A black Tibetan Mastiff named “Yangtze River Number Two” has set the world’s record as the most expensive dog after a Chinese woman paid $582,000 for the “priceless” canine.

The 18-month-old dog arrived at its new owner’s home in a motorcade of 30 luxury cars.  A crowd gathered to celebrate the arrival of the city’s new resident.

The young millionaire woman fell in love with the dog while on a breeding trip to Qinghai province.  She was travelling with a Tibetan Mastiff that she already owned, hoping to find it a mate.  “Gold has a price, but this Tibetan Mastiff doesn’t,” the young woman said when she returned home.

I think we got a much better deal when we paid only $50 to the local shelter for our “priceless” rescue dog.

Story at Times Online

Gibson, the world’s tallest dog, died August 7 from bone cancer.  The Guinness Book of World Records had long recognized the Harlequin Great Dane as the world’s tallest canine.  He measured 7-foot-1 when standing on his hind legs, and was 42.6 inches from ground to shoulder.

Gibson’s life was short but brilliant.  He became a “spokesdog” for a canine cancer charity and was nominated for the American Kennel Club Award for Canine Excellence.

Gibson fans and supporters are directed to his website where they can donate to his charity or help with his funeral expenses.

If you are not familiar with Gibson, check out this video:

Gidget, the “Yo quiero Taco Bell” dog, died of a stroke at age 15 on July 21 in Santa Clarita, California. 

The spunky Chihuahua lived comfortably with her owner since her famous Taco Bell commercials in the late 90s.  Since then, Gidget made a few cameo appearances, such as in a 2002 commercial with the GEICO gecko, and playing the mother of Reese Witherspoon’s Chihuahua in the sequel to “Legally Blonde.”

In 2003, Taco Bell lost a lawsuit by two Michigan men who had pitched the concept of the Chihuahua to Taco Bell six years earlier.  Taco Bell had turned them down, but went forward with the Chihuahua ad campaign developed by advertising agency, TBWA.  The men sued Taco Bell in 2003, and a jury awarded them $30.1 million in compensation plus $12 million in additional interest.  Taco Bell in turn sued TBWA saying it should have been aware of the conflicts.  In 2009, a three-judge federal appeals panel ruled against Taco Bell.

The Obama presidential family dog, Bo, bites and holds onto a reporters microphone.  He’s so cute and happy!

More Obama News

With all the grave problems facing President Obama, you’d think they didn’t exist with all the hype and excitement surrounding the first dog.  Now there are two new books that celebrate the Obama’s hunt and acquisition of their white house puppy.

Read the rest of this entry »

The Obamas have chosen a 6-month-old black & white Portuguese water dog named Bo to be the first pet.  The dog was a gift from Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts who owns several of the breed.

Obama’s daughters, 10-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha, chose the name Bo because first lady Michelle Obama’s father was nicknamed Diddley, hence “Bo” Diddley.

The president seemed to enjoy the intense interest surrounding the first dog.  When asked for an update on the dog selection process Friday, Obama joked, “Oh, man, now, that’s top secret.”  Obama had promised his daughters a puppy during the presidential campaign.  “This is Washington.  That was a campaign promise,” Obama told Jay Leno last month during his Tonight Show appearance.  “No, I’m teasing.  The dog will be there shortly,” he added.

They chose the Portuguese Water Dog because they are considered good pets for children who have allergies, as Malia does.

Story at FoxNews