Vermont's highest court is being asked to decide what a dog's love is worth. The court will hear a case Thursday that began in 2003, when a dog belonging to Denis and Sarah Scheele was accidentally shot. The Scheeles are asking the court to carve out a new legal doctrine, which would allow a pet's owners to sue for emotional distress and loss of companionship.

Australian and Chinese officials urged two bamboo-munching giant pandas on Sunday to consider reproducing during their 10-year residency Down Under.

California has more Chihuahuas than it can handle, and it has Hollywood to blame. There are so many Chihuahuas at shelters in Oakland, they have started shipping the dogs out of state, says Megan Webb, director of Oakland Animal Services. They have sent about 100 to Washington, Oregon and Arizona, she adds, "and as soon as they get them, they are ready for new ones."

After a car bomb destroys his Baghad home, neighbors assume Farouq Omar Muhei is dead. But Muhei and his 14-year-old son, the only family members at home, survive the blast and return to the ruins -- to be rescue their beloved pet dog, Liza.

Following up on an anonymous tip, police find a baby alligator, a diamondback rattlesnake and six pythons in a college dorm room. Two students at the University of Arkansas were obtaining the reptiles free online and selling them for profit. The students were fined but not arrested.