As we are gearing up for a big Super Bowl, another football related dog story just caught our eye:

We saw a beautiful story this weekend about some severely mistreated dogs getting a chance at better life. Now that Michael Vick is in prison for funding and supporting dogfighting on his property, the surviving pitbulls are finding new, loving homes.

Many of the dogs have been sent to the Best Friends Animal Society, a dog sanctuary in Utah where they are being rehabilitated and nursed back to health. And some are already being adopted, like Hector, seen below from the MSNBC article linked here.

A few weeks ago we wrote about the New Repertory Theatre in Watertown and how it was looking to cast a small dog for its showing of The Misanthrope.

Well we just found out that our friend Amy’s lovely chihuahua Cucuy got the part! This is what Amy wrote:
“Cucuy has been doing well so far and she loves all of the actors in the play! She gets to kiss bald heads, eat carrots, and get showered with attention. Here is the picture that is up in the theater!”

Click on the image for more details about The Misanthrope and make sure to go see Cucuy at the New Repertory Theatre from January 16 - February 10th.

As if it was ever in doubt, it is now official: not only are the Pats going to the Superbowl, but dogs love Tom Brady. First, he was seen with his (or possibly girlfriend Gisele’s) small dog in hand walking around New York City, and being friendly with local dog owners.

ESPN even went so far as to comment that it’s a signal to bet the underdog. However, what ESPN didn’t take into account is that dogs themselves are betting on him.

We came across a picture today in the Boston Herald’s blog that further proves that he has canines across America rooting for him:

Screenshot of TMZ video from Bostonist.
Picture of dog owner from Boston Herald.

Then check out the www.dogtravelcompany.net! A friend just sent us the link to the Dog Travel Company, which is a group travel club designed for dog lover.

Once you become a member you will have access to tips on traveling with your dog, discounts to dog travel locations and services, and our favorite part: the opportunity to fly with your dog in the seat next to you!

Is anyone a member of this group? What do you think?

Join Boston Natural Areas Network for the seventh annual Mush the Greenways! This free mid-winter event will be on Sunday, January 27, 2008.

The mushers of Northern Exposure Outfitters in Brookfield, MA will bring their team of trained sled dogs to the Greenways to introduce the fundamentals of this winter sport. Participants will have an opportunity to interact with these talented dogs, try their hand at harnessing and watch the team in action. Free hot chocolate will help
to keep you warm.

A limited number of rides will be given. Reservations are required for rides.
Call BNAN at 617-542-7696 to reserve a spot.

Here are more details:

Mushing at Belle Isle Marsh
Bennington Street, East Boston
Sunday, January 27, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Mushing at Pope John Paul ll Park
Gallivan Blvd., Dorchester
Sunday, January 27, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE THAT PERSONAL DOGS ARE PROHIBITED!

For more information & directions to locations, please go here:
http://bostonnatural.org

A friend sent me this really cool article from Wired title Computer Program Could Translate Dog Barks into Human Speech.

If this technology pans out, we could listen to our dogs speaking in English- how exciting!

The American Kennel Club just announced the list of the Most Popular dog breeds in America.

Here’s the list for Boston:

1. Labrador Retriever

2. German Shepherd

3. Yorkshire Terrier

4. Golden Retriever

5. Boxer

6. Bulldog

7. Pug

8. Dachshund

9. Poodle

10. Pomeranian

Looks like the Lab won again!