Tainted Pet Food Firms Settle With Owners

Women have a tougher time deciding

(NEWSER) - More evidence of Americans' love affair with pets: Asked whether they'd dump their pet or their significant other if forced to choose, a full 14% said the human would go, according to a new AP/Petside poll. "I would absolutely give up my girlfriend for him," one respondent said. "I know it sounds insane but I've had numerous relationships with women. My dog has never let me down." Women were more likely than men (40% vs. 26%) to call it a tough choice. More»

Revolted plaintiff wins undisclosed amount

(NEWSER) - A California man who says he was horrified when the chewier-than-usual cheese in his French onion soup turned out to be a condom has settled his lawsuit with a restaurant chain. The agreement between Claim Jumper restaurants and the plaintiff, for an undisclosed amount, "is not to be construed as an admission of liability by either party," lawyers for both sides tell the Orange County Register . More»

1 in 3 would rather talk to their pet

(NEWSER) - A third of married women with pets consider their animals to be better listeners than their husbands, an AP poll found. And it's not just women who reach out for furry support—18% of men say their pets are better listeners than their wives. "You definitely feel much more comfortable sharing your problems," said one New York husband. "A little lick from a big dog can go a long way." More»

Poop on the floor is a hazard, he argues

(NEWSER) - A disgruntled Virginia man has sued PetSmart for $1 million for negligence after he slipped in dog doo in a local store, reports AP. He hurt his back, struck his head and knocked out 4 teeth, according to court documents. He's arguing that the company should have protected him from a hazardous condition resulting from the firm's policy of allowing dogs to use the floor as a toilet. More»

(NEWSER) - A dog has about the same impact on the planet as an SUV, according to a study out of New Zealand. The authors of Time to Eat the Dog? The Real Guide to Sustainable Living claim the environmental footprint of a Toyota Land Cruiser is smaller than the ecological impact of a medium-size canine, which can't even give you a lift to the recycling center. "If you look at a large-size dog, they can live 10-14 years, and it certainly wouldn't surprise me," an expert tells the Seattle Times . More»