1. Sixty-eight percent of battered women reported violence towards their animals. Eighty-seven percent of these incidents occurred in the presence of the women, and 75 percent in the presence of the children. According to the American Humane Association, abusers kill, harm, or threaten children’s pets to coerce them into sexual abuse or to force them to remain silent about abuse.
2. In 1997, Boston’s Northeastern University and the MSPCA did a study that found 70 percent of all animal abusers have committed at least one other crime and that 40 percent had committed violent crimes against humans.
3. In 2001 a woman named Alison Gianotto of California began an online database of abuse cases at Pet Abuse, after her cat was stolen and set on fire. As of February 2005, the database listed information on 3,736 cases.
4. In media-reported animal cruelty cases, dogs — pit bulls, in particular — are the most common victims of animal cruelty. Reported abuse against pit bulls appears to be on the rise: in 2000–2001, pit bulls were involved in 13 percent of reported dog-abuse cases; in 2007, they were involved in 25 percent of reported dog-abuse cases.
5. According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), approximately five to seven million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and approximately three to four million are euthanized (60 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats).
6. In the United Kingdom, animal abandonment is up by more than 58 percent since 2008, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
7. In January, 2003, authorities discovered the worst case of animal hoarding in U.S. history. An elderly couple living in rural Malheur County, Oregon, was found to have more than 550 dogs in and around their home. The dogs were scattered around the property, with some living inside the home, some in pens, and some in abandoned cars. Many of the dogs were sick and mal-nourished. More than 100 had to be euthanized.
8. While organized dogfighting activity seemed to decline in the 1990s, many law enforcement and animal control officials feel that it has rebounded in recent years. The Internet has made it easier for dogfighters to rapidly exchange information about animals and fights.
9. Numerous attacks on people by tethered dogs have been documented. The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association reported that 17 percent of dogs involved in fatal attacks on humans between 1979 and 1998 were restrained on their owners’ property at the time of the attack. The book, Fatal Dog Attacks, states that 25 percent of fatal attacks were inflicted by chained dogs of many different breeds.



10. Arsenic-laced additives are mixed into the feed of about 70 percent of the chickens raised for food, but chickens do not eliminate all of it in their waste. Legal battles continue on behalf of more than 100 plaintiffs in an Arkansas town with the second-largest chicken population in the U.S. Residents there have been diagnosed with arsenic poisoning [PDF] that has led to blood diseases and extremely rare types of cancer. Recently, the FDA conducted a study that did find traces of arsenic in chicken livers. FDA said Pfizer, the maker of 3-Nitro, will remove it from the market in July.
11. It is estimated that on average it takes 1,000 dogs to maintain a mid-sized racetrack operation. In Massachusetts, which began keeping injury records in 2002, more than 800 dogs were seriously injured during races in just six years at two tracks, and more than 80 percent of the injuries were broken legs.
12. Most pet store puppies (and 80 percent of the American Kennel Club’s business) come from puppy mills, mass-breeding operations in which ill, suffering dogs are kept in deplorable conditions. They breed between 2 and 4 million puppies each year.
13. Over 25 to 100 million vertebrate animals were reported to be used for animal testing in US. Chimpanzees, monkeys, beagles, dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, birds, and farm animals were used for animal experimentation. The invertebrate number is still high as over 100 million of them are estimated to have been used for lab testing.
14. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) animal testing programs subject animals to irradiation, burnings, bombings, wounds and decompression sickness. Every year, at least 320,000 primates, dogs, pigs, goats, sheep, rabbits, cats, and other animals are hurt and killed by the DoD. These experiments are reported to be the most painful and invasive conducted in the country.
15. Under law, slaughtered cattle and hogs first must be “stunned” — rendered insensible to pain — with a blow to the head or an electric shock. Often, this stunning doesn’t always work properly. Enforcement records, interviews, videos, and worker affidavits describe repeated abuses of this method at dozens of slaughterhouses, ranging from the smallest, custom butcheries to modern, automated establishments.
16. Former Ringling animal crew employees Archele Hundley and Bob Tom witnessed what they described as routine animal abuse in the circus, including a 30-minute beating of an elephant in Tulsa, OK, that left the animal screaming and bleeding profusely from her wounds. Training methods for animals used in circuses involve varying degrees of punishment and deprivation. In the United States, no government agency monitors animal training sessions.



17. From 1994 to 2005, at least 31 elephants have died premature deaths in the circus. Other circus animals who have died in an untimely manner include horses and lions.
18. In the year 2000, the ASPCA, along with The Fund for Animals, Born Free USA and the Animal Welfare Institute, filed a federal lawsuit against Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The lawsuit contended that the circus’s treatment of its Asian elephants violates the federal Endangered Species Act. Unfortunately, on December 30, 2009, the case was decided on behalf of the defense (Ringling’s owners, Feld Entertainment) based on lack of standing of the plaintiffs.
19. In recent years, many states have focused their attention on animal abuse, neglect, and cruelty reporting by veterinarians, health care providers, and other social service providers. Currently, eleven states require licensed veterinarians to report certain suspected animal cruelty violations.
20. In the last decade,at least five states have enacted second-offense felony animal cruelty laws, only to readdress and upgrade them to first-offense laws within a few years: Indiana (2nd 1998, 1st 2002); Kentucky (2nd 2003, 1st 2007); Nebraska (2nd 2002, 1st 2003); Tennessee (2nd 2001 and 2002, 1st 2004); Virginia (2nd 1999, 1st 2002).

In some cases, the rich love their pets so much that they actually leave their pets an inheritance. And that inheritance can be quite large, reaching into the millions of dollars. Here are 10 of the richest cats and dogs in the world — pets who quite possibly have more money than you ever will!

Cats

Many cats act as though they are the ones in charge. Even the poorest cat can do a good impression of royalty. But, with plenty of money, and humans to cater to their every need, the cats on this list probably are in charge, treated like true royalty.

