The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell Animal Medical Center (MSPCA) is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary medicine, and it is the second-biggest animal hospital in the United States.

We met Dr. Rebecca Remillard there, a PhD diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition. She is an amazing nutritionist specialized in helping dogs get healthier and fitter!

Later, we visited the MSPCA adoption center - crowded of beautiful dogs and cats waiting for a new house. If you would like to pay a visit, the MSPCA is located at 350 S Huntington Ave, in Jamaica Plain. More photos of adoptable pets are published here.

Today’s Post comes from Karen, featuring her dog Sidney, a Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Leaves are falling from the trees: Sidney looks just perfect among the Autumn colors. This picture was taken last year: Sidney is now 40 pounds bigger!

Thanks Karen for sending us her picture!

If you would like your dog featured here for hundreds to see, click the link on the right side of this page.

We are excited to announce that our friends in New York City have decided to create a blog with all things NYC Dog related.

Go check it out at www.SnifNYCDogs.com! The blog will be run by our friend Anya and her dog Oscar, the brussels griffon seen here.

The idea of the site is that it will be just like our Boston site, but with NY related stories and news instead.

If you know any dog owners/lovers in New York, let them know about the site!

Check out Anya’s first few posts to get to know her

Both this weekend and next one your dog has the opportunity to meet Santa and get a pic with him!
These photos would make great gifts, getting a lot of your holiday shopping taken care of in one easy step.

Doggie Day, located at 400 Tremont St in the South End, organizes the 4th Annual Santa Paws & Claus next weekend, Saturday and Sunday december 8th and 9th from 10am to 6 pm. The event benefits Canine Companion for Independence, a nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of children and adults with disabilities by providing highly-trained assistance dogs.

Another photo event with Santa Claus will take place at the MSPCA Boston Adoption Center, on Saturday, December 15, at 12:00 PM.
The MSPCA is located at 350 South Huntington Avenue.
The cost is $15 for a framed photo and $5 for each additional photo without a frame. Plus- you will receive a free photo by e-mail, to make your own digital Christmas cards!
For appointments and info call 617-541-5083.

On Monday we posted about the Top Ten Gifts for Dog Owners, now it’s time for part two: gifts for dogs!

Now, we know that there is much more to the holidays than presents, but just in case you were planning on doing some shopping this month, we’ve scoured the web looking for the best reviewed products, toys, and treats- to make your dog happy this holiday season.

Again- let us know if we missed anything!

10. Christmas Loofa Dog Toy $7

The Loofa Doy toy, one of the most popular dog toys on the market, now comes in a special Christmas themed outfit! Let your dog join in on the holiday spirit with this fun toy.

9. Doggie Staircase $80-160

If you have a small dog, who loves to lounge in bed, take a look at the doggies staircase. Use this gift to make life a little easier for your dog- “Our stairs can also help healthy pets avoid neck and back injuries and bone stress that result from frequent jumping to and from high places” and “older animals or those suffering from hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other joint problems. ”

8. The Big Dog Feeder $30

If you have a big dog, then you should have a Big Dog Feeder! As the description says, “Veterinarians state that when animals eat in a level, standing position less air is taken into the stomach. This helps prevent life-threatening bloat. A raised feeder also helps large dogs avoid bone, joint and muscle damage.” Make your dog more comfortable for a longer life, with this feeder.

7. Mungo & Maud “Petite Amande” Dog Fragrance £38 (about $75)

This might not be the most practical gift this holiday season, but if you really want to pamper your dog this year… then order 50ml of this doggie perfume! No more unfresh dog smell, with Mungo and Maud’s dog fragrance, your dog will smell like almond, bourbon, violet leaf, and more!

6. Omega Paw Tricky Treat Ball $14

Give your dog many gifts in one: treats, exercise, play, and training! This toy can be stuffed with treats, which will only come out if your dog plays with the ball enough- encouraging exercise and mental stimulation.

5. Dog Treat Launcher $10

Your dog will love the treat launcher and you’ll have fun with it too! The treat launcher shoots your dog’s favorite snacks into the air, making snack time fun for everyone. You can even train your dog to do tricks with by using the launcher allowing you to turn snack time, into training time!

4. Peanut Butter Flavored Dog Biscuits $9

Although the might not fit in the launcher above, these peanut butter treats are the favorite of many dogs! Your dog will stay happy through the winter with one full pound of these snacks.

