A man saved his pet dog from a shark in Florida this week by jumping in the water and punching the predator.

Greg LeNoir, 53, had taken his pet rat terrier Jake to the water for his daily swim when a 1.5m shark attacked the dog. LeNoir yelled and jumped into the water punching the shark’s neck. His heroic actions saved Jake’s life with both owner and dog making it back to shore safely. The rat terrier suffered puncture wounds to his chest, abdomen and back but is expected to make a full recovery.

Kudos from DogandCollar.com out to Greg LeNoir for his brave actions!

Dog owners in California have maintained the right to drive with pets in their laps.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a proposal to fine drivers caught on the road with their dogs or other pets sharing the driver’s seat. Schwarzenegger says he is only signing bills that are “the highest priority for California” and that a lap dog ban is not a priority. The bill was introduced by Republican Assemblyman Bill Maze who said that it is distracting for dogs to be on the drivers’ laps.

Always remember to secure pets while on the road with a proper car-safe dog harness and seat belt.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation has always promoted a daily walk to lower your risk of heart disease. Now they encourage pet owners to use Fido for motivation.

The most obvious benefit of dog walking is of course an adequate amount of exercise. Walking is wonderful for your health and your dog’s as well. Walking helps decrease your chance of heart attack, stroke, obesity, stress and makes for strong, healthy muscles and bones. Dogs are pack animals by nature, and rely on a system of leadership and hierarchy. Experts say that walking your dog with a dog harness and leash will help establish you as leader and keep your dog satisfied. Even if you have an older dog that has never been accustomed to leashes, a little practice is all it takes to master the ritual of the dog walk. Research has shown that walking your dog also makes you more approachable and helps with social skills.

Walking with your dog is more fun than walking alone. It’s the easiest and cheapest method to keep you and your dog fit and healthy. So get out there and start walking!

Certificates created to permit guide dogs in all public areas of Beijing for the duration of the Olympic and Paralympic games, expire tomorrow.

Dogs are banned from most public places in China, and although nearly 12 million Chinese citizens are visually impaired, only 6 of these individuals currently have guide dogs. One of those citizens is Ping Yali, this year’s Paralympic torchbearer. Ping was given a golden retriever named Lucky as a reward for her previous gold medal in the long jump competition. Ping admits that the sight of Lucky dressed in his guide dog harness, along with his size can be intimidating to the general public, and has often prevented her from hailing taxis or riding public transit. However, it is not stopping her from fighting for laws to protect the disabled persons of China. Since Lucky came into her life, she has managed to get around the city with ease, greatly reduce the risk of injuring herself, and generally feel more confident and safe.

Ping will continue to work hard promoting the benefits of guide dogs, and help them to achieve working dog status, similar to the German Shepherds used in the police force.

A German Shepherd of the Scottish police force has been hailed a hero after pulling a drowning man to safety.

Admitted would-be thief, Glen Lyon, was lurking in the backyards of an Aberdeen neighbourhood, when several residents noticed him and called police. Officers arrived on the scene, while holding their German Shepherd on her dog leash, as she anticipated catching a criminal. When police called out to Lyon, he unexpectedly fled the scene, resulting in a pursuit. Lyon took a wrong turn in the dark and fell into the Don River. He struggled for his life against the strong current, and the police dog (who has been nicknamed Lassie) jumped in after him. She pulled the suspect to the riverbank where a female officer hoisted him out of the water and preformed CPR. Lyon has now been charged for several home robberies in the Aberdeen area, and attempting to escape police officers while on bail. The police dog was not harmed.

Although Lyon has been sentenced to four months in prison, he owes his life to the dog who rescued him.

A recent survey conducted by the Blue Cross UK, has shown that dogs create a positive change when permitted in the workplace.