1. Blackie: Instead of leaving money to his relatives, British recluse Ben Rea decided that his $13 million fortune should go to various cat charities, and to his cat Blackie. When he died in 1988, Rea’s will was carried out. His relatives probably weren’t too happy, but Blackie is well cared for, since there is plenty of money for his needs, and the money that went to charities is probably being used to help less fortunate cats live better lives.
2. Brownie and Hellcat: This pair of cats was left $415,000 each from Dr. William Grier in the 1960s. These cats invested (or had others do it for them) their money wisely. Even though Brownie and Hellcat are now using the great litter box in the sky, their fortune is still intact — and growing. It is worth $4.1 million today. Another of Grier’s cats, Charlie Chan, received $250,000.
3. Beryl Reid’s Cats: British comedienne and actress Beryl Reid loved cats. She had several. When she died, her cats, Coco, Boon, Hamish, Eileen and Tuffnel, inherited her estate. Her $1.8 million “cottage” was left to the cats when she died in 1996, and her friend was asked to look after them. These cats definitely live the high life, enjoying the best of everything and receiving the best care possible.
4. Red: David Harper didn’t have a wife, but he did have a cat named Red. The millionaire bachelor worked hard and lived frugally, with Red as his only companion. Harper was shy and somewhat reclusive, and was obviously attached to his cat. He decreed that his cat would inherit his C$1.3 million estate. When Harper died in 2005, Red became a millionaire. He is cared for by the United Church of Canada, which has been charged with Red’s maintenance.
5. Tinker: If you are looking for an inspiring rags to riches story, the story of Tinker the cat is for you. Tinker regularly stopped off by the home of Margaret Layne, a widow living in England. Layne became so attached that when she died, she left her house, valued at around $800,000 to Tinker, along with a trust fund of $226,000. However, Tinker was moved to a home in Wales after death threats from people jealous that a cat could be so wealthy while they had very little.

Dogs

A dog’s life isn’t so bad — if you’re one of the millionaire dogs that has every need catered to. No strays on this list; these dogs are all bone fide millionaires.

6. Gunther IV: Talk about keeping it in the family! Gunther IV is the richest pet in the world, and he received his inheritance from his predecessor Gunther III. Gunther III received an inheritance from the German countess Karlotta Liebenstein. Gunter III’s fortune was wisely managed, and now Gunther IV is worth right around $372. He was able to buy a swank place in Miami, and even win a rare white truffle at an auction.
7. Toby Rimes: This poodle is another dog who inherited his fortune from someone else. Indeed, Toby Rimes is the descendant of a poodle that inherited $30 million from Ella Wendel, a New York socialite who died in 1931. Toby Rimes is a tribute to the power of compounding interest, as he is worth three times his progenitor — $92 million. After Gunther IV and Kalu the chimp, Toby Rimes is the third richest pet in the world.
8. Oprah’s Dogs: Oprah Winfrey is a well-known talk show hostess and owner of a media empire. She is also a dog lover. When her dog Gracie died, Oprah mourned her truly, and used Gracie as a source of inspiration. Oprah has made it clear that when she dies, her dogs are to be cared for, properly. Her will specifies that her dogs will receive $30 million for their care. That $30 million will be split up amongst all of her dogs, but that’s still a pretty penny by any measure.
9. Moose: Moose the dog is a rich Jack Russell Terrier who made his own fortune. He is know for his role as “Eddie” on the TV show Frasier. Eddie was paid $10,000 an episode for his acting chops, and was worth about $3.2 million. Moose is a great example of what you can accomplish if you take your talent and work hard. So many people love “Eddie”, that Moose received more fan mail than any of his co-stars. He passed away in 2006, living a rich, full life to the end.
10. Flossie: Another dog who earned her own fortune is Flossie, the pet of actress Drew Barrymore. The yellow Labrador-Chow mix is credited with waking Barrymore and then-flame Tom Green from their sleep during a fire at a mansion in Beverly Hills. To show her gratitude, Barrymore changed her will to leave the home, a $3 million estate, to Flossie.

All Pets and Animal Lovers

These pet social networking sites are aimed at pets of all kinds. From dogs and cats to horses, fish and birds, you can share your pet with the world.

Pet Brags: This site bills itself as the MySpace of the pet world. A great place to get together with other pet lovers, set up a web page for your pet, and then add information, media and more.

Pet Pop: You can create a custom profile for your pet on this site, which also includes information on local pet parks and allows you to set up play dates with other pets, and find neutral places to meet.

Pet Crash: This is a fun pet social media site that allows you to create pet polls, build up networks of other pet lover friends and create groups based on interests.

Animal Attraction: This social networking site is based on Facebook. Find other pet lovers, message them, and see pictures of other pets.

Pet Files: Network with others, and see their pets. You can also set up profile pages for your pet, send messages to your friends, and even set up pages for pets up for sale or adoption.

Petside.com: This pet social networking site is aimed specifically at helping owners keep their pets happy and healthy. You can look by breed, and look up symptoms for different conditions. You can also connect with other pet lovers.

My Pet Friends: Set up communities and groups with other pet lovers. Make friends with other pets, and network, blog and share photos of your own pets.

All about pets: Ask questions about pet care in the forums. Join groups with like-minded pet owners. Get good advice from other members and vets, and set up your own profile for you and your pet.

PetBoogaloo: Get your pet online, and then blog about him or her. Connect with other pet lovers. Play games and join causes. Even if you don’t have a real pet, PetBoogaloo can help; the site has a feature that allows you to create a virtual pet to care for online.

YapStar: Pet social networking with flair. Connect with others, find cool pet products, look for local pet friendly businesses, and set up a sweet profile. You can even enter your pets in pet photo contests available on the site.

Pets Passions: Are you interested in dating someone who loves pets as much as you do? This social networking site is designed for single pet lovers looking for a human soul mate. Also great for those looking for breeding partners for their pets.

