Dear Urbanhounders,

This month, in honor of canine contributions to pop culture, we give you Urbanhound's 10 favorite fictional dogs:

10. Benji. He's cute, in a scruffy way, and even made Chevy Chase family friendly. That accomplishment alone merits a spot on our list.

9. Triumph, the insult comic dog. He is ugly, crude and decidedly not family friendly (catch phrase: "For me to poop on."). But if you've seen him take apart Star Wars fans, you know he's earned a place in our cultural history.

8. Old Yeller. Because even we hardened Urbanhounders love a good cry.

7. Gromit. Say what you will about Wallace (clever, persistent, cheese lover), but without Gromit's cool head and silent dedication, he'd only be a clay figurine on par with those raisins.

6. Hooch. Honestly, Hooch is totally underrated as a screen dog. Brave, loyal, and he owns his drooling problem. Plus, he holds his own with Tom Hanks.

5. Scooby Doo. A dog that solves crimes, despite his fears, and is always hungry? He's a pooch after our own heart. More: he has a wicked theme song.

4. Snoopy. Because the beagle is perhaps the perfect urban hound. And because he has the active fantasy life we all know our dogs have.

3. Clifford. We can almost trace our love of reading (and later, writing) to the lovable big red dog. Who didn't want a dog as cool as Clifford, who protected you from the bad boys and used his ears as tent flaps?

2. Lassie. Without Lassie, Timmy would still be stuck in the well. Enough said.

1. B-i-n-g-o. It was his name-o. And thanks to this song, sung to us from birth, we grew to love and appreciate the joy a dog brings to our lives.

Cheers,

Aaron Baar
Editor, Urbanhound Chicago

Canine Contamination. A study by the Environmental Working Group found that pets have higher concentrations of potentially toxic industrial chemicals in their bodies than people do. The study tested urine and blood samples for contamination with plastics and food packaging chemicals, heavy metals, fire retardants, and stain-proofing chemicals. Other research has documented the harmful health effects of chemical exposure in pets. The EWG outlines some easy steps you can take to reduce chemical exposure, like taking off your shoes at the door.

Shelter Stories. Patrick McDonnell, who draws the comic strip Mutts, has a new book out called Mutt's Shelter Stories: Love. Guaranteed. Along side the author's strips are photos and stories of rescued pets contributed by his readers.

Tainted Pet Food Settlement. An estimated 1,500 dogs and cats died due to pet food contamination last year. Now a judge has ruled that manufacturers must reimburse owners for all costs incurred as a result, including medical bills and burial fees. There will be no additional compensation for pain and suffering, which is in line with the legal definition -- common around the US -- of pets as property.

What's On. Another summer. Another reality show. On July 10, CBS will begin the search for America's Greatest Dog. The program pits 12 hounds and their people against one another in a series of training challenges, with one team eliminated each week. The winner gets a $250,000 prize. Meanwhile, Animal Planet's Groomer Has It, is ending on June 28, with a challenge that involves grooming seven dogs in 10 hours. The channel's It's Me or the Dog begins a new season on June 21.