Making the News

2012 Super Bowl stars? Dogs

This Sunday many will tune in, not only to watch the Giants play the Patriots, but to see what the 2012 Super Bowl ads are. Unsurprisingly, this year animals dominate the ads. We've already mentioned a few of the ads: Here are previous posts of a sneak peek of the VW ad and the controversial Skechers' ad. But, why dogs and not cats? Cultural anthropologist Robbie Blinkoff says, "You can't go wrong with a dog. The dogs are idealized versions of ourselves." USA TODAY compiled memorable Super Bowl ads featuring pets for you to take a look at.

As president and CEO of the American Humane Association, Robin Ganzert travels the country to help protect kids and animals from abuse and neglect.

Horse lovers can adopt retired thoroughbreds

This 13-year-old border collie, one of Washington’s “wonder pets,” has been saving lives since she was just a puppy.

In the February issue of The Washingtonian, on stands now, you’ll find a special pets section that includes profiles of Washington’s “wonder pets.” These are animals that have survived against all odds or performed acts of bravery, or that make a difference in their communities. But we wanted to highlight one of them here. Sage, a 13-year-old border collie, is a real hero.

As Oscar nominations rolled in this morning, the multiple nods to “War Horse” and “The Artist” left few surprises. But the two films have no nominees for Best Animal Actor.

Surgery went well for a former shelter dog named "Lucky," but he really hated that big plastic collar that his family put around his neck to prevent him from licking, scratching or biting his incision.

Over the nearly six decades that have passed since its debut, many things at the Happiest Place on Earth have either been lost over time or met with a wrecking ball during one of the park's many expansions and refurbishments.

In this issue of Protecting Children, child welfare researchers and practitioners from across the nation share the lessons they learned from the National Quality Improvement Center on Non-Resident Fathers and the Child Welfare System. The QIC NRF is a 5-year (2007-2011), federally funded project to promote knowledge development around engaging non-resident fathers of children involved in the child welfare system, and the impact of that engagement on child safety, permanency, and well-being outcomes.

A chart prepared by the American Humane Association compares fiscal year 2011 with fiscal year 2012 appropriations and shows priorities of the Obama Administration, U.S. House, and U.S. Senate. Overall, spending was maintained for vital children’s programs.

Nominations are open for this nationwide canine contest! Nominate your favorite “Hero Dog” in the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards!