An emaciated pit bull and her eight neglected puppies, whose teenage owners advertised them for sale on craigslist.org, are recovering at the Nanaimo SPCA. No charges are expected to be filed.

A puppy Monday escaped an almost certain death at the Lucas County Dog Warden’s Office and is now in the care of an animal rescue group after a rare transfer of a “pit bull”-type dog out of the county’s pound. Under traditional circumstances, the puppy could have soon faced euthanasia under Dog Warden Tom Skeldon’s longstanding policy against adopting or transferring out any “pit bulls” from the pound. Once a “pit bull” dog reaches 3 months of age, there are no restrictions against Mr. Skeldon’s practice of killing all adult “pit bulls” regardless of behavior.

Kerry Pakarinen and his dog, Preacher, are still walking across Canada and are still in Ontario.

The former mayor of Paradise Newfoundland found out the hard way yesterday that not only do dog owners vote, they don’t forget.

The city of Sarnia has issued a press release saying that the three dogs from my earlier story are going to be released to their owners. Great news!

UPDATE Sept 21 2009: All three dogs have been determined to not be “pit bulls” and have been released to their owners.

ORIGINAL STORY September 19 2009: The Dog Legislation Council has been dealing with an issue that, up until yesterday, was kept under the radar in the hopes that things could be worked out amicably between the dogs’ owners and Sarnia Animal Control. Since the story hit the local newspaper yesterday, September 18, I feel it’s necessary to let everyone know what’s going on.

Further to my entry about Antonia Zerbisias’ column in the Toronto Star, her blog has the same text, but with all the links to various stories kept intact. Makes for a more interesting read. Facebook users, click “View Original Post”.

Antonia Zerbisias, columnist for the Toronto Star, focuses on the stark contrast between the public “spin” afforded Bryant (thanks largely to his public relations firm) and the virtual demonization of Sheppard by the same mainstream media outlets.

Congratulations to Nackawic town council for listening to your dog owners! There are plenty of other places in this country that could learn a thing or two from you.

Congratulations to Kris, Cheyenne, Dakota, and Tahoe for being presented with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Just stay away from Ontario as you travel the continent saving lives.