Sit Boo Boo Sit

What to pack for a day's outing

2008-08-12T17:33:00.000-07:00

So we’re off to the beach, or the park. When getting ready to go don’t forget to pack a few items for us, your furry friends. Some toys would be nice, but they should be the rubber type which are easy to keep clean and won’t carry any sand or nasty parasites home. Frisbee’s and balls are great for chasing, but please not the tennis ball – it really isn't good for our gums. Lots of beaches have bits of wood or sticks for the picking, but if not, then take along something that can be thrown into the water for retrieving --- when its hot its not only our water cousins who like to go splashing in the water!

Choose to go to a place that will have trees close by for shade. In spite of “mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun” I don’t think Noel Coward really got it right as given the choice, we would rather rest under the shade of a leafy tree. Our noses are sensitive too, especially the lighter noses, so bring something to put on the nose to keep it from burning.

Bring a collapsible bowl to fill with water. Yes, we get dehydrated too and can have a nasty turn of events without water. If there is no running tap water available at the destination, bring some from home.

Last but not least, a few light treats will be just yummy and tide us over until we get home for dins. If on the way you should happen to be driving past a doggie wash a quick stop will ensure that we are clean, groomed and smelling nice as we come home.

Woof! Lets bark it up and have some summertime fun!

"BooBoo" Barkley

Dog Days of Summer

2008-08-01T13:32:00.000-07:00

Woof! I love getting emails from my readers ... thank you for all your
kind words. Every so often a get a question and this week's inbox had
a really cool question.

Dear BooBoo,
"I am confused. What exactly do my humans mean when they talk about the 'dog days of summer' ... somehow, I don’t feel it is very complimentary."
signed: Checkers, Winnipeg MN.

Oh my dear Checkers! There is nothing unkind in the saying “dog days of summer.” What our humans are saying is that the days are very, very hot and it is darn right woofing as to how that saying came about. It goes back to a time long ago, back when the Egyptians and the Romans ruled the land and it has to do with the formation of the stars in the sky.

Checkers dear, next time you are out in the backyard in the dark, look up at the sky. Ancient Egyptian and Roman humans did not have TVs to watch so to entertain themselves they would sit outside and look at the stars in the sky. They began to play games of connecting the stars to make a picture in the dark. You could say that it is star art in the sky. Today your mommie and mine would refer to this art as constellations and each has a different name, you know like the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper.

One of those star formations is Canis Major, or the Greater Dog, because, well, errr…when the stars were “connected” they formed the shape of a dog (yes, there is also a Lesser or Smaller Dog). The brightest star in that formation is called Sirius and ok, let me get this straight, you know how the earth tilts and moves up and down and is in different positions to the sun at different times of the year, and at a certain time of the year the star Sirius and the sun rise in conjunction and it is a sign that hot days are just around the corner. The ancients believed that it was because the hottest day star the sun, and the brightest star in the Greater Dog constellation, the Sirius --- and therefore probably the hottest star of the dog constellation --- appeared to be so close together, that it was the heat of the two so close together that made the earth so hot. That is why they call the hot days of summer, the dog days of summer. We are experiencing those days now.

Now ... I do wonder about “Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun” ... woof! Lets not go there.

barkfully yours....
BooBoo Barkley - Chief Barker BooBoo Speaks! The Newsletter

Summertime - Fun for Dog and You

2008-07-27T10:24:00.000-07:00

“Summertime and the livin’ is easy … fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high….”

I might add
“… parks are green and the doggies are playing.”

Woof! There is a reason I did not go into songwriting! My apologies to George Gershwin! But just think of it, this is a wonderful time to be outdoors with your precious pooch. We doggies just love romping out in the open air, and get super excited when our parents pack outdoor dog toys when going to the park. Fetch ball and frisbee catch just some of the activities that give us hours of pleasure. Running and jumping are a fun way for us to use and strengthen all our muscles and to develop athletic ability – even the short legged pooches benefit.

Another good pastime is to simply go walking – if you live by the ocean and can get to a beach the effort of walking and running on sand uses a different set of muscles as your and your furry friend’s feet have to work different muscles just to walk. And swimming ... ohh, ohh, ohh. If anywhere near a decent patch of water you won't be able to keep your Labs and Retrievers from splashing into the blue to repeatedly fetch a stick. Other breeds may not be so willing to swim back and forth quite so much but I can tell you they will enjoy the coolness of the water on their bodies too! Swimming is especially good for senior dogs as it gives them a good workout without putting stress on their joints.

Hiking is probably best for the bigger dogs unless you have a carrier that you can sling over your shoulders for your Yorkie or Min Pin. Now I know how my smaller cousins love to be spoiled, but a small warning: even a few additional pounds can become a heavy burden after several miles. A good option would be short trails within the city’s boundaries – often these trails are pet friendly and you can let your precious pooch do some exploring. As you know, we doggies love to sniff, and the woods and trails are full of new intoxicating smells in the summer which is a whole new adventure for us. No, no. We will not wander off ... if we wander off track just call us back because we really do not like getting lost and do not like to be too far away from you.

Also, check out the off leash dog parks in your city. We love to socialize with other furry pals. You know, when dogs are off leash we tend to be less aggressive, I don't know why, after all I do not have a doggie psychology degree, but it might have something to do with not having to protect our turf and our pet parent when off leash. But you know, all we doggies wanna do is have fun while, err… dogging around!

Lets all go have a barking good time!
BooBoo Barkley
Chief Barker BooBoo Speaks!

Pet Insurance

2008-07-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

Now I need not tell you dear prescious pet parent, how far back a small accident or
health issue can set you back financially and as summer brings on more outdoor activity, the chances that your pooch may step on a sharp obstacle and cut her paw increases. Or, perhaps your furry pal ate something that did not agree with her. Off to the vet you go and hope that your visa can take the bill.

There is a better option and more and more, pet parents are choosing to buy Pet Insurance. As with human insurance, there are so many options that are available, not the least of which is liability. Here are some things to consider when shopping for pet insurance:

- look for a company with a good reputation
- do you want a policy that is for the life of your pet or for a specific period of time
- choose a policy that offers both regular and accidental coverage
- condition specific
– hereditary and genetic conditions

A good thing is to get several quotes and then take the quotes to your vet so that he can help you assess and select the best one for your and your puppy's needs. It’s always good to check with the professionals who deal most with what you are looking for.

