Paw Nation

Here at Paw Nation, we know that every pet has a story, and it's usually a story their owners just love to tell. So we decided to hit the streets to ask pets (and their owners) about everything from how they were adopted to what was the naughtiest thing they've ever done. It's our weekly series, "Pet On The Street."

This week we're in Portland, Ore. asking dog owners to tell us what they think their dogs would say if they could talk. Watch the video and then be sure to go to our comments section and speak out for your canine buddies. Would they request special dinners? Declare undying love? Maybe beg for belly rubs? Tell us!

Monkeys aren't only cute to look at; their intense facial expressions and familiar behaviors are truly fascinating to the human eye. In a way, we see ourselves in them, especially when filmed doing their daily routines as they are in this footage taken at the Takasaki Mountain National Park in Japan.

Creative dog grooming, where everyday pooches are painted and sculpted into lions and zebras and more, has raised the hackles of many Paw Nation readers, and delighted plenty of others. The one question that everyone asks when they see photos of the dogs, such as the ones Paw Nation has featured, is: What do these groomers do to the dogs to make the transformation happen?

To find out, check out TLC's "Extreme Poodles," which premieres Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT. TLC invites viewers to go into the world of creative dog grooming competitions to watch, the "creative, frantic, and competitive groomers trying to craft their dogs into remarkable works of art -- all leading up to two and a half hours of live competition."

Our friends at Popeater had the opportunity to play with the stylized poodles when they held a photo shoot for the fabulous four-legged models. Like what you see below? Hate what you see? Either way, if you tune in Sunday, let us know what you think!

These two dogs are more than just best friends, they share a rare bond.

Ellie, a young King Charles cavalier spaniel in England, is almost completely blind. While her owner and a local animal organization are working to raise money for a vision-restoring operation, a German shepherd named Leo has taken matters into his own paws, and is protecting and guiding her.

"Ellie has cataracts on both eyes and is only aware of shadows," explains Jean Spencer, manager of Rochdale's Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in an interview with the Manchester Evening News. "But Leo, who's an absolutely massive dog, has become her eyes. It's touching to watch them together. She follows him around and snuggles up to him."

Ellie was part of a litter of five puppies rescued from harsh conditions by the RSPCA, says Julie Lander, an RSPCA volunteer and Leo and Ellie's owner. "As well as having cataracts, Ellie's eye muscles haven't developed as they should have as she'd been kept in the dark. The puppies had no light or heating. I felt so sorry for her when she arrived, and knew she'd need a special home. But I also knew she would be all right with Leo, as he just loves little dogs and they took to one another straight away," Lander tells the Manchester Evening News.

Welcome to Local Lowdown, where we give you ideas for hanging with your hound (and kitty!) in your area. In this week's column, our last Local Lowdown post for a while, we suggest you head to the wine country for a nice outing with your dog. Many wineries are so dog friendly, they actually have their own resident winery dog, many with the coveted job of Official Greeter.

We list 13 dog-friendly wineries here as well as other resources such as DogFriendly.com to find others close to you.

Be sure to call ahead to ask about their pet policies, but it can be assumed, at the minimum, that your dog must be well-behaved, on-leash and will probably not allowed in the tasting rooms. It is also a good idea to pack food, water and bowls for your pup too.

13 Wineries to Check Out

Branchport, N.Y - Hunt Country Vineyards
In the Finger Lakes region, New York's largest wine producing area, visit Hunt Country Vineyards, and you and your dog will be welcomed by Hedy, the Bernese mountain dog and the official winery greeter. Relax and make a day of it while you sample some of the 24 wines from 100 percent New York State grapes. Find other local listings at the GoPetFriendly blog.

Dahlonega, Ga. - Wolf Mountain Vineyards
At Wolf Mountain Vineyards, dogs are welcome at their outdoor tables and throughout the property. Enjoy the views overlooking the foothills of the Southern Appalachian Mountains and their award-winning wines.

Delaplane, Va. - Barrel Oak Winery
With house red and white wines that feature the winery's golden retrievers on the labels, there's no doubt that Barrel Oak Winery welcomes dogs. Just an hour outside of Washington D.C., escape to the vineyards and enjoy wine-tasting, picnicking and more, where leashed dogs are even allowed in the tasting room. Don't miss the "Paw for Cause" event on June 13, to benefit Maryland Westie Rescue.