Friday Dogblogging

September 5, 2008 - The Louisiana SPCA is warning New Orleans residents that several unauthorized groups have entered the city to remove pets from people's properties, presenting themselves as animal rescuers.

August 15, 2008 - There's been a barrage of bad news on the economic front this week, with inflation growing at the fastest rate in 17 years, average weekly wages posting the the biggest year-over-year decline since November 1990, and the number of people receiving unemployment benefits at the highest level in almost five years.

August 8, 2008 - A three-legged mutt named Cassidy underwent experimental surgery at the N.C. State College of Veterinary Medicine last month -- a high-tech procedure that one day could help military veterans and other people who have lost limbs.

August 1, 2008 - One of my dogs recently had her regular check-up at our veterinarian's office, where despite my oft-stated concerns over pesticide safety I was convinced to buy an expensive product to keep fleas, ticks and mosquitoes at bay during this exceptionally buggy summer. It's perfectly safe, the doctor assured me.

July 25, 2008 - There's been considerable attention paid to the role played by private security firms in the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. As it turns out, one such firm is also helping with the stateside war against dogfighting.

July 18, 2008 - When we launched our Friday dogblogging feature earlier this year, we mentioned Southerners' special love for canines. But an honest understanding of dogs' history in our region also recognizes how the animals were used to brutalize Southerners and Southern progress.

July 11, 2008 - Tough spay and neuter laws in many states have dramatically reduced the number of unwanted puppies languishing in animal shelters. But in North Carolina, weak laws have created an enormous homeless puppy problem.