The Awwwww Factor

Westminster Fever

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 02:15:42 GMT

Think your dog is laid back? Take a look at this video from the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show of Connor, a Boston terrier who couldn't get any more relaxed. Prefer your canines in an extra large? Check out Joe the mastiff -- all 225 pounds of him! (There are 13 more like him at home.) Browse through all the Uncut Video from Westminster, and keep checking back at UnCut Video -- there are more clips to come!

This sincere-looking fellow (the one on the left) is a Glen of Imaal terrier named Riley, posing with his dad, Andrew Henschel. We've put together a photo gallery of unusual breeds, and the Glen of Imaal is just one of the dogs you're not likely to run into at your neighborhood dog park: Not Your Everyday Dogs.

What does it take to be beautiful enough for Westminster? A lot of tissues, rubber bands, blow-drying, combing, brushing, teasing -- and above all, patience! See how well-coiffed canines like shih tzu Champion Heid-Dis Wickedly Charming clean up for the big show: Beauty Is Hard Work.

Did you go to the show? Are you watching it on TV? Tell us what you love about Westminster. What's your favorite breed of dog? Leave a comment below!

Tags: pets, awwwww factor, westminster dog show

We've Moved!

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 23:09:56 GMT

AOL Pets and the Awwwww Factor have settled into our cool new home! Check it out at animalhubbub.com -- or just click the logo:

See you over there!

Farewell, Barbaro

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 18:54:35 GMT

You may have already heard the sad news that Kentucky Derby champ Barbaro was euthanized today following another setback in his recovery from the leg injury he sustained in the Preakness. The story is here: Kentucky Derby Champ Barbaro Euthanized.

Please join the AOL Pets community, gathering at the horse community's Saddle Sore Saloon message board, to offer your condolences and to remember this brave animal.

You may also leave messages about Barbaro in the comments below, and please include links to your own blog entries about him.

Tags: pets, awwwww factor, Barbaro

We're Getting a New Look

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 23:25:36 GMT

STAYC18 sent in a photo of little BJ, who always likes to dress up in the latest doggie fashions. Well, the Awwwww Factor is about to get very stylish, too! Keep your eyes on this space -- big changes are coming soon!

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Tags: awwwww factor

Dogs in the News

Tue, 20 Feb 2007 18:06:02 GMT

Two recent news stories should come as no surprise to dog lovers -- especially those who love canines of the retriever persuasion.

One story is inspiring: Dog Helped Save Mount Hood Climbers

And one is just strange: Turtle Eaten by Golden Retriever Lives

Which sounds more like your dog?

UPDATE: One more dog story -- video of a Katrina dog who has *just* been reunited with his owner! Watch.

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Tags: pets, awwwww factor, dogs

Cat & Dog Captioning

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 20:27:38 GMT

The handsome fellow pictured above is Lopsided Cat. He had an encounter with his friend Kodi the Akita in the snow, and AOL's blogging guru John Scalzi has invited us all to see the picture, write a caption and otherwise play with the photo. Go take a look and have fun!

Search John's blog for "Lopsided Cat," "Kodi" or "Ghlaghghee" (yes, that's the name of his other cat), and you'll find more truly "awwwww"-some pictures.

Do you have a blog, AIM Page or other Web site for your pets? Leave a link in the comments section below!

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Got a cute pet? Let's see! Submit Your Photos

And don't forget to subscribe to the AOL Pets Newsletter: Click to Subscribe

Tags: pets, awwwww factor, john scalzi, lopsided cat

Big City, Big Dog Show

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 23:52:44 GMT

Greetings from New York City, home of the prestigious, historic and very, very crowded Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show! Above is the view from my hotel window -- below is a similarly claustrophobic view of the benching area at Westminster:

That's just one direction. Let's see if there's any air to be found in the other direction:

Nope, guess not! Somehow our intrepid team from AOL did manage to meet, photograph and videotape many of the beautiful dogs who are here to compete in America's oldest dog show. I'll have plenty of pictures, video clips and links to good Westminster stuff for you this evening and tomorrow, so stay tuned!

Tags: pets, awwwww factor, westminster dog show

It's Not Too Late to Vote!

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 23:05:12 GMT

Last year's champ, Tillie

You only have until Feb. 18 to pick your favorite for Best in Show at Dog Show USA, billed as America's largest dog show, an online competition open to every dog in America. Mutts are welcome and personality is a plus! Check out the finalists and choose your champion today at dogshowusa.com.

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And don't forget to subscribe to the Pets Newsletter: Click to Subscribe

Tags: pets, awwwww factor, dog show usa

It's Coming: Spay Day USA

Tue, 06 Feb 2007 20:42:35 GMT

Grayling T. Kitten says, "Of course I'm spayed -- aren't you?"

According to the Humane Society of the United States, more than SIX MILLION cats and dogs enter shelters in the U.S. each year, and half of those pets end up being euthanized because there just aren't enough homes to go around. The numbers are huge -- so what can one person do to make a difference?

Have your pet spayed or neutered, sponsor the spay/neuter of a pet for a low-income family, volunteer at a spay/neuter informational event -- there are plenty of ideas at the HSUS site for Spay Day USA, coming up Feb. 27. Events are taking place throughout the month of February, and there's even a contest for participants! Check it out, get involved, and leave a comment below to let us know what you're doing to help.

Tags: pets, awwwww factor, spay day usa, humane society

Sunday's Big Game, With Puppies

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 18:23:19 GMT

Sunday's Super Bowl XLI is on opposite Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl III. I know what I'll be watching, but how about you? What's a pet-loving football fan to do? Puppy Bowl III will be shown a few times in a row Sunday, so you'll have several opportunities to catch it ... But would you rather see cute kitties during the halftime show -- or Prince?

AOL member Dogsindeed was the "Puppy Acquisition Agent" for Puppy Bowl III -- she wrote her very first blog entry about it!

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Got a cute pet? Let's see! Submit Your Photos

And don't forget to subscribe to the AOL Pets Newsletter: Click to Subscribe

Tags: pets, awwwww factor, super bowl, puppy bowl