It’s the national disaster being reported on around the world. Haiti was struck with a 7.0 earthquake, bringing down the city of Port-au-Prince. Many are trapped under the rubble and tens of thousands are feared not to have survived. This earthquake is being called the “Disaster of the Century.”

Countries all around the world are reaching out to help Haitians and assist them. Today, sniffer dogs are being sent to Haiti from the United States, France, Canada, China, Mexico, Germany, Spain and other countries. These sniffer dogs are trained to serve so they are excited to get to work and are ready to dig out survivors of the quake. The pups are even helping calm the nerves of those heading to Haiti with them to help in the rescue efforts.

Our prayers are with the Haitians.

This is Christmas, an American Bulldog, who was found wandering on the side of a road. She has had her shots and flea prevention, but we do not know if she has been spayed. Christmas does well with children and is use to sleeping in a crate. What an adorable puppy, and how sad that she does not have a forever home– especially for the holidays. Contact Diana at bayleighsmom05@yahoo.com for more information about Christmas and about adopting her.

Dog of War

Earthquakes, tornadoes, avalanches, terrorist attacks. Searching for survivors through the destruction caused by these disasters can be physically exhausting and painstaking and sometimes simply impossible work for rescue workers. But search and rescue dogs do what humans cannot: detect victims using their powerful sense of smell.

There are at least seven types of search and rescue dogs: trailing dogs, tracking dogs, air scent dogs, water search dogs, cadaver dogs, disaster dogs, and avalanche dogs.

In addition to search and rescue, dogs are used for many other vital tasks, including helping to ensure security in airports and subway stations, detecting drugs in the cargo of incoming ships, and assisting in the investigation of crime scenes.

World War I is the first documented war in which dogs were used for a myriad of mission-critical duties: sniffing out landmines, investigating bunkers and enemy territory, and dragging wounded soldiers to safety. Tens of thousands of war dogs served in both World Wars, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and the war in Iraq.

Like humans, dogs are sometimes honored for their heroic feats, as the dogs used at Ground Zero were in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Occasionally, the news might feature a particular dog’s work in saving a human life, and in 1994 the Discovery Channel aired “War Dogs: America’s Forgotten Heroes,” featuring dogs of the United States Armed Forces who served during the Vietnam War. But more often than not, heroic dogs have not been honored for their hard work.

Today, there are organizations and memorials dedicated to honoring canine heroes. War dog memorials can be found in Riverside, California, Mobile, Alabama, Washington D.C., and Guam. The War Dog Memorial in Guam is named “Always Faithful” and honors the Dobermans that served in World War II.

Organizations such as the United States War Dog Association and the Vietnam Dog Handler Association (VDHA) ensure the recognition of heroic dogs.

Did you know? Americans donated the dogs they had as family pets for service in the military during World War II. Dogs serving the country in this way were treated as military personnel. Sadly, like human soldiers, some were killed in action. However, many returned home to their families safe and sound with an honorable discharge.

The famous animated movie “101 Dalmatians” is now touring, and 15 Dalmatian pups are traveling, beginning in Minneapolis, on a tour bus with their four trainers. Starting October 13, these Dalmatians will be strutting around on stage.

The pups steal the scene in act one and in the finale. It’s a musical, so will the dogs be singing?

What’s it like to tour around on a bus with 15 dogs, where nine of them were rescued from dog shelters? The dogs get their own private beds and a refrigerator stocked with the essentials, such as peanut butter snacks, bottled water, chicken, and dog chow. Compared to where some of them came from, the Dalmatians are traveling in luxury.

Lacy is a four-year old Dalmatian that was rescued from a dog shelter. She is the sweetest of the bunch and is deaf. This poor pup has endured several surgeries. She has survived, and is now a rising star!

Phoenix is a five-year old former stray plucked from an Arizona shelter. This spotted canine is the strongest one in the pack, with muscles that also make him the fastest in the group. Rascal was rescued in Ohio and had a broken leg. At nine-months old, he is the youngest canine in the bunch. Their dog trainer, Joel Slaven, says that Rascal is “Everyone’s baby brother.” DX is a two-year old Dalmatian, who has the last line in the show–”Woof.” He will be available for adoption, along with the other rescued stars, when the “101 Dalmatian” show ends.

The maternal pup in the group is named Frankie, who is seven-years old. She is a former show dog and mothered a litter of ten. While on the road and on the stage, Frankie is the nurturing mama to the 14 other tail waggers. The dog Envy is a pro when it comes to performing in front of the camera. This three-year old Dalmatian has a beer commercial on her resume. Envy has a talent for being able to potty on cue, which she does in “101 Dalmatians.”

The 15 Dalmatians are being referred to as divas, a description that suits them well, as they are talented and also so adorable!

Cesar Milan and the Northshore Animal Rescue League help get hundreds of dogs and cats adopted.