PetSmooch: You can build a network of pets and pet lovers. Post pictures, and chat in the forums with other pet owners. Make new friends and set up play dates for your pets.

Date My Pet: This is another dating site for pet lovers. You can meet like-minded pet owners, or find someone who loves animals. Share photos of you and your pet, and make new friends. Even find dates for your pets.

Love My Pets: This pet social networking site is devoted to animal lovers who want to connect. It also has a wide pet rescue database, designed to help pets in trouble find loving homes.

People N Pets: Upload pictures and video of you and your pets. A place for you to meet other pet owners, and learn about others’ pets. Includes blogs, events and forums so that you can fully participate in the lives of animals.

Yeepet.com: Read helpful articles on pets and pet care, as well as join in on forums. Create a profile page for you and your pet, and make new friends. You can even set up play dates and invite your new friends to events.

Zoogletube.com: This pet social networking site focuses on animal and pet videos. It’s YouTube for pets. Set up an account, and upload videos. Watch other videos, make friends and even ask a vet a question. A great place to share video and see what others’ pets are up to.

Pets Area: Talk to other pet lovers, find other breeders, and participate in a vibrant pet community. Set up your own profile page and enter pet photo contests.

Petizens: Sign up and make friends with this pet social networking site. You can drag and drop stickers and photos to make your pet page more fun, chat in forums, and play pet related games.

Specific Pet Social Networking

These sites are a little more “exclusive” than the others, providing specific social networking for certain pets.

Catster: This site is meant for cat owners. Build a profile page for your cat and yourself, take fun quizzes, get good advice and network with new friends. A fun place to go if you love cats and kittens.

Dogster: Look at fun photos of dogs, and connect with other dog lovers. Get information on different breeds, and find possible breeding partners. Post your own photos and events, and play games.

My Cat Space: This is a MySpace for cats. Create a profile for your cat, and find new cat friends. Includes blogs, forums and information on rescue animals.

My Dog Space: Set up a profile for your dog. Find dog parks and other dog friendly areas near your home. Set up play dates and find breeding partners. A fun place for your special pet to enjoy life online.

Bird Social Network: If you love birds — watching them or even owning them — you can join this social network. Share images and videos, find other bird lovers, participate in forums and groups, and read blogs. A great place to go if you are interested in birds.

My Horse and Me: If you love horses, this pet social network is for you. Share photos and videos of your horse, and meet other horse lovers. Learn about local and national horse events, and get great book recommendations.

1. Tinkerbell: This is Paris Hilton’s  most famous canine companion. Tinkerbell (a Chihuahua) was first seen being carted around by the celebrity heiress and socialite in a designer handbag. Hilton started a trend, and soon women around the world were buying Chihuahuas and even carrying them around in designer bags. Tinkerbell made appearances in The Simple Life, and even has her own IMDB page. However, Tinkerbell isn’t the only one of Hilton’s dogs. She has a number of small dogs, including additional Chihuahuas and Mini Yorkies. Hilton’s doggie friends live in a $325,000 dog house in Beverly Hills.
2. Little Man: Cameron Diaz’s cat, Little Man, regularly goes on shopping trips with the star. Diaz likes to buy fashionable clothes for the cat. Cameron Diaz is a well-known fashionista, and apparently she wants to make sure that Little Man is appropriately dressed to the nines. Diaz is famous for defending women who do not want to have children, and clearly she feels that having a cat is definitely good enough. While some may not like her outspoken views on child-rearing, no one can complain that she isn’t good to her animals. Diaz joins James Dean, John Lennon and Snoop Dogg on a list of celebs who love cats.
3. Corgis for the Queen: When she was 18, Queen Elizabeth II was given a corgi called Susan. Susan, of course, is long since dead. However, the Queen still loves corgis. She has a pack of seven of them, which takes care of and enjoys immensely. Earlier this year, though, two of the dogs died of cancer. Queen Elizabeth was understandably upset and shaken by these deaths. Indeed, in the The Queen, Helen Mirren interacts with corgis to make sure that this aspect of Her Majesty’s life is included. The dogs playing the Queen’s corgis won the Fido Awards for canine cinematic excellence. Queen Elizabeth II has owned more than 30 corgis over the course of her 55 years as queen.
4. Jinxy: Eva Longoria Parker has a rather pampered Maltese dog named Jinxy. The Desperate Housewives start takes Jinxy with her even when filming on set, and plays with the dog when she has a free minute. But Jinxy isn’t the beauty’s only pooch: She recently bought another dog — a black one to balance Jinxy’s white color. However, when puppy shopping for the new addition to the family, Eva Longoria Parker made sure to bring Jinxy along in order to ensure compatibility between the two.
5. Arthur: How many dogs have been “best man” for some sort of marriage or commitment ceremony? Well, Elton John’s Cocker spaniel Arthur can say that he has. When John had a civil union with his partner David Furnish, Arthur served as best man. John loves dogs, and is especially fond of Arthur, who also made an appearance on one of his albums. Elton John also has other dogs, and owned several back in the 1970s. John is known for adopting dogs from rescue organizations, in an effort to help save them and provide them with a good home.
6. Norman: Jennifer Aniston got corgi-terrier Norman after her relationship with Brad Pitt ended. Norman has been a faithful companion, and Aniston has repeatedly shown her own devotion to this dog. Norman even had a part in the recent movie Marley & Me, although the scenes that he was in were cut. Norman is getting older, and as a result has some aches and pains. Aniston only provides the best for her four-legged friend. He has been getting massage therapy and acupuncture treatments. Aniston and Norman can be seen regularly on the beaches around L.A.
7. Bit Bit: Britney Spears is known for spoiling her Chihuahua, Bit Bit. Indeed, she has been feeding the pooch off her own plate at high end dining establishments. Spears has bought Bit Bit her own accessories, including dresses, pajamas and even a collar studded with diamonds. But Bit Bit isn’t the only small dog Spears has. She also has a Maltese, Lacey, and a Yorkie terrier, London. These dogs also receive special treatment, accessories and other benefits. The only downside? Sometimes Britney Spears has to protect her dogs from her sons.
8. Foxy Cleopatra: Nicole Richie has her own small dog, a Pomeranian called Foxy Cleopatra. Like many other dogs of this size, she is sometimes considered a fashion accessory. This dog is a pampered princess and spends all sorts of time with Richie. In addition to Foxy Cleopatra, Richie also has another dog, a Shih tzu named Honey Child. Honey Child once even wore hair extensions so that she could look like “mama.” There is no doubt that Foxy Cleopatra has a fame of her own, though. She has appeared in the Simple Life, and has her own IMDB page. Many people recognize Foxy Cleopatra on the street.
9. Jackie: When Serena Williams plays a grand slam tournament, it is not uncommon to see her Jack Russell terrier, Jackie, there to cheer her on. Jackie often accompanies her on other outings as well, even bringing the dog along to Dolphins football games. Williams also has a pit bull that bit a security guard a few years ago. Williams claimed not to own the dog, but records showed that it was registered to her, and there were photos on her web site, identifying a tan pit bull named Bambi. So far, though, Jackie has managed to avoid such run-ins, as has Williams’ maltese.
10. Indo: Will Smith lavishes attention on his Rottweiler, Indo. Smith is a big action star, and known as a man’s man. So, of course, he has a man’s man’s dog. He has additional Rottweilers, as it is clearly his favorite. Smith provides them with a treadmill so that they can walk themselves if necessary.

