Free Republic

On the season premiere of "Belgium's Got Talent," on March 6, there was one act that certainly gained some attention. There have been several dog acts on the series, but Lady Xena's performance stands out. She may have just found her big break.

Melvin appeared on the National Geographic Show “Dog Whisperer” and according to a blurb about the show Jake and Scout wandered into Leland’s yard one day. They were on the show to help with Jake, who is very protective of Leland and won’t let anyone approach him. NASA astronaut Leland Melvin with his dogs Jake and Scout. Credit: NASA.

Today, as we remember our fallen military members who valiantly gave their lives to protect our freedom, let’s also commemorate our four-legged force and their handlers that have done the same. Officially, “military working dogs,” these canines have saved countless lives by sniffing out IEDs and weapon caches in Iraq and Afghanistan, and alerting to danger along the way in Vietnam. Since the dogs first entered military service in 1942, they have acted with the same levels of courage, dedication and loyalty as their human counterparts.   Designated as “equipment” by the military (although this is being challenged), they are...

If only our dogs could pick out our gifts! Click Here

PHILADELPHIA -- One week after suffering a concussion in a rough-and-tumble loss to the Falcons, Eagles quarterback Michael Vick broke his right hand on what he considered a late hit in Philadelphia's 29-16 loss to the rival New York Giants. The hit in question happened in the third quarter when Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty delivered a hard shot on Vick after the quarterback completed a 23-yard pass to Jeremy Maclin. "I was trying to protect myself," Vick said in his postgame news conference. "Still didn't get a flag and that's pretty much been the story for the last three...

Just saw another ad by the Humane Society. They do wonderful work and help animals who have been abandoned or treated cruelly. I hate these ads, not for their poor taste, they are actually done well and are a needed message about treating animals with love and humanely. What bothers me about the ads is the starkness of the cruelty man exacts on an animal who loves unconditionally and is always happy to see you. They don't care what kind of day you had or how much money you make. The're always happy when you walk in the front door....

My dog was stung by 20 or more bees. What do I do?

A chip on the shoulder can be a good thing - if you're a dog. A second series of free microchip clinics will be at the Los Angeles Department of Animal Car and Control's Lancaster Shelter at 5210 West Ave. I. The Board of Supervisors recently approved an ordinance requiring all dogs older than 4 months in unincorporated areas of the county to be implanted with identifying microchips and be spayed or neutered. The ordinance became effective June 3, but has a three-month grace period in order to allow dog owners time to have their dogs microchipped and spayed or...

SAN DIEGO -- Animal control officers in Hollister, Calif., are a little worried after they received two litters of puppies in the last couple of weeks that show signs of what they consider inbreeding. Some of the puppies were born with no front legs. But one little pup doesn't seem to mind at all. She was seen playing with her mom like any other healthy, happy puppy. With a tail that was constantly wagging, the happy little camper chased her momma and even leaped across the cage onto her momma. This story has a very happy ending for all the...

I have become responsible for two dogs due to a death in the family.