This blog is for you horse people (and other animal lovers). The tragic death of Eight Belles at the Kentucky Derby prompts the question: Are we pushing race horses too hard?

Horse crazy, or money crazy? by Kelli Ohrtman

Last week’s Kentucky Derby, host to the second-highest attendance in history, brought new scrutiny to “the sport of kings.” A fantastic win by Big Brown was made melancholy by Eight Belles’ tragic end. Vets, veterans and fans of the sport remain shocked—-no one has seen anything like what happened to Eight Belles. Or, if they have, it has never happened with so many eyes watching.  read more »

Josephine Marcotty, a Star Tribune cohort, discusses in her Body Talk blog the Minnesota Legislature's decision to legally allow dogs at outdoor restaurants.

She points out that in Europe, dogs are often allowed inside restaurants and other places that sell food. So why the difference in the United States? In search of an answer, Marcotty called the University of Minnesota, the Department of Health and Dr. Joni Scheftel, our state veterinarian. Come to find out, it's not so much a health concern that has kept dogs out of Minnesota restaurants as it is our inability to control them and the high prevalence of dog bites.  read more »

I was at the dog park this weekend and came across a guy with an amazing tattoo of a dog on his calf. I asked him about it and he shared with me that his dog recently died and to memorialize the dog he got a life-like tattoo of him. The love he shared with his dog was evident.

When I've lost animals in the past, it feels as if a part of me has died as well. Eventually, loving memories replace grief. But I never forget them and cherish the fond memories.

I already have a tattoo in the middle of my back. It is a large oak tree. For me, it stands for strength. To reach for the sky, but keep grounded. It reminds me to change and bend when necessary—-but remain upright and continue to grow.  read more »

Last year, when pit bulls were seized from the dog fighting facility bankrolled by Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick — the media couldn't get enough of the story. Now that the dust has settled and Vick is serving time, I want to know: What happened to those dogs? Where are they today? And what is the plan for them?

Kelli Ohrtman, today's guest blogger and regular contributor to Star Tribune Pet Central, is in a prime position to answer those questions. Kelli works at Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah—where 22 of the Vick dogs were placed.

In addition to her article that runs in Saturday's paper, Kelli's accompanying blog and photo gallery provide an insider's perspective on everyday life for the Vick dogs. Kelli will provide regular updates for us as she chronicles the triumphs and setbacks on the Vick dogs' journeys to become just regular dogs.

Vick Dogs: Learning About Life by Kelli Ohrtman  read more »

I came across this new pet gadget and thought it was worth sharing with you. I often wonder just how much Dakota barks at the front window when Brian and I aren't home. Or how long she tries to break into the kitchen cupboards in her desperate search for food.  read more »

Occasionally, I like to do things because they're fun or silly. Like skipping with my four-year-old nephew. I feel silly, but it's fun. Too often we adults forget how important it is to play.

In that vein, we've started a new mini-series of online only factoids that explore the curiosities of pet lore. This week writer Laura French investigates Cat Scratch Fever to uncover its meaning (besides a 70s song that has an unfortunate tendency to get stuck in your head.)  read more »

As many of you know a bill to allow dogs at sidewalk cafes was introduced to the house and senate this session.

A proponent for the bill contacted me to say the bill is in danger of not passing. As far as I know, the Health Department is not raising objections, only some of the politicians.  read more »

A friend of mine sent me this video and it is worth sharing.

Two professional engineers illustrate the proper care and practical benefits of cats. It's long, but generally worth watching and a good distraction at work.

My favorite parts are the cat yodeling and the disclaimer at the end: "None of the cats, humans, or engineers were mistreated in the making of this film. They were, however, slightly annoyed." Enjoy.  read more »

Today's guest blogger Kelli Ohrtman shares the story of how Curly, the dog Kelli fostered, was lost on the cross-country trip to her new home. There is currently an organized search being conducted in Ohio where Curly was lost and a few reported sightings. The story made the local NBC news in the area. So hopefully Curly will soon be found and on her way to her new home. Kelli shares Curly's story in more detail and reminds pet owners the importance of properly identifying their animals.

Lost Dog by Kelli Ohrtman

It is five days ago when I packed my little foster dog Curly into a roomy crate for a long drive cross country, it was with nothing but happiness--she was going HOME! Things couldn’t have worked out better. After living with me since last November, Curly had found an adoptive home in New York through www.petfinder.com.

My friend Becky, who knows Curly well, was visiting from New England, and said she’d be happy to drive Curly from Utah to New York. Becky left on Tuesday and checked in each day with news of their progress, where they’d stopped for the night and so on. Then on the third day of their long drive, Curly got sick in her crate, and when Becky pulled in to a truck stop to clean her up, Curly bolted out of the crate, jerking the leash from Becky’s hand, and disappeared.  read more »

I can hardly move today because I spent Sunday cleaning up my yard and garden. Raking. Digging. Over seeding the lawn. Trimming bushes. Removing dead ones. Attacking creeping Charlie.

Occasionally I would sit down, rest, and soak up the sun. Meadow had a similar idea. Lying on her back in the middle of the yard, four legs in the air, eyes open. Just soaking in the sun. I smile and softly laugh. She turns her head and looks at me, wags her tail, then turns back around and continues to lie there, perfectly content.  read more »