Dogs In the News

Dog Saved by Marine Gets Permanent Home

Having a brother who served in the Army, I have always considered the men and women in the armed forces as hero's. A recent story circulating in the news really shows another side of what is going on in Iraq and how our troops are not only trying to protect people but also animals.

Marine Maj. Brian Dennis, stationed along the Syria-Iraq border, befriended a male German shepherd-border collie mix while on patrol whom he named "Nubs" after learning that someone had cut the dogs ears.

Constant runs-ins between the two created a deep bound which only deepened when Dennis found Nubbs near death and helped him recover. Military policy does not allow pets in war zones so Dennis decided to send the pup to his home base in San Diego. With the help of his Iraq interpreter and family and friends, he raised $3,500 to get the dog from Amman, Jordon to San Diego where colleagues will be watching over and training Nubs until Dennis's safe return.

This is such an inspiring story about how these two found each other in the middle of a war zone.
Get the Full Story Here


Have an inspiring pet story that you would like the world to hear about? Share it with Polka Dot Pup and it maybe featured in our "Dogs in the News" segment.

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.

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.

....................................................................................
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.
....................................................................................


Do you have a wacky dog tale to share? Email us at polkadotpupblog@aol.com