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From CNN:
SANTA BARBARA, California (AP) -- Sam, the dog whose ugliness earned him TV appearances, limousine rides and even a meeting with millionaire Donald Trump, has died, the Santa Barbara News-Press reported Tuesday.

The pooch with the hairless body, crooked teeth and sparse tuft of hair atop his knobby head died Friday, just short of his 15th birthday, said his owner, Susie Lockheed.

"I don't think there'll ever be another Sam," she said, adding wryly, "Some people would think that's a good thing."

Sam became an international celebrity after winning the ugliest animal contest at the 2003 Sonoma-Marin Fair in California -- a victory he twice repeated. The purebred Chinese crested hairless made appearances on TV in Japan, radio in New Zealand and in Britain's Daily Mirror tabloid, stayed in luxury hotels and met Trump on a talk show set. more...

ALHAMBRA, Calif -- The littermates of a Northern California puppy may be green with envy.

That's because a golden retriever born last week is green. The little green fella is one of a litter of four. But his littermates are the usual blond color.

read on...

Video
	Witness Says Llama Was Hurt In Attack

Stray Animal Was Attacked By Dogs

CANTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Strange noises in a rural Canton Township neighborhood led residents to discover an injured llama outside their homes Monday night.

The llama was trying to fend off a German shepherd and another dog that were attacking her along Ridge Road, near Warren and Joy roads, according to witnesses. Neighbors said they ran out to help the llama.

"The noises she was making sounded like a pig screaming," said neighbor Junnie Morrow.

The llama suffered injuries on her back and legs. Neighbors collected money to pay for veterinarian bills.

more...

A dog just over seven inches long and weighing 27 ounces has been officially confirmed as the world's smallest living dog.

Danka, a one-year-old long-haired Chihuahua, is one of 10 dogs that Igor Kvetko keeps in Revuca, eastern Slovakia. Read on...

JERUSALEM -- A young monkey at an Israeli zoo has started walking on her hind legs only -- aping humans -- after a near death experience, the zoo's veterinarian said Wednesday.

Natasha, a 5-year-old black macaque at the Safari Park near Tel Aviv, began walking exclusively on her hind legs after a stomach ailment nearly killed her, zookeepers said.

Monkeys usually alternate between upright movement and walking on all fours. A picture in the Maariv daily on Wednesday showed Natasha standing ramrod straight like a human. The picture was labeled humorously, "The Missing Link?"

Two weeks ago, Natasha and three other monkeys were diagnosed with severe stomach flu. At the zoo clinic, she slipped into critical condition, said Igal Horowitz, the veterinarian. more...

JOPPA, Md. -- There may be more than one mystery animal running around Maryland -- there are pictures from a sighting in Harford County.

At the Mathis family's rural home in Joppa, they're used to animals, but not this kind.

"I looked out the window and I saw something drinking out of the water trough," said Lisa Mathis. "It looked like something out of Lord of The Rings."

"I'm from New Jersey so I immediately thought it was the Jersey Devil," said Jon Mathis. "In New Jersey folklore, it's a wild beast -- sort of like the abominable snowman."

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/3558739/detail.html

BETHLEHEM, Ind. -- Some 90 people searched through the night for a missing 2-year old girl before she was found safe Wednesday morning with a family dog on an Ohio River bank.

Daisy Smith was found more than a mile from her home by a Clark County conservation officer taking part in a search that began after she and the dog disappeared from the family's back yard about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Conservation Officer Mac Spainhour said the family dog was to thank for the girl's safety.

"This girl has a guardian angel," Spainhour said. "And it's the dog. He stayed with her throughout the night, and in the end he led us to her." more...

Jefferson decided he would go down fighting, and because of his efforts, he has been granted permanent sanctuary. Jefferson is a steer who was delivered to the slaughterhouse.

He escaped from the Al-Badr Slaughterhouse in Detroit's Eastern Market on December 2nd and ended up at McDougall and Jefferson (Hence his new name). His story captured the hearts of thousands nationwide.

The slaughterhouse received hundreds of calls and emails urging the saving of Jefferson's life. Due to the public's concern, he has been donated to the Sasha Farm Animal Sanctuary. In return, Sasha has agreed to help pay for the expenses related to his escape and capture.

See the video of Jeffferson's escape...

A recent accident reminds us to keep a colse eye on our pets near partially frozen lakes...

Deborah Jeffers was walking her dogs near Sylvan Glen Lake in Troy this weekend when one ran onto the ices and fell through.

Jeffers ran to the rescue of her dog, yet she fell through as well. Neighbors tried to rescue her, but in the end police were called and eventually dragged her to safety.

Jeffers is recovering from hypothermia and her dogs are safe and sound. More on this story from WDIV Channel 4...

Following up from a Helping Houses article on Snowflake, the world's only captive albino gorilla...

Snowflake has been suffering from skin cancer for since 2001. His caretakers made the painful decision to have him euthanized.  

Snowflake lived a very fruitful life at the zoo. He lived well beyond 40 years old; most gorillas only live to be about 25. He was the main attraction at the Barcelona Zoo in Spain.

more from WDIV Channel 4

"Snowflake", the world's only albino gorilla, has only a few months to live. He was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2001: the disease has since progressed rapidly.

The very thing that makes him unique is what has made him ill. "Being albino, he's very sensitive to the sun. Though we've tried our best to protect him this is an incurable, progressive disease, and it will follow its natural course" said Bacelona Zoo's chief veterinarian, Jesus Fernandez.

more about Snowflake from Anaova...

Three-month-old Rosie and Rita were found with heat exhaustion under the stairs at a block of flats in Kennington, south London, and were taken to the Blue Cross animal hospital for treatment.

The black and white miniature Schnauzer crosses were heavily panting, refusing food and completely drained of energy when they arrived at the hospital in Victoria, central London.

more from Ananova...

The Singapore government is killing about 45 cats a day.

Cathy Strong, president of the Animal Lovers League, said over 2,000 would be sent to Noah's Ark animal shelter in Johor, Malaysia.

About 100 cats already are on their way and have been placed in quarantine. The rest would follow in the coming days, she said.

"We are trying to save as many as we can," she said. "Volunteers are taking turns, they are about to collapse from rounding up the strays."

more from Ananova...