Sussex, New Brunswick, is gearing up for the Agility Association of Canada’s National Agility Championships, which run August 7 through 10.

Among the events planned are Nationals Pre-Qualifier rounds (standard, jumpers, gamblers); Rally Obedience Trial; Nationals Rounds (Standard 1, Jumpers 1) and Steeplechase 1; Nationals Rounds (Standard 2, Gamblers 1) and Steeplechase 2; Nationals “Maritime Kitchen Party” Banquet; Nationals rounds (Jumpers 2, Gamblers 2); plus plenty of awards each day, as well as opening and closing ceremonies.

Not located in Canada, eh? If you’re interested in learning more about canine agility, try the United States Dog Agility Association.

Am I the only one still watching the CBS television show “Greatest American Dog”?

I am determined to stick with it. Of course, CBS is making that near impossible since they switched the day the show airs from Thursday to Wednesday without so much as a whisper.

Luckily, I caught up on the full episode I missed right here. And can I just say I am so glad to see David and Elvis go home (last week), but I am bummed to say goodbye to Ron and Tillman.

And yes, I’m still rooting for Travis and Presley (see photo above) to win the whole thing.

One of my favorite blogs, one where I get my daily dose of wilderness, is The Daily Coyote.

Granted, it’s not about a dog per see, but the way Shreve Stockton writes about her experience living in a one-room cabin in Wyoming with her cat, Eli, and her unexpected companion, Charlie the coyote, is one of the best things I’ve found on the Internet to date.

Charlie is a wild-born coyote who landed on Stockton’s doorstep after both his parents were shot for killing sheep. Not wanting to interfere with nature, but realizing that the baby coyote would not survive on his own, she took him in and they learned to respect each other and live together harmoniously.

As I wait patiently for the release of Stockton’s latest endeavor, The Daily Coyote: A Year With Charlie, I get my fix via her blog, which amuses, educates and inspired me to be one with nature.

The Golden Retriever is one of those quintessential dogs. They’ve got big hearts and gentle demeanors, so it’s no wonder that the breed is so darn popular.

The latest news only makes this sweet, dreamy dog seem even more appealing.

A Golden at a southeast Kansas zoo recently adopted three tiger cubs abandoned by their mother. It all started when the cubs’ mother had problems with them, and a day later, stopped caring for them entirely.

Because puppies take about the same amount of time as tiger cubs to develop, and the adoptive mother just recently weaned her own puppies, it was perfect timing all around. The adopted mother even goes so far as to lick and clean the cubs, too.

The Safari Zoological Park is a licensed facility that specializes in endangered species such as leopards, lions, cougars, baboons, ring-tailed lemurs, bears and other animals. It currently has seven white tigers and two orange tigers.

As for the adopted mom, when her nursing duties are over, she’ll no doubt go back to being a great addition to her caring, animal-loving family.

Anyone who remembers Cujo (1983), which was based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King, probably remembers a lot of snarling, foaming at the mouth, and general mean-dogged-ness.

But what sticks out in my mind is the fact that Cujo’s owner let the poor dog run wild, and the pooch subsequently got bit by a rabid bat.

Had Cujo been properly vaccinated and not allowed to run loose, the film might have gone something like this:

Enter Cujo, on leash, with owner.

Cujo sniffs at wood pile, out flies rabid bat.

Owner screams, Cujo barks, bat flies off.

The end.

It may not pack the same punch as the original film did, but I think my version is a win-win for everyone.

One of my “greyhound” friends recently had to have her hound’s front leg amputated due to bone cancer, which is, unfortunately, common in greyhounds.

Both she and I know of one amazing “tripod” that we’ve both witnessed run our own dogs ragged.

While my friend’s handsome greyhound who, by the way, is also a pal of my own girl, Greta, recuperates from his recent surgery, I am already looking forward to cooler weather so we can all get together for a romp.

Until then, this video I found on YouTube featuring a tripod greyhound who was rehabilitated at a Spanish animal shelter will have to suffice.

While doing research for a story I’m working on, I discovered that people who love dogs have a lot of career options that can include day to day interaction with four-legged friends.

Beyond the obvious career choices, such as veterinarian, vet technician, alternative medicine vet, research vet, animal behaviorist, pet therapist, trainer, pet sitter, groomer, day care provider, kennel operator and dog walker/runner, there are many other options.

You can put your creative talents to good use as a pet product maker/seller, or to open up a doggie boutique in your town.

Among the more spotlight-driven doggie careers are dog handler, show judge and breeder, while behind the camera’s lens there are also dog photographers.

Public service canine-related jobs include rescue organization worker/non-profit worker, City/Country Animal Control work, animal cop, and search and rescue team.

So if you want your career to go to the dogs, it looks like you’ll be in good company!

In my next life, I’ve decided that I want to run a doggie day care franchise.

And since I imagine that my next life won’t play out in Northern California, I figure I won’t have to compete with the end-all, be-all of pet day care/boarding facilities, Wag, which is where I leave Greta when we’re on the road without her. 

I’ve even done some research on the subject, and in addition to the many books out there on the subject, there are two places I’ve found that pique my interest.

Both Camp Bow Wow and Central Bark Doggie Day Care offer franchising opportunities, and while neither has a site near where I live, I’m sure if they are anything like this place, they are doing just fine.

For now, I’ll have to settle for wrangling the two cats and one dog that currently live under my roof, and leave it at that.

I want one. I have to have one. And, of course, I want one that looks like my greyhound, Greta.

Ever since I saw these adorable dogs in The Bark magazine (July/August), I have been obsessing.

They are made by Stacey Hsu and sold in her ETSY shop. In addition to “adopting” pre-made dogs, she also makes custom orders.

But perhaps the best part of all, besides the possibility of immortalizing your dog as a cute sock dog forever, is that Hsu donates 10 percent of every Original Sock Dog purchase to the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, a no-kill animal shelter where she has been volunteering since January 2005.

My birthday has come and gone, but I think I may have to order up one of these to celebrate the two-year anniversary of adopting Greta. Of course, Hsu will need to use a white tube sock for Greta’s snout (see below).

Nick at Nite is hosting the first annual Worldwide Fido Awards, which will be televised on Sunday, July 27, and Monday, July 28.

This event is a chance for dog owners across the planet to who off their canine companion’s talents in categories such as Cutest Dog, Best Dressed, Best Voice, Most Outrageous, Best Trick and Dog/Owner Look-Alike.

Only one dog will win the 2008 Worldwide Fido Award, and the winner will be chosen via online voting.

Check out the possible winners and cast your vote here, and check your local listings to find out when the show is airing in your area.