters will be paid by the Hill's company, and be free to adopters. Here's more info, and how to find a participating shelter.

The AKC/Eukanuba Championships and the AKC Agility Invitationals broadcast dates have been announced by the AKC. Mark your calendars: February 7, 8PM ET and February 14, 4PM ET on Animal Planet - the AKC Agility Invitationals; and January 31, 8:00 PM on Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel for the AKC/Eukanuba Championships.

Also, we are keeping a calendar of the TV programs and movies about dogs released in theaters on our Google Calendar. If you'd like to add these programs to your Google Calendar - log in to Google Calendar, search the public calendars for 'Dogs - TV Programs and Movies' and our calendar should be the first one that pops up. Just click to add.

Tomorrow (Friday) the highly anticipated movie, 'Hotel for Dogs,' opens in theaters nationwide in the US. In this family film, Nancy Drew's Emma Roberts leads a star-filled cast that includes Kyla Pratt, Lisa Kudrow, Kevin Dillon, and Don Cheadle.

A pair of orphaned siblings (Roberts and Jake T. Austin) are forced to give up their beloved dog when they move into a foster home. But since they can't stand to live without him, they turn a closed hotel into a home for their dog--and any other strays they can find. Hotel for Dogs is based on the novel by Lois Duncan.

Pedigree is partnering with 'Hotel For Dogs' - for every ticket purchased, they will make a donation to help shelter dogs. To learn more about the movie, visit my Latest and Greatest Movies About Dogs Squidoo.

The Discovery Channel has a great series about the Iditarod (which will be held beginning in February). Three episodes of the Toughest Race On Earth will air during the rest of January. The Toughest Race on Earth: Iditarod takes viewers on an adventure through dense forests, over mountain ranges and across frozen rivers and isolated tundra in the wilds of Alaska. Follow mushers and their sled dog teams across 1,150 miles of rugged terrain as they take on Mother Nature - and each other - in The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Here's a link to the times.

Get your tv stand ready, the finals of the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge which occurred last Spring and Fall will be broadcast on ABC, January 24 at 2:00 PM ET.

Surprise, surprise, there is another article from NewScientist, that says us pups are mood alterers for peeps. Those who enjoy their dogs reap the benefits of the naturally occurring 'cuddle chemical,' also known as Oxycontin.

I like to watch the news coming out of the UK regarding pets and animals. They are so far ahead of the US in their humane treatment of animals. So I found it interesting that the RSPCA has a bone to pick with owners who dress their pups in elaborate clothing.

If you live in the Atlanta or LA area, here's your chance to get help from 'It's Me or the Dog's' Victoria Stilwell. 'It's Me or the Dog' is casting in L.A. and Atlanta for the next few weeks.

Another casting call for us pups - a National Cable Network is looking for pet owners who spoil their pets & have amazing pet homes. Find more info on RealityWanted.com, deadline is 2/20.

If you didn't see my Tweet the other day, be careful when you are playing that Wii around your pups or other animals in your home. Ozzy, the sheltie, was struck in the head accidentally with the remote while his owners were playing Wii Bowling.

He immediately collapsed and appeared dead. Their neighbor came to the rescue, performed CPR, and brought poor Ozzy (who is now fine, btw) back to life. Just another reason to learn CPR for your dog, you just never know what can happen.

Have to applaud and give a nod to Mickey Rourke for his acceptance speech at the Golden Globes on Sunday night. It's a brave thing to thank your dogs on national television.

But he said, "sometimes when a man is alone, that's all you've got is your dog." And all the news reports are applauding him for it. Most of you probably know that Rourke has had a tough go of it in the last years, and is on his way to making a healthy, happy comeback. Seems his dogs stood by him during his down time, when others wouldn't. I'm sure many of us can identify with that in some way or another.

EDIT/UPDATE 1/15 PM: Well poo, guess I'm gonna have to stop my applause to Mr. Rourke. While I am happy that he wants to help dogs in some form or fashion, and spay/neuter programs are very important - I'm sure not pleased that he is helping PETA. See here. Dang!

Ok, that's it for now! Hope all of you have a great weekend, and keep warm if you're in the US, and sending cool wishes to our Aussie friends!