Want to Read the Casey Anthony Police Interviews?

The Criminal Report Daily - Investigation Discovery has around 400 pages from the police files on the Caylee Anthony disappearance for you to download and read.

These include interviews with Casey Anthony, as well as friends and acquaintances, and police reports on the investigation itself -- leads they pursued, etc.

It's not everything, but it's a lot, and it gives lots of information on how the police work.

The Gates Case, The CPS Advisory, and Their Impact

Here's the Gates opinion:

http://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/06/06-20763-CV0.wpd.pdf

Here's the CPS Advisory:

http://iperceive.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/texas-cps-gates-announcement_final.pdf

Here's some of the web discussion about the two:

http://iperceive.net/gates-case-fallout-texas-cps-issues-urgent-legal-advisory-to-personnel/

Greeting Cards for Loved Ones in Bexar County Jail

There's a greeting card company that provides some very nice greeting cards to give, or send, loved ones who are in jail or prison ....

check out Three Squares Greeting Card Company.

Their entire line of greeting cards is made for those who are serving time behind bars. Categories include: Happy Birthday, Thanks for Coming to Court, Thinking About You, Money On Your Books, and many others. You have to order the cards online, they're not in San Antonio stores yet.

To send a card or letter to someone serving time at the Bexar County Jail, you'll need to address the envelope as follows:

Inmate Name and SID Number
Living Unit - if you know it
Bexar County Adult Detention Center
200 N. Comal
San Antonio, Texas 78217.

(The image above is an example of one of these cards, its inside message reads: I am heartbroken and feel helpless. But, I have so much faith in you. Please don’t give up. You can make it through this. I love you. )

THE CPS (CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES) HANDBOOK

The handbook for the State of Texas' Department of Family and Protective Services' Child Protective Services Division is online, if you ever want to read through it:

http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Handbooks/CPS_Handbook/CPS_Handbook.htm

DOGGYSPACE.COM

Finally, a MySpace for dogs. Check it out:

http://www.doggyspace.com/

From Doggyspace:

"Doggyspace is a social utility that connects people with friends and others who love dogs. People use Doggyspace to keep up with friends, upload funny dog videos, and to give their dogs their own cyber place."

BEXAR COUNTY JAIL: INFORMATION

1. If you want to learn what happened over at the Bexar County Jail on any particular day during the past week, just surf through the Jail Activity Reports that are published online. The Jail Activity Reports give information on what inmates were transferred to TDC (the Texas Department of Corrections), what charges were brought against other inmates, what charges were dismissed, who are their attorneys of record, etc.
2. If you want to call Bexar County Jail for information, there's a long list of phone numbers listed at the Bexar County Detention Center site for you, such as:

• Bonds - to find out how much the bond is: 335-6200
• Bexar County Jail Visiting Hours - they've just changed: 335-6400
• Inmate Medical Problems: 335-6260
• Clothing Exchanges for Court: 335-6152
• Bexar County Inmate Information: 335-6201

Search Warrants: Casey Anthony Example

The published Casey Anthony search warrant is a great example of what goes into a search warrant -- the police just can't enter a home to search without justification.

Here, there is a detailed affidavit explaining why the authorities want to enter the home and what specific items they are interested in locating. There is also the signature of a judge, approving the search as being legally appropriate, based upon what the affidavit has provided.

Read the Anthony search warrant here:

http://www.wftv.com/download/2008/0807/17124703.pdf

If You Get Out on Bail, You Can Easily Go Back to Jail

What happens if you violate your bail bond? You go back to jail. Period.

Today, the Mayor of Detroit, Michigan, went to jail because he violated the terms of his bond when he took a trip without notifying the proper authorities.

Yep, the Mayor. Yep, that Detroit.

If your attorney successfully argues for your freedom while you are awaiting trial, it does not mean that you are free to do anything you want to do.

There are conditions in each case, and if you violate those conditions, then bail goes away and you sit in jail until your trial. Plus, the money or houses or other assets that were put up for your bail are put at risk. Bad thing to do to your loved ones.

What's the Mayor of Detroit in trouble for? He's awaiting trial on charges of perjury, obstruction of justice, and misconduct based upon allegations that he lied during a civil trial last year.

BEXAR COUNTY JAIL: NEW VISITING HOURS

They've changed the rules for when you can visit inmates at the Bexar County Jail:

1. Visiting hours are now from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. When you get to visits depends upon the last name of the inmate, and whether or not you are bringing children.

• Children (accompanied by an adult) can visit on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Adults only on Mondays and Tuesdays.
• Adults without children can visit on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday.
• If the inmate's last name begins with A - L, then he gets visits on Saturdays and Mondays.
• If the inmate's last name begins with M - Z, then he gets visits on Sundays and Tuesdays.

2. All inmates will be allowed two, 20-minute visits per week.

3. You will get a ticket with a number on it, to reserve your place in line. They will start issuing those tickets at 2:30 pm on visitingdays, and stop at 7:00 p.m.

4. The rest of the week -- Wednesday, Thursday, Friday -- is reserved for inmate visits with lawyers, law enforcement officers, ministers, and criminal justice/social service officials. There are no set times for these visits.

5. For more information, check out the following:

• For Jail Information on Visitation, call (210) 335-6201
• To get an inmate's SID number, call (210) 335-6401
• For general information on the Jail, visit the Bexar County Detention Center site

6. To write an inmate, address your letters to:

Inmate Name and SID Number

Living Unit - if you know it

Bexar County Adult Detention Center

200 N. Comal

San Antonio, Texas 78217

Caylee Anthony Timeline With Links

Here's a great timeline of the events surrounding Caylee Anthony disappearance - put together by David Lohr, who is the senior investigative crime write for CourtTV's crime library among other things. Lohr's timeline includes links to videos, audios, etc. as well as Casey's MySpace page and other informative secondary support.

The Caylee Anthony Timeline by David Lohr

David Lohr's Website

David Lohr's Bio at TruTv

STOP! GO SEE THIS SITE!! DOGS IN DANGER!

Please stop what you're doing and go right now to DogsInDanger.Com and see what you can do to help.

What's the site about? Why the urgency?