BooBoo Recommends: Pet Insurance for You. There is lots of good information on what to look for and several insurance
companies listed.

Doggie Washes

2008-06-21T21:44:00.000-07:00

Summertime and the frisking is fun! Ohhh, we doggies
just love summer. Summer means more time in the park,
more time at the beach, more time trail walking. It also
means that we doggies get into a lot more “stuff” and need
to be groomed more frequently so that we are at our best
all the time, so it’s doggie wash time!

Good grooming is as important for your precious pet as it is
for humans and its not just for good looks. We pooches like
to get down and dirty and play with things close to the ground, scurry
around on the beach, dash off into the brush when trail walking
and what that means is that we are a welcome home for pesky
parasites that like to hide in our fur and feed on us. A good
brushing after any outdoor activity is both welcome, invigorating
and relaxing … gosh! Can I suggest a daily brush?

... but, brushing alone will not get rid of dirt, sand, smells,
and those blood sucking parasites. It is time for a doggie bath.
As more and more pets live in apartment homes, a doggie bath at
home is a bit of a challenge … what with having to walk through
the house, perhaps jumping on to one of our favorite chairs --- you
know, the ones we are not supposed to sit on? And then, but of course!
it takes time to dry! Never fear, Doggie Wash is here!

Dog washes are showing up in every major city and they seem to
be either a self serve or an automatic dog wash.

Now I am not too sure about these automatic dog washes. Yes,
they do the job with the least amount of effort. What I am not
keen on is that the doggie is put into a shower like chamber
by himself and then, just as with an automatic car wash, the
water starts to pour, then the shampoo, then more water, then
the drying. To some dogs this creates anxiety in that they are
crated and may feel trapped. There are no soothing human hands on
their bodies to make them feel good or to massage the sore spots;
and, the dryer blows hot air which while doing a quick job of
drying the coat, promotes dry and scaley skin, which of course
becomes itchy and skin problems may develop.

Oh no! Take me to the “do it yourself” doggie wash anytime!
Here the pet parent is with her furry friend throughout the wash.
The facility is usually equipped with a step up tub,one that is
easy and fun to scurry up and get into; a choice of
shampoos, conditioners, and a cool dryer … and a good sized
apron for mommie to wear. This may take longer but you
can be assured that your pet’s anxieties are laid aside. The
hand scrunching on the back feels soooo barking good, and
relaxes your puppy. Before you know, puppy is clean and happy.

When done, be sure to reward your best friend with a yummy natural treat
or two…some dog washes have a little doggie deli attached but
if not, there surely is a dog cafe close by! Woof! Go for it!

Hmmm hmmm.... soooo good to be clean.... BooBoo Barkley!

Honda for You and Puppy Too!

2008-06-07T14:19:00.000-07:00

Get this, according to an article
in the Vancouver Sun, Honda has designed a car with your doggie
in mind. Ohh, I like this!

When barking around with my furry buds, one of our human peeves
is that it’s a bit of a challenge to get into our parent’s cars, especially
if they happen to be SUVs because they are so high off the ground.
OK… the little guys get carried in but what about the rest of us? While
young and agile a quick skip, hop and jump is easy for the Labs, Shepherds,
Weimaraners and other long legged canines. but for the Bull Mastiffs,
Rottweilers and others of us who are more “solid” in build, we often need
a bit of a push from the behind to help us get on board. And the giant
breeds have even more of a challenge --- think of the English Mastiff!
Its positively hard on the back and the gentle “push” from behind,
gets more and more difficult for the pet parent to maneuver.

Lots of pet parents with SUVs and cars with hatchbacks have bought
portable ramps which make the “walk on” much easier for every
dog, even for the fleet of foot as they get older. But now Honda has designed
a car with us pooches in mind. Take a look at this photo with the corgi,
one of our shortest legged cousins --- look at how low to the ground the
car is, how easy it is for any dog to just step in. Woof! For long trips,
add a doggie bed and we’re good to the next stop!

UNO - regal beagle crowned Best of Show at Madison Square Gardens

2008-02-15T09:45:00.000-08:00

Woof! The dog world is agog! Uno, a beagle, has won the coveted top prize at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show which just ended Tuesday this week at Madison Square Gardens in New York! This is the first time in the Show’s 132-year history that a beagle has won Best in Show! Arf! We are so proud!

Uno who is still a pup is no slouch when it comes to show biz but he is a true veteran when it comes to sashaying down the green carpet. With 32 Best of Breed titles under his haunches, Uno shamelessly played to the crowd and the judges.

Barking and baying at every chance, this spunky little cousin stayed true to his breed’s nature. Cute and sassy, Uno shamelessly cavorted down the green with plenty of “lets be friends” tail wagging and downright flirting with those golden-brown eyes. I must say that even I was taken in by this charming and handsome young lad!

Tuesday was the day of crowning. From the time he entered the rink, it was clear that Uno was the crowd favorite. Cheers and loud applause greeted him on arrival. He took it all in and loved it. I think he is a natural ham. You know, I almost expected the crowd to break out with the Star Spangled Banner as this most beloved American breed took top honors. Somewhere up in the sky, Snoopy is dancing a jig with Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts Gang to the chant of ”Uno, you do us proud!”

Seeing Eye Dog and Pilot

2008-01-25T10:42:00.000-08:00

BooBoo Barkley here ... I am so excited! This is my first posting!
I know how everyone loves a good story and a good laugh. I just had this one forwarded to me.

A woman was flying from Seattle to San Francisco. Unexpectedly, the plane was diverted to Sacramento along the way. The flight attendant explained that there would be a delay, and if the passengers wanted to get off the aircraft the plane would re-board in 50 minutes.

Everybody got off the plane except one lady who was blind. The man had noticed her as he walked by and could tell the lady was blind because her Seeing Eye dog lay quietly underneath the seats in front of her throughout the entire flight.

He could also tell she had flown this very flight before because the pilot approached her, and calling her by name, said, "Kathy, we are in Sacramento for almost an hour. Would you like to get off and stretch your legs?" The blind lady replied, "No thanks, but maybe Buddy would like to stretch his legs."

Picture this:

All the people in the gate area came to a complete standstill when they looked up and saw the pilot walk off the plane with a Seeing Eye dog!

