Fido Blankets Fur-Ever

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»

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»

Profits did not go to charity as promised

(NEWSER) - Florida’s attorney general filed suit today against the firm that has shown astoundingly poor taste in two merchandise items: a Michael Vick dog chew toy and Caylee Anthony doll, Reuters reports. Showbiz Promotions said profits from both would go to animal shelters and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, but allegedly donated only $10 to the missing kids group and none to shelters. More»

Fears sparked about widespread tainting

(NEWSER) - About 1,500 Chinese raccoon dogs, bred specially for their fur, have died after eating tainted food over the last two months, the AP reports, raising fears of rampant misuse of the chemical melamine. The discovery comes as melamine-tainted milk has sickened thousands of babies with kidney stones and been tied to four deaths. More»

Fluffy and Fido need help to stay cool when the mercury climbs

(NEWSER) - They never complain, so it's easy to forget that the smallest members of the family may be suffering in the hot weather, too. Make sure your dog stays healthy with these tips from MSNBC:

1. Coat ears and noses (or the whole body of a light-colored short-hair) with sunscreen.