December 22, 2011: We've scoured the Web to find the best and most compelling animal stories, videos and photos. And it's all right here.

Bo Obama goes to Petsmart

Bo Obama Goes Shopping With the President

If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog, right? President Barack Obama followed that advice on Wednesday when he did some Christmas shopping at PetSmart with first dog Bo. (If you think it’s hard to cross things off your list, try doing it with a dog, a crowd and an entourage in tow.) Bo, a Portuguese Water Dog, made fast friends with a Poodle named Cinnamon at the store. "Okay, Bo, don't get too personal here," said the president. — Watch it at CBS News and read it at Today

Famed NYC Algonquin Hotel Cat Gets an Invisible Fence

Matilda, the Ragdoll who had free run of the Algonquin Hotel’s lobby until the New York City health department took away her roaming privileges, now has to stay behind an invisible fence that keeps her away from areas where food is served. — Read it at The New York Times

Java

Miracle Dog Needs a New Home

Last year, Java was part of a litter of puppies dropped off at an Arizona shelter. She’s one of the few who survived, but then she had a scare during surgery, when her heart stopped and doctors spent 20 minutes reviving her. “They got Java back!” said one of the vets who saved her life. This two-time survivor is now searching for a good home. — Read it at KVOA

Border Fence Causes Problems for Bears

A fence on the U.S.–Mexico border isn't just stopping illegal immigrants — the barrier is also making life difficult for black bears who are trying to migrate. — Read it at The New York Times

Half of Dog Owners Will Prepare a Christmas Dinner for Their Canine

A U.K. poll found that 50 percent of those surveyed plan to whip up a special holiday meal for Fido. But a pet insurance representative warns, “It's worth remembering that there are a few things dogs shouldn't eat at all, even on special occasions.” — Read it at the Mirror

Plus: Check out this Vetstreet article on how to properly indulge pets this holiday season, while also keeping them trim.

Thai Cameras Capture Anti-Poaching Success Efforts

Still images and video footage recorded in Thailand’s forests this year suggests that government conservation efforts are working. The Wildlife Conservation Society praised the Thai government for “preventing illegal hunters from plundering the country's natural heritage.” The cameras have caught images of tigers, Asian elephants, leopards and other species. — Read it at Discovery News

Plus: The Wildlife Conservation Society also released a rare image of a jaguar and her cub that was taken in the wilds of Bolivia. — See the photo at Today

Cats Perched in Christmas Trees

There’s no question that felines have a special affinity for that tree you bring into the house every year. Take a look at these snapshots of cats hanging out in Christmas trees. — See the photos at People Pets

Plus: Vetstreet's Dr. Marty Becker offers some tips on how to keep your kitty out of the holiday tree.