Running Club Spotlight: The People and Animal Cardio Klub (PACK) - Washington Humane Society

Washington, DC - PACK was started in 2008 when a couple of WHS employees began to take a particular shelter dog for a run on Saturday mornings.  They immediately noticed an improvement in the dog’s focus and overall behavior.  This inspired them to start a program so more shelter dogs could reap these benefits.  PACK gives dogs a chance to get out of the shelter and stretch their legs.  Not only do they get to burn off energy, but PACK volunteers also spend time training them skills that will help them be successful in a home, such as leash walking, sit, down, and stay.

To read more on this story, click here: Running Club Spotlight: The People and Animal Cardio Klub (PACK)

Woman Says After Her Home Caught Fire, The Insurance Company is Refusing to Pay Her Claim, Because She Owns A Pit Bull

East Rockaway, NY - A woman says after her home caught fire, she contacted Adirondack Insurance, who is refusing to pay her claim.

Their reason…she owns a pit bull.

Mary Grace O'Brien, lives on Lawrence Street, with her three children and multiple pets.

In October, her dryer caught fire, and gutted the entire house. The family has been living with a friend.

The insurance company says that they were unaware that she owned a pit bull. She claims they never asked about any of her six pets.

"They produced a letter with a signature on the bottom," O'Brien says. "I had never seen it before and it said I have no pets. I have cats and I have dogs. I would never say that I have no pets. Nobody ever asked me."

Adirondack Insurance says pit bulls are on their list of prohibited dogs listed on their guidelines.

A broker from Sidakas Insurance Agency in Queens sold O'Brien the policy. She believes they lifted her signature from another document and put it on the application in question.

The insurance company is refusing to make a statement.

She is now filing a lawsuit against both Insurance companies.

What are your thoughts?

Three-Year-Old Irish Setter, Jagger, a Canine Competitor Died a Day After Taking Part in Crufts Dog Show - Autopsy Indicates He Was Poisoned

A canine competitor died the day after taking part in Crufts, one of the world's most prestigious dog shows. An autopsy indicates he was poisoned. An investigation is underway.

Three-year-old Irish setter Thendara Satisfaction, known as Jagger, took second prize in his class at the event in Birmingham, central England, on Thursday.

The next day later, after returning home to Belgium, he became ill.

Owner-breeder Dee Milligan-Bott told CNN Jagger was "finding it hard to breathe" so a veterinarian was called, but the dog died before he could get there.

"The vet thought it was suspicious, and decided on an autopsy. Cubes of beef  were found in his stomach They had at least two types of poison inside. The pieces of beef had been stitched together so that the poison didn't come out.

According to the vet, he had enough poison in his system to kill a horse.

Milligan-Bott, who is at a loss to explain why Jagger was targeted: "We can't fathom why anyone would do this."

"I've been doing this for 30-odd years and I think I would have to give up on everything if I believed that someone who shows and breeds dogs would kill a dog. We all do this because we love dogs. If you hate me for being successful, then stick a brick through my window or something. But why would you involve a dog?"

Toxicology tests are being carried out. The vet has reported the dog's death to Belgian police, and Milligan-Bott said she would likely contact West Midlands Police in the UK too.

A spokesperson for the Kennel Club, organizers of the Crufts dog show, said there had never been such an incident in the history of the competition, which dates back to 1891.

"We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear this terrible news and our heartfelt sympathies go out to Jagger's owners," said Caroline Kisko, secretary of the Kennel Club, in a statement.

"We understand that a toxicology report is due next week and that this matter has been reported to the police - we will work with them and help however we can."

What are your thoughts?

Tips For Starting A Saltwater Tank - A Beginners Guide

So you want to start a saltwater tank? Awesome and good for you! You don't need to have FW experience, but a little understanding goes a LONG way. Here is a brief summary of things to consider when starting a SW tank. This is in no way a complete list, it's just a list of the most basic things you need to consider when starting a salt tank. Be sure to read up on topics and do plenty of research before starting anything because salt tanks are more costly then fresh.

To read more on this story, click here: Tips For Starting A Saltwater Tank - A Beginners Guide