3. Double Donut Deluxe Dog Beds $150-390

For the dog who has everything: the Double Donut Deluxe! This dog bed will pamper your pooch with style, customized in many colors. The description claims that the bed is durable and won’t wear out- plus it has a removable orthopedic foam insert. True luxury!

2. Kong Extreme Goodie Bone Dog Toy $12

This is one of the most durable chew toys on the market! If you have an eager dog with a big bite and you always find bits of toy scattered about- this is the chew toy for your dog. Plus it has grippers to hold in your dogs’ favorite treats! The description says, this 7″ toy is “Recommended for dogs with aggressive chewing habits”.

1. Holiday Rawhide Buckets $15-20

The Holiday Rawhide Bucket is like a stocking of treats just for your dog. Packed with pretzels, bones, and ground rawhide (in holiday shapes!), this bucket has it all. If you want to include your dog in the holiday festivities, then this is the best way to do it.

So- what will you be getting your favorite dog this year?

Do you remember Trouble, the Maltese who inherited $12 M from her rich owner, Leona Hemsley?
Well, it seems that some people think these dog don’t deserve what she got! A friend of Leona, John Codey, referred that he received any number of threats to kidnap the dog, and even death threats from previous bite victims. The dog is also famous because a housemaid sued Leona due to the bites of Trouble: she was obliged to feed her from her hands.

Ed Pilkington, in an article published today in The Guardian, refers that tha annual mantainance cost for trouble is $300,000. “The tiny white Maltese” he adds “has had to flee to Florida to escape certain unwelcome attention. It appears that the dog has become the subject of considerable interest among the criminal fraternity, who clearly view it as a double opportunity - to get themselves a free pet and earn millions of dollars in ransom money.

The article says that Trouble is not so popular as she “travels on a private jet, has her own winter home as well as a dedicated team of servants and security guards. Codey said that the bodyguards had come up with a cunning pseudonym to protect her identity - they now call her “Bauble”.

Have any dog owners on your shopping list this holiday season? Or do you need help building your own wishlist?
Well this is the first installment of the Doggie Holiday Shopping Guide.

Today: Ten Gifts for Dog Owners

Make sure to check back later this week for Ten Gifts for Dogs!

10. 365 Dogs - Daily Calendar $10

For the Dog Owner who has everything, give a gift that’s fresh every day of the year!

9. Doggie Holiday Costume $10-18

As you can tell from the dog above- this is definitely for a gift for dog owners, not dogs… but dress your dog up for your holiday parties- or for the family on Christmas morning with this great dog costume.

8. FURminator DeShedding Tool $29

This top rated shedding reduction tool works on both short and long-haired dogs. A perfect gift for any pet owner looking to cut down the amount of fur floating around their home.

7. Kyjen Dog-Agility Starter Kit
$36 (on sale from $90!)

A great way to get a dog (and its owner) active! Dog agility training is not for all dogs, but with this beginners training set, it can be for all dog owners!

6. Dog Throw Blanket $19

A great gift for any dog owner, the throw blanket can be used in many ways, for all dogs. Keep it in your car to keep the seats clean; throw it own the couch when you go out; give your dog a warm spot on a normally cold floor… this throw blanket does it all!

5. For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend $10

The #1 rated book for dog owners/lovers, For the Love of a Dog (by Patricia Mcconnell) is a must own!

4. Doggie Driver $28

The ultimate gift for any golfing dog owner! This toy combines golf and fetch into one amazing activity. This is definitely not an indoor toy… but if you have a dog that loves to fetch and an owner who loves to golf: this is the gift to buy!

3. Ionic Dog Brush $40

The perfect gift for any dog owner who needs a fresher smelling home. The Ionic Dog Brush gives your dog a massage, while eliminating that not-so-fresh doggie smell.

2. 101 Dog Tricks – Book $12

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? With this book you can teach any dog 101 new tricks! Author Kyra Sundance helps guide readers through the basics of dog training and also has some great new tricks for more advanced dogs too.

1. Luminescent Safety Leash

The Luminescent Safety Leash is perfect for any dog owner: it helps keep them and their dogs safe! Keep your dog visible at night and help light the way as you walk- the glow in the dark leash is stylish and functional!

Did we miss anything? What are you getting your favorite pet owners this year?
Comment below - and good luck with your holiday shopping!