Did You Know That.....

• Japanese law requires that every champion AKITA be declared a National Art treasure that comes under the government's protection...
• When Sir Isaac Newton's dog knocked over a candle and set fire to the records of years of experiments, the great scientist was a model of masterly restraint: saying: Oh, Diamond, Diamond, thou little knowest mischief thou hast done, ' before setting to work to make good the loss.
• Eleanor E. Ritchey, heiress to the Quaker State Refining Corporation, passed on her $4.5 million fortune to her 150 dogs when she died in Florida in 1968. The will was contested, and in 1973 the dogs received $9 million. By the time the estate was finally settled, its value had jumped to $14 million but only 73 of the dogs were still alive. When the last dog died in 1984, the remainder of the estate went to the Auburn University Research Foundation for research into animal diseases.
• The Flea tapeworm infects 70% of dogs. As the name implies, this worm goes through a developement stage in the flea. Infection occurs when your dog grooms itself and swallow an infected flea.
• Jake the bird dog saved the life of a lady rancher Lou Dean Williams of Vernal Utah, in 1973. Miles from home, Williams was pinned under an all-terrain vehicle which when it flipped over. Her loyal Jake at first refused to leave, but finally dashed for help growling and pulling at the pants of ranch hand Juan Morales. He followed Jake and rescued the injured rancher. ' You should have seen the hug i put on that dog..'
• Lord Byron (1788-1824), honored the memory of his beloved Newfoundland, Boatswain; who was born in the province of Canada in 1803 - by erecting a monument to him at his family home, newstead Abbey, in Nottinghamishire, where the dog died in front of the poet in 1808. Byron's inscription contains one of the most moving tributes ever address to a departed dog:

"Near this spot are deposited the Remains of One who possessed Beauty without Vanity, Strenght without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity and all the virtue of man without his Vices.'

This Praise, which would be unmeaning flattery if inscribed over Human ashes, is just tribute to the memory of Boatswain...

• In the 1990's the life expectancy of a dog in the developed countries is 11 or 12 years. Improved veterinary care and better feeding practices have steadily increased this figure which at the turn of the century was seven years old.
• To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs..

by: bruno parungao