The pilot was even wearing sunglasses. People scattered. They not only tried to change planes, but they were trying to change airlines!

I am told that is is a true story! It even had me rolling on the
carpet in stitches of woofing!

Barkfully yours.............

BooBoo Barkley
Chief Barker - BooBoo Speaks!

Announcement - BooBoo Barkley cops top job at Sit BooBoo Sit

2008-01-23T10:10:00.000-08:00

If the silence on this blog has been deafening it is because a lot has been happening behind the scenes at Sit BooBoo Sit! ... and we are so excited about the new developments. Here is the official press release that went out recently:

BOOBOO BARKLEY COPS TOP JOB AT SIT BOOBOO SIT

Valentina Bellicova founder and owner of Sit BooBoo Sit, announced today that the Board of Advisors of Sit BooBoo Sit have appointed BooBoo Barkley to the top job as the CEO.

“We are so excited by this appointment” Bellicova says. ”BooBoo Barkley was previously promoted to Chief Editor --- of course that is Chief Barker --- of the newsletter “BooBoo Speaks!” and we were getting such great comments from our readers about the newsletter being written in the voice of a dog. It just made sense to appoint BooBoo to the top job.

This makes Sit BooBoo Sit the only business that is run by a dog! Of course that wouldmake BooBoo Barkley the Top Dog of the company … probably the only one in the world!

We are expecting exciting things from BooBoo. As Chief Barker of BooBoo Speaks! Booboo is arguably the first spokesdog of the canine world. BooBoo expanded the content of the publication to include guest columnists on topical subjects of interest to pet parents. Another is the introduction of “Member Spotlight” which features pet parents and their precious pooch or pooches. Apparently there are other features in the works.

One of the first things BooBoo did as Top Dog, was to put together an Outrageous Offer --- a trendy lead and collar set of your choice from the shelves of Boo’s Boutique is yours for free with every coat or sweater purchase. Obviously BooBoo believes in strutting out in style and has made it possible for every pooch to be dressed to the nibs.

We know that BooBoo has a lot of ideas up his…errr…paw and invite pet parents everywhere to visit the website Sit BooBoo Sit where you will find selected quality dog accessories, clothes, toys and treats … be sure to sign up for the newsletter
BooBoo Speaks! --- it’s the best way to learn about trends, services, get tips on doggie care, and, of course readers are the first to know of new products and the specials that are offered.”

Bellicova takes on the role of VP Public Relations of Sit BooBoo Sit and as Agent and Spokesperson for BooBoo Barkley. BooBoo is available for interviews to published media and radio talk shows. To book an interview email valentina@sitbooboosit.com

Rent a Dog? No Way!

2007-08-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

It was first a snippet of an item on the local tv evening news then a few days later, an interview on a local radio station – a rent-a-dog service!

It seems that the growing doggie business, now racing towards the $40 Billion mark in the US alone, knows no bounds. I have no problem with the growing list of upscale services for our favorite furry friends, collars and leads accentuated with bling, spas that offer not only grooming but exercise and massage, and country club style stays for those times when travel with pet parents is not possible. The demarcation line between caring and spoiling is a blurry and moving target, but as far as I can see it, there is no harm done to the dog.

But Rent-a-Dog? I went to the web site to confirm what I thought I was hearing – yup, you might as well call it rent-a-dog. The site spins a good yarn about the benefits of such a service and I must admit that the woman who was being interviewed on the radio show, was most convincing that the dogs they rent out are the beneficiaries of this business in that they are all “re-homed” and are now well cared for. The market is people who love dogs but who are unable to own them – residency restrictions, long and/or frequent absences, or just plain not ready to take on the responsibilities of dog ownership.

Temporary ownership is country club membership driven:
Annual maintenance fee $99.95, monthly fee $49.95 – that is just a shade off $700 annually. On top of that there is a one time fee of $150 and a daily fee of $24.95 for weekdays and $39.95 for weekends. Not exactly chump change.

To me this instant gratification of temporary doggie companionship service smacks more of our growing penchant for pleasure without responsibility rather than the responsible response to a growing need that the business would have you believe it is.

You see I have a bit of a problem with treating any living thing like a piece of meat. Equate this to a human situation. How about providing services to a market that would like to spend some time with children, but does not have the time nor the inclination to have their own … well why not set up a Flexchild service? Go watch the kid shows, attend the Nutcracker Suite, have fun at the local splashdown park – and then voila, the day of fun has ended, child safely delivered to the doorstep of the service. Not enough time to develop friendships? Never mind, Flexfriend to the rescue. Go the mall, the movie, a party with a rented friend. Of course you get to choose – do you want to be seen as uber cool with an attractive friend? Lacking for a date? Well I think the escort services have already done that one to the max.

Dogs are sociable animals. They form a bond with their humans, the family they live with. I’m not sure how a revolving “family” would play out in the dog’s psyche. I don’t know. Does the dog in residence learn to play cute and loving on demand knowing that such is the way to a warm and lovely bed? To treats? In that the dog has a “regular” home to return to does it then just view the temporary human and lodging as part of a job? Does this then become a working dog? Even in the dog working world, dogs are partnered with the same human for reasons of stability and compatibility.

Here are my thoughts. If you are truly a lover of dogs but do not have the time or ability to own one, do yourself and a lot of hardworking people a favor: volunteer at the local animal shelter, take a dog or two out for a walk. The staff will be ever so grateful and the dogs will reward you with adoring eyes and sloppy kissies. The money that you would be paying for renting a dog? Donate that to worthy organizations. In addition to the local animal shelter there are plenty of rescue organizations that go to great lengths to find a good home for newly homeless dogs – a home that really wants the dog, has the time and space for it and will lavish the love and care that we all deserve, dogs and humans alike.

Botox for Shar-peis?

2007-07-05T19:53:00.000-07:00

A week or so ago I was visiting the fishing village of Steveston. This is a little patch of land in the greater Vancouver area which is historic, unique and most picturesque. I love to visit and whenever I do I stop by for a feed of good old fashioned fish and chips. The restaurants and takeouts line the pier facing the fishing boats loaded with their goods brought fresh from the ocean.

As you can imagine this is a friendly and welcoming sort of place. Fish hawkers, ice cream vendors, souvenir shops and eateries all vie for your and your dog's dollar! Yes! Many come with their furry friends to feast on a filet of salmon or halibut whilst taking in the scene. There are many outdoor tables so that your pooch can sit close to the table and hope for morsels to fall into his expectant mouth. Lip smacking good all the way around.