From the site's About Us page:

"DogsInDanger.com is an award winning web site owned and operated by The Buddy Fund Inc. and was founded by two dog lovers, Alex Aliksanyan & Brenda Bush, both directors of The Buddy Fund. The website was launched in October 2007 with the goal of:

Getting as many of these dogs adopted into loving homes as possible, before their time runs out; and
Raising awareness of the number of dogs being killed in shelters.

The co-founders dedicated their respective skills, The Buddy Fund provided the funding, and the shelters listed the dogs. The founders have many more ideas to implement, all aimed at eradicating the needless killing of those we call our best friends. "

What can you do? Adopt a dog. Donate your time or money. Educate others. Get involved.

Where is Caylee Anthony? The CPS - Criminal Defense Perspective

Those with experience in CPS - Children's Court cases, as well as criminal defense attorneys, are listening to the news stories covering missing 3 year old Caylee Anthony with a bit of a different ear than some of the commentators covering the unfolding saga. It's not our first rodeo with this sort of circumstance, unfortunately.

Right now: Caylee's mother, Casey, has been arrested for Child Neglect and for Providing False Information to a Police Officer. She has a lawyer. Bond has been set at $500,000.00. Tips are coming into the Sheriff's Department, and forensic testing is being done of Casey's car as well as the grandparents' back yard, but the whereabouts and condition of Caylee remain a mystery.

Caylee was last seen over six weeks ago - on JUNE 9, 2008 - and mother Casey has told the police that she dropped Caylee off with a babysitter (named Zenaida) at the Sawgrass Apartments in Orange County, Florida. Grandmother Cindy reported the child missing on JULY 15, 2008, bringing in law enforcement authorities into the situation which led to Casey's arrest. (Source: Orange County Sheriff's Department Media Advisory dated July 16, 2008).

Tonight, there is a prayer vigil for the missing toddler.

Sites with good collections of information include:

Orlando Sentinel (local coverage, lots of videos of court hearings, press conferences, statements by family)
Nancy Grace's Case File on Caylee at CNN.COM
Caylee's Blog

Thoughts on this:

1. Casey Anthony is considered a "person of interest" which translates to many ears as "prime suspect."

2. That half-million dollar bond is a big one. Sounds like there are lots of arguments being made that Cindy is a major flight risk if she gets out of jail.

3. Just because Casey Anthony doesn't sound like we'd like her to sound doesn't mean that she is guilty of killing her child. Inappropriate emotions can mask many things - though it was clearly stupid of Casey Anthony to blab away on an obviously NOT private phone line.

4. Tips are coming in -- helped in part by the $200,000 reward that's being publicized. One interesting tip: a little girl matching Caylee's description boarded a flight out of Atlanta, and spoke with the tipster, and the tip looks promising.

Kids are stolen and kidnapped every day. It would be foolish to rule out that possibility now - or later - just because Caylee's mother isn't crying when we think she should be.

Two questions to ponder:

What the heck is the entire family doing, waiting 6 weeks to notify police that this small child is missing? They're supposedly close-knit. There's a story here.

And, where and who is Caylee's dad? Have any members of his family ever been involved in Caylee's life?

Book to Read - The Darkest Evening of the Year

When you stumble upon a book about dog rescue, you gotta tell someone about it. This one got a starred review from Publisher's Weekly, and it's got the ususal suspense - thriller plot that Koontz is known for, plus lots of plot dealing with animal rescue. Here, it's a Golden Retriever rescue organization.

The book, The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz, is a thriller, of course, so the dog-protagonist Nickie does have some supernatural powers, and Amy Redwing, the founder of the Golden Heart rescue group, does stumble upon some really dark stuff after she rescues Nickie along with Nickie's family ....

According to Publisher's Weekly, "[t]his is the perfect book for thriller addicts who know the darkest hour is just before dawn and for canine lovers who remember dog spelled backwards is god."

BEXAR COUNTY BAIL BOND BOARD - ACTIVE SAN ANTONIO BAIL BOND COMPANIES

Bail bonding companies in Bexar County are overseen by the Bexar County Bail Bond Board.

For a list of Board Members, go here. They will be meeting at two o'clock in room 101 of the Bexar County Courthouse three more times this year (August 28, October 30, and December 18) if you're interested - the public is always welcome here.

For a list of Bail Bond Companies, active and listed with the Board as of March 2008, go here.

MAIN PLAZA EVENTS IN JULY

From the MainPlaza website, here are the activities in Main Plaza for July 2008:

Sunday's Conjunto -– free conjunto provided by Foxy Garcia and Chucho Perales, 11 am & again at 1 pm

Monday - Friday's Lunchtime Music -- free music every weekday from 11:30-1:30pm. For July and August, it's blues music provided via the American Federation of Musicians. Go here for the scheduled musicians.

Tuesday's Health Fair -- a health fair (no, I'm not sure what's offered here) for mind, body, and spirit, every second Tuesday through the rest of the year from 11-1:30pm

Wednesday and Saturday Kid's Entertainment -- storytime/performances for kids, only in July, at 10:30am. Go here for scheduled performances/storytellers/stories.

Friday's Farmer’s Market -- every Friday through for the rest of the year, from 8-1pm

Friday's Flamenco -- every Friday evening in July, with free parking in the Frost Bank Garage

JURY DUTY IN BEXAR COUNTY - FIVE TIPS

Here's are five tips for you if you're called to jury duty in San Antonio (Bexar County):

1. Parking

You can park in the parking garage that is directly south (actually, southwest) of the Bexar County Justice Center at a discount -- just get your ticket validated at the Jury Room.

How much? Just $2.00 - a real bargain for downtown, where the lots closest to the Courthouse and the Justice Center are going for $13. Oh, and plan to stay for the day: no lot or garage offers in-and-out privileges.

2. Food

The Central Jury Room is situated directly across from the Justice Center cafeteria, and there are several vending machines available to you there, as well. Things are reasonably priced, and there's a real cafeteria line with hot food for lunch.

Of course, your lunch break is your own: Bill Miller BBQ is close at hand (across Main Plaza); there's a good corner deli on Main Plaza, as well (sandwiches, soups, and things); and you have your choice of Mexican Restaurants, too.

Remember you're on a time limit though: you don't want to be late getting back, so beware of any long waits for a table....

3. Money

There are ATMs located with the Justice Center and the Courthouse. You'll need cash in hand for parking in the morning, though.

