Research has shown that secondhand smoke is linked to certain cancers and allergies in dogs. Now WebMD reports that many smokers are willing to try to quit if it means it will improve their pets’ health.
Tag Archives: dogs
Saturday Survey: Do You Chain Your Dog Outside?
If you’ve been following along this week, you will remember the post from Thursday that talks about chaining dogs to their doghouses for hours on end. But, I do realize that if you don’t have a fence, you may not have options, so I’m not judging! I thought it might make an interesting poll question though. Please participate below.
Continue reading Saturday Survey: Do You Chain Your Dog Outside?
Dogs in the Art World
My local paper, the Canton Repository is reporting today that 2nd April Galerie (a local non-profit gallery featuring local artists in the downtown arts district) is holding a benefit for Friends of the Pound, a volunteer advocacy group that promotes shelter dog adoptions in Stark County, Ohio.
I’m not sure what the connection between the two is, but I thought it was a neat idea. You know I always harp about taking your dog everywhere you go to socialize him, and it seems this event follows that theme – who’da thunk about connecting dogs to an art gallery?
The show, called “The Art of Kindness”, opens this Thursday and runs through September 19th. At tomorrow night’s opening, they will have appetizers, wine, live entertainment, a 12-hour paint-a-thon by a local artist (Vicki Boatright) and adoptable dogs. I’m assuming the wine is for the people, but there’s no word on whether the appetizers will be for the people or the dogs.
I actually know Vicki. She is also a children’s counselor and has treated some of my foster kids. She did a fabulous exhibit called Jesse’s Journey a few years ago, featuring artwork by clients showing the effects of abuse – it was very moving. The poem that ran around the top of the exhibit was written about human bullies, but I think it applies equally to those who would abuse their dogs:
ADDRESS TO BULLIES
by Brenda Calhoun
Why do you pick on me and make me feel bad?
You make me so angry, you make me so mad!
On the outside I sigh and pretend it doesn’t hurt,
While on the inside I cry and feel like dirt!
Didn’t the same one who made me make you?
Then why do you try to make me your fool?
Does it make you feel better to put me down?
Or is it part of your act just being a clown?
You don’t realize the damage you do.
How would you feel if it happened to you?
Being put down for the way you look, feel, and act!
Always the brunt of someone’s attack?
If you tried your very best to fit in,
No matter what you did, you just couldn’t win.
Now that I told you how I feel,
Couldn’t we please just make a deal?
If you are passing my way, with nothing good to say,
Please pass me by and have a nice day.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!
Hilary Swank promotes dog adoption
The Associated Press is reporting that Academy Award winner Hilary Swank will partner with Iams’ Home 4 the Holidays Pet Adoption Campaign. Their goal is to send 1.5 million shelter pets home in time for the holidays.
Although I never think pets under the Christmas tree are a good idea, I applaud this campaign because they are targeting the dates from October 1st through January 4th, so it’s not specifically targeted at giving pets as Christmas presents.
Swank who lives with a cat, rabbit, several parrots, and a mixed-breed dog named Karu, points out that the older animals often found in shelters have “already gone through a lot of the training that cam be challenging for people.”
Kudos to her for getting involved!
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!
Health Care Reform / A Bailout for Your Dog
USA Today is reporting that Representative Thaddeus McCotter, a Republican from Michigan, has proposed a bill which would allow people to deduct up to $3,500 per year on their taxes for expenses related to pet health care. From reading the bill, it sounds as if you can deduct not only vet care, but also food, accessories, and supplies.
Known as The Happy (Humanity And Pets Partnered through the Years) Act, the bill is now being debated in the House Committee on Ways and Means. The goal of the bill is to encourage responsible pet care and reduce the abandonment of pets which has skyrocketed during the current recession.
Citing research from the American Pet Products Association’s National Pet Owners Survey, the bill states that 63% of us have pets in the household. The bill also makes note of the positive effects the human-animal bond has on our emotional and physical well being.
Support the bill by calling or writing your Congressman and asking him to vote for house bill HR3501. You can find contact information for elected officials by entering your zip code here.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!
Saturday Survey: How does your dog bark when he’s excited?
Different dogs I’ve had all have had distinctive barks. How does yours sound?
Continue reading Saturday Survey: How does your dog bark when he’s excited?
World’s Funniest Dog Videos
Here’s your Friday Funny. My son laughed hysterically the whole time it was playing. I especially love the ending!
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!
Tuesday’s Top Ten: Dog Sins
After my last top ten list which featured the prayers of our four-footed friends, I was asked to compile a list of the top ten dog sins. So, here we go.
Special Weekend Top Ten: Dog Prayers
Yes, I know it’s not Tuesday, but this one just seemed more appropriate to a Sunday. Below are the top ten prayers our dogs may be whispering right this minute.
Saturday Survey: Does Your Dog Bark a Lot?
It’s funny to me how some of the dogs I’ve had bark a ton, while others seem to have no interest at all in voicing their opinions. What about your dogs?