While some might see the following examples of astonishing animal behavior as exploitative, take a look at how the animals listed below are treated. They are treated well and are well-loved to boot. Additionally, in many cases, the money that animals make with their talents often is used to help other animals or other people. Finally, although the animals listed below have shown some astonishing behaviors and talents, we think all animals are amazing.

To that end, the following list is compiled in alphabetical order by the animal’s name to show our readers that we do not favor one animal’s skills over another.

1. Duke, the Jammin’ Hammie: Duke is artist-in-residence at Lil Orphan Hammies, a shelter for pot-bellied pigs in Slvang, California. Duke performs on keyboards, violin, guitar and the xylophone. He also is an accomplished painter and enjoys golf and basketball. But, his strength is music, and he has performed in what most believe to be the first recording to include music based upon a tune invented by a pig. He also has performed in concerts on television and on stage, taking the level of music just one hoof higher for many folks.
2. Jojo’s Artistry: Jojo the elephant not only paints, but he also is an accomplished musician who can play both the xylophone and the harmonica. Born in 1992, he is one of the top three ‘fine artists’ at the Elephant Art Gallery, creating distinctive works that have sold at international auctions for thousands of dollars. Jojo has an active social life, with three girlfriends and an affinity for human companionship, but when it comes to painting, he’s a moody elephant who may or may not apply his skills.
3. Koko’s Sign Language: Koko the gorilla has a sign language vocabulary of over 1,000 words, which she uses to communicate. While most of her words are ASL (American Sign Language), she has modified some signs slightly to what is known as Gorilla Sign Langue (GSL), or “Gorilla Speak.” Her posters are used in schools to help children learn ASL. Here, she’s showing the sign for “rotten” as she makes a “claw” hand with her fingers bent in toward her palm, taps her thumb to her nose and brings her hand out and slightly down. Her face also makes a “smells bad” look.
4. Nora, the Piano-Playing Cat: In 2007 a YouTube video that showed a piano teacher’s cat playing the piano went viral for the past two years. The reason for Nora’s popularity is that she wasn’t tearing toilet paper into shreds, nor was she running into walls nor being chased by a raccoon. No, Nora was one smart cat, as she seemed to mimic her master with her piano style and technique. Although her musical stylings are not the most impressive, her movements are what capture the imagination. She performed live on the Today Show and a Lithuanian composer, Mindaugas Piecaitis, created a symphony to accompany Nora’s piano style.
5. Oscar the Comforting Cat: Oscar’s skills have led this cat to curl up with patients at a Rhode Island medical facility who are near death. Oscar makes his rounds daily, inspecting patients and choosing to snuggle up with those individuals only when death is imminent. He has helped over twenty-five patients make the transition to “the other side,” and the medical facility has awarded him a home and a plaque for his compassion. His attention is so predictable that physicians and nursing home staff consider his presence at a bedside as an absolute indicator of impending death. This allows staff members to adequately notify loved ones, and Oscar’s presence comforts those who have no family to mourn a life’s passing. His abilities are so uncanny that Oscar has been written up in the New England Journal of Medicine.
6. Panda, a Guide Pony for the Blind: Ann Edie has been blind from birth and has used seeing-eye dogs. But, Panda has changed her life, as this small pony is just as skilled and can live longer than any dog. Panda is the first horse to ‘graduate’ from the Guide Horse Foundation, located in North Carolina. The advocates for seeing-eye ponies state that the training and use of a miniature pony is far more cost effective than a dog as well. If you want more information, watch the video.
7. Skidboot: Skidboot was about to be booted off the farm when the dog owner’s husband, David Hartwig, discovered the dog’s unique talents. This dog could mimic David, knew numbers and orders and could entertain audiences without a bit of shyness. Skidboot’s career began with a $25,000 award for his skills on a talent show. From there, he was on Oprah and performed for people nationwide at churches and in rodeos. David has no doubt that Skidboot has changed his life, as well as the lives of many other people. Skidboot died on 25 Mar 2007 from old age, but you can watch him perform in this video.
8. Toula, the Life-Changing Dog: Christine Mahaney was working part-time as a paralegal when she and her rescued Border Collie, Toula, won Petco’s America’s Most Talented Pet contest in 2007. Within two years, Christine has become one of the most sought-after on-set trainers in the Midwest and Toula starred opposite Johnny Depp in Michale Mann’s Public Enemies. Watch Toula’s award-winning video, where her skills catapulted this dog and her trainer into a new life.
9. Twiggy, the Waterskiing Squirrel: In 1978, a baby squirrel was rescued after being blown by its nest after a hurricane, and chuck and Lou Ann Best adopted this baby. After Chuck purchased a remote-control boat for his daughter, he began to take the squirrel on waterskiing trips with this remote-control boat. The local paper picked up the story, then the UPI circuit followed, and Good Morning America won an Emmy for their story on Twiggy. From there, it was history, as Twiggy performed for twenty-seven years across the world. Chuck and Lou Ann also taught two miniature horses, two French poodles, one black cat, an armadillo and a toad frog how to ski. Although Chuck suffered a heart attack and drowned in 1997, Lou Ann continues with her squirrel road shows – with Twiggy IV.
10. Tyson, the Skateboarding Bulldog: Tyson was born October 4, 2001, and spent his early years at Huntington Beach, California going crazy over skateboarders. At age one, he was provided with a skateboard and within moments he was riding. For Tyson, who is miserable on days when he is not skating, his skateboard is his life. Tyson has been skating now for about 6.5 years and has been featured in TV shows in England, Japan, South Korea, Australia and the USA. He’s done television commercials and appeared at sporting events. He’s been petted by Martha Stewart and Oprah and he was was voted number 19 on the Vh1 show “Internet Superstars.” This dog is not slowing down. Visit his link to watch videos and more.