4. Taking the Bus or Using Park in Ride

You get a bus coupon with your jury summons. Call 362-2020 a few days before you're suppose to appear for jury duty, and get directions on which bus to take and what time you need to catch the bus. You need to show both the Bus Coupon and the Jury Summons to ride for free.

If you choose park and ride, drive to the St. Paul Square park-n-ride lot, and jump on the Streetcar for a free ride downtown. It's free to park in the Ellis Alley park and ride. The Streetcar is free, too, if you show your bus coupon and summons.

5. Careful What You Bring With You

You've heard the long stories about setting for hours, or days, in the Central Jury Room and not getting picked for a jury - much less getting picked for a jury and having to spend several days away from your regular life, down at the courthouse.

It's smart to bring things with you to pass the time. However, remember in this post-9/11 world, security is a priority. You will be required to pass through metal detectors every time you enter the building, and the guards will not hold any pocket knives, embroidery or knitting needles, etc. Bring something that won't pass security and you lose it. Safe bet? Paperbacks, magazines, the newspaper, IPODs, and the like.

GUS Won the 2008 Ugliest Dog Contest

Just goes to show that you can never tell... remember how PeeWee Martini had the early lead in the Ugliest Dog competition this year? (See 05/21/08 post)

Well, good ol' Gus snuck by PeeWee to win this year's contest. Gus has lost an eye, and one leg, so he walks a little funny.... Gus also has no hair except for a splat of white fur on his head, but he's a pedigreed Chinese Crested who's beloved by his family.

Congrats to Gus! (His winnings include $500, two television appearances, and instant fame.)

Photo Slideshow of Gus

Humane Society Has Reward Fund

The Bexar County Humane Society has set up a reward fund, the Abuse and Cruelty Reward Fund, which will reward individuals who come forward with information about those abusing animals - information that helps prosecute the abusers.

Right now, the reward for the cat mutilations case is at $10,000.

If you want to donate, there are various ways that you can do so:

call (210) 226-7461;

go by the shelter and drop off a donation (4804 Fredericksburg) - you could check out the cute dogs and cats while you're there, maybe take a dog for a walk;

or contribute online at their secure website.

If you'd like to check out their Virtual Shelter, go here to see lots of adorable cats and dogs ready to be adopted.

Dog Abuse Story-1: Wilbur

Wilbur is a six month old puppy that a Humane Society worker luckily saw being thrown out of a moving car this past week. He has mange, and sunburn (yep, dogs can get sunburn), but looks like he's going to be okay. He's going to foster care and later, he'll be up for adoption.

Working in San Antonio: Driving Into Downtown On 281

Well, it's great that they have opened up the spagetti bowl at 281 and Loop 410. Makes it so much easier to exit 281, going south or north, and flip to going east or west on 410. Kinda fun to drive, too.

There's plans to make similar direct connection ramps (that's their official name) at the intersection of 1604 and 281, too. Those won't be free once the tolls go into effect: everytime you use one of those ramps, it's gonna cost you 57 cents.

Wonder if they're going to charge for the 410/281 connections, too? Heck, what about driving anywhere on 281?

Source: http://www.woai.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=D43A1352-07E0-454F-ACBC-3B88FC2842A9&gsa=true

Find the Crime In Your Neighborhood

The San Antonio Police Department has an online, searchable database divided by geographic (substation) location of crimes reported throughout our community.

Go here and look up your neighborhood, or your workplace location, or where you shop.

The data isn't brand-new: 2007 is the latest info you can get. However, it does give you an idea of the relative safety of an area, as well as the types of crimes that are most prevalent in that area. Some, for example, are prone to burglary. Others, for theft and vehicle theft.

It can prove to be very interesting and informative as you begin recognizing street names....

Friday is Take Your Dog to Work Day

Friday, June 20th, is Take Your Dog To Work Day. What? Yep -- more and more workplaces are becoming dog-friendly.

There's a great article discussing this growing trend over at the Christian Science Monitor, written by staff writer Stephen Humphries. (Here's the list of official dog-friendly employers; hopefully, there are lots more who haven't bothered to list themselves -- especially since San Antonio doesn't show a single employer on the list.)

Take Your Dog to Work Day began back in 1999 (1996 in the UK), and each year has seen a big increase in the number of dogs allowed at work. It's a day to promote dog adoptions, but it's also serving as a vehicle for focusing upon the positive impact having your dog with you during the workday can provide.

You know the dogs love it. And, if it's okay for the Queen of England ....

ProHeart6 Heartworm Medication is Back on the Market

Back in 2004, ProHeart6 was voluntarily taken off the market after dogs started dying.

All breeds, all sizes, all ages, all over the country. (Not to mention the dogs brought into their vets suffering from serious adverse reactions that could prove fatal, e.g., vomiting, seizures, difficulty walking, jaundice and bleeding disorders, and convulsions, as well as doggies with other reactions that are serious but maybe not fatal: lethargy, allergies, and loss of appetite.)

The heartworm medication ProHeart6 was their common denominator, a shot that was given to the pups twice a year to prevent heartworm infestation.

Now, ProHeart6 back and this is skeery.

Check out the USA Today editorial, also seen at Yahoo.Com, discussing how the FDA scientist (a vet and agency safety officer) who raised the issue of ProHeart6 was crucified - fired, and threatened with criminal charges by the agency itself.

Over in the business news, Wyeth Laboratories (who produces ProHeart6 under its subsidiary Fort Dodge Animal Health), reversed its voluntary recall by reintroducing the drug into the marketplace with some restrictions: vets who use ProHeart6 have to register with the company and they must also take some training over the web before they can buy the drug to give out to their canine patients. It's an hour long video feed.

What is the FDA saying? Let us know if you have any adverse reactions. Here's the letter the FDA sent to the American Heartworm Society.

Yeah, right. No change to the drug itself. Vets are told to "put your name on a list and watch an one-hour podcast about the shot." Makes me feel safer about this drug, how about you?

Oh, and an interesting sidenote: in 2004, the year Wyeth Labs voluntarily took the drug over the market, its annual revenue from ProHealth 6 was $35.2 million.

Adorable Talking Dogs

Check this out -- a YouTube with a Five Star Rating, seen over 10,000,000 times ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCYaw5tGYAs

Guaranteed to make you smile and your dogs to take notice ....

Really want your dogs to take notice? Play some wolf howls like this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbyQ7gOUO4g&feature=related

How Much Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Cost? Drew Peterson Knows.

