Iggy Takes Over Top 50

As 2007 comes to a close, it's always good to take a look back and think about the goods and the bads of the years past. It's also time for magazines and networks to put together their "Best of 2007" lists.

Polka Dot Pup happen to come across one list that was right up our alley. Details Magazine has released their December’s Power and Influence issue featuring a list of the year’s top 50 most influential men under 45. How is this pet related you may ask? Because one of the most publicized pooches of year made #29 that's why! Congratulations to Iggy, Ellen DeGeneres's one time adopted pup, for making a list that consists mostly of humans. That's one big feat for one pint sized pooch.


For those of you who don't recognize the name, Iggy brought a media frenzy when the pup was ripped from the hands of Ellen's hairdresser's family, whom Ellen had given the puppy to when she realized the pup and her cats just couldn't get along. Boy did this situation turn into a dog fight when the agency who Ellen had initially received the dog from, Mutts and Moms animal shelter, came a-knocking saying Ellen had breached her contract and than proceeded to remove the puppy from a home they claimed they did not know was suitable.To cut to the chase, Ellen broke down on her TV show pleading for the dog to be returned to the family and mass media coverage ensued.

Being a dog owner myself, I can only imagine how heart breaking it would be to have my dog taken away from me and I believe Ellen had good intentions at heart. At the same time the contract between Ellen and Mutts and Moms animal shelter supposedly did state that if Ms. DeGeneres could not keep the puppy than it would be returned to the shelter (though why couldn't they have just interviewed the family instead of taking the dog away??). Whichever side you were on for this doggie drama, I think the main issue that should have been highlighted was that Iggy find a family who loves him.

So two paws up to you Iggy, we hope that you are enjoying your lime light from the comfort of your new home!

To view the full list of Details Magazine's Top 50 most influential men under 45 including little Iggy, check out Men.Style.com.

Santa Paws is Coming to Town - Holiday Gift Guide for Pets

So there is 28 days, 3 hours and 56 minutes until Christmas but who's counting right??

Has your pup been naughty or nice? Check out some of Polka Dot Pups favorite holiday inspired gift ideas for pets.

See more of my Santa Paws - Holiday Gifts for Pets list at ThisNext.

DOGS IN THE NEWS: Man Marries Dog as Atonement

This maybe one of the strangest dog related stories I have come across in awhile. Each culture has their own traditions, but marrying your pet? What if your pet doesn't feel the same way??(Just a joke). Obviously this is a tradition in the Hindu culture to ward off curses.

Take a peak and let Polka Dot Pup know what you think.

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Man Marries Dog as Atonement
The Associated Press
November 14, 2007, 2:35 PM PST

A man in southern India married a female dog in a traditional Hindu ceremony as an attempt to atone for stoning two other dogs to death -- an act he believes cursed him -- a newspaper reported Tuesday.

P. Selvakumar married the sari-draped former stray named Selvi, chosen by family members and then bathed and clothed for the ceremony Sunday at a Hindu temple in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, the Hindustan Times newspaper said.

Selvakumar, 33, told the paper he had been suffering since he stoned two dogs to death and hung their bodies from a tree 15 years ago.

"After that my legs and hands got paralyzed and I lost hearing in one ear," he said in the report.

The paper said an astrologer had told Selvakumar the wedding was the only way he could cure the maladies. It did not say whether his situation had improved.

Deeply superstitious people in rural India sometimes organize weddings to dogs and other animals, believing it can ward off certain curses.

The paper showed a picture of Selvakumar sitting next to the dog, which was wearing an orange sari and a flower garland.

The paper said the groom and his family then had a feast, while the dog got a bun.
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Do you have a wacky dog tale to share? Email us at polkadotpupblog@aol.com

Happy Halloween!

Keep your pup safe this Halloween with safety tips from the ASPCA:

1. Chocolate in all forms can be dangerous for dogs and cats, and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed. If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, please call your veterinarian or nearest Animal Poison Control Center.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, yet they can produce gastrointestinal upset should pets ingest them. Intestinal blockage could even occur if large pieces are ingested.

3. Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet could experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise extreme caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. If you dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe or bark. Keep a look out for small, dangling, or easily chewed-off pieces on the costume that your pet could choke on.

6. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

For other great Halloween pet safety tips, please visit The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals.

Pet Fire Safety

In Southern California, the smoke is starting to clear but our recent outbreak of fires reminds me of how quickly fires can spring up in our communities and how devastating they can be.

Our main goal in these situations is to protect our family, but what about our pets? What if a fire breaks out and you are not home? How can we make sure they are safe too?

I realized I didn't have any answers to these important questions and went on a search for tips for protecting my pet in case of a fire.

Check out the following pet protection tips from Dog Day After News:

- Keep your pet's current license and vaccination tags on his or her collar to
help with identification in case you become separated. The best way to ensure
easy identification is to have your pet micro-chipped.

- Prepare an emergency kit with important financial and personal information.
Include your pet's medical records and food.

- Have a plan for a friend, family member, or boarding kennel to take care of
your pet on short notice in case of an emergency.

- Use a Pet Alert rescue sticker to help make firefighters aware of your pets.

For other tips for pet fire safety, visit the helpful sites below:

Wildland Fire Safety for Your Livestock and Pets - www.fire.ca.gov
Pet Safety - safety.com
Wilshire the Fire Dog - Fire Safety - wilshirethefiredog.org

Tennis Ball Diaries

Check out Vixen in her first performance ever on film!

Before becoming a blogger, I dabbled in a little bit of film making. Thus, Tennis Ball Diaries was born as a final project for college.

I will admit this film is silly and hopefully a little funny. So I thought I would share it with everyone. Hope you enjoy!

TENNIS BALL DIARIES

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Halloween Hounds

Just a few more weeks until the witches and ghosts emerge into the streets this Halloween.

For all the pups that love this time of year, Polka Dot Pup has spooked up some of the cutest costumes and Halloween toys and treats the web has to offer!

Happy Halloweenie!

See more of my Halloween Hounds list at ThisNext.