Puppy Paws, the first YouTube episode on the lives of Denali National Park's new litter of sled dogs.

This summer, Denali National Park's kennel is opening its virtual doors to something special -- the birth, rearing and training of a its annual litter of sled dog puppies.

Kennel workers will do this through YouTube videos, a live webcam as well as the attached pictures taken by Jamie Dittmar of the National Park Service.

Use this space to discuss training issues -- brag about successes, lament setbacks or bounce a question off the group.

We're wrapping up our (I hope) our annual "no bark" classes. Each spring, it seems, my dogs and the neighbor dogs on two sides forget that we all agreed that barking incessantly is not allowed through the fence.

I don't know if it's because they don't see each other as often in winter or that it's not as much fun to run up and down the fence in the snow, but a refresher course is always in order.

Use this space to discuss anything you'd like, or just drop by and say hello.

All's well with my pack. I bought some of those Himalayan Dog Chews on the advice of longtime Dogblogger RobynandBatman. I'm pleasantly surprised. I was certain Lucy would still demolish it in minutes, but she's going on two days now and has hardly made a dent.

Rascal

Here's Anchorage Animal Care and Control's Adoption of the Week, courtesy of Brooke Taylor, AACCC public relations coordinator.

Rascal was featured as our Pet of the Week in July 2009, right about the time when he participated in the Anchorage 4th of July Parade and did wonderfully with crowds and families! This handsome fellow is friendly and pleasant, curious, and enjoys the company of humans. He's

Use this space to discuss training issues -- brag about successes, lament setbacks or bounce a question off the group.

Alaska Dog Sports hosted Alaska's first National Association of Canine Scent Work trial last weekend, and judging from the reaction of the participants it was a huge success.

It was a big deal for Alaska nose work enthusiasts. The sport is only a few years old, so to have our own official trial so soon was a real treat.

Here's an interesting article from The Associated Press -- a look at baby boomers' animal-owning habits. Are they changing? Will they change more?

And, yes, the Mike Lewis interviewed for the story is yours truly -- proof that the pet owning world, as big as it is, is a small community.

Riley
Here's Anchorage Animal Care and Control's Adoption of the Week, courtesy of Brooke Taylor, AACCC public relations coordinator.

Do you feel comfortable letting your dog say "hello" to another leashed dog that you pass on a walk? Have you ever had a bad experience?

I used to allow it regularly, but I've had a number of bad experiences and now avoid it. For a reason I don't fully understand, dogs are more protective when they're on leash.

Use this space to discuss anything you'd like.

I've been in an especially sad mood today. Our little-dog group lost a member of our pack. Lucy, who has gone to just about every twice-weekly meetup we've had for the past two years, crossed over the Rainbow Bridge this morning.

Thirsty
Here's Anchorage Animal Care and Control's Adoption of the Week, courtesy of Brooke Taylor, AACCC public relations coordinator.

My apologies for the late "Monday" topic of the week. I don't know where the time goes.

This one came as a suggestion from Jerseygirl01:

What are the best kibbles for various issues (coat/digestion/arthritis/weight/behavior...)

Obviously, most of us will talk to our vets or a canine nutritionist when trying to come up with the best food. But with that said, what have you learned? What's worked for you?

<By JEFFREY COLLINS and HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH
Associated Press
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Fourteen people in at least nine states have been sickened by salmonella after handling tainted dog food from a South Carolina plant that a few years ago produced food contaminated by toxic mold that killed dozens of dogs, federal officials said Friday.

Use this space to discuss training issues -- brag about successes, lament setbacks, or bounce a question off the group.

I have a brag and a lament all wrapped into one: Eddie passed his therapy dog recertification test twice on Saturday (once with me, once with Kelly).

The lament is mine: My passing score was significantly lower than Kelly's. On a 2 is best, 1 is passing and 0 is fail basis, Kelly and Eddie got all but one 2. Eddie and I got 10 1's. She kicked my butt!

Moose dressed as a mounted moose

Here's Anchorage Animal Care and Control's Adoption of the Week, courtesy of Brooke Taylor, AACCC public relations coordinator.

This week's topic is courtesy of Brooke Taylor, animal lover and public relations coordinator for Anchorage Animal Care and Control Center.

What do you think of retractable "flexi" leashes? Do you use them? Do you despise them? Is there ever a situation where you would consider them?

Use this space to discuss training issues -- brag about successes, lament setbacks or bounce a question off the group.

EDDIE: He takes his therapy dog recertification test on Saturday, and I feel pretty good about it. I'm not as nervous as the two other times I took it with him, at least. And my nervousness and preparedness are really the only issues we've ever had.

Here are the things I've been criticized for before in passing the previous tests:

Bruno

Here's Anchorage Animal Care and Control's Adoption of the Week, courtesy of Brooke Taylor, AACCC public relations coordinator.

Get Real flier

Acatemy Awards

Anchorage Animal Care and Control Center recently launched a new campaign promoting responsible pet ownership. Check out these humorous video public service announcements below, and share the link or let them know what you think on AACCC's Facebook page.

Here's the text of their press release:

If you could have any dog from television or film as your pet, who would you pick?

My friend Jenifer, one of the original contributors to the Dog Blog who still visits from time to time, posted this on her Facebook page and gave me permission to use it. She said it could be any animal, but I'm limiting it to dogs for this discussion.

When: Saturday, April 21, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: University Lake and Connor's Bog off-leash dog parks.

The Anchorage Waterways Council's Scoop the Poop Committee has set Saturday, April 21, for its annual cleanup day.

Time will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the city's two most popular unleashed dog parks -- Connor's Bog and University Lake.