It was on such an afternoon that I met Tazzie and Botox -- two darling shar-peis that were holding court on the pier. I'm a sucker for anything cute and of course shar-peis deliver in spades or should that be in wrinkles? Their owner, Randall, it turns out handles a line of brushes that will make any dog hair vanish with a mere sweep over the offending article -- be it a black pair of pants, a designer sofa straight from Roche Bobois or simply the seats in your car. Shar-peis it seems shed a lot. All short haired dogs do. Look for the FURemover at your favorite pet store.
We chatted a bit about dogs, shared a laugh over the name Botox, and laughed some more as someone observed " . . . well I'm not getting any botox treatment, obviously did not work on the dog . . . "

Fast forward to yesterday . . . on my porch, the local paper with a photo of a shar-pei. Now, I did notice that in the community where I live, there seems to be an increasing number of these cute wrinkly pups, who do grow into their wrinkles as they reach adulthood, or at least their bodies do but the faces stay adorably furled as one wrinkle falls over another.

"Shar-peis in distress" the paper toutes and quotes Dr. Kevin Harris, a local vet as saying " . . . there is so much skin on their face and their forehead that it rolls their eye lids in and they can't see. They actually have damaged corneas . . . "

The article goes on to describe how the folds resting on the cornea cause pain, vision problems and ultimately blindness. The shar-pei traces its roots to China and was near extinction as recently as the 1970's. Today there is no shortage of these cute and cuddly doggies. Dr. Harris however, is not as enamored with them as we are. It's not the dog he objects to but the health problems that this breed endures. He's had to do major surgery to help these shar-peis and from his perspective it would be better if people just opted for another type of breed.
Soooooo . . . .thinking of Botox. I wonder? Is it worth a try?

Tea Tree Oil - Good for Dogs as well as You!

2007-05-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

With the advent of warmer weather and longer daylight come games of Frisbee and catch ball with your doggie at the park or perhaps a hike in the backwoods. It’s marvelous to go out and smell the fresh air, watch the greening of the trees and hear the chirping of busy birds as they fly to and fro, gathering material for their nests. But the warmer weather has its nasty side as well – mosquitoes and other bugs that delight in making a meal of you and your furry friend. Never fear! Tea Tree oil is here!

Tea tree oil, often referred to as the “wonder from Down Under” is a wonder indeed. This amazing essential oil from Australia should be in every first aid kit. Indeed, when I was in Australia last year, no decent Aussie household would be found without a vial or two in their medicine cabinet. If there ever was such a thing as a magic potion, then tea tree oil would have to be it.

Identified as having no less than 48 properties, it has been scientifically proven to be an antiseptic of extraordinary strength, it is at the same time non-toxic and a non-irritant and proven to be soothing and healing.

The use of tea tree oil by the Australian military in the second world war is legendary. Australian Soldiers fighting in the jungles of the Pacific were less susceptible to tropical diseases and their infantry had the healthiest feet (very important if you are in the infantry) of all the allied forces. The reason being that mosquitoes and other bugs apparently are not fond of tea tree oil so these disease bearing insects moved on to other armies for their vitles.

Why so? Well, the Australian soldiers sprayed themselves with a solution of water and tea tree oil thus ensuring that they would be found to be unappetizing to those pesky bugs. They also bathed their sore feet in water to which drops of tea tree oil were added. This cleansed their feet, soothed them and promoted a quick healing process for any cuts, sores or abrasions.

So before heading into the great outdoors, buy yourself some good quality tea tree oil, add a few drops to a spray bottle of water, and spray both yourself and your dog. Be sure to get your dog’s underbelly done – this is where our pets are most vulnerable. Now you can rest easy that you doggie won’t be coming home with any bites!

Another good tea tree oil item to have on hand is an antibiotic cream or gel. A scuffle for that ball or long hike up rough mountain terrain can mean scrapes and cuts to your dog’s feet. Bathe the feet and wounds with a solution of tee tree oil and water, pat dry, and apply the cream to promote quick healing.

Fleas! To prevent them from making a home of your dog simply spray just like you would against other bugs. If your doggie has somehow inadvertently picked up a squadron or so, rub tea tree oil all over his body – those fleas will literally flee. Using a doggie shampoo with tea tree oil is good too, and the side benefit is that your dog’s coat will take on a super healthy shine and his skin will be silkier and softer too!

What I like about using tea tree oil, especially against bugs, is that it has none of the harmful effects of other insect deterrents. I know that when I buy a good quality tea tree oil and put it to use on my dog that no harm will come to him.

Putting on the Ritz - Just You and Your Fritz

2007-03-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

To You its Just a Collar - To Your Dog it’s a Wardrobe!

At the very least, every dog owns a collar and a lead – it’s the very minimum and what to you may be just a collar and a lead, to your dog, it’s a wardrobe or at least, the very minimum a requirement to being well dressed pooch!

Its spring. What better time to spiff up your wardrobe and while at it, ducking in to your favorite doggie haberdashery and picking up a new set or two of collars and leads for your best friend. Choices have never been so plenty.

Lucky the dog that can strut down the walk in a Gucci or an Hermes hand tooled leather collar and lead. So handsome! So elegant! Just whip out the platinum card, swipe it once, and out you walk with bags full of clothing for you and your furry friend. Add a customized I.D. for good measure.

Designer duds are great, but they do tend to be a bit hard on the wallet. Despair not. There are plenty of alternative brands and designs that will have you and your dog stepping out in style. I like all the woven fabric ones that have designs woven right into the collar - now that’s making a statement! How about a nice brown background with green lettering proclaiming “Good Dog” all around the collar and a matching lead! One of my favorites is a green collar with white daisies all around and of course, the matching lead. These fashion statements need not stress out your finances – you’ll find good quality in the $20 plus range.

No self respecting pet parent would have their dog go out without an I.D. Tag and what better way to complete an outfit than with a customized enameled light weight stainless steel that says “Good Dog” on one side and engraved with all your dog’s stats on the other. Get several - one for each collar!

When you think about it – there’s nothing like putting on the Ritz as your Fritz takes the honors of being Top Dog of the Walk!

