Well, with the passing of the Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, and today is back to school day for many student (and parent) types. It is sort of that for us as well, as today marked the resumption of the morning trail run for the doggies, sort of the unofficial canine nursery school for this area. I have been looking forward to this, as the hot summer has made it tough to get the pups enough exercise (taking the dogs to this trail in the summer is impractical, because the local swimming beach is open at that time, and the dogs are not allowed there in season). Unfortunately, today ended badly, as Hudson the wonder dog received a fairly vicious attack at the hands (paws?) of another dog, suffering a small wound to her leg, and undoubtedly her pride. Luckily this does not seem to warrant medical attention, but the vet told us to keep an eye on to make sure that it's as minor as it seems. This is all pretty routine at this point, but this was a panicked moment when it happened... I used to carry something appropriate for prying open doggie jaws in the past, and got out of the habit after years of it not being necessary. This was all I could think of as I tried to pry this dog's jaws off Hudson's ear (where it clamped on after getting her on the leg) to no effect at all... no amount of prying or hitting this dog influenced it at all -- I'm not even sure how we eventually separated them (thank goodness it wasn't a pit bull). The other owner didn't even seem apologetic, much less offer to pay any potential vet bills or anything. Now I have to decide whether I am willing to continue to participate in this group's activities.

Traumatized Links:	Thanks Mike Martinez and Ant.
Play Time:	Cubespective. Thanks John.
Links:	PeopleFinderVolunteer - Katrina Help Wiki. NSALA Hurricane Rescue Mission.
Story:	Preschoolers at play mimic parents’ smoking, drinking.
Science:	In Europe, High-Tech Flood Control, With Nature's Help (registration required). Levees Not Meant for Big Storms and Building a Better Levee. Changes in Saturn Rings Baffle Scientists. Maybe they're mood rings?
Media:	Con as in Convention.
Auction:	12.5 Gallons of Premium 93 Octane Gas Atlanta GA. Thanks Zip Xavier.
Follow-ups:	The Next Mother Lode: Mars. Original Zicam Team Gets Back Together - Takes Aim at Cold Medicine's 'Holy Grail'. Bonsai kitten practice latest Internet tall tail. Stop the presses!