Weekly Dish for March 4-10, 2012

DOG BURGLAR

A Yorkie puppy worth $1,400 that was stolen from a Brooklyn, New York dog store has been returned under mysterious circumstances. The pricey pooch was snatched two week ago from Puppy Paradise, a pet store owned by David Dietz. Aside from losing an expensive item, Dietz was worried for the pup's health, since the dog requires four daily feedings and vitamins. Thankfully, local police received a phone call from a unnamed woman who said to find the puppy they should go to a certain street corner and look for written instructions tacked to a tree. The authorities found the described paper and followed the clues until they found the healthy pup in a box on top of a vending machine. Sounds like a case for Scooby Doo! The Yorkie is now back at Puppy Paradise, waiting for someone to pay full price to give him a loving home. (Gothamist)

CAT DETECTS CANCER

Wendy Humphreys owes her life to her pet cat Fidge. The feline was able to detect a malignant tumor in Humphreys' breast that went unnoticed by doctors. The owner said that one day, Fidge started to jump at her breast and continued to do so for several weeks. Humphreys finally went to see a doctor, who discovered a cancerous tumor the size of a pea, which could have easily metastasized if left untreated. Humphreys is now undergoing treatment and enjoying Fidge's life-saving skills and love. This incident supports scientists' beliefs that some animals can detect changes in their owner's physiology.(Huffington Post)

FRIENDS OF FLIPPER

In an unusual and rare event, 30 dolphins washed up on the shore of a Brazilian beach at the same time this week. If left on the sand, the animals could have died. Luckily, a group of animal-loving beach-goers sprang into action. Several people who watched the dolphins wash up on the beach quickly got to their feet and began dragging the sea creatures back to the safety of the water. Thanks to their assistance, all of the dolphins were able to swim off without injury. We're sure if they could shake flippers with their rescuers, they would. (CBS News)

TO DYE FOR

Florida residents may start seeing some strangely-colored pets walking around in the sunshine. The state's legislature has passed a bill allowing residents to legally dye their furry friends any color they please. The government stands by the new law, saying it will help dog groomers interested in dyeing their canines for shows. Opponents are concerned that the right to dye will lead to health hazards for pets and an increase in coloring animals around Easter. They worry that people will purchase adorable dyed animals around the holiday only to return them several months later when the color and interest have worn off. (Jezebel)

SHAKIRA'S NEW SNUGGLE BUDDIES

Shakira debuted the newest members of her family on Twitter this week: two baby bunnies. The famous singer uploaded a series of photos of her fluffy new friends with the text "meet our new baby bunnies." What a proud pet mama! (Teddy Hilton)

OHIO'S PLANS TO BAN

The Ohio government is trying to prevent a repeat of the tragic Zanesville exotic animal incident, where 48 animals were killed after being released by their owner. Legislature is working on a new bill that would ban the ownership of all exotic animals and place strict regulations on those who already have wild animals as pets. Some officials oppose an outright ban, believing that with correct conditions, citizens should be able to own exotic pets. However, the state's governor is standing by ending exotic animal ownership for good. (Columbus Dispatch)

HERE KITTY KITTY SHARK 

A new species of Catshark has been discovered in the Galapagos Islands. The Bythaelurus giddingsi is a calm, deep-sea sweller that is not a threat to humans. The new find stands out from other sharks thanks to its chocolate-colored body adorned with gray, cat-like spots. The faux fur look has yet to be seen on a shark, so this guy must be a trendsetter. (Discovery News)

CATS GOOD FOR CARDIAC HEALTH

A new study shows that owning a cat can be a major health perk. University of Minnesota Stroke Center study has found, after 10 years of research, that felines lower a person's risk of heart attack. Cat owners are 40 percent less likely to suffer a heart attack than non-cat owners. Researchers are unsure of the exact effect cats have, but believe a cat's cardiac magic lies in its purr and ability to lower stress levels. (Chicago Tribune)

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Get ready for plenty of pooches named Uggie, because when it comes to naming our pets, we are pop-culture crazy. Research shows that film and television are a main factor that affects our decisions when it comes time to name a furry friend. That's why you'll find Bella -- of "Twilight" infamy -- on top of the trendiest pet names list this year. Another influence is the need to make pets feel like part of the family, which leads to more human pet names like Lulu and Milo, instead of the generic Fido or Fluffy. (Vetstreet)

LONG ROAD HOME

After 53 days of waiting and worrying, Barbara Bagley has been reunited with her beloved Sheltie, Dooley. The two were separated after Bagley and her husband got into a severe car accident while out driving with Dooley. Frightened, the dog fled into the Utah wild. As soon as Bagley was on the mend from her injuries, she turned all her attention to finding her pet. Local search teams formed and scoured the area around the accident, eventually finding Dooley 53 days after the crash. Rescuers believe the dog survived on roadkill and random water sources. Now, Dooley is back to his normal diet and back in his mama's loving arms. (TODAY)

LUCKY BLACK CAT

You can never read too many happy endings, so here's another. Marilyn Walden feared the worse for her pet cat, Bear, when a tornado struck their home in Kentucky last week. Walden was away at work when the natural disaster hit town. She returned afterwards to find her house destroyed and broke into tears, not for her home, but in concern over Bear, who had been left alone. The those sad tears soon turned into ones of joy when she discovered the all-black cat healthy and hiding under her bed for shelter. (Catsparella)

STALKER SQUAWKER

A Detroit area woman is dealing with an unusual pest: a stalker turkey. Edna Geisler of Commerce Township, Michigan says that a wild turkey has been living in the woods next to her house and attacking her whenever she tries to leave. Geisler claims the bird, whom she has dubbed Godzilla, emerges from the woods when she exits her home and begins to claw and jump at her. Geisler says she has tried both changing her schedule and having friends pick her up, but Godzilla still persists with his pestering. He better watch his back come Thanksgiving! (Detroit Free Press)

