Former region residents cross paths in Oklahoma dog rescue

Former Munster resident Michael Konopasek, who is working as a television news reporter in Oklahoma City, said he and a photographer were following blocks behind the deadly tornado Monday that devastated the suburban community of Moore.

One block: How neighbors saw twister's deadly path

MOORE, Okla. | Dan Garland could feel the latch on the shelter door begin to turn in his hand. It was as if the storm outside were a living, breathing thing — and it was trying desperately to get in.

One block: How neighbors saw twister's deadly path

Wayne Osmus holds up an ivory-handled knife that he salvaged from the wrecked of his home in Moore, Okla., on Tuesday, May 21, 2013. Osmus' family was forced to hide in a closet Monday when winds prevented them from taking refuge in an underground shelter. (AP Photo/Allen Breed)

One block: How neighbors saw twister's deadly path

The body of Buster, Wayne Osmus' pit-chow mix, lies under a pile of rubble near his Moore, Okla., home on Tuesday, May 21, 2013. The dog died when he was caught out in Monday's EF5 tornado that flattened much of the Oklahoma City suburb. (AP Photo/Allen Breed)

One block: How neighbors saw twister's deadly path

Colleen Perdue stands at the door of a closet in her devastated home in Moore, Okla., on Tuesday, May 21, 2013. She and her husband were cowering on the floor under a blanket Monday when an EF5 tornado ripped apart their home and much of their town. (AP Photo/Allen Breed)

One block: How neighbors saw twister's deadly path

Kevin Metz shows holds up a stopped clock he found in the rubble of his father's home in Moore, Okla., on Tuesday, May 21, 2013. Monday's EF5 tornado destroyed Wayne Osmus' home and much of the Oklahoma City suburb. (AP Photo/Allen Breed)

One block: How neighbors saw twister's deadly path

A brick mailbox lies flattened in front of what used to be Dan and Rebecca Garland's home in Moore, Okla., on Tuesday, May 21, 2013. Nearly a dozen neighbors and relatives took refuge in the family's storm shelter during Monday's deadly EF5 tornado. (AP Photo/Allen Breed)

Harvey man accused of mistreating dogs found during eviction

HARVEY | A 37-year-old man was arrested and accused of mistreating eight dogs that were found in a home from which he was being evicted, according to the Cook County Sheriff's Office.

Portage police to add three canines to department

PORTAGE | The Portage Police Department will receive three new K-9 officers next month.

Animal Planet

The “Puppy Bowl,” an annual two-hour TV special that mimics a football game with canine players, made its debut eight years ago on The Animal Planet. Dogs score touchdowns on a 10-by-19-foot gridiron carpet when they cross the goal line with a toy.

Animal shelters are real winners of 'Puppy Bowl'

There will be a winner and a loser every Super Bowl Sunday. But at the "Puppy Bowl," it's always a win for animal shelters.

Dogs killed in Calumet Township fire

Editor's note: Information about how many dogs died in the fire has been changed based on new information received Wednesday.

Valparaiso dog featured on Chicago TV

VALPARAISO | Piper has been discovered.

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SCHERERVILLE | Nancy Laskarin's rescued greyhound Rudy takes a nap at their home in Schererville on Thursday, December 6, 2012.

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SCHERERVILLE | Nancy Laskarin plays with her rescued greyhounds Frannie Bean, left, and Rudy, right, at their home in Schererville on Thursday, December 6, 2012.

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SCHERERVILLE | Nancy Laskarin's rescued greyhound Rudy takes a at their home in Schererville on Thursday, December 6, 2012.

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SCHERERVILLE | Nancy Laskarin's rescued greyhound Rudy plays fetch at their home in Schererville on Thursday, December 6, 2012.

$5,000 reward offered in killing of dog

HEBRON | The Humane Society is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for killing a Hebron dog.

"MUTTS: A Shtinky Little Christmas" by Patrick McDonnell

Andrews McMeel Publishing, $9.99, Ages 8 and older "MUTTS: A Shtinky Little Christmas" by Patrick McDonnell

The ways to pamper your pet are endless

It's not unusual to shower our loved ones with gifts, services and other niceties. These days, however, our caring and catering ways extend even to the furry friends in our household.