I posted recently about how some people trust their dog’s judgment when choosing their dates and mates. Here’s a new twist on that theme.
As you know, I search the Internet daily, looking for news that might be of interest to dog-lovers. This one just cracked me up, and I had to share it.
Yesterday’s post talked about the fix all of us are in as the economy gasps for life. If you are trying to find ways to cut back, maybe you can consider some of the ideas shown below for reducing expenses related to your favorite pets.
Continue reading Top Ten Ways to Save Money On Your Dog’s Needs
A recent post on MainStreet.com says pet spending will likely decline this year due to the economic crunch most of us are feeling. While the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association had originally forecast we’d spend $43.4 billion on our pets this year, that number may prove optimistic as the year winds down.
Here’s a few fun sports and activities for dogs, “scootering” is a new one to me.
If you have a really active dog who just can’t seem to get enough exercise, scootering might be something to look into. It’s sort of a warm-weather equivalent of dog sledding, great if you live in a warmer climate or just aren’t that into snow. The dogs are harnessed to a two-wheeled scooter, and you ride along pulled behind the dogs. Check out DogScooter.com to learn more.
An older activity similar to scootering is carting, where the dogs pull a human behind them in a wheeled cart, similar to a horse-drawn carriage but much smaller. This sport is growing in popularity in North America. It’s probably not as much fun for humans to ride as a scooter, but more practical for running errands.
If your dog loves jumping in the water, dock jumping is a really fun activity for him or her. If your pooch excels at it and can leap a great distance off the end of the dock, there are even national competitions for dock jumping. A yellow Labrador Retriever named Heidi has a personal best of 25 feet, 2 inches, good enough for the 2008 DockDogs National Championships, being held this month.
How many of you received this picture by e-mail, with an accompanying story about how Brutus won the Congressional Medal of Honor from his heroic activities in Iraq? I have received it several times, and almost posted it, but decided to check it out on Snopes.com first.
According to Snopes, the dog pictured above is Spike, a retired police dog from Scottsdale, Arizona. Spike is a Belgian Malinois, not a Boxer/Bull Mastiff mix, as the e-mail asserts.
If you want to check it out yourself, click here.
And don’t believe everything you read on the Internet!
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!
If you haven’t already done so, read yesterday’s blog about the theories of how the dog evolved from wolves. Then, weigh in with your opinion on how it happened.
A little science lesson for you today, and pay attention, as this will be the subject of tomorrow’s Survey Saturday.
I think most of us would agree that dogs evolved from wolves, but have you ever wondered how that happened? Turns out there are four competing theories.
What a great story! (And perfect timing, since this is National Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog month.)
Blackie, a 3-year old Labrador retriever mix was turned over to the Edmonton Humane Society last May when his guardians couldn’t afford the $3,500 surgery he needed to repair his back leg. The people had paid for similar surgery on his other leg, but apparently just couldn’t swing it twice. (Who could???)
Anyways, the shelter was afraid that a new adoptive family would be tough to find, given that the new guardians would have to foot the bill for the surgery. They were just sure they’d have to put the dog down.
But, lo and behold, the good people of Edmonton came through, donating enough to the shelter’s sick and injured animal fund to pay for the surgery. Blackie had his operation at the end of August and has been recovering in a foster home. He was put up for adoption today – no word yet on who the lucky adoptive family is.
I told you it was a great story!
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!
[Picture credit: David Bloom / Sun Media]
October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month! What will you do to celebrate?
Nearly 10 million animals enter shelters each year in the United States for reasons ranging from behavior problems to housing or lifestyle conflicts to expectations not being met. Only about 25% of these animals are subsequently adopted, and although progress has been made, as many as 50% of shelter animals are still euthanized.
So, other than adopting another dog for your family, which many of us can’t necessarily do, how else can you help? Consider spending a few hours a week volunteering. Shelters can always use dog walkers, dog bathers, cage cleaners, or any number of other helpers.
If you can’t spare even an extra hour out of your busy schedule, you might make a donation to your local shelter. They can always use cash, of course, but will also appreciate food, towels, paper towels, cat litter, leashes/collars, food dishes, and newspapers.
Above all, before you adopt any dog into your home, make sure you are willing to make a lifetime commitment to him, so that you don’t add to the problem – your dog must never become a shelter dog!
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways!
Below, doggies.com’s top ten ways to show your dog how much you love him.