Missing Bomb-Sniffing Dog Returns to Her Post in Afghanistan

Sabi, a black Labrador Retriever, went missing from her Australian Army patrol unit 14 months ago.  Sabi is trained to sniff out roadside bombs and other explosive devices planted as dangerous booby traps in the Afghan province of Uruzgan.  She was last seen by her handlers during a particularly fierce ambush of a joint Australian-Afghan patrol unit that left nine troops wounded.

Months of search followed, with no sign of Sabi anywhere.  Most of the soldiers who knew her never expected to see her again.

Sabi didn't meet a tragic fate, however, as her Australian unit recently learned.  She's recently enjoyed a happy reunion with the soldiers she served so bravely.

A US soldier found Sabi in a remote area also in the Uruzgan province.  Once her identity was discovered, she was returned to her Australian military home base.  Her military friends will probably never know the details of her whereabouts during her 14-month absence but they are grateful that Sabi was found in good condition, a sign that she's been in good hands during her odyssey.

Sabi's unit is one of many involved with training Afghanistan security forces.  Many of the 1,500 military troops from Australia work with explosive detection dogs like Sabi.

It is unclear at this time if Sabi will stay in Afghanistan.  If tests prove she is disease free, she may be returned to Australia.

Pig Ear, Hoof Doggie Treats Tainted with Salmonella

Yesterday the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a health alert involving pig ears and pig hooves that may be tainted with Salmonella bacteria.  These much loved doggie treats (at least they're much loved in my household, where I even use them as doggie currency) are sold under many brand names and as both packaged and bulk items in pet shops and retail chain stores.  Products under investigation are produced at the Sanger, California, manufacturing facility for Pet Carousel.

No cases of illness linked to these treats have been reported to the FDA but the agency urges all pet owners who have them on hand to throw them away in a covered trash receptacle.  Humans can become infected and ill from handling things, including these pet treats, contaminated by Salmonella bacteria.

Symptoms in humans include diarrhea that may become bloody, nausea, and vomiting.  More severe symptoms are possible and some of them can develop into life-threatening medical emergencies.

Symptoms in dogs include a loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and fever.  The bacteria can be transferred from pet to human or human to pet so it's always important to wash hands thoroughly after handling a pet and his toys or treats.  Any suspicious symptoms in humans or pets should be immediately reported to a medical or veterinary facility.

Brand names selling the pig ear treats in packages include Doggie Delight and Pet Carousel.  The pig hoof treats are packaged as Pet Carousel, Doggie Delight, Dentley's, and Choo Hooves.  These treats are often sold in bulk at pet stores and retail chains, with no associated brand name exhibited.

The Salmonella contamination was identified in a routine test conducted at the Pet Carousel plant in September 2009.  Further testing revealed contamination of both the pig ear and pig hoof treats and in the manufacturing environment itself.

The FDA investigation continues, with updates to be issued as new developments arise.

Church Service Gone to the Dogs in California

And congregation members are shouting a hearty "Amen!"

The Reverend Tom Eggebeen has spent the last three years serving as interim pastor of the Covenant Presbyterian Church of Los Angeles, California.  He thought his church services needed a dose of excitement and he let the dog loving part of his nature inspire him.

Last Sunday evening, Eggebeen presided over the first ever Canines at Covenant service, where congregation members were invited to bring their dogs to church.  The 30-minute church service was a howling success, with about 30 people bringing pooches of all persuasions, large and small.  The church-going dogs were honored with doggie treats, plenty of water, doggie beds, prayer requests in their honor, and a special hymn, "GoD and DoG."

The Canines at Covenant service is to be a weekly service.  An informal survey suggests as many as 500  events at churches nationwide focus on the blessing of pets, although only a handful have gone to the dogs to the extent of offering regularly scheduled pet-friendly services like that at Covenant Presbyterian.

According to Rev. Eggebeen, the Bible says God is light and God is love.  "And when we love a dog and a dog loves us, that's a part of God and God is a part of that."

Amen, Brother!