This week, they took the bathtub in which Drew Peterson’s 3d wife, Kathleen, drowned and media talking heads are beside themselves pondering when the Grand Jury is going to pull Drew Peterson into criminal court.

Lots of speculation on that tub: measuring it against a lifesize replica (doll, forensic dummy) of Kathleen and the injuries found on her body, etc. Why do they want the tub? What’s the grand jury looking for? If the injuries don’t match with the tub, then is the Grand Jury fixing to indict Drew Peterson?

Who knows. But expect Drew Peterson to be ready - he has a legal defense team in place, and assumedly he’s got money set aside for this.

Lots of money.

Remember last December, when Drew created a website with a fund (www.defenddrew.com), for anyone wanting to help with his legal fees? The site is long gone, after lots of airtime back then -- Drew Peterson’s attorney was busy telling Nancy and Greta that the collected money would be used first for Drew’s attorneys’ fees and legal expenses, then for a private investigator to find Stacy, and anything that was left would go into a trust fund for Drew’s four children.

Nothing to report on the status of that fund today, though. And, no - Drew doesn't have to tell us about that money. It's his private business.

How much do lawyers really cost? What would Drew Peterson need for a good legal defense if he is tried in connection with the death of either Kathleen or his fourth, missing wife, Stacy?

Well, Drew Peterson is a messy case. There’s all that media play, and there are two cases running on the same fee track right now: investigations into Kathleen’s death and into Stacy’s disappearance. Dealing with the media costs more in time, and therefore in money. So does dealing with two investigations at once. Messy is expensive. Especially with all these fun filings like the recent weapons charge ....

The top dog trial lawyer, aka “lead counsel,” may well charge Drew $450+ an hour, with his team of attorneys aka “second chair,” “third chair,” and assorted “associates” billing at $250+ an hour. Then there are all the even more expensive experts, like the forensic guys on the bathtub (think Gil from CSI in private practice), along with the private investigators, legal assistants, and other professionals that the lead counsel will need to build a strong defense.

Drew's legal fees are probably in the six figures already, if you think about it.

O.J. has never said how much the Dream Team charged The Juice, but it is public record that O.J.’s criminal trial cost Los Angeles County around $9,000,000. The Dream Team’s final tally had to be at least twice that - probably more. We’re talking F. Lee Bailey, remember ….

So, it’s safe to assume that the criminal defense of any Drew Peterson trial is going to cost millions of dollars. Millions. And no savvy criminal defense lawyer goes to the mat without get paid in advance. That's standard.

So, criminal defense is very, very expensive anytime your life is on the line. But the ordinary case probably isn't going to be in the Drew Peterson range, for whatever comfort that provides defendants and their families....

Book to Read - DogMan: An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain

Dog rescue is a passion for many, and those involved in rescue as well as dog lovers in general should love this new read, about the man who literally saved the Akita breed from extinction during World War II. It's a true story, and it's a well-written read.

From Amazon.Com, read the Publisher's Weekly short on DogMan: An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain by Martha Sherill, or check out the online interview with the author on PBS's Charlie Rose Show.

FLDS Child Abuse Cases: Friend of the Court Filings and Supreme Court Opinion

Friend of the Court (Amicus Curiae) filings:

ACLU - filed May 29, 2008 (in favor of 3d Court of Appeals opinion)

Attorney Barbara J. Elias-Perciful (against 3d Court of Appeals opinion)

Then, filed on the same day:

Response to the Petition for Writ of Mandamus by the Relator-Mothers

Supreme Court opinion - State's petition for writ of mandamus is denied, but the opinion notes,

"While the district court must vacate the current temporary custody orders as directed by the court of appeals, it need not do so without granting other appropriate relief to protect the children, as the mothers involved in this proceeding concede in response to the Department’s motion for emergency relief. The court of appeals’ decision does not conclude the SAPCR proceedings.

"Although the SAPCRs involve important, fundamental issues concerning parental rights and the State’s interest in protecting children, it is premature for us to address those issues."

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS ON THE FLDS STAY

Here's more documentation filed before the Texas Supreme Court on the State's request for the 3rd Circuit's decision to be stayed - or not enforced - pending the Supreme Court's determination of the mandamus request:

Reply to Response to Motion for Request for Emergency Relief with an Appendix (filed by the State, countering the arguments made by the FLDS mothers that there is no need for a stay)

Sur-Reply to Reply to Response to Motion for Request for Emergency Relief (filed by the FLDS Mothers, responding to the arguments made in the State's reply to their initial filing).

Notice how the following phrase repeats itself throughout the State's Appendix: "habeas petition was not averred by relator, only relator's attorney who had no personal knowledge of maternity."

TEXAS SUPREME COURT REVIEW OF FLDS OPINION - FULL TEXT OF THE BRIEFS AND MOTIONS

If you are interested in reading the entirety of what has been filed before the Supreme Court of Texas in the FLDS ElDorado alleged child abuse case, the Court has promptly posted the filings online:

Petition for Writ of Mandamus (filed by the State of Texas on May 23, 2008, this seeks to overturn the 3d Circuit Court of Appeals' decision)

Motion for Emergency Relief (filed by the State of Texas on May 23, 2008, this asks the Supreme Court to stay, or stop, anything from happening in the case until the high court can make up its own mind and issue its own opinion)

Response to Motion for Emergency Relief (FLDS Moms who won in the appellate court argue against any stay)

OPINION IN THE TEXAS FLDS CHILD ABUSE CASE

Here is the link to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals decision in the FLDS case, in case you want to read the opinion itself:

http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/05/22/mandamus.decision.pdf

Go Vote for the Ugliest Dog of 2008

You don't have to travel to Petaluma, California, to vote for the Ugliest Dog of 2008 ... you can cast your vote online, at the Sonoma-Marin Fair website.

Only dog lovers can understand how these pups are so ugly they're adorable, as you well know if you've watched the contest over on Animal Planet for the past few years.

This year, you can watch the contest unfold online as the contestants' photos are shown on the site, along with the "absentee" voting tallies:

PeeWee Martini (shown here, on the left) is the current boy to beat with a current vote total of 10,158.

Think your beloved dog should be among the competition?

Well, fill out an entry form over at the website, sending a digital photo to marketing@sonomamarinfair.org.