Collars and tags selected just for your Fritzie at
Boo's Bootique

Snowy and Tintin Going to Hollywood!

2007-03-14T20:18:00.000-07:00

After languoring in benign neglect for a quarter of a century, Snowy and his intrepid Belgium cub reporter are going to Hollywood!

Steven Spielberg’s Dreamworks, a division of Viacom, have recently announced that a movie featuring the famous cartoon character Tintin and his loyal dog Snowy is in production and will be likely playing at a theater in your neighborhood within two years or less.

No word yet as to whether the movie will be in cartoon form or whether real actors will be cast. In my view, it does not matter. I have always been a fan of Tintin and Snowy. Intelligent and entertaining, Tintin and Snowy were the brainchild of Georges Remi, better known as Herge.

Herge was a Belgium cartoonist and worked for various newspapers starting right out of the chute after graduating from high school. His altar ego, Tintin is a cub reporter who finds himself on one improbable adventure after another. Whether in Soviet Russia, China, Tibet or the Congo, a cast of evil characters obliges our hero in his quest to fight the bad, and in true heroic fashion, uphold the good.

Snowy is Tintin’s dog. Of indeterminate breed, Snowy is so named because of his color and it could be said that he lends a whole new depth of meaning to the saying that a dog is man’s best friend, for indeed, were it not for his timely presence at the most critical moments, Tintin’s life and limb would long have met their final demise. Snowy is smart, intuitive, brave and takes on human proportions in the reader’s mind.

It is no surprise that Tintin and Snowy appealed to Spielberg. The rich cast of characters and locations as fashioned by Herge would be the equivalent of a candy store for a kid and Spielberg is a fascinating kid himself! I see another series of the likes of Indiana Jones, only this time, instead of the professorial Indy it will be the intrepid Tintin and his loyal dog Snowy who will keep us entertained, laughing and in rapt suspense for the whole ride! In the meantime you can go to Amazon and pick up the complete works of Herge's Adventures of Tintin and Snowy

China Issues One Dog Policy

2007-03-04T17:23:00.000-08:00

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 sported by people but on their doggies as well. Decreed to smaller dogs, you can be sure that Chinese pet parents will be snapping up the Prada Dog Carrier. both for its cache and comfort. Witness the new royal – the family dog - being taken out for its morning air on the Bund. No hard pavement for these tender tootsies. Into the Bag this adorable fluff of brown or white is placed for its “walkies” in style and splendor. Pets of distinction! Oh Yes. Absolutely!

9 Rules for Basic Dog Care

2007-02-19T15:22:00.000-08:00

Bringing a dog into your life, is just like adding a new family member. Bringing up doggie may not be the same as bringing up baby, but remarkably some basics are similar.

#1. The Dog House
Give your dog a home – literally. Make sure that somewhere in your house there is a home for your dog. It can be a separate small room or a corner of the family room, but it should be designated as his space. Some people put a dog crate lined with soft, washable bedding in a separate part of the house to which the dog can retire when the family does. Having his own “house” within the house, gives him a sense of security. If an extra room is not available, put his bed in a nice corner of the family room. Some families designate a soft chair for their pet – I’m not too keen on this as it’s not practical to keep it clean.

If you have a fenced in back yard get an outdoor doghouse for those times when you may want to have your dog outside – particularly during the non-winter months. A dog house provides shelter from the rain or the hot noonday sun. Do not however, make a practice of leaving your dog out all the time. Dogs are social animals and love being with their humans.

#2. Dress Right
At the very least your dog will need a collar, a lead and an ID tag. I have seen some really smart looking lead and collar sets and when I see dogs out on walks. Judging from the way they strut you’d think that they are aware of their appearance! You will get an ID tag when you license your dog, but I really like the customized ones – they add to your dog’s appearance and are not at all costly.

If you live in a cold winter climate and doggie is short haired, he will be a much happier camper with a nice dog coat or sweater. Those windy Chicago winters can just as hard on your pet as they are on you. Dress well.

#3. Get a Vet
A vet is as important for your dog as a doctor is for you. When you get a puppy most vaccinations will already have been given by the breeder but it’s a good idea to introduce your puppy to his vet as soon as possible. Regular checkups will keep your dog healthy and if you travel with your dog, you may need to get regular booster shots. Select your vet with care.

#4. Spay or Neuter.
Did you know that spaying or neutering your dog actually promotes better health, a longer life and reduces problem behavior such as biting or running away? Check with your vet as to when to schedule this routine surgical procedure for your puppy. If you are adopting an adult dog there is not wait time necessary. Do your part in reducing pet overpopulation

#5. Chef not necessary – a good diet is.
In the country where I grew up there were no pet stores or prepared pet food then, so mom became the dog chef and cooked for our dogs. Rice was the basic and she would put various meats or fish and even veggies into a big pot and cook it for several hours.

Today it is not necessary to cook for our dogs. Choose a good nutritious diet for your dog. There are many good national brands that you can purchase at any good pet store. Small, boutique style manufacturers are also on the increase. Fresh ingredients, shorter shell life, no preservatives are some of the benefits of buying a localized brand. Again, check with your vet.

Be sure there is always fresh water available.

#6. Doggie School.
A well trained dog is a pleasure to behold and to hold. If your own training efforts are not paying off, take your pooch to a local trainer. Select several to interview. Ask which method of training they use (some training methods may be harsh) and as always, ask for references or check with the local shelter for names of reputable trainers in your area.

#7. Daily Walkies
Exercise regularly. Depending on the breed and size of your dog, the amount of daily exercise will vary – clearly a greyhound will need a lot more exercise than say a St. Bernard. Both are big dogs but their exercise needs differ. Walking your dog is a dual benefit – its as good for you as it is for him. If yours is a small dog taking him everywhere in its posh carrier does not qualify as exercise. Be sure to put him down on the pavement or grass and let him walk!

#8. Control
Remember this cardinal rule: off property, on lead. I can think of only two exceptions: doggie parks and a deserted country side.

#9. Last but not least, be patient. Your new dog needs time to learn how to live in his new surroundings, how to behave with his new family, what is acceptable behavior. Your new family member will give you unconditional love and loyalty – give him a good start with love and loyalty from you!

Dog Ushers in Pig

2007-02-14T17:14:00.000-08:00

Dog ushers in pig! Yes! According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the year 2007 begins this weekend and following the Chinese astrological cycle, these are the last days of The Year of the Dog as celebrations begin on February 17 to welcome the Year of the Pig.