Here are 10 of some of the most well-known presidential pets. These dogs and cats have been considered as part of the first family, and have garnered a certain amount of fame in their own right:

1. Bo: When Barack Obama won his bid for the presidency, he promised his daughters that they could choose a puppy. One of the concerns is that Malia Obama (10) has allergies. The family chose a Portuguese Water Dog with encouragement from Senator Ted Kennedy, who presented the first family with the dog as a gift. The name comes from the fact that the children call Michelle Obama’s father “Diddley” after Bo Diddley. Some were put off by the fact that the Obamas chose a purebred dog, rather than adopting from a shelter. However, the President did give a generous donation to the District of Columbia Humane Society.
2. Spot: George W. Bush always had a faithful friend in his Springer spaniel, Spot. Spot was the puppy of another first pet, Millie, who lived at the White House while George H.W. Bush was president. Spot was a lively dog who was finally put to sleep in 2004, at the age of 15. Spot had many health problems, but she tried to remain pleasing anyway. The Bush family had other pets, as well. Barney the Scottish terrier was a resident of the White House, and the president gave his wife, Laura another Scottish terrier, Miss Beazley as a birthday gift. They also had India the cat. Ernie, another cat, was too wild to live at the White House and was given to a California family.
3. Socks: This cat belonged to Bill Clinton and was a famous face around the White House. Indeed, Socks is often thought to be the most photographed presidential cat in history. Even among presidential pets, Socks is one of the most popular. The Clinton family gave Socks to one of the president’s former secretaries in 2001 when he left office. Socks died earlier this year, after a bout with liver cancer. Socks managed to live to a quite old age — nearly 20 years old.
4. Rex: Ronald Reagan’s Cavalier King Charles Spaniel made one of his early public appearances as the president lit the National Christmas Tree in 1985. Rex was a gift to Nancy Reagan from conservative icon William F. Buckley, Jr. Buckley, who owned Rex’s mother, kept Rex’s brother Fred. Rex remained at the White House throughout Reagan’s tenure. He was famous for having a lavish dog house, and for a tonsillectomy. He died when the Reagan family had to have him euthanized due to an enlarged heart. The Reagan family also had another dog, Lucky, who was too rambunctious for the White House and kept at Reagan’s Rancho del Cielo.
5. Misty Malarky Ying Yang: Originally, Jimmy Carter’s daughter, Amy, received a dog names Grits as a gift. However, it didn’t take long for Grits to be impeached and given back. The reason behind the return isn’t known, but it is speculated that Grits might not have had a very good temper. Rumors swirled that Grits upset Amy’s cat, Misty Malarky Ying Yang. Misty Malarky Ying Yang (say that 10 times fast), a Siamese cat, was never replaced. The Christian Science Monitor did a mock interview with Misty at one point. This was a very popular and intriguing first cat.
6. Liberty: This Golden Retriever was Gerald Ford’s beloved bet. The full name of this registered purebred was Honor’s Foxfire Liberty Hume. Liberty was gift from Ford’s daughter Susan Ford. Liberty was photographed regularly in various famous places, especially the Oval Office and the swimming pool at Camp David. Liberty had a litter of puppies while at the White House, and Ford kept one, Misty. Liberty was famous for “signing” pictures of herself — with the help from a rubber stamp in the shape of a paw print. Rumors are that Ford would end conversations by giving Liberty a signal that would send her wagging her tail to be petted by guests, providing a natural break, and a way to transition to the end of a conversation or change the subject.
7. Checkers: Richard Nixon’s dog was made famous during the “Checkers speech.” At the time, Nixon was running for vice president on Dwight Eisenhower’s ticket. Questions about his use of campaign donations were raised (even though what he was doing was legal at the time), and people began to wonder whether he wasn’t as anti-corruption as he said. Nixon made a television address to appeal to the people, and in it he referenced his American Cocker Spaniel. He said that he had received Checkers as a gift, and he wasn’t giving the dog back. The speech actually swayed public opinion in his favor, and he remained on the ticket. Checkers never made it to the White House as a first pet, having died in 1964, but visited often while Nixon was vice president. Nixon’s other pets included a poodle named Vicky, Pasha the the terrier and King Timahoe the Irish setter.
8. Him and Her: Lyndon Johnson had two beagles un-creatively referred to as Him and Her. These two dogs were the most well-known of Johnson’s pets. They were photographed often, as the president enjoyed playing with them. Him sired a litter of puppies, and Johnson’s daughter, Luci, decided to keep two of the puppies, who were named Freckles and Kim. Her died after swallowing a stone, and Him was hit by car when he ran into the road while chasing a squirrel. Kim moved out when Luci did, while Freckles remained at the White House. Johnson also had a mutt named Edgar (as in J.), another mutt called Yuki and some hamsters and lovebirds. Clearly, the Johnson family loved animals, and they were unhappy when their animal pals passed away.
9. Fala: Franklin Delano Roosevelt loved his Scottish terrier, Fala. He was a gift from his cousin, Margaret Suckley. Fala provided good companionship for FDR, and he took the dog everywhere. He was the only person allowed to feed Fala, after he was hospitalized due to intestinal problems brought on by the fact that everyone in the White House kept giving the dog unsuitable foods. The famous “Fala Speech” served as an inspiration for Nixon’s “Checkers Speech.” Rumors had been circulating by Republicans that Fala had been left in the Aleutian Islands and that FDR sent a destroyer to bring him back. FDR made fun of these stories, calling them ridiculous, and received at outpouring of support afterward.
10. Tiger: “Silent Cal”, president Calvin Coolidge, was a true animal lover. Tiger was one of the first Coolidge cats to live in the White House, and he was often worn draped about the president’s neck. Once, Tiger escaped all the way to Lincoln memorial. Sometimes, the family called him “Tige”. Unfortunately, Tiger eventually ran away. However, there were plenty of other Coolidge pets, since they had several more cats, in addition to birds, dogs, a raccoon, lion cubs and more. Some of the more exotic pets (like the bears, lions and wallaby) ended up in the zoo.