Jane Irvine of Edinburgh, Scotland, has been bringing her terrier cross, Dougie, to work every day since he was a puppy. As chairman of the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission, she claims that Dougie makes people feel more relaxed when in her office, and makes her feel safer when walking home alone. The study by Blue Cross has shown that having a dog in the workplace decreases absenteeism, increases productivity and greatly improves staff morale. Jane keeps Dougie in her office, with fresh food and water, and always has his dog leash and harness on hand for break time. She ensures that her clients do not have allergies and are unafraid of dogs, before allowing them in her office. The Blue Cross is working to make dog-friendly workplaces a more acceptable and commonplace pracitce in the UK.

Countries such as Canada and the United States have a far greater percentage of animal friendly workplaces than the UK. In Taiwan, almost half of all employers allow staff to bring their dogs to work.

A German Shepherd named Buddy saved his owner’s life over the weekend, after dialing 911.

Joe Stalnaker adopted Buddy from a rescue shelter as an 8 week old puppy. When Joe was younger, he was in the military and suffered a head injury during a training drill. He has since suffered from irregular and unpredictable seizures. When Buddy was old enough, Joe programmed 911 into the speed dial on his telephone and trained buddy to hit the button if Joe went into a seizure. Joe claims this was Buddy’s first time to prove himself, and he did a fantastic job. However, the 911 dispatcher was unsure if she should send help. She claims she heard whimpering and barking on the other end, and thought perhaps the call was an accident. She decided to send police officers to the location to be safe, and claims she is very thankful that she did.

Joe’s phone number has since been flagged, to alert dispatchers that a dog may dial 911 in the future.

An intruder broke into the farmhouse of a California couple, ransacking their kitchen and taking several hundred dollars in cash.

Before the burglar left, he came into the bedroom where the couple was asleep with their dog. He began to rub spices on the dog’s collar and the couple’s feet. Once the couple awoke, he hit them both in the face with a large sausage, before fleeing. Police were called to the farmhouse around 6am, and soon found the intruder lying in a nearby field, still holding the bag of spices and wearing only socks and boxer shorts. All of the stolen money was recovered, but an officer witnessed the dog swallow a piece of evidence, the sausage.

Lieutenant Burrimond claims this is one of the strangest cases he’s seen in years. Not only because of the burglar’s bizarre behaviour, but because the weapon was discarded at the crime scene, and then eaten by a dog.

Obesity rates among humans in Canada increase each year, and now the same can be said of Canadian canines.

Stats Canada has reported that while 36% of Canadian citizens are obese, 35% of dogs in Canada are as well. We all know obesity is a serious health risk to humans, and it is just as dangerous for your dog. Overweight dogs are at a greater risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis and high blood pressure than dogs who maintain a healthy weight. If you are concerned about your own dog’s health, ask your veterinarian about the recommended daily caloric intake. Fatty treats are the number one cause of obese canines, so be sure to include all treats in the calorie count, and never give your dog a treat when they beg. The simplest way to detect obesity in your dog is to run your hands along the ribcage. If you must press in to feel the ribs, it is a sign your dog may be overweight. Also, be sure that you can comfortably fit two fingers between your dog’s neck and collar.

Remember, a healthy amount of exercise is just as important in keeping your dog slim and fit.

Dog rental businesses are quickly becoming a global trend, leaving many animals lovers outraged at the prospect of such an organization.

Websites list dozens of profiles for potential companions, displaying details such as personality traits, appearance, age, intelligence and even tricks the dogs are capable of performing. Dogs are available to rent for a day, overnight, a week or even a year. However, the charge is generally by the hour, including dog collars, leashes, harnesses and toys. Supporters of these businesses claim they love dogs and desire the companionship, but are unable to provide a permanent home due to work schedules or limited space etc. Critics suggest that people in such a situation should volunteer to spend time with canines at local animal shelters, rather than support an organization that breeds dogs for profit. Dogs are loyal animals that quickly become attached to families. They require consistency and a daily routine. Renting these animals may cause negative and damaging effects to a dog’s emotional being.

While these businesses seem to be thriving, many animal rights activists are fighting to make them illegal, and educate the public about the negative results.