Hondo, a dog park in Oregon, was named after a police dog killed in the line of duty. A flag painted fire hydrant was removed and is now being reinstalled with a fence around it - as to keep dogs away from this 'target'.

Source: www.oregonlive.com, Flag-Hydrant to be reinstalled in oregon park

The number of households with pets is continually growing and we are thinking of our family pets more when making decisions. If you are a pet owner and are moving in the future there are some areas to consider when choosing a new residence. This article on ajc.com has questions to think about and tips for moving to dog friendly neighborhoods.

Source: ajc.com, 5 tips on what to look for when choosing a home for you and your pet

Our friend, Jill Borkowski sent us some information on the new Houston Astros Calendar which is available for purchase now:

The Houston Astros have teamed up with Saving Animals, a Houston based non-profit organization, to produce the second annual Astros Player and Pet Calendar.

Astros players posed for photos with their pets, as well as homeless animals from the Harris County animal shelter (HCPHES). Astros featured in the 2008 pet calendar include Trever Miller, Jason Jennings, Mark Loretta, Adam Everett, Brad Ausmus, Jason Lane, Dave Borkowski, Chris Sampson, Brandon Backe, Woody Williams, Brad Lidge, Chad Qualls, Carlos Lee and Roy Oswalt.

Calendars are just $15 and available for purchase at Minute Maid Park, 26 Houston and Austin area Petco stores, Saving Animals� adoption centers and clinics and astros.com. Additional shipping and handling fees may apply.

The calendar includes a coupon for a free tube of Advantage flea control and information on the revolutionary resQ microchip for your dogs and cats provided by Bayer Animal Health.

Thanks to Bayer Animal Health's generous sponsorship of the calendar, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Saving Animals and the Astros in Action Foundation.

Saving Animals (www.savinganimals.org) provides veterinary, education and adoption services to help eliminate financial, geographical and cultural barriers that cause animal suffering.

Astros in Action Foundation has been "Fielding the Dreams of Houston" since 2000. The foundation uses the strength of the National Pastime to enhance the quality of life in the community through educational, health, and spiritual endeavors and has helped thousands of community groups and organizations throughout the Houston area.

Help this organization by purchasing a calendar today!

A few days ago we put a story up about a dog named Pilot who was in the middle of a vet bill battle. Well there is a happy ending. Carol Diamantis of Brookhaven, helped the owner out by paying his $972 vet bill so Pilot could be released. What a wonderful gift - Pilot is healthy and now he won't have to go to the pound- Pilot can go home.

Source: ajc.com, Stranger pays pup's $972 Bill

This is a sad story of a puppy who is caught in the middle of a vet bill battle. Josh Gomez, the owner of Pilot paid the agreed upon vet bill of $1125. When he went to pick up his dog Gomez stated there were additional charges tacked on to make his bill $1640. Pilot is being held at the PetFIRST Animal Hospital in Duluth, and may be sent to the pound Tuesday if his bill cannot be paid. This is an unfortunate case because the one who is going to suffer the most is going to be Pilot, who may be put to sleep if he is not adopted out.

Source: ajc.com, Man says Gwinnett vet is keeping his dog hostage

In the past we had posted articles about oxygen masks and how they can help save your pet, well here is your chance to donate and help the Houston Area fire trucks stock up on these masks. Many cities are raising money to purchase these masks to have on their fire trucks. If you are in the Houston area there is going to be an autograph signing by Houston Astros Dave Borkowski. Go and support this great cause, it sounds like it will be a fun filled day!

This video will put you in a trance. It is really cool to see all the different breeds morphing together.

Source: youtube.com, 100 Most Amazing Dog Breeds Morphing