Astrology! You’ve got to love it! Whether you are a die hard believer and venture nothing new without first consulting the stars, the tarot cards and the feng shui master; or just a recreational gazer at the weekly horoscope column, you’ve got to admit it – its fun!

As with everything astrological, each sign has its own characteristics. It comes as no surprise that dog people have a fierce sense of loyalty to those they love – in fact in my opinion that is the strongest characteristic of a dog and so should be present in the dog person.

Dogs by nature are an honest animal and have a strong sense if duty. Have you ever seen a dog not take to someone? They either shy away or take an aggressive posture, sometimes emitting a low growl or curling their lip upwards and showing their fangs. It may just be that the environment is strange to them, or that they are being protective of some one or thing. You will find that dog people have these very same characteristics. Perhaps at times the honesty is just too much – they can hurt others with their bluntness.
They do not mean to hurt.

Dogs give of themselves as do the people born in the year of the dog. They are generous with their time and their company. You can always count on a dog person to be there for you when things are just a little out of kilter,

People of the dog also display great leadership qualities. Invaluable in a group they also do well in taking leadership in their own well being and in that of others. Change, however, is not their strong suite. They build a house of comfort and are happiest when the universe unfolds within their world.

The Chinese astrological signs have a twelve year cycle – so it will be 2018 before another Year of the Dog rolls around again. So if you have a “dog” in your life, be grateful for his friendship and loyalty. Show your appreciation; return his love and adoration with a special treat. Nothing is too good for your pooch – treat him to brunch at your local pooch café and show them who is Top Dog of your Walk!

Canine Ambassadors of the Fairmonts

2007-02-06T14:16:00.000-08:00

If you are staying at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston http://www.fairmont.com/copleyplaza/ do not be surprised if on checking in you are quickly accosted by a black beauty. Her bold glance, wiggly hips and shameless nuzzling can catch you off guard, but one look at her limpid eyes and you’ve just forever lost your heart to … Catie! Stand in line if you want to spend some time with her – she’s booked up to three months in advance!

Catie is the resident dog at the Copley http://www.fairmont.com/cop/catiecopley/. Arguably, Catie is the most popular dog in Boston - she’s certainly the most famous! Catie belongs to a unique and somewhat elite group: the Canine Ambassadors of the Fairmont Hotels. Her job is to spread goodwill and that she does most admirably with a friendly wag of the tail and an adoring welcome to one and all.

Jim Carey, the hotel’s director of concierge admits that he wasn’t all that keen on the idea of having a dog as part of guest services. But precedence had already been set. Two of the Copley’s sister hotels in Vancouver, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouverhttp://www.fairmont.com/hotelvancouver/and the Fairmont Vancouver Waterfronthttp://www.fairmont.com/waterfront/ already had resident pooches and the program was very successful – why, even Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Vancouver had taken the doggie for a spin around the block! Now, Jim laughs, he might just as easily change his title to Catie’s Manager! In addition to booking her “walks” with guests, Catie’s schedule is kept full with community services. She’s made guest appearances at various fund raising functions, visited classrooms, and now it seems may even be going on sales calls. Is there a movie career in the offing? Perhaps. Jim is in the final stages of a book based on Catie’s escapades and he truly believes that there is a good story line there for an entertaining TV series – Catie Undercover!

Back in Vancouver where the program originated, labs holding court in the lobby are Mavis and Beau at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and Morgan at the Fairmont Waterfront. As with the Copley, the dogs of Vancouver live with their concierge. Beau is the newest addition. It seems guests were disappointed to find that they could not book a walk with Mavis on the weekends. In true Fairmont hospitality fashion Beau was quickly added and put on a different schedule than that of Mavis. At just 3 months this delightful yellow lab is still in training. His concierge, Debbie Harris says that he is very easy going – naps a lot, and plays a lot! Now isn’t that just like a boy!

The Fairmont canine ambassadors all come from the Dog Guide Services. You might say that midway through their training they had a career change. Catie developed cataracts, Mavis was too friendly, Beau was too laid back and my personal suspicion about Morgan is that he had a secret desire to be the Top Dog of the walk on Vancouver’s Waterfront!

Guests booking walks with one of these dogs are given a doggie pack including a map and some treats. Book in advance – especially as warmer weather and tourist season are just around the corner. The Fairmont chain of hotels http://www.fairmont.com/ are super pet friendly. Your own dog can check in with you. If your stay is in Vancouver or Boston, chances are your furry companion will receive a welcome package from the Canine Ambassadors of the Fairmonts! Either – or … enjoy your stay!

Dog and Man - A Symbiotic Relationship

2007-01-08T09:54:00.000-08:00

At some point on the arc of time, long before history began, caveman Og and animal Dog forged a symbiotic relationship which has stood the age old test of time.

How it began, one can only guess. The relationship between man and dog is truly unique. No other animal shares pride of place with humans the way that a dog does, and no other animal showers us with such unwavering loyalty, unconditional love and provides us protection. I like to think that man and dog were drawn to each other for mutual benefits if not yet admiration.

Consider Og out on his daily hunt. Fighting a saber tooth tiger or even bagging a wild boar was a monumental task best the success of which was largely dependent on the tactical execution of fine honed hunting skills. Success meant food for the family, a hide for clothing and warmth, and a prolonged life. Failure at best was hunger and the gift of another day to try; at worst there was none.

Ferocious and fighting for equal survival was dog. It is not inconceivable that the quarry was the same. Having mortally wounded or killed outright, it is plausible that the caveman quickly threw some spoils of the game to the dog so as not to be attacked by this other vicious animal … better to busy the creature with something given, than to have to fight it off for the whole carcass and risk losing it all.

Over time dog came to associate good things with man. A dual attack upped the chance of success for both and success meant food. Dog began to hang around man. Man became valuable to dog so it became natural for dog to give him protection. Man began to recognize the value of dog, and rewarded his new companion with food and shelter. The first mutual admiration society was formed!

Latchkey Pooches - Doggie Nanny to the Rescue!

2006-12-20T15:54:00.000-08:00

We all know about latchkey kids – kids who wear the
house key on a chain around their necks safely hidden
under their clothing. They use the key to let
themselves in when they come home from school because
there is no one home to let them in.