DRIVING DRUNK ON MEMORIAL DAY IN SA: JUDGES READY TO ISSUE WARRANTS FOR BLOOD TESTS ON DRIVERS PULLED OVER ON SUSPICION OF DRIVING DRUNK

Last month, there was a major DUI plea deal here in Bexar County -- first time DUIs could be plea bargained, a change instituted by DA Susan Reed because of the docket bottleneck (there were over 3500 pending cases on the books).

Now, Memorial Day is fast approaching and with it, the other shoe is about to drop on this new DUI deal: part of Reed's new plan involves this very holiday.

If you are pulled over this Memorial Day weekend in Bexar County because you are suspected of driving drunk, be prepared. You'll be asked to take the breath test, and if you refuse, your blood may well be drawn anyway -- hey, what about a search warrant for that blood? They can't just take your blood without your permission, can they?

No, they can't. But Susan Reed's got that problem solved: Reed already has judges at the ready, and they'll be on standby to issue warrants allowing the police to extract blood if you, the driver, refuse to take the breath test.

For more info:

JeanGJennings: Big Bexar News: WOAI Gets the Scoop on New DWI Plea Deal - Fiesta is 17 Days Away

MySA.Com: New deal faster than DWIs

FLDS ElDorado Child Abuse Cases: Testimony and Documents Online

As the FLDS ElDorado alleged child abuse cases continue making their way through the legal system, sites are beginning to provide testimony and documents online for anyone to review. As discovery progresses, interrogatory answers, produced documents, and additional testimony should become available.

Remember there may be discrepancies, and reliablity should be questioned. For example, check out the "custody hearing" heading the San Angelo website gives for the April 2008 hearing testimony it provided. This was a hearing under Section 262 of the Texas Family Code, a statute mandating an evidentiary hearing where CPS must demonstrate that it has met the necessary burdens to justify removing a child from its parents -- this is not a standard, general "custody hearing" under the common family law understanding.


Testimony

The 262 hearing testimony as it was live-blogged by a San Angelo media reporter.


Documents

April 2008 Affidavit of CPS Removing Worker (pdf)

Petition for Protection of Children (pdf), Cause 2902 in the 51st Judicial District Court of Schleicher County, Texas

Additional Information

DFPS List of 464 Children Taken

Bishop's Record (released by Tom Green County District Court)

DFPS Online Chronology

DFPS Cultural Awareness Guide for Children from ElDorado

DFPS Model for Care of Children from ElDorado

TOMORROW IS ANNUAL MIGHTY TEXAS DOG WALK

Tomorrow, May 17th, is the 10th annual Mighty Texas Dog Walk, sponsored by the Texas Hearing and Services Dogs organization.

It starts at 10:30 am, in Austin, at the Congress Avenue Bridge, it goes wandering through downtown Austin for 3 miles, and those that finish get treats!! (There are also exhibitors along the route with freebies, and lots of water stations for the pups.)

It's not free -- after all, it's a fund-raising event. You do have to pay a $25 registration fee per dog (register there, or online).

The group hopes to have enough participants to win their THIRD Guinness Book World Record for the "largest dog walk" -- especially since some snooty British dogs had some snooty British dog walk and took over the Guinness record with 10,272 dogs participating. Grrrrrrr......

So, go help the Texas Hearing and Services Dogs group, go have some fun with your dog(s), get some nifty treats, and as the site says, help Bring the Record Back to Texas!!!!

More info: http://www.servicedogs.org/dogwalk08/index.html

Image: Human treat for finishers is a collector's tee shirt designed with this artwork by Mauro Garza. (This alone should make that $25/dog registration bearable, right?)

THIS IS NATIONAL PET WEEK

The first full week of May is National Pet Week - this year, it runs from May 4 to May 10. Started by the American Veterinary Medical Association, its purpose is to "celebrate America's companion animals, and the remarkable role they play in improving the quality of our lives. "

For more info, check out its website. Happy Pet Week!

Self-Serve Dog Wash Now In San Antonio

Recently, a franchise out of Austin hit San Antonio, offering the opportunity to take your pup to their spot, where they have nice facilities for washing dogs (cool hand-held showers, step up tubs, grooming tables, hair dryers). They even sell specialty shampoos and stuff, as well as renting clippers and things.

The San Antonio spot is located on North Main, and prices are set according to dog weight.

For more info: WashShakeWag

City of San Antonio Dog Laws - The Basics

In the City of San Antonio, there are certain set laws for all dog owners, such as:

1. Your dog has to have - and wear - a current city license tag;
2. Your dog has to have - and wear - a current rabies tag; and
3. Your family can own a maximum of three dogs and two cats.

For more information, check out the FAQs at the City's Animal Care Facility site.

Animal Control in San Antonio

So where do we stand on the sweeping reforms tauted in August of 2006? http://www.sanantonio.gov/animalcare/PDF/ACS_StrategicPlan.pdf

Maybe it is time to revisit this issue some two years later.

Yes we do have a beautiful new facility although the location is hardly accessible. Check out page 4 where 8 of the strategic objectives were to be met within the first year. Let's start easy with this one. Increase Adoptions Through Multi-Site Availability. I haven't seen any ACS adoption sites around town, have you? Their website does not appear to list any.

I would like to address each objective individually and ask for your help. First, go here and make your delcaration.

http://www.nokilldeclaration.org/images/U.S._No_Kill_Declaration.pdf

If you're hesitant, take a look at this.

http://www.nokilladvocacycenter.org/tour/tour3.html Remember when we patted ourselves on the back for initiating "humane euthanasia?"

Let's take the initiative to police our animal control services, to ensure that our tax dollars are being spent in the way we want. I need your feedback. What about our own website like Austin's, http://www.fixaustin.org/. Are you up for the challenge?

SAN ANTONIO DOG PARKS

Within the city limits, we have two dog parks -- these are protected, public areas where dogs are allowed to roam free, without leashes (leads), making friends with other pooches and finding a real Sniff-Heaven:

McAllister Park. 1 1/2 acres, 13102 Jones-Maltsberger Road.
Pearsall Park Dog Area. 1 1/2 acres, 4700 Old Pearsall Road.

Remember, though, dog parks aren't for all dogs. Some pups can be overwhelmed or frightened by the dog park -- and territorial, owner-protective types are known to fight. Try visiting the park on a off-time, see how Fido likes the area before you go for a Big Visit on Saturday morning.