1. I Can Has Cheezburger? is widely credited for starting the lolcatz craze. A picture of a plaintive cat, looking at the camera, with the title caption took off. Soon people all over the world were finding pictures of cats and adding captions. And the spelling only got worse. The site includes pictures of other animals in amusing positions with interesting captions.
2. The Meatloafy provides pictures of cats doing cute things, with commentary written with poor English grammar and spelling. But it is pretty amusing, and you can spend hours just working out the meanings of what’s written in the language known as lolcat.
3. lolcatz.net offers a number of cat pictures with captions. You can upload your own lolcatz pictures, as well as browse the archives and even sign up for the latest pictures to be sent right to your inbox.
4. LOLcatz includes a number of cute pictures of cats. There are occasional pictures of other animals as well. You can even submit your own pictures.
5. LOLCATS provides a daily dose of creative lolcatz pictures, including one of a cat as part of a taco. Submit your own lolcatz photos. There are a number of fun themes, including holidays.
6. LOLCat Blog offers an interesting look at different lolcatz pictures. But, on top of that, you can go to the generator and vote on some of the best lolcatz pictures.
7. lolcatzworld.com helps you enjoy a day of profitable amusement with various pictures and captions. Plenty of interesting lolcatz pictures beyond just cats.
8. Serious Lulz does not offer strictly cat pictures, but there are a number of interesting pictures of animals and humans with fun captions. You can even find one of a lion (just a big cat, right?) hugging a zebra.
9. Another lolcatz blog offers cute pictures and videos of cats do amusing things — and captions to go with it.
10. MySpace lolcat is a fun “profile” of an lolcat. Become her friend, and look at her pictures. Plenty of interesting things to see, and poor English expression to read.
11. LOLCat Bible Translation Project provides the more irreverent a place to congregate and see what is going on the world of lolcatz. You can add images, read “translations” of the Bible into lolcat jargon, learn how to “speak” lolcat and even learn the Ceiling Cat Prayer.
12. lolcat.us offers information and fun pictures on all things related to lolcatz. See pictures and read articles on lolcatz. There is even a hall of fame, and a history of lolcatz.
13. Random Fury focuses on lolcatz, with other stuff occasionally mixed in. On top of that, there is an “LOLcat of the Week” feature that has the best new lolcat picture of the previous week. Funny stuff.
14. Meat-filled dumpling lolcat is an eclectic lolcatz site with a number of pictures that include humans as well as animals. Some of the pictures are a bit bizarre, but they are all interesting.
15. lolpolz combines politics with lolcatz. A variety of lolcatz pictures, featuring cats and other animals, can be found alongside political commentary. An interesting take on the events of the day.
16. lolcats — i can show u mai lolcats plz? offers interesting pictures with captions written in lolcat. It is also a group on Opera, and you can sign in and participate by sharing photos and joining the forum.
17. Random Crazy 123 mixes lolcatz videos and images in with other posts that are a little more useful. It is kind of amusing, since one of the posts is “7 (common) spelling mistakes”. Of course, spelling mistakes is what lolcatz is all about…
18. Meme Cats offers a number of cute cat pictures and captions. You can send in your submissions, and rate what is already on the site. Indeed, you can spend hours looking at the lolcatz pictures and then rating them.
19. Geek Speak provides a number of doctored pictures. Many of them do not involve cats. However, there are some that do have cats and other animals, and you can see other interesting pictures that might give you a chuckle.
20. Willow’s Cat Blog isn’t exactly an lolcatz blog, but it does feature a cat rather prominently. There are a number of amusing pictures and captions, and some of the pictures do fall under the lolcatz heading.
21. YouTube provides endless hours of lolctaz. All you have to do is enter the search term “lolcatz” and you will see thousands of videos that show cats doing hilarious things. There’s even a pretty good compilation video of several lolcatz.

Loldogz

Who says that cats can have all the fun? There are also loldogz blogs that feature poorly written captions over pictures of dogs. Devastatingly cute, and the perfect balance if you are looking to give a little time to the “other” pet species.

