What animal lover hasn't daydreamed about ditching their desk job and applying for a job at the zoo? Or at a doggy daycare? Or tracking gorillas in Africa? We sure have, but since most of us may never actually get to work with the animals we love, we thought we'd introduce you to a few people who do.

Name: Michelle Berryessa
Job: DVM and President, Australian Shepherd Club of America.

What kind of personal experience did you have with Australian Shepherds before you got involved with the ASCA?
I didn't have any. We first got involved with the local club right when we first bought our puppies in 1977. We got the puppies from someone who was active in the local affiliate, and soon we started going to meetings.

How many Australian Shepherds do you currently have?
Four. The youngest is about six months old and the oldest is about 10. Two of the dogs I have today are basically confirmation dogs. I have a little working bitch out of a breeder in California, and the puppy is from this bitch that I bred.

What is the mission of the ASCA?
The ASCA exists to promote the Australian Shepherd and to provide programs in which they can be showcased. We also have committees that deal with health-related projects: Research into cancers that tend to occur in the breed, eye defects, and things like that.

Is being president a full-time job?
It certainly can feel like one, but it's a part-time, volunteer position.

Are American Shorthairs your favorite cat breed? Then get your paws on one of The American Kennel Club® and Cat Fanciers' Association® breed banners to show your allegiance!

You can download this or any other breed sticker from Flickr. Add them to your MySpace page or promote them as bumper stickers to your Facebook profile.

With over 160 dog breeds and 41 cat custom breed banners to choose from, you'll have no problem representing for your beloved breed.

Learn more about your favorite breeds at the upcoming Meet the Breeds event in New York City on October 17th - 18th. For more information, visit MeetTheBreeds.com.

If you've ever owned a dog, it's likely you've experienced some sort of fur-related disaster -- a horrible smell, a sticky substance, an accidental dye job, the list goes on and on. It's one thing if said disaster makes your furry friend a little less cuddly for a day or so, but a whole other issue if your job is to make a pet look and smell perfect.

The American Kennel Club, which hosts next month's Meet the Breeds event in New York City, put us in touch with two top groomers -- Shirlee Kalstone and Jonathon David (of "Groomer Has It" fame). They told us about some of the stickiest situations they've ever faced, and shared some tricks of the trade that you can try at home!

David, who travels the country participating in grooming competitions, relies on his contacts living near the events to lend him stunning dogs. For one such occasion, he was referred to a woman who owned two Kerry Blue Terriers (a competition favorite).

Are Chihuahuas your favorite dog breed? Then get your paws on one of The American Kennel Club® and Cat Fanciers' Association® breed banners to show your pride for Chihuahuas!

You can download this or any other breed sticker from Flickr. Add them to your Myspace page or promote them as bumper stickers to your Facebook profile. With over 160 dog breeds and 41 cat custom breed banners to choose from, you'll have no problem representing for your beloved breed.

Learn more about your favorite breeds at the upcoming Meet the Breeds event in New York City on October 17th - 18th. For more information, visit MeetTheBreeds.com. Plus, check out all of our information on the smartest dogs, miniature dogs and how to choose a dog!

A member of the Hound Group, the Bloodhound is the 41st most popular breed in the United States, according to 2008 American Kennel Club® registration statistics. Described as a "unique looking dog in a baggy suit," the Bloodhound is one of the oldest breeds of dogs that hunt by scent. The dogs possess an intense sense of smell – all they need is an article of clothing belonging to a missing person or criminal to be able to track them down. Recently, a Bloodhound named "Taffy" was honored in the Search and Rescue category of the AKC Awards for Canine Excellence.

A Look Back
The Bloodhound made its appearance in Europe long before the Crusades, when the first specimens were brought from Constantinople in two strains, black and white. In the 1100s, the most powerful people in Europe, including bishops and aristocrats kept packs of Bloodhounds. Established in America for over a century, it proved early on to be a tireless worker for law enforcement, being so accurate that evidence trailed by a Bloodhound has been accepted in a court of law.

Did You Know...
The Bloodhound can follow a trail over one hundred miles to locate someone, even if he has to swim across water. The breed can also pick out the person they are tracking from a crowd. Some people believe the breed got his name because of the care taken by owners centuries ago with the "blood lines," or family histories of the dogs, and not because they follow the scent of blood on the trail.

Is a Bloodhound the right breed for your family?
While Bloodhounds are extremely affectionate, they are strong, take-charge dogs, so it is important to be kind, but also to be the undisputed boss in your household. Bloodhounds should be groomed weekly to eliminate dead hair and facilitate a routine that will help them look, feel, and smell better.

Thinking about buying a Bloodhound??
Additional information for those considering a Bloodhound – including things to know before you get a dog, tips on how to find a breeder near you, or a list of training clubs in your local area – can be found on the American Kennel Club Web site. Meet the American Foxhound and 160 other AKC breeds at Meet the Breeds.

© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

Upload a picture of your Bloodhound and we may feature it in an upcoming gallery!