According to a recent study by Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the Labrador Retriever is the most insured dog in the US. Labs were at the top of the list with 38,591 dogs insured, followed by Golden Retrievers and Yorkshire Terriers.

There have been many changes and improvements in the pet insurance industry over the past few years, making it something pet owners should certainly consider. However, it is important to do your research and know what is and is not covered by different policies.

For more information, please check out Dr. Donna Spector’s article on insuring your pet.

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With the recent release of Beverly Hills Chihuahua, many animal organizations are concerned with the likelihood of an increase in impulse buys of Chihuahuas from pet stores and breeders. Often, when a particular breed is featured in a movie or television program, there is a rush to go out and buy pets of the same type – such was the case with 101 Dalmatians and Beethoven.

Best Friends Animal Society, in particular, would like to encourage people to think before they get a dog and consider that pet ownership is a big responsibility. For those that do believe getting a Chihuahua is right for them, the animal group has also started a program to encourage adoption from local organizations or through sites like Petfinder. Best Friends wants to send the message that there are a lot of pups available in shelters and rescues – and they need homes first!

Papi, the adorable dog in the movie, is played by Rusco, who was a rescue himself. He was actually plucked for stardom by the movie’s producers just a day before he was scheduled to be euthanized; in fact, many of the dogs appearing in the film were found in Los Angeles rescue shelters. Rusco took very well to training for the movie, and one of his trainers loved him so much, she kept him for her own after the movie finished filming!

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Does your dog or cat have the potential to take Hollywood by storm? If so, you may want to enter them in the StarPet 2008 competition.

Humane organization Bideawee and canine acting coach Bash Dibra are holding a contest to find the next pet celebrity. Having written a book titled “Star Pet: How to Make Your Pet a Star,” as well as trained numerous pups and kitties working in Hollywood, Dibra thinks he has what it takes to find the next breakout star of the four-legged variety.

The grand prize winner will receive three months of representation and training from Dibra. If you think your beloved friend could make the cut, head to the StarPet 2008 website and submit your pet’s photo and video by Friday, October 10. You can also view the other entrants and vote for your furry favorites.

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Coming soon to the streets of New York City – it’s Celebrity Dogs Unleashed! Thirty life-size fiberglass dogs have been painted by celebrities like Dan Akroyd, Richard Gere, and Rachael Ray to benefit the Green Chimneys charity, and Halo natural pet food is proud to sponsor the event.

The dogs will be on display throughout NYC in October and will also appear in the Columbus Day Parade, which Halo will have a part in! For more on the event, check out the story at Businesswire.com.

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If you watched Ellen on Thursday, you saw her interview with Mimi Ausland, a 12-year old girl who started a website to help abandoned animals. After becoming concerned with the increasing number of pets without homes, Mimi created Free Kibble as a way to make a difference.

Mimi has been featured throughout the press, including the Today Show and numerous news outlets. However, it was her appearance on yesterday’s Ellen that may have proved most rewarding, as Halo and Ellen offered a huge contribution to Mimi’s cause. Ellen announced Halo’s donation of $20,000 of Halo natural pet food to the charity – that’s a lot of kibble!

When you visit Freekibble.com or Freekibblekat.com, you too can help out pets in shelters. Stop by either site, and you will have the opportunity to answer a trivia question; each time you do, sponsors donate 10 pieces of kibble to an animal shelter. It’s an easy way to help out needy pets every day – drop by often, and support this important cause!

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