22. I Has a Hotdog features cute pictures of dogs and puppies. You can vote on your favorite images, and you can even buy loldogz gear.
23. LolDawgz focuses on puppy and dog humor. You can read interesting commentary of “man’s best friend” as well as see pictures of different dogs and read their captions.
24. LOLdogs is all about sharing a few laughs with “K9 pals”. You can see a number of fun pictures, and read funny captions. There are also random quotes, written in lolcat…er, loldog.
25. Lol dogz by Ryan360cool on YouTube offers a fun look at different loldogz. It’s a compilation that runs through some great loldogz images and provides plenty of laughs.

The following list is categorized by general animal blogs, animal advocacy, animal law, farm animals and more. Each link within these categories is listed in alphabetical order to show readers that we do not favor one blog over another. All blogs listed here have been updated within the past thirty days.

Animal Lovers in General

1. 4 The Love of Animals: Enjoy cute animal photos, animal news, pet product reviews and giveaways for animal lovers.
2. Amazing Animal Lovers Blog! Amazing pets, amazing animals and a link to a companion blog where you can pray for all the animals.
3. Animal Crazy: The Orlando Sentinel carries an animal column that focuses on local and international wildlife and pets.
4. Animals in the News: This is just one of many Discovery Channel blogs that focus on animals. Follow the news on conservation, wildlife and adventure travel.
5. Cute Overload: What animal lover has not heard about or seen this site? Meg and “Cuteporters” the world over submit photos that will make you laugh, cry, coo or whimper over such things as ‘tocks, B.E.F. (Beady Eye Factor), C.O.X.C.U. (Cute Overload eXtreme Close-Up) and more.
6. Exotic Animal Lover: Learn about exotic animals at this blog, where Kim Edwards writes for people who have a passion for nature in the world, endangered species and more.
7. Kitty Mowmow’s Animal Expo: Ms. Schindler grew up around animals, as her dad is a veterinarian. Now, she researches and writes for a radio show and has created a blog that displays what she’s learned on the job.
8. PawNation: Humans are welcome in this blog that focuses on pet news around the U.S. Learn more about dogs, cats, pet health and more while you’re here, too.
9. Pet Pinups: Almost as good as Cute Overload, just missing that made-up Cute factor vocabulary. Any animal lover will love these photos, though, which are updated daily.
10. Pet Project: If you have pets, you may enjoy this blog about pet news, advice and resources that can make your life and your pet’s life more enjoyable, safe and healthy (and, fun – humor attached).
11. Pets and Wildlife: Join Gary Bogue as he focuses on a daily column about pets, wildlife and environmental issues for Contra Costa Newspapers.
12. The Pet Realty Network: After working many years in the Real Estate industry, this blogger shares his stories about pets, pets involved in moving, pet politics and more.
13. Unleashed: Jill Rosen reports about animal love in the Baltimore area for The Baltimore Sun.
14. World Zoo Today: This site hopes to bring zoos, aquariums, wildlife refuges, rescue centers, scientists and animal lovers together to work for animal conservation and education.

Animal Advocacy

15. Advocacy for Animals: Encyclopædia Britannica presents this site as a source of information, a call for action, and a stimulus to thought regarding humanity’s relationship with the animals with whom we share our planet.
16. Animal Blawg: David N. Cassuto and Luis E. Chiesa, both professors of law and animal rights advocates, bring their take on everything from animal cruelty to Thanksgiving in this blog.
17. Animal Blog: This UK blog features animal news, links and jobs along with information by and for animal rescue.
18. Animal Rights: Change.org addresses animal rights as a specific topic alongside women’s rights, global warming and homelessness. This organization is very active with legislation developments and exposure of abused animals.
19. Animals and Politics: Michael Markarian is the president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund, which lobbies for animal welfare legislation and works to elect humane-minded candidates to public office.
20. ASPCA: The ASPCA was the first humane organization in the Western Hemisphere, created to provide an effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. Follow their efforts through their blog.
21. Doris’ Animal Rights Blog: Doris Lin is an animal rights attorney and the Vice President of Legal Affairs for the Bear Education and Resource Group. Learn more about animal rights through her updated blog.
22. H.E.L.P. Animals: Learn more about animal rescue, protection, care and more at this Florida nonprofit blog.
23. HumaneSpot: HumaneSpot.org is a unique research website tailored to the needs of animal and environmental advocates. Log in to explore their 1,000+ studies contained in their comprehensive database.
24. IFAW’s Animal Rescue Blog: The founders of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) reject the notion that the interests of humans and animals are separate. Instead they embrace the understanding that the fate and future of all animals on Earth are inextricably linked to our own.
25. Paw Talk: Enjoy a blog that focuses on animal rescue, news, intelligence (as in animal intelligence), wildlife conservation and anything else that speaks to creatures with paws and to the people who care for them.
26. Petfinder: This blog is part of the Petfinder efforts, the virtual home of 320,202 adoptable pets from 13,035 adoption groups. Learn how to care for your pet or find a new pet to adore.
27. Striking at the Roots: If you want to know more about animal activism around the world, read Mark Hawthorne’s extensive blog. He is the author of the book by the same name as the blog.
28. The Humane Society: Wayne Pacelle is President and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, and he leads 11 million members and constituents in the mission of celebrating animals and confronting cruelty.

Animal Law

29. ALDF Blog: For more than a quarter-century, the Animal Legal Defense Fund has been fighting to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system. Learn more about current issues on this blog.
30. Agricutural Law: Learn more about ag law, the politics involved with agriculture, animal rights and more through this blog offered by the AALS section on Agricultural Law.
31. Animal Law Blog: This site features one practitioner’s observations and analysis of animal law news, litigation in her state of Illinois and around the country and criminal cases as well as links to legislation and other animal law resources.
32. Animal Law Coalition: Animal Law Coalition works to stop animal cruelty and suffering through legislation, administrative agency action, and litigation. Learn more about their legal analysis of the difficult and controversial issues relating to animals at this blog.
33. Equine Law Blog: If you love horses, this blog’s for you. Alison Rowe, a Texas attorney, broaches subjects from auctions to veterinary malpractice.
34. Florida Animal Law: We’ve included this state-focused law blog because it carries vast resources and it is touted by many other animal blogs on the Internet. Resources include federal animal law links.
35. Pet Trust Law Blog: If you’re a pet owner, you can learn about the well being and future planning for your pets along legal lines, including estate planning for pet owners and pet trusts.

