Snoopy, The Most Famous Dog of All

Whenever I fly into Los Angeles I usually have to change
terminals. Never figured out whether its because of the
airlines I am flying or whether it is because the flights to and
from Canada are all at the “other” terminal. Sometimes it’s a
mad dash, sometimes I’ve got time to kill.

It’s in the latter times that I have noticed that the airport
working dogs get their breaks too. There are a lot of them at
LAX, and somewhere between terminals I and II is an open space
of green, a few bushes and an honest to goodness tree or two and
this is where the sniffing doggies and their handlers go to
well… just take a break. I couldn’t help noticing that they are
mostly beagles. In fact the first time I noticed this, I had
not realized that these were dogs on the job, I thought there
was some sort of a beagle convention or something!

Now I don’t know how beagles got chosen for this job. Lovable
as they are, beagles, from my perspective, are one of the most
independent of breeds and not easily given to training.
Honestly, I think its because they are just way too smart!

Would you not agree? Who is the most famous beagle of all?
SNOOPY! Yes, Charlie Brown’s dog from Charles Schulz famous
Peanuts series of cartoons. Now here is a dog who’s got it all
figured out. He’s got life by the tail and is living it to the
hilt. His gutsy nature and my way or no way attitude is
tendered by kindness and love. He calls his own tunes and
dances them his way. He has great fun too!

I’ve always enjoyed Peanuts and it seems that I am not alone.
Peanuts is the second most recognizable cartoon property in the
world – second only to Mickey Mouse. Arguably, Snoopy is the
most recognizable dog in the world. Who does not secretly root
for this lovable but obnoxious beagle as he swipes Linus’
blanket away, or as the intrepid World War I ace pilot engaging in
dog fights with the evil Red Baron, and then as the Easter
Beagle dispensing eggs to one and all!

What a treasure and legacy Schulz has left us! And now, just in time for
Christmas, Fantagraphics Books is publishing The Complete Peanuts 1959-1962
This universally loved classic cartoon strip will
make a welcome gift to anyone on your list – but especially so
to your discerning dog owner peers!

Snoopy, Snowy and a Dog Called Bob

I love books – always have. As a kid I was an avid reader. As an adult I always make sure that the kids on my gift list get books! I remember that some of my favorites were books with dog stories, you know the kind, where the family dog played an integral part in saving a member of the family from evil beings. I don’t remember the names of those books, but they were always a good read and made my heart ache for a dog of my own.

I have been making my list for this year’s giving. Dogs. Yes. Not only for the children on my list but for my friends who have them. Here is a short list of books that I will be ordering from Amazon.

Number one will be The Complete Peanuts 1959-1962. This collection of the famous Peanut comic strip is this year’s release and would be a welcome addition to anyone’s library. This classic collection as always will feature front and center the most famous dog of all – Snoopy! That obnoxious, kind, and lovable beagle!

Another classic that will be received with great pleasure is The Adventures of Tintinby Herge. Tintin is a boy reporter perpetually embarked on some improbable adventure. He always has his trusty dog Snowy with him, and a good thing too as Tintin oftentimes finds himself in mortal danger, saved in time by his faithful Snowy. This too is a comic strip. It is clever, adventuresome and most endearing.

Mostly Bob by Tom Corwin is a true story of the dog Bob and how Bob changed his own life. Definitely a quick read and heart rending this is a good stocking stuffer for anyone – it is a story of human proportion and will appeal to dog and non dog people of all ages.

Last by not least, the recently released by Viking Press The Dog and I by Roy MacGregor, one of Canada's most beloved writers, comes this entertaining collection of essays on man's best friend. I could not find it on Amazon yet, but the collection of stories and the easy essay style of MacGregor definitely makes this book worth searching for – ask your local book store to order it.

Any or all of the above, will be welcome additions. Good laughs, tears, and lots of cheers!

Japanese High on Style for Dogs

I recently returned from Japan – my old stomping grounds.
Now I haven’t been to France lately so can’t say, but I would definitely rank the dogs of Japan as amongst the best dressed! Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Fendi and Burberry dog accessories and apparel were in evidence everywhere!

It wasn’t always like that. When I was growing up in Japan, dogs were guard dogs and lived in the dog house just at the entrance to the family home. I remember our first dog. Dad brought him home from the country as a pup. Tooziek was a black dog, had a curly tail, pointy ears and a great disposition. All us kids loved him dearly. He was always part of our adventures!

Unlike today’s well dressed and pampered dog, there were no dog clothes then. A good leather collar and a leash to match meant you and your dog were stepping out in style. A shiny coat meant that the dog was well cared for – fed properly and brushed! A sturdy dog house provided shelter from the cold, the heat and the rain. Of course mom made sure that Tooziek’s floor was always lined with a soft and dry bed to sleep on. Between meals there was always a bowl of fresh water.

Affluence and changing lifestyles go hand in hand and obviously this goes not only for people but for pet parents and their dogs as well. The basics are always there. Ensure that your dog is always well cared for … and if you can add a bit of fashion and flare, well why not?

The Family Dog - Five Good Reasons to Have At Least One!

Running in the parks, walking on the sidewalks, heads hanging out car windows – they seem to be everywhere! Eager to please, loyal to the end. Who? What? Man’s best friend, that’s who – dogs!

Some of us may have grown up with a family dog, others longed for and envied those who had one. You’re on your own now and while the thought of having a family dog is heartwarming, you’re not sure if you are ready to take on the responsibility. But then everything in life comes with a responsibility and whether you are considering a dog just for you or because you have a growing family of your own, here are some really good reasons why man’s best friend should be in your Christmas Family Photo.

