logo here

There were a ton of unique animal related stories this year.  Perhaps the most followed was the Presidential family's decision to buy a Portuguese Water Dog.  However, there were a lot of other ones such as these listed below by the Houston Chronicle:

1. Houston's Stump won best in show at the 133rd annual Westminster Kennel Club show at Madison Square Garden. The 10-year-old Sussex spaniel, who lives with Scott Sommer, is the oldest dog to win the title.

2. Daizy, a Texas Blue Lacy lost in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, was reunited with her Clear Lake family 10 months later. Muffy, a dog missing nine years in Australia, was reunited with its original owner in July, thanks to microchip information embedded in the dog.

3. Michael Vick was released from prison after serving 23 months on a dogfighting conviction. Animal rights activists protested his return to pro football when he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. The quarterback speaks to youth groups about animal cruelty and dogfighting.

4. A few cats tested positive for the 2009 H1N1 “swine” influenza virus this fall and were treated successfully. This month the H1N1 virus was confirmed in a dog that is recovering. Of more concern for dogs is the Canine Influenza Virus, aka H3N8. A CIV/H3N8 vaccine for dogs is now available.

5. Nora the piano-playing cat got her moment in the spotlight, but the wackiest video sensations were Keyboard Cat, Jenny the pug, which pushes a stroller, and Surprised Kitty.

Source: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/pets/6791268.html