photo by David Hallet

Guinness, aka “Earthquake Dog” is a stout 6- year old Irish Wolfhound who recently received a Local Hero Medal as part of the 2012 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards. Guinness and owner, 37 year old Sean Scully worked 12-hour days for three weeks as they both worked tirelessly in Christchurch’s shattered eastern suburbs after the February earthquake.

Sean,who is also a medallist, said Guinness was very proud of himself and hoped the award would “increase his luck with the bitches at the dog park”. Ah yes, we do too Guinness, we do too you lucky dog.  Emma Mcdonald, spokeswoman for New Zealander of the Year Awards, said Guinness was the first animal to receive a Local Hero Award.  He would most likely also be the last, she added.

To read the entire story click here.

Irish Wolfhound Guinness and owner Sean Scully are both awarded the Local Hero Award for their tireless efforts toward helping earthquake victims in Christchurch, New Zealand. (photo by Don Scott/The Press)

1. Continuous rapid barking, midrange pitch: “Call the pack! There is a potential problem! Someone is coming into our territory!” Continuous barking but a bit slower and pitched lower: “The intruder [or danger] is very close. Get ready to defend yourself!”

2. Barking in rapid strings of three or four with pauses in between, midrange pitch: “I suspect that there may be a problem or an intruder near our territory. I think that the leader of the pack should look into it.”

3. Prolonged or incessant barking, with moderate to long intervals between each utterance: “Is there anybody there? I’m lonely and need companionship.” This is most often the response to confinement or being left alone for long periods of time.

4. One or two sharp short barks, midrange pitch: “Hello there!” This is the most typical greeting sound.

6. Single sharp short bark, higher midrange: “What’s this?” or “Huh?” This is a startled or surprised sound. If it is repeated two or three times its meaning changes to “Come look at this!” alerting the pack to a novel event. This same type of bark, but not quite as short and
sharp, is used to mean “Come here!”

Many dogs will use this kind of bark at the door to indicate that they want to go out. Lowering the pitch to a relaxed midrange means “Terrific!” or some other similar expletive, such as “Oh, great!” My cairn terrier, for example, who loves to jump, will give this single bark of joy when sent over the high jump. Other dogs give this same bark when given their food dish.

7. Single yelp or very short high-pitched bark: “Ouch!” This is in response to a sudden, unexpected pain.

8. Series of yelps: “I’m hurting!” “I’m really scared” This is in response to severe fear and pain.

9. Stutter-bark, midrange pitch: If a dog’s bark were spelled “ruff,” the stutter-bark would be spelled “ar-ruff.” It means “Let’s play!” and is used to initiate playing behavior.

10. Rising bark: This is a bit hard to describe, although once you’ve heard it, it is unmistakable. It is usually a series of barks, each of which starts in the middle range but rises sharply in pitch – almost a bark-yelp, though not quite that high. It is a play bark, used during rough-and- tumble games, that shows excitement and translates as “This is fun!”

What’s your dog’s most common bark? Do tell…

Johnny Neon ‘Hearts’ from Dave Meinert on Vimeo.

Check out Mickey with his Roxxter from Dublin Dog Co. The more videos we get on this, the more we find that dogs just go nuts for the wild action of this toy. They are a lot of fun, both with & without treats. We especially love the ending of this video where Mickey shows off his skills. Great fan contribution, we love it, and of course we love Mickey!

Swedish designer Lisa Bengtsson has made a splash with dog lovers everywhere by creating these whimsical and brilliant motifs. The 11.6″ x 16.4″ prints feature six different images, perfect for complimenting your various moods and personalities. Read more on this designer through the great design site, The Designer Pad.

THE lucky day is almost here. Celebrate St. Patrick’s with plenty of great Dublin Dog Co gear and get lucky for an afternoon! Who says you have to hail from Dublin to enjoy the luck of the Irish? Note all Dublin Dog hats, shirts, and Lots O’ Luck collars are currently on sale. Get ‘em now before some other lucky bastard beats you to it! https://www.dublindog.com/Dublin-Dog-Store/index.php?cPath=52

1) It’s great exercise for you both. Unlike running, it’s easier on your knees and joints just as it is with your dog. It allows you both to remain in control while increasing your heart rate and blood flow.

2) It’s a wonderful way to establish that you’re the alpha in your home and outside; you control the pace, the scenery, and the reward spots (where they get to linger, sniff, snarl, and sample). By using a fixed leash versus the longer, corded retractable leash you can maintain more control over your dog without the risk of rope burn when they tend to lurch forward or want to check out what’s going on at their 3 o’clock.

3) Dogs like routine. I know for me, there’s nothing better than winding down the night than with a nice brisk walk after dinner with Jake and Kona. We have the same route on our evening walks which is 1.3 miles (i just had to google map it). We pass a great bed & breakfast with amazing gardens, past a stacked stone wall where Jake must always pee and Kona must always climb to the top, and finally to a wild patch of bamboo where Kona loves to climb in a pee. I think she likes the reeds rubbing against her belly. It’s routine and each of us looks forward to it as a way to cap off our evening and a way to settle our stomachs before bed.

4) Walks are good for the brain. While I didn’t have to consult the New England Journal of Medicine for this one, I simply know that it works for me and I think it stimulates my dog’s brain as well. There is nothing like a walk, without the phone, without a computer, without an agenda. Here’s a time to clear your head of the clutter and try to fill it with what you intend and what you desire versus your concerns. There is something about exercise, being outdoors, and inhaling fresh air that allows you to think more clearly and open up to fresh ideas. And who better to be your muse than your dog.