Reason #1 – Great Companion
What’s the first clue? Man’s best friend. Absolutely! A dog is completely non judgmental – it will love you no matter what. Doesn’t ask for much – just a warm bed, a full tummy and a little bit of care and attention, like a walk or two a day. For this you will be rewarded with unconditional love, a set of adoring eyes and an eagerness to please.

Reason #2 – Staying Fit
Did I say walk? Of course. You would not be happy being cooped up in the same spot day in and day out and neither would your dog. You need exercise and so does your dog. Nothing like a brisk short walk in the morning to clear the head, get your metabolism going and build up an appetite for a healthy breakfast. An evening walk can be longer to burn off those calories you had for dinner. Taking your dog for its daily walk will keep you off the couch and the pounds off you!

Reason #3 – Burglar Alarm
While you don’t necessarily want an attack dog, one that sounds the presence of an intruder is certainly most welcome. It does not matter whether you live in a big house or a small apartment, your dog’s natural instinct to bark as the first line of defense will sound the alarm of an unwelcome presence in your home. The sound of a dog's bark is also a good deterent - thieves will enter homes where they face the least resistance.

Reason #4 – Stress Relief
Believe it or not, dogs are therapeutic. Studies show that people in assisted living homes are much more alert and eager in the presence of a dog, so much so that “doggie visits” are often part of the daily routine of such facilities. Whenever I found myself home alone, I somehow felt calm Rand grounded simply knowing that my dog was there whether he was in the same room with me or not. It must be the feeling of the warmth of a dog soul – I am sure of it!

Reason #5 – Good Teacher
Dogs keep us honest. If you have a growing family, a dog will give endless pleasure to your children and teach them valuable lessons of responsibility and accountability. But a family is just a word – it can be many or it can be you and the dog for a family of two.

No matter the reason, invite a dog into your life, you’ll be glad you did.

One Child - One Dog!

First it was one child, now it is one dog. That is the new decree issued by the government of China.

As the world’s most populace nation rushes towards affluence so too do its citizens. Millionaires and a middle income society are being created with such speed that the bottom line of most bank accounts is growing faster than a grove of bamboo shoots! Consumerism is on the rise. Brands of consequence such as Gucci, Armani, and Channel are being snapped up quicker than you can say Karl Lagerfeld! But darling, other brands are catching up: the Shar-Pei, Chow Chow, Shitzu, just to name a few. What? Oh yes, of course! Not brands! breeds, dogs of course!

In old China, dogs were a symbol of affluence, allowed to be cuddled and coddled only by members of royalty and aristocracy. Today all you need is a few yuan in your wallet and in but a blink of an eye, man’s best friend is allotted a choice corner for its bed in the family house. To urban couples restricted to just one child, the dog has taken on a whole new meaning as being a member of the family. Eager and able families are bringing home a pooch, or two or three.

Rapid growth is wonderful – but it sometimes brings unforeseen problems, one word here, rabies! In an effort to curb the spread of this disease, the Chinese government has decreed that now, along with their policy of one child per couple, so too, it will be only one dog per household in designated zones. Large and dangerous dogs are banned.

Envy the dog who now will hold center of attention second only to the child – nothing is too good or too expensive. Designer labels will not only be evident on humans but on doggies as well and you can be sure that fashionable hand carriers will show tufts of fur and saucy eyes taking in the world around them! Pets of distinction! Absolutely!

Fashion Gone to the Dogs!

Move over Tyra, Naomi and Kate! Fashion conscious pooches and their equally fashion savvy celebrity humans are oohing and aaahing audiences as they sashay down the cat … oops, that would be the dogwalk, showing off the latest in doggie apparel and accessories!

Its true – fashion has gone to the dogs! Fundraisers for the SPCA all across the country have seized on the growing trend of, well, dressing the dog. As with all things fashion, style and sass have merged with function.

Most recently our dearest of all furry friends strutted their stuff down the dogwalk at the Vancouver Home and Interior Design Show. Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Min Pins and other somewhat bigger breeds melted every soul and heart as they trotted out in the latest of raingear, sweaters to keep them warm when out on those wintry walks, leashes and collars in traditional leathers, others encrusted with Swarowski crystal – gosh with all the bling on the runway it was enough to make a poor girl cry!

Not to be outdone their celebrity handlers wearing complimentary colors in greens and browns and of course, the prerequisite black - we’re nothing if not sophisticated, puleeze! And, oh yes, brooches, hair ornaments, bracelets, belts; all looking suspiciously like the ones that Fifi and BooBoo were showing off!

Time to go shopping – cold winds are blowing, the rains are coming and then, there are holidays to dress for!

Proceeds went to the BC SPCA. Check your local listings for a fashion dog show.

Sit BooBoo Sit - The Town & Country for Dog People

Dogs have always been a part of my life. Ever since dad brought home a squiggly black pup I fell in love with dogs. As with much else in life all those years ago, dog care was simple: collar and leash for walking, a bowl for feeding, a house or corner for sleeping, a vet for occasional visits. Mix with love and you have a happy dog.

Today’s demands on pet parents are different. Whether young professional or an empty nester, our lives are busier as we juggle our schedules to steal a moment here and another there. Increasingly we turn to the internet for information and shopping.

At Sit BooBoo Sit it is our vision to be the best virtual one stop shop for all things dog and the discerning dog parent. In our postings we will bring you information on new products, zany functions and productions, travel, nutrition, something to tickle the funny bone with and alert you to new products as they are added to the Booboo Boutique which you will find on our website.

Simplify your life with easy and honest resources that will make your dog happy and feel loved. Ensure that your furry friend gets the best in care: the best vet, the best groomer, the best doggie day care. This is the Conde Naste, the Town and Country, the International Living for Dogs and Dog Lovers Only! - ONLY THE BEST!