Blog Posts by vetstreet.com

By Lisa Granshaw | February 14, 2013

Have you seen this dog?Every year on Feb. 14 people celebrate Valentine's Day with their loved ones, both human and animal. For animal lovers, the day holds extra significance by highlighting an important issue through Pet Theft Awareness Day.

In 2012, 458 dogs were stolen across the country, according to numbers tracked by the American Kennel Club's National Pet Theft Database. That's a significant increase from 2010, when 255 dogs were stolen.

"People are stunned when [pet theft] happens to them," says Kirsten Theisen, director of pet care issues for The Humane Society of the United States. "You never think it's going to happen to you, but it takes only a minute of misstep to have something go wrong."

Related: Protect Yourself From the Lost Pet Scam

According to Theisen, pet theft is more common than people think, and pet owners should be aware that it can occur at any time. There are a number of steps you can take to decrease your chances of having

February 14 isn't just a day to shower the special human in your life with chocolates and roses. It's also important to do something special for the one member in your family who loves you unconditionally - your pet.

In honor of how much we love all things furry, feathered and four-legged, we rounded up our favorite cats and dogs celebrating Valentine's Day.

More on Vetstreet.com:
* Odd Mating Rituals of 13 Animals
* 10 Ways Cats Show You Love
* 5 Dog Breeds This Vet Loves, But Are Sadly Disappearing

Banana Joe, a tiny Affenpinscher from Massachusetts, got the ultimate retirement gift on Tuesday night: the Best in Show title at the prestigious 137th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at New York City's Madison Square Garden.

The 5-year-old CH. Banana Joe V Tani Kazari, a veteran in the ring who's lapped up 85 other Best in Show wins at other competitions throughout his career, was chosen as the top dog from among 2,721 canines - the show's largest number of entries in 15 years. They fell into 187 breeds, including two that were added to the competition this year: the Russell Terrier and the Treeing Walker Coonhound.

His win makes this the second consecutive year that the Toy Group has clinched the Best in Show title. Joey succeeds the wobbling Pekingese CH. Palacegarden Malachy, who won the coveted title last year. Now 5 years old, Malachy has retired in Pennsylvania with his handler and co-owner, David Fitzpatrick, and eight other Pekingese.

Joey's thrilled handler,

By Shayna Meliker

Gaga the Tibetan Mastiff gets a bath in the Hotel Pennsylvania's doggie spa. (And yes, she is named for Lady Gaga.)New York City. Population: 8 million. Ever wonder what happens when you throw in another 2,721 dogs?

We did. So we took a trip to the Hotel Pennsylvania, long regarded as the consummate hotel for canine contenders at the Westminster Dog Show. It opened its doors 94 years ago, directly across from the show's hallmark institution, Madison Square Garden.

We got a chance to tour the hotel with Jerry Grymek, the "Doggie Concierge" of Westminster - and he told us some great stories that we wanted to share with you.

Related: Behind the Scenes at Westminster Dog Show

Of all the wild requests the Doggie Concierge has gotten over the years, this is our favorite: Last year at Westminster, the team behind a Spinone Italiano requested an opera singer. For what?

Turns out that Ecco (Ch. Sweetbriar's Ecco D'Oro JH, to be exact) likes to be serenaded before he goes into the ring. So, naturally, an opera singer

By Laura Cross, Shayna Meliker | February 12, 2013

Before any canine contenders can strut through the show ring at Madison Square Garden, they have to prep and perform at the Piers. heck out our gallery to see some great moments - both funny and sweet - that you won't catch on TV.

More on Vetstreet.com:

* 2 Newest Dog Breeds Debut

* How Do Westminster Dogs Get Their Names?

* 10 Most Popular Breeds That NEVER Have Won at Westminster

By Kristen Seymour | vetstreet.com

Malachy the Pekingese, 2012 Westminster Best in Show winner.The 137th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina will bring the best of the canine world to New York City on Monday and Tuesday. The event, which showcases more than 2,700 dogs from 187 breeds and varieties, will also feature one big change: multiple locations.

Madison Square Garden is still the place to be in the evenings for the judging of Groups, Junior Showmanship Finals and Best in Show. But for the first time ever, breed judging will take place during the day at Piers 92/94 from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.

For those unable to attend the show in person, never fear! On Monday, Feb. 11, you can watch the Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding Groups judged live from 8 to 11 p.m. ET on CNBC. The following night from 8 to 11 p.m. ET, USA Network will have exclusive coverage of Sporting, Working and Terrier Groups, as well as Best in Show.

Don't want to wait until evening for your showdog fix? You can also catch

By Amy Sinatra Ayres l vetstreet.com

Tonik's Photo an Internet Sensation

Tonik, famous for his human-like face, is up for adoption.A Poodle-Shih Tzu mix who's up for adoption after being saved by an Indiana animal welfare group has become an Internet sensation. According to his Petfinder profile, Tonik was rescued from a Kentucky kill shelter by Homeward Bound, and is a "very sweet boy" who "will need a home with lots of patience & good energy." But it's the photo with his listing - with what many people see as a human-like expression on his face and look in eyes - that's made the 2-year-old dog instantly famous. - Read it at Time

By Laura Cross, Shayna Meliker | vetstreet.com

Shaved legs, trimmed mustaches and long, luxurious coats - sometimes we think the Westminster Dog Show is like a red-carpet event for unusual-looking breeds. Some of these dogs are heavily groomed to bring out their unique looks, while others simply roll out of bed turning heads. From the corded Komondor to the bare-naked Xoloitzcuintli, get to know the astonishing breeds you probably don't see at the local dog park every day.

More on Vetstreet.com:

* 2013 Westminster Preview: And the Favorite Is...

* 10 Most Popular Dogs That NEVER Have Won at Westminster

* Where Are They Now: What 6 Past Winners Are Doing Today

Plus: 2 Dog Breeds Made Westminster Debut