Second chances, second acts—in the new issue, we explore the idea of dogs as agents of change. Around the block and around the world, people are finding their true vocations working with dogs.

For example, in “Prison Pups,” the good work done by and for inmates at the Washington Corrections Center for Women who take part in the Prison Pet Partnership Program [3] is highlighted. Then there are those who shift career gears, such as Sweden’s Nina Ottosson, who left her job as a nurse to become a full-time developer and manufacturer of some of the smartest dog toys [4] around.

Dogs are not only the reason for change, they’re also subject to it. In “The Future of Dogs,” noted scholar Alston Chase, author of the newly released book, We Give Our Hearts to Dog to Tear [5], discusses the danger of breeding for beauty and ignoring function, taking Jack Russell Terriers as an example.

Then we find out about four exceptionally dog-friendly companies, the work of Latin American animal activists, how to make a tug toy and pup cakes, and how puppy mills are using both new technology and old sob stories to sell their “products.” (As an antidote, check out these Internet-based “good guys”: 1-800-Save-a-Pet [6], petfinder.com [7] and pets911.com [8].)

Our nutrition editors, Marion Nestle and Malden Nesheim, report back from the Global Pet Expo, and, as always, we have a whole new lineup of insights and good advice from our columnists, well-chosen words about our relationships with our dogs, new smilers, a new cover dog story, big dogs & cats at the zoo, singing to your dogs, and more.

We trust that there will be something to interest, inform and amuse you in our magazine—hope you pick up Bark at the newsstand [9] or, even better, subscribe [10].

APPEARING IN THIS ISSUE
FEATURES
Prison Pups [11] Women and dogs get a second chance. By Lisa Wogan
The Future of Dogs [12] Breeding for looks alone can threaten dogs’ well being. By Alston Chase
Dogs @ Work [13] Some of our picks for the most dog-friendly workplaces in the US. By Julia Kamysz Lane
Puzzlemaster [14] Nina Ottosson’s innovative toys help dogs develop problem-solving skills. By Robin Bell
Spotlight on Enrichment [15]By Karen B. London, PhD

ESSAYS AND HOWLS
How to Sing to Your Dog Go ahead, belt out a tune. By Cathy Crimmins
Evolution Out of the doghouse, into pajamas. By Sally Asher
America’s Coprophagia Some habits are hard to break. By Jack Boulware

ART & POETRY
Portfolio Farm Dogs Plein air painter Tim Horn captures rural stories.
Cape Cod Journal May at the Cape with dogs. By Cathy Hawkes
Poetry Costa Rican Payphones by Terese Svoboda

DEPARTMENTS
[Crafts] Handy Tugger [16] A homemade toy to enjoy. By Michael Spears
[Nutrition] The Future of Pet Food The view from inside Global Pet Expo. By Marion Nestle, PhD, and Malden Nesheim, PhD
[Working Dogs] Reigning Cats and Dogs Cheetah and Shepherd are roommates at the Cincinnati Zoo. By Amy Sutherland
[Vet School Profile] Colorado State University [17] At this vet school, it’s all about teamwork. By Martha Schindler Connors
[Both Ends of the Leash] Rites of Passage Navigating the loss of a beloved dog. By Patricia B. McConnell, PhD
[Activism] Puppy Mill Scams Peddling their “products” via the Internet. By Roxanne Hawn
[People Who Matter] Latin American Activists [18] in Colombia and Venezuela. By Diego Zerpa Chang
[Dog Law] Dogs in the Workplace [19] By Geordie Duckler, JD, PhD
[Training] By the Numbers Five Signs of Fearful Aggression By Karen B. London, PhD
[Media] Lassie’s Timmy Jon Provost and his Collie co-star. By Rayne Wolfe
[Reviews] Puppy Chow Is Better than Prozac, The Art of Racing in the Rain [20], Positive Perspectives 2, Crate Games for Self-Control and Motivation (DVD), Perfect Paws in 5 Days [21] (DVD)
[Endpiece] Part-Time Puppies [22] By Nancy L. Claus

DOGPATCH
Shelter Dogs—Mutts’ Patrick McDonnell has a new book.
Pup Cakes [23]—Have a people + dog party.
Cover Dog [24]—Boog’s the sweetheart of the dog park.
Just One of the Girls—Honey’s a hit at NYC’s Lower Eastside Girls’ Club.
What’s New—Watering the dog.
Your Dog—Clancy Rito, Tucson, Ariz.
Bayou Blue—George Rodrigue’s Blue Dog.
Show & Tell—Readers’ favorites.
Smiling Dogs—All new smilers.
Career Change [25]—Everything and the Dog’s Lydia Best.