THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ROANOKE, Va. — Workers at a Roanoke pet store joined firefighters in safely evacuating puppies, cats and other pets after a back room fire filled the store with dense smoke.

Workers told The Roanoke Times they didn’t think twice about rescuing the animals when smoke began filling a PetSmart store Saturday afternoon. Roanoke fire spokeswoman Tiffany Bradbury says no injuries were reported as some 80 puppies, cats, gerbils and other animals were safely plucked from the Valley View Mall. (more…)

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

FAYETTEVILLE — Like elsewhere in the country, hard economic times mean hard decisions for Arkansans, especially when it comes to their pets, and shelters and rescue groups say they are overwhelmed.

“We’ve had pigs, goats, everything. There are people that will leave a box of rats at the door,” said Darren Taylor, animal services officer in Fayetteville. “I think the economy probably has a lot to do with it.” (more…)

THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Katie Popovich recently accompanied her boyfriend to a Chicago animal shelter in search of a dog. When a beagle-border collie mix immediately nuzzled against them, they were smitten.

But the 22-year-olds received a considerably chillier response from the human behind the counter. “It seemed like we were instantly thrown into this category that we were just kids and not responsible,” she said, adding that they are now talking with breeders. (more…)

AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB

With so many dog foods on the market, it’s tough to know what’s right for your pooch. A good diet, which The American Kennel Club recommends, should have the right amounts of essential nutrients — including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water — to keep your dog looking and feeling his best. (more…)

After intense planning and nearly a week, all 927 dogs rescued in what is believed to be the largest puppy mill raid in West Virginia history are ready to begin new lives in loving homes, according to a news release.

The Humane Society of Parkersburg has been granted custody of the animals removed from Whispering Oaks Kennel in Parkersburg, the release said. (more…)

ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE

BENTON — A Saline County dog breeder accused of mistreating dozens of canines pleaded innocent to 85 counts of animal cruelty Thursday.

A trial date for Phyllis Martin, 50, was set for Nov. 12 in Benton District Court. (more…)

KRISHA WILLIAMS TURBEVILLE
RESCUE IN THE ROCK

With tails awag and faces painted, pets and supporters of The Little Rock Animal Village marked its first anniversary Saturday as rescuers teamed up with the shelter’s vet to save one dog’s life.

A call came in about 12:30 p.m. to Cindy Paxton, volunteer for the birthday celebration and for Out of the Woods Rescue and Referral, that a very pregnant beagle was roaming the highway in an unincorporated area of Pulaski County. (more…)