Internet connects dog lovers locally and globally

Booker: rescued to Florida from Alabama through AB&TC Rescue

The Web is often the first place dog owners turn for lists of hotels that welcome pets, dog-friendly parks and Google results for health and behavior questions. But there are also a plethora of Web resources and networking opportunities for Miami dog lovers.

Thousands of breeders and breed clubs maintain comprehensive Web sites, with forums for discussion of training, health and competitions. These can be excellent resources for issues particular to your dog. If you own a rare breed, the internet closes the distance from Miami to other states -- even countries -- allowing you to converse electronically about common interests and issues. It’s fun to see photos and read comments about, for example, Giant Schnauzers in Finland.

Popular social networking sites are lucrative places to troll for dog-related information.

Meetup, which connects people with mutual interests in real-life groups, can direct Miami dog owners to playdates for Boxers, local volunteer opportunities, and a myriad of small dog fan clubs. On Meetup, there are 20-plus dog-related groups within a 20-mile radius of Miami.

Search “Miami dog” on Facebook and find local groups, including one with 327 members interested in joint outings to the beach at Biscayne Bay.  There are also international interest networks on Facebook, and plenty of places to share photos of your passion.

Moving beyond South Florida, Dogster.com bills itself as a “one-stop resource for dog and puppy information.” The site is a rich collection of dog’s Web pages, question and answer threads, pet news and groups. A great place for information and profiles on over 300 breeds, Dogster has more than 481,714 canine members.

“One of the coolest places on the internet” is how Dogs with Blogs describes its international collection of dog blogs, written by owners, friends and sometimes the dogs themselves. You can join to find help starting and promoting your dog’s own blog. Dogs with Blogs also features discussion boards and amusing contests, including a Photo of the Month. Dog blogs are searchable by state and breed, and are a fun way to make virtual acquaintances that often evolve into real-time friendships. This community of dog lovers share, laugh and support each other in their dog-infused lives. Through our own network of dog bloggers, we've met some cool collies who live in Key West, and two wire-haired fox terriors in Plantation.

The Web has enabled shelters and breed-specific rescue groups to leverage resources and information across distances. Shelters and rescues merge their adoptable dogs to the massive database at Petfinder.com, which offers short descriptions of more than 10,000 dogs at any time.  Homeless pups in the Miami area can be found by narrowing the search perameters.

The internet has empowered national rescue organizations to feature adoptable dogs from multiple states, and to send them to distant homes via networks of volunteer transporters. Rescues maintain photo profiles of dogs in need of homes, along with stories about “happy endings” and heartfelt memorials. These sites build community, awareness and financial support for rescue efforts, and are a diverse source of information for people considering a particular breed. E-mail inquiries are answered by volunteers with excellent knowledge of traits and behaviors that make a particular dog or breed better suited than another for a prospective home.

With one last quick click, you can help reunite lost dogs with owners by registering as a “Pet Rescuer” at Homeagain. The online network of volunteers receive email alerts about lost pets in their area. Pets with any brand of microchip can register with Homeagain; lost pet alerts are broadcast electronically to vets, shelters and Pet Rescuers in the area. This site boasts a 95% return rate, safeguarding dogs from being permanently lost.

Are you one of the fortunate dog-obsessed?  Leave a comment to share you favorite dog stop on the internet.