By Kevin Murphy

(Reuters Life!) – A dog who is unable to hear has learned some sign language thanks to inmates at a U.S. prison and children at a school for the deaf.

Inmates at a Missouri prison trained the deaf Dachshund named Sparky in sign language and then asked the Missouri School for the Deaf in Fulton to take him in.

Today, Sparky is right at home with the school’s youngsters, who have taught him additional sign language. And a second deaf dog, a Boston Terrier named Petie, may be on his way to the school soon.

Superintendent Barbara Garrison approved bringing Sparky to the school.

“She really thought it would be a great learning experience for the kids,” Garrison’s secretary Barbara McGrath said in an interview.

Sparky came from the South Central Correctional Center in Licking, Missouri, which has also offered Petie. Garrison is interested in taking in Petie but only if she knows that he can eventually be placed in a permanent home after some sign language training, McGrath said.

Sparky responds to hand signals to sit, heel, lie down, and stop and is working on additional signs that mean “food” or “outside.”

Sparky and Petie come from the Puppies for Parole program of the Missouri Department of Corrections in which inmates train animals with behavioral or other issues that make them difficult to adopt.

The program saves dogs that might otherwise be euthanized, and it gives inmates a constructive activity, said Tina Holland, activities coordinator at the Licking prison.

“It’s been wonderful — it’s gone far beyond what we thought it would be,” Holland said. “Their goal is just to get these dogs a home.”

Did you miss the Oprah show on Monday, October 04, 2010? Many very amazing animals were on the show! Everyone remembers Faith the two legged dog who learned how to use her handicap and now inspires many people around the world. Faith was one of Oprah’s favorite guests. This pup has even touched the hearts of the students at Oprah’s Academy for Girls in Africa.

The three stray canines that saved the lives of many U.S. military soldiers in Afghanistan were also featured on Oprah. Target joined her owner on stage after we heard about the three dogs’ heroic actions to deter a suicide bomber.

Oprah discussed the overcrowding and euthanasia of numerous healthy dogs at a Texas animal shelter. Efforts have been made to save these healthy dogs and give them time to be adopted. A Chicago animal shelter is following in the footsteps of the Texas shelter and hopes that people will visit their local animal shelters and adopt rather than buy!

Remember it’s Adopt-a-Dog Month! Visit Oprah’s website to read about all the animals featured in the Ultimate Amazing Animals show.

We’re treated to a rare behind-the-scenes peek into the life of a veterinarian in “Tell Me Where It Hurts” as the author, Dr. Nick Trout, takes us with him on a busy day at the huge Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston.  Several years of cases and clients are packed into 24 hours to give us an idea of what an animal surgeon might run into on a daily basis.

The cases are varied and yet not too surprising, given most pets’ talent for getting into trouble.  From a cat swallowing shoelaces, to a dog overindulging in kibble and ending up with a life-threatening case of bloat, or another pooch suffering a fractured jaw from chasing (and catching) a moving vehicle, there’s never a dull moment.

If you’re considering becoming a vet or a vet tech, you’ll gain a deeper insight of the profession from this book.  Although Dr. Trout’s writing style is more detailed than most “animal stories” books, his warm sense of humor and genuine concern for his helpless patients will keep you reading to find out how each case turns out.  You can always skip the medical details and skim through for the stories surrounding the critters and their colorful human families.

Dr. Trout highlights the bonds between his animal patients and their “parents,” as circumstances sometimes require tough decisions on everyone’s part.  Even in the most skillful hands, every animal won’t make it, and I often found myself reading faster to see if a favorite patient pulled through.  Every member of this amazing medical staff performs his work to the very best of his ability, trying to help every animal that comes through their doors.

Woven into the storytelling fabric is a strong introspective, philosophical thread as Dr. Trout shares his concerns about such issues as euthanasia, pain, grief, fear, and the financial sacrifices his clients often make to help their beloved pets.

While modern diagnostic equipment and advanced surgical techniques are now available for animals, they come with a hefty price tag that not everyone can afford.  That’s a frustration for both the doctors and the families.

Even when expensive tests are run, it’s sometimes difficult to sort out the data and arrive at a conclusive diagnosis – not unlike with people.  And in this case, the animals can’t even tell you where it hurts.

Dr. Trout shares his doubts and failures with surprising honesty and humility.  We’d like to think our vets can fix anything, but that’s sadly not true.  They’re only human, and though they do their very best, sometimes it’s just not enough.  But we also get to share his joy when healed pets are restored to their grateful families.

Though I wouldn’t consider this “light reading,” it’s a masterfully written, insightful look into the life and work of a veterinary surgeon.  The cases will intrigue you and keep you reading to find out how they turn out.  Think of it as the animal version of “House M.D.” and be grateful there are such dedicated, caring people in your pet’s life.

May is the month for pet cancer awareness. Cancer is the number one disease-related cause of death in pets! 

Betty White loves animals and is the spokesperson for PETCO and Blue Buffalo Pet Foods to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. White has a PSA informing people that dogs and cats get cancer as often as humans do.

PETCO and Blue Buffalo have a goal to raise one million dollars that will go to Morris Animal Research for the purpose of finding a cure and better treatments for animal cancers. With every bag of Blue Buffalo dog or cat food that is bought, a dollar will be donated for this goal. Or, you can donate one dollar when shopping at PETCO.

Every dollar counts! This May help support Pet Cancer Awareness month and contribute a dollar.

To learn more about this amazing Facebook group, click here.

To help promote one of the many other great groups you are a member of, visit Dogspired’s new Facebook Dog Group section and add a group today.

Animal cruelty is a strong force, but even stronger is our will and desire to end it. Facebook groups and other social awareness initiatives are a great step towards reducing animal cruelty by providing educational resources and raising awareness about how to properly care for and respect animals.

She has had her dinner.

She even got her after dinner treat.

But, see, today I made the deplorable mistake of going for a bike ride instead of taking her to the dogpark… and I know they say dogs forgive, but right now I’m not feelin’ it.

Sometimes it seems like my entire reason for living is to keep my dog entertained. And this is all new to me. Until I was 30 I only had cats.

Cats are easy. They hate you, but they are easy. You don’t have to do anything at all to keep them entertained. They’re happy just lying around licking themselves.

Then one day I was in my office, working hard, completely guilt-free and an email appeared in my inbox. “We found a dog. Her owners never claimed her. If we don’t find her a new home today we are taking her to the pound.” Next thing you know I am driving home with a big hairy Golden Retriever drooling all over the back of my car.

Now sitting here being tortured by these big sad brown eyes, I can’t help but wonder if her previous owners neglected to take her to the dogpark one too many times, she finally got fed up and took off for greener pastures (or patches of grass in her case) and that’s how we got in this mess in the first place!

Hmmmm…. Guess I better go take her for a walk.

Nom