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New YorkMichelle Toglia


Rounding up our favorite animal stories, photos, and videos on the Web each week!

  • puppy prom picture
    Prom For Puppies

    It's prom season for dogs! Get ready for furry tuxes, tiny tiaras and pure puppy love. [via PR Newswire]

  • barking ban dog picture
    The Bark Stops Here

    What's worse than your dog barking nonstop? For Piscataway, N.J. residents, it's the new fine they'll have to pay if their dog is caught barking. Ever. Any time of the day or night. [via CBS News]

  • pink poodles dog picture
    Pretty in Pink

    The Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates spring with the essentials: music, food and, of course, real live pink poodles. [via Macon.com]

  • bunny cam picture
    Bunnies Gone Wild
    On the Bunny Cam, it's a complete (and entertaining) free-for-all for these adorable hares in a hurry. [via DailySquee]

  • little animals piglets picture
    All the Small Things

    Do the best things come in small packages? Owners of these tiny hedgehogs, rabbits, and pigs certainly think so. [via Lemondrop]



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Rachel Ray with dog picture

Photo: Getty Images

Food Network Star Rachael Ray needs a new recipe, but this time, it's for how to keep her much adored pit bull Isaboo from attacking other dogs. The TV host is distraught over the future of her aggressive dog and fears she may have to be put to sleep, reports RadarOnline.

While being walked by a dog handler in New York City earlier this month, Rachael's beloved pit bull allegedly tore off another dog's ear before her handler could tug the pooch away, according to a report in the National Enquirer.

Luckily, a vet was able to repair most of the injured dog's ear and Rachael and her husband, attorney John Cusimano, offered to pay for all medical bills, reports RadarOnline.

Rachael herself has been injured during Isaboo's run-ins with other dogs. The New York Post reported that when Rachael tried to intervene in dog fight three years ago, she was bitten by the other dog. In that case, it seems as though the other dog started the brawl, but the Emmy Award winner fears that Isaboo's behavior eventually will go beyond aggression towards other dogs and become a threat to children or adults, reports RadarOnline.

American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Director Mary Burch recommends that Isaboo get an evaluation by a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) or another experienced canine professional to help determine the severity, possible causes, and how to get the situation under control. When a CAAB is brought in, for example, the first step would typically involve the animal behaviorist accompanying Rachael and Isaboo on a walk where they're likely to encounter dogs so that the behaviorist can better assess the situation

Isaboo, who Rachael sometimes calls 'Baby," has made guest appearances on Everyday with Rachael Ray. The dog also appears with Rachael in ads for Nutrish, the chef's line of dog food and treats. Back in August, Rachael told Paw Nation all about her deep connection with Isaboo and her former dog Boo: "They've taught me so much about life and the capacity an animal has to offer unconditional love."

While Rachael clearly adores Isaboo, her pooch's aggression can have several causes and may be based out of fear. "Aggression can occur when dogs are protective of their owners (and owners reinforce the aggression), or when dogs are not properly socialized from an early age," says Burch.

But, there's hope for difficult dogs like Isaboo. Depending on the severity of the situation and the causes, it could take just several weeks or even just a few months for both owner and dog to learn how to keep antagonistic behavior under control, especially when she's in the presence of other dogs. "An animal behaviorist will spend a good portion of time training the person who is at the other end of the leash, in this case, Rachael and her husband," says Burch.

We wish Rachael the best of luck with Isaboo. What do you think about other, more vicious dogs? Do you believe that even the most aggressive dog can be rehabilitated or are some beyond hope."

We're not the only ones who celebrate Valentine's Day! Our four-legged friends are feeling the love as well. Check out the sweethearts in these shots!

Sandy McCabe

With the Westminster Kennel Club 134th Annual Dog Show almost upon us (Feb. 15–16), Paw Nation will be talking with some of the show dogs' owners for some insight into this year's contestants.

Dog Breed: Havanese

Group: Toy

Dog's Full Registered Name & Nickname
: Am Can Ch Heartland's Rumor Has It

Nickname: Rumor

Dog's Age: 3

Owner's Name: Sandy McCabe, Wade Koistinen and Ronnie Crowder

Hometown: Clare, Iowa

Tell me about your dog's personality.
My dog is very outgoing. She absolutely loves people and animals, and loves to show. She's also a very obedient dog. Though she does get very upset when we're showing other dogs. She definitely has some jealousy in her!

What is your dog's favorite treat?
Liver! She loves to eat liver! Though she pretty much eats anything. We'll make her liver as a treat when she's showing. She loves to eat chicken breasts too.

What is your dog's best trick?
She doesn't do any tricks, but she thinks she's a human. She's appalled to think that she's a dog. Many people call her a "pole dancer" because when she's getting ready to go in the ring, she climbs up the grooming arm pole. She always does this!

What's your dog's weirdest quirk?
When we're with other dogs in the ring she gets so jealous that she pouts. She doesn't bark -- she's definitely not a barker -- but she does get very mad. She'll sit there and watch the other dog's every single move. Then when we come back to her, she'll be so mad that won't even look at us for a few minutes!


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