What about latchkey pooches? Doggies that are cooped
up at home all day long while their moms and dads are
out at work all day? Can you imagine their joy – and
relief – when the latchkey turns the lock signaling
that you are home?

Imagine what it would feel like if you were cooped up
all day? Aside from loneliness you would be hard
pressed not to have your back teeth floating having to
hold it for 8 or more hours at a stretch! Its not
healthy and its not right.

There is a solution – doggie day care or doggie nanny.
There is a difference? Oh yes. Lets take each one
on its own.

If you work your business from home as increasingly
many of us do, then you can take a few mini breaks
throughout the day and step outside to exercise
yourself and your dog – the fresh air is invigorating
and even a brisk 10 minute walk is good for the
constitution. But what about those days when you are
working to a deadline, or you’ve got yourself booked
with a full day of meetings, or your business may take
you away for a day or two.

Boarding your dog for short stints is disruptive to
your dog’s routine. A better alternative is to hire a
dog walker or nanny. Dog walking services are
becoming increasingly available both in cities and the
burbs. You can book a dog walker just like you would
a baby sitter and arrange for a single or a double
walk per day. Most dog walkers will take up to 6
customers per walk. The advantage is that not only
does your dog get her exercise for the day, but she
also gets to socialize with other dogs. You can be
assured of at least some good romping and running,
maybe a game of fetch ball and overall good fun. You
come home to a happy, healthy and well exercised dog.

Dog walkers are a great solution for busy days but
what about the “away” days? I do't mean the long
absences - you would definitely want to source out
a reputable doggie campfor those he shor- but the short
stints away from home of just a few nights. Solution?
Get a dog nanny! Rather than boarding have a dog
nanny save the day. The advantages are that your
best friend gets to stay in her own home with
familiar sights and sounds. She gets to sleep
in her own bed and food and exercise are
consistent, not to mention the presence of crime
deterrent. Sloppy kisses all around on your return!

If on the other hand you’re not a member of the
growing minions of people who work from home then I
would recommend a doggy day care. Drop off or pickup
service – the choice is yours. Routine and
consistency make for a happy dog and a doggie day care
provides for socializing, exercising, toys and comfy
nappy beds. Some dog day care centers provide walks
while others feel that the exercise the dogs
participate in is more than sufficient to keep them
fit and healthy.

Whatever your choice do your homework. Make sure that
the dog walkers/nannies and day care centers are
certified and bonded. Be certain of what services
will be provided; one hour walk or two half hour
walks? Pickup and drop off? Maximum number of dogs
per walk? Pet first aid? Add on services?
Obedience training? Massage? Grooming? Depending on
your lifestyle you may need to mix and match.
Whatever services you decide on be sure to interview
the providers of the services. A good source is your
own set of friends who may already be using these
services. Whom do they use? Ask them what they like
about the services/premises? Are there some
shortfalls? Last, but not least, interview, ask
pertinent questions, and observe the interaction
between provider and dog.

For the love of your dog its the least you can do!

Making the A List

2006-12-13T11:29:00.000-08:00

Its grand to make the A lisit and rub shoulders with the distinguished and the beautiful, but how to join the ranks of Paris Hilton and have the invites include your doggie?

A well mannered dog, just like a well mannered human, is a pleasure to be with and receives more treats and invitations to fun places than its ill mannered cousins. What that means to you is that friends are more likely to accept your invitations, often bearing gifts not only for you, but a treat or two for your pet baby too. Same friends are likely to invite you to their home and casually drop “oh, and bring Cujo with you…” Now your sweetie will not be left alone, sulking in silence on his futon while you go off to enjoy yourself. A well mannered dog is also easier to live with.

But how to ensure that your dog is well mannered? Your new pup is full of energy, bounding here and there, jumping up on you, tugging at its leash, lunging at other dogs, and the most unpardonable of all, not letting you know that hmmm … it needs a nature break.

Ok, most of us do a good job of housetraining. Horror of horrors however, I have witnessed guest dogs leaving unwelcome deposits in hallways and foyers! But what about the social graces of a pooch? While we may think it’s cute that Cujo shows his excitement at the arrival of our guests by jumping up on them, I can assure you your guests are less enthused about this form of greeting than you are. Aside from torn stockings, snagged pants or skirt, a bigger dog’s weight can topple a youngster or an elderly person. This most common doggie faux pas can easily be corrected. When your pooch next jumps up to greet you, gently bend your leg and push him away with your knee.

When out on walkies a well mannered dog will stay by your side, not pulling or tugging every which way. When let off the leash, a well mannered dog will return when called, the first time, every time. Dining out? Of course – al fresco, nicely tucked away beside you and the table. Super friendly to dogs? Yes! I have seen an elderly gentleman enjoying his daily morning latte, with his furry friend seated at the table, enjoying a croissant or two. It is so neat to see! Warning – be sure that you never give your dog anything with chocolate, definitely not on their diet list and can be lethal.

So how do you ensure that Cujo and you are the epitome of good manners? The obvious is to go to training classes – both of you will learn and your dog will learn to socialize not only with other humans but also with other dogs. The Yellow Pages will have listings in your area. Interview the training centers and don’t be afraid to ask for referrals. Another option is to purchase good online training material. I like SitStayFetch http://goldenkoi.sitstay.hop.clickbank.net/?type=nohop a comprehensive, quick study dog training course by renowned trainer Daniel Stevens. No need to wait for delivery – this course is instantly downloadable as an e.book and within minutes you and your luvvy puppy are on your way to being on everyone’s “A” list. Ah yes ... Paris? Who?

Can't Adopt? Take a Dog for a Walk!

2006-12-07T17:07:00.000-08:00

If you cast envious glances at people walking their dogs, and long for the companionship of man’s best friend, but owning one of your own is not an option at this point, despair not. You can tousle the shaggy coat of a sheltie, scratch the ear of a shepherd or toss a stick for the lab to retrieve without actually owning one. Both you and the dog will enjoy yourselves, it won’t cost you a penny and you will do a lot of good too!

Of course the reality is that the sheltie will in all likelihood be a cross, the shepherd only vaguely identifiable as such only because it is the dominant breed of several present and the same may be said for the lab. Frisky, friendly, loving and eager to please. They spend most of their days behind barred doors in hopes that the next human to walk through the door will free them from the shackles of a crime they did not commit. Where is this place, you ask. How Terrible! What can I do about it?