Farm Animals

36. Advocates for Agriculture: A couple of fifth-generation U.S. ranchers from western South Dakota advocate their passion for telling their side of the agricultural story, which may be different than yours.
37. Alpaca Farmgirl: Of all the alpaca blogs on the Web, this one possibly is the most diverse. Learn about alpaca farming, investing in alpacas, how to use alpaca yarn and much more. Katy Spears has been breeding high quality huacaya alpacas for nine years.
38. Animal Lovers Web: “Your very own animal farm…” including sheep, chickens, dogs, rabbits, hamsters and many more animated farm features…
39. Animal Welfare Approved: Animal Welfare Approved (AWA) was founded in 2006 as a market-based solution to the growing consumer interest in how farm animals are raised.
40. Farm Policy: This is a daily summary of news relating to U.S. farm policy, including U.S. and global agricultural economy, the Farm Bill, production agriculture, trade, biofuels and crop insurance. Oh yes, and animals.
41. Organic and Alternative Livestock Productions Systems: This blog, produced by Purdue University Extension, tries to make ends meet by introducing alternative livestock production to traditional livestock growers.
42. The Official PoultryBookstore.com Blog: Christine Henrichs began to write about the Society for the Preservation of Poultry Antiquities members, and this blog arose from those efforts. She’s now that organization’s publicity director, which goes to show how mere chickens can suck you in.
43. Urban Chickens: Raising chickens has become a fad in urban areas, so this blog has become popular. However, many urban areas do not allow chicken farms, so this blog also advocates the reasons to allow this type of farming in urban areas.

Vegan Concerns

44. Animal Rights: The Abolitionist Approach: In this case, abolition means veganism. This blog approaches regards veganism as the moral baseline of the animal rights position.
45. Grumpy Vegan: To live is to be grumpy, and this vegan complains about (or the lack of) “compassion, nonviolence, truth and a sense of interbeing (the interrelatedness of it all).” Plus, there’s plenty of focus on animal rights.
46. The PETA Files: Known for outrageous stunts that focus on animal cruelty and that generate various responses from outright anger to apathy, PETA provides more information about its outlook on this blog.
47. The Professional Vegan: Even if you do eat meat, you may not agree with making purses or shoes from snakeskin. This blog can help you find clothing and accessories that are not made from leather, wool, silk or other animal products.

The Deeper Side

48. Animal Inventory: Animal Inventory is a place where animal images on television, in magazines and on commercial advertisements can be explored, cataloged and recognized as vital elements of conversation that contribute to our understanding of animals.
49. Animal Person: This blog is sad, informative, happy and intelligent. Dr. Mary Martin deconstructs the language, ethics and economics of our relationship with nonhuman animals in this very readable blog.
50. Animal Science Blog: Learn more about how the environment is affecting animals, birds and more as well as the biological studies of anything living and nonhuman.
51. Lib Now! Founded in 2001, the Institute for Critical Animal Studies (ICAS) is the first interdisciplinary scholarly nonprofit animal protection center dedicated to providing education policy research and analysis for higher education. Additionally, ICAS identifies animal oppression as torturing, marginalizing, or killing animals.

Pet Notebook
If your pet is like a family member and you would like to monitor the pets’ medication, birth date, have photos of the pet as well as have custom notes, then the pet notebook application is suitable for the reason that it has all of those features.

Off Leash
An additional application available is Off Leash used to identify at least five parks within your locality. At the parks your pets can roam freely as well as have a lot of fun. This will help you break the monotony of visiting the same park. By any chance if you notice there is a park not listed you can add it by submitting it on the information button.

Pet Phone
Also, the Pet Phone is another application suitable for pet owners since, sometimes taking care of a pet can be overwhelming. For that reason, the Pet Phone application’s main aim is to give a hand to the pet owner.  This is done by assisting in the tracking your pet’s weight history in due course, following up on the vet visits, allergies, as well as medications. As a result, you become a stress-free pet owner and a happy and healthy pet.

All Pets Radio Player
This is an application used to inform the pet owner about the resources, tips, as well as interesting tidbits on all pets. This helps you take care of the pet efficiently. It is suitable if the pet trackers as well as the Notebook are not satisfying your needs. The All Pets Radio Player application is a radio station streamed from the internet and can be accessed anytime as long as you have access to the internet.

Relax Alarm Clock application
Majority of pet owners are not comfortable leaving their pets behinds when traveling and have to leave them behind. Therefore, the Relax Alarm Clock application can come in handy as it records audio sounds of the pet and then plays back with spotless sound quality. The alarm sounds exactly like the real pets’ sounds. The custom alarm sound can be used to wake you up; and this will relax you in the morning. It is however important for one to have the alarm application running so that the alarm sound can work.

The online schools open up opportunities for people who are interested in careers that involve animal care. The courses that are taught include nutrition, genetics, animal anatomy, reproduction, physiology and office management. Some of the costs that you will incur at these online schools include lessons, instructional support of the instructors and other students during online discussions, textbooks and learning aids.

There are various career opportunities for people who take the courses. The course will allow you to work in a private veterinary office, animal hospital or in a diagnostic laboratory. The animal hospitals and private hospitals often have opportunities for research and conducting of various tests to improve on animal care.

If you choose to take the online degree on a part time basis due to work or family obligations, you will take about three years to finish your Veterinary Technician Associate Degree. On a fulltime basis, this degree from the online veterinary technician schools, you can complete it in about two years.

The online veterinary technician schools that you select should be accredited to ensure that your degree is recognized by employers and other institutions when you want to further your studies. The requirements to get into these schools vary from one school to another therefore you need to carefully look at the qualifications and determine which one suits you.