You can always walk in the other city parks, on leash, as long as they aren't considered "natural areas" - dogs aren't welcome there.

What are these "natural areas"? They are these six city parks: Crownridge Canyon, Eisenhower, Friedrich, Medina River, Stone Oak, and Walker Ranch.

Viola Barrios, Fiesta DUIs and High Speed Chases: what happens when you are arrested?

Unfortunately, today's news is filled with serious crime: this afternoon, the teenaged nextdoor neighbor of beloved restauranteur Viola Barrios was arrested for her murder; two other teenagers are in critical condition after a high speed car chase on 1604 (were they racing?); and alcohol is being blamed for the 6th car crash fatality in Fiesta week, as a woman died after crashing her car early this morning over on Hwy 151.

Criminal defense attorneys are often involved in these situations from a different perspective: they are talking with distraught parents and frightened clients who are facing criminal action. And many clients and their families know little about the system until they personally become acquainted with it.

So, what does happens when you or a loved one is arrested?

First, you're read your rights, you're cuffed, and you're taken to the police department “intake area.”

Here, you're searched, booked, and fingerprinted. Your personal belongings are safeguarded for you, and you get to wear a standard-issue uniform that is color-coded (you've seen the carrot-orange jumpsuits on TV). You get a medical check. You get your one call.

Next, you're put in a cell. This could be together with other people, in the “general population,” or it can be in a special area, that's up to the police. They'll put someone in a special area if they're a celebrity or high risk in some way. They'll also put someone in a special area when they've been arrested but still haven't appeared before a judge.

Once you have been assigned to a cell, you stay in that cell most of the time, unless you make bail or get released on your own recognizance. You will get a limited amount of exercise time, and there are set hours of visitation for family as well as your attorney.

Condolences

Finally, sincere condolences to the Barrios family and those families of the car crash victims -- as well as those who love and care for the teenager who's been arrested in the Barrios murder. There has been a lot of tragedy here in SA over the past 24 hours.

ElDorado Texas Child Abuse Cases - Reliable Info

There's a media frenzy over the ElDorado FLDS child abuse cases nationwide, not just here in Texas -- even Dr. Phil is on board -- and with it, there's a lot of stuff being circulated that may or may not be accurate.

From the perspective of an attorney specifically dealing with CPS cases, here are some links that provide apparently accurate information about the ElDorado child abuse cases, as well as child abuse and neglect in general, and the workings of the Texas Department of Human Services' Department of Child Protective Services:

FLDS - Fundementalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

• Overview of FLDS (Wikipedia)
• MormonFundementalism.Com

Child Abuse and Neglect in Texas

• About CPS
• State of Texas' Handbook for Parents and Guardians in Child Protection Cases (pdf)
• Attorney General's FAQ on Child Abuse and Neglect in Texas

The ElDorado Child Abuse Case

• April 22, 2008 Order in Cause Nos. 2779-2903 styled, in the interest of Children Removed from the YFZ Ranch in the 51st Judicial District Court of Schleicher County, Texas (pdf)
• Coverage of the ElDorado FLDS situation by the San Antonio Express News
• Coverage of the ElDorado FLDS situation by the San Angelo Standard Times

5 GREAT DOG BLOGS

Of course, across the World Wide Web, there are more than five great blogs about dogs, but these are five that are definitely worth your time to check out periodically:

Dog Bliss -- Bliss the Keeshond and her person, Keri, write this blog about all types of products for dogs. Shampoos, collars, pillows, books, videos, leads, you get the idea. Keri puts her personal two-cents worth into every review, which makes it worth the read.

The Daily Puppy -- Everyday, a great photo of an adorable puppy is posted, with his or her story. The fact that the blogger chose Maximus the Welsh Corgi puppy as the spokespup for her blog has absolutely nothing to do with this blog being among this list ....

DoggieWoggie -- Interesting blog because it is organized without much content on the home page, lots of photos and graphics but don't let that fool you. There's lots of info here for dog owners, with good stuff - like a recent article on heat therapy for senior dogs, and a place to score some IAMS Dog Food coupons.

DogGoneGoodStuff - You may or may not be interested in the Show Dog Results, but there's lots of great stuff here. The recommended pet tent looks great, and there's really important news posted, as well - such as the recent AKC warning that there has been sharp rise in dogs (and other pets) being stolen ... especially the small purebreds ... for resale.

Dog-Gonnit -- Covers lots of dog-topics from a real-world perspective, including posts like "pet food field trip to Walmart," there's a little bit of everything here: training, recipes, health care, just lots of good stuff.

ELDORADO CHILD ABUSE CASES - THE SAN ANTONIO CONNECTION

The Wall Street Journal has a good article summarizing the unfolding story of the 400+ children currently under the care of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, pending a hearing on Thursday, April 17, 2008, to determine what happens next.

San Antonio Involvement -- Local DFPS workers (from the CPS division) have been sent to El Dorado, just as other workers have been routed from all across the state (e.g., Lufkin, El Paso) -- and local CPS attorneys have been asked to volunteer their assistance, as well.

Meanwhile, Prominent San Antonio attorney Gerry Goldstein represents the Fundementalist Church of Latter Day Saints itself - and the Kansas City Star has a good background article covering Goldstein's career.

Statutory Deadlines Are Solid -- Texas statutes are clear in their boundaries: DFPS cases must be resolved within a certain period of time or they are automatically dismissed under the law, a full evidentiary hearing must be held within a set time after children are removed from parental care, and other, periodic court hearings must occur within a specific time frame.


Will Cases Be Transferred Out of El Dorado - San Angelo County to San Antonio? -- Will all these cases remain in San Angelo County? Will some be transferred here to San Antonio (and other parts of the state)? If the cases stay in San Angelo, can that court system handle the burden and meet the set statutory deadlines?

Answers to some or all of these questions may be answered on the 17th.

For more information, the DFPS has a special section on its website for info regarding the El Dorado situation.

5 THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU'RE 1ST ON THE SCENE OF A CAR CRASH

Last night, there was a huge traffic accident on 281 near the airport where a BigRig overturned after colliding with the bridge posts - traffic was rerouted last night, there are still problems today from the repairs being done to the infrastructure -- and luckily, there was not a huge loss of life.

The driver was not hurt, and no other cars were involved.

