Space Cadet

Two weeks ago a federal judge said free Major. As of the last report, he was still sitting alone in that Austin shelter. Major is the veteran’s service dog who spent 575 days in a kennel. His owner’s lawyer says the reunion is coming “expeditiously.” As of this morning, no rescue has been named publicly and no report says he’s out. We’re watching. We’re counting the days. When Major finally walks out of there, what’s the first thing you want to see?

Thank you, Gov. Henry McMaster (@henrymcmaster), for signing Fargo's, Hyco's, Rico's, Coba's, Wick's, Mikka's, and Bumi's Law. It's now law in South Carolina. It expands what counts as a crime against police dogs and horses, raises the penalties, and requires restitution that covers replacing or restoring the animal, including purchase, training and vet costs. Seven names on that law. Seven reasons it matters. Does your state protect its working animals this well?

K9 Bart died of heat stroke after being left in an outdoor kennel with no water. His former handler is charged in his death. Megan Chloe Swann, a former Madison County Tennessee deputy, faces one count of aggravated cruelty to animals. Sheriff Julian Wiser said she left the 2.5 year old German shepherd for about 36 hours as temperatures hit 101 degrees. A necropsy found heat stroke from severe dehydration. She posted a $5,000 bond. Arraignment is Nov 9. A working dog deserved better. H/t: WSMV / WBBJ

"I'm not going to jail." Deputies say he ended up biting a police K9 Wednesday evening in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, deputies found a man with an active warrant sitting in his truck. The sheriff's office says he threatened to shoot them, then drove off and ran into thick brush. Three hours later, K9 units found him hiding in palm fronds. Deputies say he struck K9 Beny and bit Beny in the neck and ear. Beny is OK.