I refer of course to the SPCA and your local animal shelter which are not terrible at all. Thank goodness that such facilities exist, otherwise who knows what fate would await these animals who have outlived their usefulness and have been tossed out on the “redundant” dog scrap heap. Thank goodness that there is a temporary shelter for that lovable mutt – some good loving care, food, vet help, exercise - for perhaps a week or a tad longer and then hopefully a new home.

The shelters all over the country are filled to capacity and manpower is often stretched to the limit. . Dogs need to socialize both amongst themselves and with humans and can fall into depression if this very important activity is curtailed. You can help. Pick a day, or two or more and decide that these will be your dog walking days. Or, if you have total time flexibility, call up your local animal shelter and ask them when your help would be most welcome.

Now you have a walking companion. Here are just some benefits:

- By taking on the chore of walking a dog or two, you will free up some valuable time for the employees of the center who can then devote more of their time and attention to other much needed activities.

- Dogs need exercise. So do people. Too many of us succumb to the lure of the couch and the numbing programs we find on TV. Is it any wonder then that we are becoming an overweight nation. Walking as little as just half an hour a day or at least an hour three times a week helps us keep those unwanted pounds away from us and the result is a healthier you.

- You’ll develop new friends – granted most of them will answer to double syllable names like Plato, Snoopy, Darby and more. You’ll be met with an enthusiastic welcome, smothered with slobbery kisses, hugged to bits with eagerness and gratefully thanked with heart melting glances. You’ll get no backtalk and won’t need to worry if you’re dressed right or know the latest in hip talk.

- Research shows that dogs have a calming effect on us. Studies indicate that after being in the company of a dog for a half hour or more, tension and stress levels are significantly reduced in humans. Walking a dog takes your mind off a problem or more importantly, gives you the quiet time to think things through without pressure.

- Fresh air - enough here. Everyone knows that fresh air stimulates the brain and increases our mental capacity.

- You’ll learn and grow. You’ll learn more about animals and when the time is right you will be better prepared to care for a pooch of your own. .

Here in my own back yard, there is a small group of very youthful senior citizens. They call themselves the K-nines. Three mornings a week they head off to the local SPCA and make a lot of dogs happy. Word is getting out in the community and others are either joining this group or starting their own. It all began with just one woman who loved dogs but lived in an apartment that did not allow pets. Oh yes, on each outing this motley crew walks 9 kilometers which is just a little over 5 miles. Are they having a good time? You bet! Are they getting fit? Yup! Are they helping their community? Absolutely! Can you do the same? Why not? Can't adopt? Walk!

How To Choose Your Dog

2006-12-02T20:59:00.000-08:00

So you’ve decided to grow your family. Chance meetings with dogs are on the increase. At the magazine stand a friendly pooch stares out of the pages at you. Late night reruns are suddenly awash with dogs – from Turner and Hooch to 101 Dalmatians! Even your friends are gushing about their new furred family addition! Your heart has been played and a dog it is. Now what? Where do you go to get a dog and how do you select one?

Your options are many and may be as simple as accepting a puppy as a gift from a friend who’s just been blessed with a new litter. Chances are this is not going to be the case. Your choice should be governed by several considerations. Lets go over some of the logistics:

1. Have dogs always been part of your life? If so you can proceed with a slightly higher degree of certainty and comfort as to what you are looking for. More than likely you will want a dog of similar size, breed and temperament as the one you grew up with. If you’ve never owned a dog before, you may want to do some homework first.

2. Do you live in a house with a yard, a townhouse or a condominium? Although I have seen big dogs on city streets it is my opinion that they are best suited for a house with a yard. All dogs like to be played with but a big dog is best played with out in the yard where there is more room for him to romp around and run without having to be careful about furniture and furnishings. Small dogs on the other hand can play tug of war and other games in the house without disrupting your décor.

3. If the dog will be joining a family with young children you need to consider its temperament. It is no wonder that the Labrador and the Golden Retriever are a favored breed with families – they are at once protective, gentle and indulgent of small humans and incredibly forgiving of the prying and prodding of their tiny hands!

If on the other hand you and dog will form a family of two, you can opt for all kinds of other considerations. You probably have a breed in mind. If you want a purebred, go to a dog show or twol. Not only will you see some fine dogs of your preferred breed, but you can also compare them to other breeds of similar size. I remember when we were looking for a dog but were not sure whether we wanted a Rotweiler or a Weimeraner, we attended such a show and absolutely fell in love with an English Mastiff! Ok. Big difference in size but it’s a breed we would not have even thought of had we not seen one at a dog show.

4. Purebred or mutt? The advantage of a purebred is that you know what the puppy will grow up to look like and you know what its main characteristics are. A sheltie is a herding dog and very protective. A Shepherd or a Doberman make for good guard dogs. A mutt on the other hand, unless already grown, is more of a mystery. Of indeterminate breed(s), that cute little ball of fur may end up growing into quite a large dog with who knows what characteristics. A mutt, I have heard it said, is the true original dog – it is one of a kind, a true designer dog!

5. Breeder or the animal shelter? Definitely, if you have settled on a purebred, you want to get your puppy from a reputable breeder. There is probably a local breeder that you can visit. Your visit will tell you a lot about both the breeder and the dog you will bring home. Make sure the facilities are clean, the dogs well cared for and it would be good if you could have a reference or two.

Our animal shelters are overcrowded. Mostly mistakes, sometimes abandoned or just given up, these dogs make for excellent companions. Once again, if this dog is coming home to a family with young children, a puppy would probably be a better choice. If on the other hand, the children are older or its just you, an adult dog will give you just as much pleasure and joy. The advantage here is that it is probably already house trained and there are no surprises as to what it will look like when it is grown! Pound mutts come with a pedigree all their own and are much lighter on the wallet too!

Whatever your choice remember that this is a lifetime commitment. Bringing a dog into your life is not a spur of the moment decision. A dog is a life, it needs nurturing and loving, caring and giving. You’ll be rewarded with sloppy kisses, adoration and unconditional love. Happiness here is a two way street.

Snoopy, The Most Famous Dog of All

2006-11-28T07:44:00.000-08:00

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

2006-11-20T12:13:00.000-08:00

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!