Hit the Trail With Rover; Fun Match Fund Raiser

Southern California residents can join California Canine Hikers for day and evening hikes in the greater Los Angeles area. If the girls were younger or I still had my greyhound, I'd be there in two wags of a dog's tail. We have always taken our dogs hiking, although as they age we eventually have to give it up until a new one comes along.

We did take them to Laguna Niguel Regional Park yesterday for the Darcy Fund fun match. Besides the typical fun match classes--puppy, open, veteran--we had contests for waggiest tail, fastest eater, most freckles and more. Everyone had a great time and even better, we raised more than $1,800 for research into causes and treatment for chronic valve disease in Cavaliers. The Darcinator would have loved it; there's nothing she liked better than socializing with people and other dogs. It was her kind of party, and I like to think she was there in spirit.

Peruvian Mummy Dog Found

The Egyptians mummified cats, the Peruvians went for dogs, according to the May 2007 issue of National Geographic. Archaeologist Sonia Guillen discovered the remains of 83 dogs buried with blankets and food. She hopes through DNA tests to prove that the 1,000-year-old mummified dogs are the ancestors of modern dogs in Peru, like her own dog Abdul, who bears a resemblance to a golden retriever. Guillen believes the early dogs were used by the Chiribaya culture to herd llamas.

Skidboot Exits the Stage

One of the latest in a long line of dogs that bore the title Amazing, 14-year-old Skidboot has gone on to that big dog ranch in the sky. The Australian blue heeler/kelpie mix, who made a name for himself with a winning performance on Animal Planet's Pet Star, as well as appearances on Oprah and at the Texas State Fair, was euthanized on March 25. Skidboot's people, David and Barbara Hartwig, suggest memorializing the talented dog with a donation to your local animal shelter. A worthy remembrance indeed.