With this September/October issue, Bark strikes gold! To celebrate hitting 50 (issues, that is), we set a lavish table, loaded delights for both the mind and the eye. In the triple-article feature “Genealogy,” we look at the ways DNA testing attempts to unscramble the genetic secrets of well-mixed pups. Dogs of the Mississippi Delta are also on tap, captured by renowned photographer Maude Schuyler Clay. The irrepressible Martha, star of Susan Meddaugh’s classic children’s stories, Martha Speaks, debuts on PBS, and we score an in-depth interview with the creators of the series. Well-versed vet Nancy Kay tells us how to speak up for our dogs, and just in time for Halloween, we show you how to sculpt a pup-kin or stitch up a costume for your pooch. From nutrition editors Nestle and Nesheim, we learn what words really mean when it comes to pet food; Patricia McConnell takes issue that comforting a fearful dog is a bad idea—it isn't; and Karen London reveals that play is serious business. There’s more! Animal blessings, 10 healthy ways to add variety to your dog’s mealtime, canine eye care, cover dog Porchie, a mother/daughter matching DVMs, new smilers, and a Dogpatch potpourri round out the issue. Enjoy!

FEATURES
Martha Speaks to Bark [3] The children’s classic comes to PBS! Program creators share their insights. By Claudia Kawczynska
Dog-o-Lanterns [4] Step-by-step instructions for sculpting a pup-perfect pumpkin. By Terri Hardin
Delta Dogs Maude Schuyler Clay’s artful Mississippi photographs. By Beth Ann Fennelly
Becoming Your Dog’s Advocate [5] The 10 (tried and true) commandments of veterinary office visits. By Nancy Kay, DVM

SPECIAL FEATURE: GENEALOGY
[Science] What Kind of Dog Is That? [6] Jane Brackman, PhD, unravels mutts’ rich genetic tapestry.
[Essay] The Well-Mixed Mutt [7] Michael J. Rosen finds that dogs are more than the sum of their parts.
[Tests] Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Mo [8] Amy Young decodes the DNA test market.

ESSAYS AND HOWLS
Scary Math [9] In a chance encounter, the only one not surprised is the dog. By Kim Lemon
Homer [10] A great Hound who lived once upon a time. By Rick Bass
A Pooched Punt A football-loving Lab outfoxes the home team. By Ben Ginsberg
Poem: Fortune’s Talker [11] By Stephen Kuusisto
 
DEPARTMENTS
[Career Moves] Degrees of Difference [12] Mother-daughter duo graduate from vet school By Rikke Jorgensen
[Nutrition] Natural, Human Grade, Organic Dog Food [13] Is there truth in labeling? By Marion Nestle, PhD, and Malden Nesheim, PhD
[People Who Matter] Andrew Kaplan, DVM [14] A committed vet tackles NYC’s pet overpopulation. By Lee Harrington
[Wellness] 10 Easy Pieces [15] Mealtime upgrades from the grocery basket. By Roschelle Heuberger, PhD, RD
[Behavior: Both Ends of the Leash] Comforting a fearful dog can be a good thing [16]. By Patricia B. McConnell, PhD
[Celebration] Blessed Are the Animals [17] A cathedral’s must-attend event—dogs are welcomed. By Laurel Maury
[Health] Eye Care [18] By Shauna S. Roberts, PhD
[Crafts] Trick or Treat [19] A costume with flower power. By Annette Howard
[Behavior: By the Numbers] Studies on Canine Play [20] By Karen B. London, PhD
[Dog Law]  PETS legislation [21] and how to improve it. By Geordie Duckler, JD, PhD
[Reviews] The Story of Edgar Sawtelle [22], Oh Behave! [23], Tell Me Where It Hurts [24], Eco Dog [25], See Spot Sit [26]
[Endpiece] Battle of the Flying Fur [27] By Jeffrey Shaffer

DOGPATCH
Opinion: Flood Relief—Displaced Iowa shelter needs a helping hand.
Amazing Greyts—a new book by photographer Barbara Karant.
Namesake [28]—Philly’s White Dog Café.
Re-Use [29]—Tote on the cheap.
Fabulous Prefab [30]—Build your own and weigh in on the design.
Cover Dog [31]—Soulful Porchie from Massachusetts .
Foreclosure Pets [32]—Helping pets in hard times.
Fat Book—Artists unite to help a great rescue group.
How I Found My Dog [33]—A new reader-based series; for our first, Joyce Freedman tells Honey’s story.
Smiling Dogs—A new & happy crew of smilers.