Exciting news to share with you awaits you in this issue—we are launching a contest that is sure to get your camera snapping and your dog up on her toes. We are looking for a Bark cover dog to grace our January 2008 issue.

We were just finishing up production when the pet food recall hit the front pages. We knew we had to make an editorial adjustment and cover this significant story. We’ll be tackling this multi-dimensional subject through a series of articles, starting with a historic overview provided by two of the topic’s most influential experts in their respective fields: Donald Strombeck, DVM, on animal nutrition and Ann Martin on the commercial pet food industry. For help in feeding our dogs, we have a few recipes online (and in the magazine).

We are happy to introduce you to a new book, Merle’s Door, which we predict will take its place in the dog-lit canon. Ted Kerasote writes a stirring biography of his dog, Merle, seamlessly interweaving commentary on canine natural history, science and behavior with tales of his beloved dog. We also learn of memorable dog-human partnerships and how lives are enriched and comforted. In homage to people whose humor has delighted us, we interview Merrill Markoe, Emmy-award winning writer and dog “channeler.” Plus, we look at ways to form a partnership with your vet, and have a visit with Costa Rican dog rescuers. All that and so much more awaits you in the May/June issue of Bark.

APPEARING IN THIS ISSUE

FEATURES
Trust the Hand That Feeds You [3] By Claudia Kawczynska
Comfort in the Court [4] Dogs provide a safe harbor when legal seas get rough. By Rebecca Wallick
Merrill and Me [5]Merrill Markoe shares a few funny bones. Interview by Alison Pace
Puppy Makes Three [6] The pet industry toddles into the nursery, and vice versa. By Andrew Adam Newman
Dirty Wow Wow Well-loved mementoes of childhood transformed. Q&A: Cheryl Katz with Cameron Woo
Special Report [7] Our perspective on the issues involved in the pet food recall Interviews with Donald Strombeck [8], DVM, and Ann Martin [9]

ESSAYS AND HOWLS
Do Animals Have Emotions? [10] A leading biologist says yes. By Marc Bekoff, PhD
Chasing Duque Spirit dog leads to hope in Costa Rica. By Ken Foster
Growing Into Himself Merle develops an appreciation for music and babies. By Ted Kerasote
Whine at the Office By Eileen Mitchell

DEPARTMENTS
[Ask the Behaviorist] Day Care Difficulties What to do when your dog’s being bullied. By Karen B. London, Ph.D.
[Crafts] A New Leash on Life [11] With a little attention, an old leash can bloom. By Trina Moore
[Design Matters] The Life of the Party Pup-safe party ideas. By Julia Szabo
[Outdoors] Take a Walk on the Wild Side Hike Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, New York. By Tammy L. McCarley
[Dog Law] Ask the Expert [12] Animal Control hearings defined By Geordie Duckler, JD, PhD
[Adoption] Off the Clock Just because they’re retired doesn’t mean they aren’t busy. Jen A. Miller
[Activities] It’s All in the Nose [13] Tracking showcases your dog’s most scentsational talent. By Julia Kamysz Lane
Plus, first time’s the charm for SAR rookie Gandalf.
[Service Dogs] Double Duty At Working Dogs at Adelante, both trainers and trainees acquire new skills. By Lisa Wogan
[Masterwork] Edward Hopper’s Cape Cod Evening
[Care] Mutual Aid Understanding your vet’s role and your own is key to a successful partnership. By Richard Lerner, DVM
[Reviews] The New Yorkers [14] by Cathleen Schine, The Emotional Lives of Animals [15] by Marc Bekoff, Walking in Circles Before Lying Down by Merrill Markoe, The Best Dog in the World by Donna Long

DOGPATCH
Name That Toy—Teach your dog a trick.
Baubles & Bangles—Online jewelry museum.
Sharon Montrose’s Mutts—New book celebrates the all-American breed.
One for the Road—Bach flower remedies aid peaceful travel.
Oakland A’s Dan Haren & Bernie—Baseball goes to the dogs.
Southern Comfort [16]—Shelby Farms Park, the biggest official off-leash?
Stable conversion benefits Kentucky shelter.
Meet Mayor Junior [17], a politician everyone loves.
Under the Doggywood Tree [18] at Pigeon Forge.
Show & Tell—Send us your faves and we’ll share them.
Who’s Your Momma?—Canine Heritage Breed Test tells (almost) all.
On the Table in San Francisco—An incentive to rent to those with pets.
New Products—Things for cool pups and their people.
Smiling Dogs—Our latest family album.