Dogs at an AKC event at Grand Central

The American Kennel Club released its annual list of America’s most popular dog, and Labs were on top for the 19th consecutive year.

Labradors come in second in New York City, where Yorkshire Terriers are top dog.

A heartbreaking story about a disabled woman whose landlords refused to allow her to keep her companion dog, even with a doctor’s note, because it exceeded their newly imposed weight limitations for pets.

The settlement will help the woman with practical matters, but it can’t erase the emotional pain she’s suffered.

Nothing to fear (card from Dogstuff)

Columnist Mark Morford talks about BBDS (Big Black Dog Syndrome).

Magnet from Dogstuff

Porsche was originally trained as a seeing-eye dog. But the black Labrador flunked her certification because she just couldn’t stop sniffing.

Her nose led Porsche from one avenue of work to another: for the last five years, she’s been a highly successful accelerant detector for the Philadelphia fire department, nosing out gasoline, kerosene, charcoal-lighter fluid, and other substances used to set fires.

Porsche was recently honored, along with two other dogs and a number of humans, for her heroic efforts. Fire officials credit her with helping to pinpoint the causes of over 300 fires, including 100 arsons.

Anthony sits with Dash after they were blocked from the school

Anthony Spataro, 8 years old, didn’t get to start 4th grade with the rest of his class because his school wouldn’t let him bring his diabetic service dog with him.

Anthony’s family has been battling the school district for the last year over the issue.

The district says Dash, a 4-month-old black Labrador, is too young to be properly trained. Dash’s trainer, however, says he has passed two AKC tests and received the necessary glucose-sensitivity training.

Anthony’s family says they will sue the district to force them to allow Dash onto school grounds.

Max detects glucose levels that are too high or low

Liam has Type 1 diabetes and has to monitor his blood sugar frequently. Enter Max, a specially trained black Labrador.

Max can tell if Liam’s blood glucose levels go too far in either direction and alert him. This allows Liam to play sports and have a more normal life. It’s one more way dogs’ fabulous noses help their human friends.

Blackie on the prowl

Another poignant farewell to a beloved family pet.

5-year-old Joshua meets Clohey

Going back to school, or going to school for the first time, can be frightening for young students. An elementary school in Forth Worth, Texas used three trained therapy dogs, along with trained staff, to help kids make the transition.

The dogs also help throughout the year, as students can earn special “alone time” with them for good behavior.

The Star-Telegram has the details, plus video.