Still, it makes one think -- criminal defense attorneys see the aftermath of lots of car accidents that don't turn out so well.

Here are some things to keep in mind should you ever come across a car crash before help arrives:

1. Call 911. Don't assume you know everything to be done. And, don't hang up -- the operator should remain on the line until the police arrive.

2. Alert oncoming traffic that you're there. Lift the hood of your car, turn on your flashers, use flares if you have them -- the goal is to make it very clear to all passersby that you are there, and there's a collision. You want to keep yourself safe as well as the crash victims.

3. Sniff. If you smell gas, keep a safe distance and don't do anything that might cause a spark. That includes using your cell phone, move away from the fumes to make your call.

4. Help the victims with the aid of the 911 operator -- moving victims can sometimes cause more harm, and the paramedics know what to do. Covering them with blankets is usually okay: shock can be life-threatening as it lowers blood pressure and keeping victims warm and dry helps with shock. Talk to the victims, let them know help is on the way.

5. When help arrives, step back. Tell the police your contact info when they ask you for it, give the paramedics info on the victims when they ask you for it. Don't leave, but don't interfere with the professionals.

Murdered Doctor

Oh no! I have been a patient of Dr. Abbott for a number of years. Her serenity and her knowledge of medicine made her the perfect provider for me. Each year at my annual physical, she required (with a compassionate degree of firmness) a project for me to better care for my health, from dropping the cigarettes to dropping the pounds. She may have been disappointed with that last one when I was scheduled to visit her next month. I trusted her implicitly. I will miss her.

http://www.woai.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=f2f5b1b2-ade5-4afd-b4b5-360946d20124

Who is this murderer and why did he have the gun? As a criminal defense lawyer, I defend our Constitutional right to bear arms daily, but this? Tell me what you think.

FINAL FOUR IN SA - What the Visitors See

This weekend, the NCAA Final Four Basketball Tournament is being held here in San Antonio. The hotels are already filling up, as well as the parking lots. For those of us working in downtown SA, this means clients can have trouble parking -- as well as jurors (and no trial lawyer wants an upset juror!)....

The national news coverage has begun, as well -- and until the games begin, journalists are finding other things to write about. Here are a couple -- both have found the RiverWalk to be boring after the first couple of nights, and have ventured out into the city proper.

One writer (for MSNBC) discovered the great golf deals here in town, including our famous La Cantera. Another (writing for the Kansas City Star) has been mosing around the King William Area (Germans live here too!) as well as local museums....

Some suggestions for these guys?

Try Gruene, for Texas Oldest Dance Hall. Play horseshoes outside, drink longnecks with real cowboys, read the autographs of all the famous folk on their framed photos that cover the walls of the bar .... Music begins every night at 7. The general store is pretty cool, too, as well as the wine tastings and antique stores .... By the way, Gary P. Nunn is the headliner this Saturday night.

How about visiting the Dixie Dude Ranch in Bandera? Ride a horse through the rolling Texas Hills, check out a real working ranch for the day, have an excuse to buy cowboy boots or a nice cowboy hat, and practice walking like John Wayne.

Just a couple, off the top of my head.

Big Bexar News: WOAI Gets the Scoop on New DWI Plea Deal - Fiesta is 17 Days Away

On TV last night, WOAI claimed a scoop on today's new DWI plea deal, now there's coverage everywhere on this Big Bexar News: before today, plea bargains weren't offered in SA for DWI - driving drunk or more formally, Driving While Intoxicated - charges.

District Attorney Susan Reed has changed the policy, and it's not an April Fool's joke.

Starting today, drivers with FIRST TIME DWI charges can avoid having this on their record, as well as the notoriously big hit on their pocketbook, by taking a quick plea to a lesser charge and entering into an agreement to do lots of stuff intended to alter the behavior that got them in this position.

Why is this happening? Overload - there's over 3500 of these cases on the books, and the system is bottlenecked.

And, yes, Fiesta officially kicks off in 17 days.

Local Humane Societies - There's More Than You Think

Don't be swayed by the nice phrase "Animal Shelter" in some locations around town: that may well be a nice way of saying "dog pound," which is definitely NOT a no-kill facility; for instance, the "Boerne Animal Shelter" is synonimous with "Boerne Animal Control" -- same goes for Schertz and Kirby.

Humane Societies are no-kill facilities that take unwanted dogs and cats (and sometimes other kinds of animals, too) and find them new homes. Ask around, and most people know of one or two here in town: the Humane Society off of IH10 on Fredericksburg Road, and the Animal Defense League over on Nacogdoches Road.

There are many others serving our area, though -- here's a list for you (no need to dial "1" in front of any number shown below if you're calling from San Antonio and all but Seguin has a website, just click on the names shown below to investigate):

HUMANE SOCIETY/SPCA OF BEXAR COUNTY
(210)226-7461
4804 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78229

ANIMAL DEFENSE LEAGUE
(210) 655-1481
11300 Nacogdoches Rd
San Antonio, TX 78217

ANIMAL FRIENDS HUMANE SOCIETY
(210) 509-3647
23445 US Hwy 281 North #1157
San Antonio, TX 78258

BULVERDE AREA HUMANE SOCIETY
(830) 980-2247
PO Box 5050
Bulverde, TX 78163

GUADALUPE COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY
(830) 372-2055
2484 N. Hwy 46
Seguin, TX 78155


NEW BRAUNFELS HUMANE SOCIETY
(830) 629-5287
1920 Kuehler Road
New Braunfels, TX 78130

HUMANE SOCIETY OF KERRVILLE
(830) 367-7722
2900 Junction Highway
Kerrville, Texas 78028

Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora BEATS a DUI?

Over at TMZ.COM, they're reporting that lead guitarist for Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora -- you know, Heather Locklear's ex-husband who was dating Heather's former BFF Denise Richards (ex-Mrs. Charlie Sheen) for awhile and (ahem) before the divorce was final, -- will beat a DUI arrest out in LA.

The Boston Globe gives some details -- he was arrested for Driving Under the Influence, after police witnessed his Hummer weaving down a road in Laguna Beach. They quote a policeman saying that Sambora smelled like alcohol, and agreed to a blood alcohol test at the scene. His daughter Ava was in the car at the time, and the Globe suggests that Sambora could face a child endangerment charge, as well.

