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Stump, the Sussex spaniel who claimed top honors at Westminster this year, made an appearance at Houston’s M.D. Anderson Cancer Center yesterday to the delight of a half dozen young cancer patients.

Stump — along with  J.R., a bichon frise from Houston who won Best in Show at Westminster eight years ago — were there to help celebrate the unveiling of the newest Children’s Art Project products, including a flag-inspired canine bandana.

Stump was chosen to model the new bandana, in part, because of his heart-lifting life story, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Stump, at 10,  was the oldest dog in the judging’s history to win Best in Show, and the first of his breed to take top honors. Even more inspiring to the children at M.D. Anderson, said hospital spokeswoman Sara Farris, was Stump’s ability to overcome a near-fatal bacterial infection five years ago.

Stump spent 19 days in a Texas A&M University veterinary clinic, art project director Shannon Murray told the kids. “But he never gave up the will to live,” she said.

Typically,  groups of seven to 25 children work on each art project, the sales of which raise about $1.5 million a year for programs directed at young patients.

“When the children create it gives them a sense of control when they may not have a feeling of a lot of control in their lives,”  said Murray. “Giving back to the other children at M.D. Anderson — it’s a great way to make a contribution and to feel better.”

Baltimore City Police have cited two street vendors for illegally selling red-eared slider turtles — a species health officials warn can carry salmonella and transmit it to humans.

“The risk of acquiring salmonella infection by handling turtles should be taken very seriously,” says Interim Commissioner Olivia Farrow. “People who have serious health problems, pregnant women and parents of children younger than age 5 should consult a physician before purchasing turtles and reptiles as pets.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says salmonella occurs naturally in turtles and does not usually make the animals sick. Harmful bacteria can easily be passed from turtle to person.

A police officer in Danville, Virginia, shot and killed a miniature dachsund named Killer Monday night, an action the department says was justified.

The officer was returning to his car after trying to serve a warrant, when a dachsund living next door came “running throught the yard directly at him from the rear,” according to a police department press release.

Police say the 11-pound dog was growling and that the officer shot him when he “lunged” and “attacked him.”

The press release says the officer had only seconds to consider his options — “run for the safety of the police vehicle, attempt to distract the dog from its attack, try to use pepper spray or baton, or use his firearm.”

Police said an “investigation revealed that the dog was named ‘Killer’, was a Dachshund, had displayed aggressive tendencies before to others, and belonged at the house next door to where the officer was attempting to serve the warrant.”

The press release added, “Shooting a dog which is actively presenting a threat to an officer is within the department’s policy. An officer is not required to ‘take a bite’ from any dog, including small breeds, because any breaking of the skin can transmit rabies. If the attacking dog cannot be identified and captured and quarantined after the attack, the officer must take a series of rabies vaccine shots.”

Karma Dogs, a nonprofit organization that rehabilitates rescued dogs into therapy dogs, has announced the launch of its Oath of Kindness (OK) program — a way for children and teens to pledge to be kind to animals, to tell their friends to be kind as well and to promise to tell an adult if they see animal cruelty.

The program was formed in response to the recent news about Phoenix, the Baltimore pit bull that died after being set on fire. Two 17-year-old boys have been arrested in the case.

“We hope the Oath of Kindness program helps stimulate conversation between children and their parents regarding the treatment of household pets and other animals,” said Kelly Gould, executive director of Karma Dogs. “We work primarily with rescued dogs and it has been our goal at Karma Dogs to teach adults and children that animals have an intrinsic value.”

Participants in the Karma Dogs OK program will be sworn in by Karma Dogs and receive a “pawtographed” certificate by a Karma Dog as well as a ribbon. Karma Dogs will also launch an e-newsletter that includes positive stories about other children being kind to animals. Children are encouraged to submit their own stories via OK@karmadogs.org. Read more »

Recycled Love, the Baltimore-based animal rescue organization, is urging State’s Attorney Patricia Jessamy to charge as adults the two juveniles arrested in connection with the burning death of a pit bull.

In a letter to supporters, Recycled Love says, in addition to being doused with gasoline, the pit bull known as Phoenix  had gasoline poured down her throat before she was set on fire.

Two 17-year-old twin brothers have been arrested in connection with the case. Phoenix, found on fire by a police officer last month, received burns to over 90 percent of her body. She died three days later.

“We have seen firsthand the abuse and neglect these animals experience at the hand of city residents. Phoenix ’s case, unfortunately, was one of the most severe,” the letter to Jessamy says. “We are committed to honoring her short life by changing the standards intact for investigation and prosecution of animal abuse and cruelty cases.

“Residents are angry that this type of abuse permeates the city in which they live, work and play … To this end, we are urging the Baltimore City State ’s Attorney office to prosecute all individuals arrested and charged with Phoenix ’s death to the fullest extent of the law.”

Recycled Love is asking its supporters to e-mail Jessamy at mail@stattorney.org.

The organization has also launched a petition drive, urging Mayor Sheila Dixon and the City Council to take animal abuse more seriously by creating a task force, making the animal control office part of the police department, and ensuring that animal cruelty cases are prosecuted to the fullest extent.

The SPCA of Texas is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the skinning and killing of a King Charles spaniel named Bonny in Denton County.

Dallasnews.com reports that Bonny disappeared from her Cross Roads’ home June 2. Owner Brian Hunter found her mutilated body in a field across the street, the SPCA said.

“I hope very much that this individual(s) is identified soon because they are obviously in need of help,” Hunter said in a SPCA statement.

Anyone with information about the dog’s death should contact the Denton County Sheriff’s Office at 940-391-7329.