The K9 to the side is Brutus, a military K9 at McChord. He's huge - part Boxer and part British Bull Mastiff and tops the scales at 200 lbs. His handler took the picture. Brutus is running toward me because he knows I have some Milk Bone treats, so he's slobbering away! I had to duck around a tree just before he got to me in case he couldn't stop, but he did. Brutus won the Congressional Medal of Honor last year from his tour in Iraq . His handler and four other soldiers were taken hostage by insurgents. Brutus and his handler communicate by sign language and he gave Brutus the signal that meant 'go away but come back and find me'. The Iraqis paid no attention to Brutus. He came back later and quietly tore the throat out of one guard at one door and another guard at another door. He then jumped against one of the doors repeatedly (the guys were being held in an old warehouse) until it opened. He went in and untied his handler and they all escaped. He's the first K9 to receive this honor. If he knows you're ok, he's a big old lug and wants to sit in your lap. Enjoys the company of cats. K-9 Congressional Medal of Honor Winner

Just a friendly reminder about the Walk for those that can't, March 28th at 9:00 in Wrightsville Beach, "the loop". It will be a wonderful occassion to take your dog with you and join in an activity that raises money and awareness for a very vital program, the Carolina Canines. This organization trains dogs to aid those with handicapping situations and with donations from the public is able to put them into service for free. Meet some great people and some cute dogs all while having a beautiful walk around the loop raising money for a great cause. See you there. Check out the website and register for $30.00 if an individual and you will get a t shirt also.

http://www.walkforthosewhocant.org/

I have 2 very interesting events that you may want to attend this weekend. They benefit dogs but unfortunately, this time the pets are not allowed. See you there!

Monty's Home Pet Expo
February 8th from 11-5
Shwartz Center, Cape Fear Community College

Adopt-An-Angel Fashion Show/Silent Auction
February 8th starting at 2:00
Blockade Runner, Wrigthsville Beach

I am sure that you have been following the information about tainted peanut butter and the products that we humans may be eat from the identified sources but have you thought about your pets? I am attaching a link to the latest recalls that I am aware of which lists those pet products that may have been affected. Please take a look and make sure your animals are protected.

I unfortunately fell victim during the major pet food recall over a year ago. I buy the highest quality of dog and cat food but Jake was an adventuring cat. He really didn't stray very often but occasionally he would jump the fence and do some cat walking on nearby shed roofs in the area. He liked heights. He may have eaten some food that was left out on a porch for another pet or worse, some of the food that I had was tainted and not yet on the recall list. I have 3 other cats that were not affected but Jake may have had a weaker immune system. He was a tough cat, white Siamese/barn cat mixture and he was my first. The day I adopted him from a friend that couldn't keep all her kittens, she posed a test to me. She said try him out for one night and see what you think about having a cat as a pet. Well, I woke up the next morning and Jake was in my bed, head on his own pillow, under the covers and laying on his left side just like me. He was a special member of my family for 15 years and the start of my life with cats, you can see his brothers and sisters in the my picture album. I know this is a dog blog but cats are part of my canine's life, how about you?

Here is the link and hope this helps. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm#PetFood

I am starting this blog for all pet owners in the Wilmington, NC area that are searching for places that are dog friendly. My first thought when buying a second home in Carolina Beach and also a primary residence in Wilmington was "How is this going to affect my furry loved ones?". We started on a large 200 acre farm so it was all about freedom and they roamed the fields with sheep and cattle. Our second home was in the mountains where we scaled back to living on 10 acres and they seemed to pick up the boundary liines innately. In this location they shared the land with deer, raccoons and an occasional snake. Now in Wilmington, they live on a large city sized lot and have adapted very well. You might guess, a large transition from land without much in the way of vehicular traffic to urban life would be a large concern, you are right. It's important to watch for some key elements in changing residences when you are a pet owner. I'd like to share my experiences with you and also highlight some of the fun activities available for pet owners in the Wilmington area. I am a Realtor and if you are relocating, mention pets and I will be all ears in making sure that the needs for your furry loved ones are addressed with the attention and care that they deserve. I haven't always been met with the serious consideration that I needed in making this an important aspect of my house hunting. That will not happen to you. I hope you will enjoy learning about some of the events, resources and places to go for life as a pet owner. I will continue to post as I am on the watch for fun activities with Bailey and perhaps we'll meet at one of them too. Look for the shaggy black dog with kind eyes. She's a goofy one and might be runnng in circles. Have fun!