Now, here's where it gets interesting: TMZ is claiming that the test will show that Sambora was under the legal BAC limit for a California DUI charge - .08 percent (just like here in Texas).

And, the local ABC station clarifies that Sambora was arrested for SUSPICION of driving drunk - which sounds a bit different that the Globe version, huh?

Probably every single criminal defense attorney in the country says it's never good to voluntarily take a Breathalizer, but in this case, maybe it'll work out in Sambora's benefit.

Now, Sambora had to go through some field sobriety tests out there on the road, too, and the police will undoubtedly testify to that - but if Sambora's BAC beats the .08 limit, that test may become his new best friend and in this instance, it'll be a good thing to have on his side.

Just goes to show, though, just being pulled over for driving drunk starts the rumors running. Even if you're not a rock star, your reputation can be seriously and irreparably harmed by just the suggestion that you were driving drunk.

Don't worry too much about Mr. Sambora, tho -- earlier this month, he bought San Diego Padre pitcher Randy Wolf's Calabasas mansion for $4 million. Bet he's gonna be just fine.

Image: Sambora's mug shot released by the Laguna Beach, California, Police Department

Gone to the Dogs: Great Movie - DVD Gift for Dog Lovers

Have you heard about Gone to the Dogs? It's a British movie with a great website, filled with trailers and games and info and stuff.

The plot involves an old man who dies, and comes back as a dog - yes, Kafka does come to mind - but it's definitely worth checking out, and a great gift for dog lovers of all ages. It's funny.

Oh -- and you can always play What Kind of Dog Am I? Answer 10 questions (click on "game" in the site's left sidebar), and learn what kind of dog you are, along with lots of info on the breed including a video clip. Cool stuff.

If you want to know more about the movie itself, there's an interview with the director over at K9 Magazine.

Monorails in San Antonio

Remember long ago, in the midst of all that Y2K business, when Henry Cisneros and other big kahunas were talking monorails here in SA?

Well, WOAI has an interesting article online: Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson is talking about building a local monorail again -- saying that everyone agrees that it was a mistake not to build one last time. He's talking about a light rail connecting San Antonio and Austin, but the comments to the article have some interesting ideas, like David Keeler's --

"A monorail system, ala Walt Disney World, serving from downtown to the theme parks by way of the park and ride stations would be better both as a year around transport and as a TOURIST trap, and more cost effective too. Second phase could be to make a "looper" to take the place of the present busses. The third part would be to talk the Texas State Railway into operating a "Special" between downtown and Fiesta Texas, and make a real talking point for San Antonio."

Wonder if David Keeler is going to the 2008 Transportation Choices Forum that's being held here tomorrow.

By the way, Commissioner Tommy Atkisson can be reached at (210) 335-2614 or at tadkisson@bexar.org, if you want to give him your two cents worth on this monorail idea.

Meanwhile, just one teeny question: is anyone pondering the traffic jam that is 281 right now?

Image: Disney World Monorail, Orlando, Florida

Main Plaza Project - It's Finally Finished!!!

For those of us working downtown, this Main Plaza Project has changed everything.

You take different routes to work, walking to the courthouse has to be planned around the construction site, and your clients tell you horror stories about their parking problems. (Here's a map of what's being done.)

Well, good news over at the official site for the San Antonio Main Plaza Redevelopment Project, aka "Main Plaza Conservancy." It's finished.

THE OPENING CEREMONIES ARE Sunday, April 13, 2008, beginning at 5pm with a Marachi Mass and continuing on into the night with music and a light show.

Whew.

Image courtesy of SanAntonioMainPlazaRedevelopment site.

Free Ads for Lost or Found Pets at Express News

Did you know that the San Antonio Express-News will run a free ad for lost or found pets for three full days (up to three lines)?

If you've lost a pet, or you've found one, just call (210) 250-2345 or fill in the online order form.

Fiesta 2008 Starts on April 18th

This year, Fiesta starts bright and early on the morning of Friday, April 18th, with an opening ceremony in Alamo Plaza at nine o'clock. Seems each year, there is more and more stuff to do - just check out how busy you could be, just on opening day:

9am - 10am
Fiesta San Antonio Official Opening Ceremony
Alamo Plaza

10am - 5pm
Fiesta Dances! Ballets, Polkas and Bailes
Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway

10am - 5pm
Randolph Art League Exhibit & Sale
Alamo Plaza

10am - 10pm
Fiesta Especial
River City Christian School, 5810 Blanco Road

10am - Midnight
Fiestas Fantasías at Market Square
Market Square, 514 West Commerce

11am - 3pm
Fiesta UTSA
UTSA Sombrilla, 1604 Campus

4pm - 11pm
A Taste Of New Orleans
Sunken Gardens Theater, Brackenridge Park

4pm - midnight
Fiesta Carnival
Alamodome, 100 Montana, Parking Lot C

5pm - 11pm
Fiesta Oyster Bake - The Heartbeat Of Fiesta
St. Mary’s University Campus, One Camino Santa Maria

5:30pm - 2am
Tejano Explosion
Cattleman’s Square, corner of W. Houston and N. Frio Streets

6:30pm-midnight
La Noche del Rey/El Rey Feo LX Reception
AT&T Commuinity Center at San Fernando, 231 W. Commerce

7pm - 11pm
San Antonio AIDS Foundation WEBB Party
San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave.

7pm - Mid
Fiesta Jamboree - Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
Doubletree Hotel, 37 NE Loop 410

8pm - Mid
Incognito: Fiesta’s Masked Ball
La Villita Assembly Hall

(For more information, check out the Fiesta links that are shown in the left sidebar -- or just click on the name of the event shown above.)

Don't Give Chocolate to Your Dogs This Weekend!

Chocolate can kill your dog. How?

Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic. Theobromine not only is a stimulant to the central nervous system as well as the cardiovascular system, it increases blood pressure and can cause nausea and vomiting.

Baker's chocolate (390-450mg/oz) has 10 times the amount of theobromine as milk chocolate (44-60mg/oz). White chocolate has very little theobromine, so if your dog has woofed down some Easter candy, let's hope it was white chocolate.

How much does it take to be fatal to your dog? Depends on your dog's weight. For every 2 pounds, 100 mg is toxic. So, if your dog weighs 10 lbs., then 500 mgs is fatal - or one ounce of Baker's chocolate.

Ref: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 8th ed.