ANIMAL MOOD MUSIC

Looks like the alligators of Sapporo's Maruyama Zoo are a little lazy this mating season. Zoo officials are concerned about the animals because they are showing little interest in furthering their species. In an effort to get these gators in the baby-making mood, the zoo has started to play booming "Takio" drums. They hope this will ignite the alligator's libidos and lead to another successful mating season. Tails crossed. (AFP)

HAPPY REUNION

Alabama resident, Greg Cook, feared that he lost his Chocolate Lab, Coco, in the Category-5 tornado that hit the area last week. Cook returned to his home after evacuation to find it destroyed, along with 50 others, and Coco nowhere is sight. Luckily, after searching the debris, rescuers were able to find the Lab alive and -- except for some understandable jitters -- in good health. Cook and Coco were reunited soon after, bringing the owner to tears. Cook says that he is just so relieved and happy to have his best friend back after everything that happened. (Huffington Post)   

REMEMBERING TOOLA

Monterey Bay Aquarium's star otter, Toola, passed away this week. Toola is remembered by fans and the aquarium staff as the adorable animal that advanced otter research and protection. Toola was the first rescued otter ever to raise pups in captivity that were successfully returned to the wild. The otter became a permanent part of the aquarium after she developed a neurological disorder that prevented her from being returned to the wild. Toola quickly became a visitor favorite and the face of legislation for otter protection. Toola was 16-years-old and is survived by 5 children and 7 grandchildren. (ZooBorns)

THREE'S COMPANY

A lioness in China just had an interesting litter of cubs. The trio of babies included two Tigons -- a male tiger and lioness cross-breed -- and one purebred lion. This is the first time that a mixed birth like this has been recorded. Sadly, one of the Tigons passed away shortly after being born, a risk that comes with a lioness' difficult birth and the genetic defects of species cross breeding. (Care2)

CIRCUS SANS CREATURES

The U.K. government has decided to go ahead with a law that will require circuses to be wild animal-free in two years. Those who don't follow the new legislation will receive severe consequences. Roughly 200 animals are living in circuses, with only 37 being considered wild. The soon-to-be illegal animals include: lions, elephants, zebras, tigers, kangaroos, crocodiles and camels. The government finally decided to move ahead with the ban after consistent pressure from animal rights groups and celebrities. (Daily Mail)

BREAKOUT BIRD 

Lock your doors, a penguin is on the loose. A Tokyo zoo is on a bird-hunt, searching for a one-year-old Humboldt Penguin who flew the coop today. Zoo officials believe the 1-ft flapper somehow got over a exhibit wall twice his size and scuttled away. The penguin was last seen bathing in Old Edogawa river in Tokyo, before swimming off to see the sights. (AFP)

MR. ED SR.

Shayne, a thoroughbred located in England, thinks he has every other horse beat when it comes to age. The 51-year-old equine is believed to be the oldest horse on the planet, far surpassing the average age of 30. Shayne's owner, Sue Burton, has yet to apply for certification that her horse is the oldest and wisest of them all, but she is proud of her pet. Burton says Shayne is still active and energetic, even if he is an old stallion. (TODAY) 

STRANGE SNAKE

A new species of sea snake, Hydrophis Donaldi, has been discovered in Australia. The unusual specimen is covered head to tail in an intricate series of spiny scales. Given the treacherous and rocky waters that the snake was found in, ecologists think the scales might be venomous. Poisonous or not, this sea snake was a special discovery because this type of reptile is usually smooth. Other than the little information scientists have gathered from observing the snake in captivity, not much is known about the animal's natural behavior. (National Geographic)

UNDERWATER DOGS DO GOOD

Seth Casteel's underwater dog photos have been making waves on the Internet. In the past month, Casteel has gone from pet-loving freelance photographer to in-demand cameraman, with his photos appearing in dozens of publications and his personal shooting sessions filling up fast. While the fame has been fun, what Casteel enjoys most about his new success is his ability to increase his aide to animals and his non-profit Second Chance Photos. Through this charity, Casteel professionally photographs shelter animals to give them an adoption photo that is hard to turn down. Thanks to Casteel's rapid rise to fame, Second Chance has seen a big increase in donations and interest from other shelters in starting a similar program. (Wired)

RACHEL RAY WORKING IT FOR ANIMALS

Celebrity Chef Rachel Ray has teamed up with the ASPCA to create a $100K Challenge. The contest challenges animal shelters nationwide to come up with new and creative ways to get their community involved and adopting. The shelter that works with their area and saves the most cats and dogs in three months will receive a $100K prize. There will also be a $25K second place prize, along with grants of varying amounts. Ray says she is excited to share her love for animals and support for shelters with everyone. (Teddy Hilton)

CAT CRISIS 

The ASPCA says they made one of their biggest rescues to date last week, rescuing over 600 cats from the Caboodle Ranch. The Florida facility, which claimed to be a haven for sick cats, was overwhelmed with injured and dying felines. Craig Grant, the owner of the 30-acre sanctuary, was arrested for animal cruelty along with several other charges. The ASPCA is now working with 10 animal rescue groups to get all of the felines treated and moved into local shelters. Hopefully, new happy homes will come to them all. (Jacksonville.com)

TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER

Technology and nature have met again, this time under the sea. The Polytechnic Institute of New York University has created a robotic fish to help them in their quest to understand collective animal behavior. With the invention, researchers have been able to discover some of the factors that determine a leader in a school of fish. By varying the robotic fish's tail beat frequencies and flow speeds, the phony fish was able to become the leader of the pack. Researchers hope that as this technology progresses, these robotic fish can be used to lead the real creatures away from environmental disasters. (Science Daily)