Happy 2009! To celebrate the new year, we look at what it takes to make a guide dog (including raising those precious puppies); delve into the background of a long-lived civil rights anthem inspired by playful pooches; peek into songbird Emmylou Harris’s Nashville rescue operation; and get a little history lesson on the rise of the modern-day humane movement in America. Toss in dog-centric art, behind the scenes at the hot new movie Hotel for Dogs, fair-share strategies for successfully resolving the “who gets the dog” dilemma, user-friendly safety reminders, indoor activities, good advice from our columnists and some touching (and funny) essays, and you have an issue that we think is both entertaining and thought-provoking … in short, a perfect way to start the year.

Speaking of starting the year... Lola [3], this issue's cover dog, is one of the 6.5 million dogs who have found their forever homes thanks to Petfinder.com [4] (our editor-in-chief saw her online and it was love at first sight). So if you're thinking of adding the patter of four furry feet to your home in the upcoming months but don't know where to start, Petfinder.com can help.

APPEARING IN THIS ISSUE

FEATURES
Bonaparte’s Retreat [5]—Emmylou Harris’s haven for homeless dogs. By Bill DeMain
Dog Dog [6]—Playful pooches inspire a civil rights anthem. By Evelyn C. White
The Making of a Guide Dog [7]—From puppy to partner, guide dogs are a special breed. By Jane Brackman
Puppy Raisers Wanted [8]—Volunteers teach young dogs new tricks. By Rikke Jorgensen
Compassion in Action [9]—The beginnings of the American humane movement. By Kathryn Shevelow

ESSAYS & HOWLS
Mary’s Last Rescue—Mary Warner’s battle to end dognapping. By Karin Winegar
Rex: The Story Ends [10]—Farewell to a much-loved friend. By Lee Harrington
Pet Smarts—The verdict is in: The dog did it! By Sandra E. Lamb
Professor Burt [11]—Lessons in motherhood from a Golden Retriever. By Catherine Boalch

DEPARTMENTS
[Safety] Making Do—A snow rescue, the hard way. By Jill Haunold
[Activity/DIY] Living Room Agility [12]—Pep up the pup indoors. By Christina Sondermann
[Behavior] Both Ends of the Leash—Not all communication is verbal. By Patricia B. McConnell, PhD
[Home] Toxic Dust Devils [13]—A few sticky points about house dust and dogs. By Susan McGrath
[Photo Essay] America at Home [14]—Domestic moments, plus dogs.
[Film] Who Let the Dogs In?—Behind the scenes at Hotel for Dogs. By Alysia Gray Painter
[Relationships] Fair Share [15]—A modern-love dilemma: navigating joint custody. By Amelia Glynn
[Art] Lost & Found—Robb Putnam talks about his misfit mutts. By Cameron Woo
[Masterworks] An International Trio—Works by Utagawa, Ansdell and Clairin. By Tamsin Pickeral
[Training] By the Numbers [16]—New games to play with your dog. By Karen B. London, PhD
[Vet Advice] Nutraceutical News [17]—When it comes to supplements, check with your vet. By Donna M. Raditic, DVM, CVA
[Reviews] Play Together, Stay Together; Play with Your Dog [18]; Shelter; Nose Down, Eyes Up [19]; The Dog Trainer’s Resource 2; A Friend Like Henry; Paws to Protect; Indognito; Breakfast at Sally’s

DOGPATCH
Puppy Bowl V [20]—A new team takes the field.
Greyts—Mass. bans dog racing.
Tweet—Thanks to Twitter, Irish dog finds a home.
Kibble—Bite-size news and views.
Family Dog—Rolf loves Siggi.
Show & Tell—Readers’ faves.
Notable Books [21]—Our 2008 list.
Smiling Dogs—Miles of smiles.
Dogs I Have Known [22]—Daniel Wallace draws the line.
Cover Dog [3]—Bark’s own Lola