My Friendly Pets

Well, I hope you all had a chance to catch the fourth episode of the new CBS reality show where dogs and their owners compete and ultimately the owner of the winning dog will be awarded $250,000 and the dog, him/herself will be awarded the title of Greatest American Dog.

Last evening proved to be an interesting episode as the drama continued to unravel. The theme of last evening’s episode was personality. The Golden Bone Challenge tested the owners’ ability to evaluate their dog’s desire for certain items. The dogs had to decide whether they would take or not take items presented to them and the owners had to predict whether the dogs would “take it” or “leave it”. By the time the dogs had chosen or not chosen the steak or the stick, J.D. and Galaxy came out the winner!!! It was quite funny, because most people thought they knew their dog better than they actually did. J.D. and Galaxy won the challenge, so they got the Gold Bone suite and put Travis and Preston in the dog house. Boo hoo!!!

Brandy (Beacon’s owner) caused some drama in the kitchen by interrerring on a conversation between Travis and Laura. Obviously, she was jealous and quite catty.

The Best in Show competition involved the owner picking a word and their dog was to be trained to express the word and then photographed. The judges had the final word. Ron picked “lazy” and I thought Tillman did a great job, but the judges didn’t. They thought Tillman’s picture was “the worst photo of a bulldog” that they had ever seen. So Ron and Tillman are gone and the teams are dwindling down. I was sad to see Ron and Tillman go. They both had personality and got along well with the others.

Check out all the episodes of this great summer treat, by clicking here.

Of course we know that there is nothing more important to us than the health of our family members and that includes our dogs. However, it is often more difficult to know when they are ill, because they have difficulty communicating such to us, and generally, dogs don’t complain!!!
In fact, according to the vet we took my dog to when he was ill, he said that dogs have a relatively high tolerance for pain and it is really up to us to watch close and make sure that we pay attention to any pain or discomfort issues our dogs may have.

Some of the things to watch for is lethargy in your dog. You might also notice depression, if your dog sulks around the house and doesn’t seem to want to do anything. Also, if your dog becomes disinterested in playing or going out for a walk, this could be an indication that something is wrong.

Through observation you may be able to detect some problems. According to animalplanet.com, you can check your dog out in several ways. First of all, make sure that there is no swelling, lumps or unusual discharge coming from your dog. Any secretions coming from the dog’s nose should be clear. You can check a dog’s pulse by pressing your fingers on the inside of the upper thigh. Beats per minute should range beteween 50 and 130 depending on the breed of the dog. Do you think your dog is dehydrated? There is an easy way to check. Twist the skin on the shoulder of the dog. A dog that is healthy and hydrated will have skin that snaps right back.

These are some quick and easy ways to keep an eye on your dog’s health, but always keep the vaccinations up to date and remember that your dog should have a yearly physical, just like you!!!

Today’s economy has hurt many people in many ways. Unfortunately, some of the ways that desparate people are trying to make money are through desparate mesasures and that includes dognapping. Yes, the crime of stealing dogs is on the rise. It appears that there are many reasons why dogs are being taken.

For some, they see it as a quick buck. Meaning that they scout out expensive dogs for sale, go and check out the puppies and perhaps return a week or so later to nab the pups. On the black market, high demand dogs without papers will sell at a bargain price to the buyer, but any money made is free and clear to the dog burglar!!! Some of the most popular dogs that are stolen include Yorkshire terriers, poodles, Shih Tzus and Corgies.

As the importance of dogs as family members has increased to a high level, many people are willing to pay reward money for the return of their beloved pets. It is almost impossible to charge someone with the crime as most people calling will claim they found the dog and are just looking for a reward. If no one saw the thief take the dog, then most likely no one will be prosecuted.

One family in Washington state was recently reunited with the family Great Dane when they saw the dog up for sale on Craig’s List. Dogs are being stolen out of backyards, from pet stores, out of shelters and some simply in front of storefronts where their owners have stopped to run an errand.

So the moral of the story here is to keep your dogs close, watch them carefully and report any strange behavior exhibited by strangers around the dogs you know and love.

First, I have to apologize as I missed the second episode of this new canine based reality show, so I didn’t submit an entry to it. However, one of my co-workers saw the second episode as her first experience with the show and was immediately caught up in the drama and the cuteness of the dogs. Her favorite is Bill, the gentle Texan and his dog, Star.

Episode number three was very interesting and dramatic. The first challenge(the Dog Bone challenge) broke the owners and their dogs into two teams and Travis and Presley, along with Brandy and Beacon led their dogs and the entire team to a victory. This enabled the winning team to enjoy the Dog Bone suite and its amenities. The winning team also chose Laurie and Andrew to spend the night in the outside dog house. (From the romance standpoint, Travis and Laura seem very attracted to each other and the dogs get along well too!!!)

For the Best in Show challenge, the dogs and owners were teamed together to see which team had the best trained in an obstacle course challenge. This time the winners of the last challenge where put against each other and the teams they personally chose. It appears that Elvis (David’s terrier) is a bit stubborn and has problems getting along with the other dogs (he has bitten them), so the team decided that Elvis should be onleash for a good part of the obstacle course challenge. This proved to be the downfall of the team (they lost by 9 seconds) and of David and Elvis.

When the three worst performing teams were brought before the judges, Laurie made some really tough comments against David and Elvis. (It didn’t seem like team supported behavior). The judges did not appreciate the fact that Elvis was on leash and said he would have performed better without it. David defended his team and Elvis by saying that it was a team decision to leash him and this is where Laurie made her comments against Elvis. (Laurie, you lost already…don’t kick a team member when they are down)

In the end, David and Elvis were chosen to leave the competition. David thanked the other teams and the judges in an emotional and tearful good bye!!! I can’t wait until episode 4!!!!!

Check out the show by clicking here!!!

I have written a lot of entries in this blog about the working police dogs that keep us safe both in this country serving with our domestic police and overseas as military police dogs. Many of these dogs who put their lives on the line everyday do so without any protection for themselves. However, that is slowly changing.

Susie Jean is a woman, who saw a need to protect our canine protectors and in 2002 created a not for profit organization that raises money to purchase bulletproof/stabproof vests for the nation’s police canine units. The organization is called Vest N’ P.D.P (Vest and Police Dog Protection). The sole purpose of the organization is to raise money to purchase the vests needed by these dogs all over the country. To see more about the organization, you can click here.

The organization is sponsored by Douglas County Bank and Uniform Sales of America, but Ms. Jean actively searches for sources of funding so that vests can be provided without economic hardship to the various police agencies with canine units across the country.

Tony Stewart, the awarding winning NASCAR driver, has been a strong supporter of this effort. Through the Tony Steward Foundation 30 custome made canine vests have been purchased and delivered to the Indiana State Police last Thursday. Currently, this partnership between Susie Jean and the Tony Stewart Foundation will also provide additional vests for K-9 police dogs in Georgia, North Carolina and Minnesota.

The canine vests cost $695.00 a piece so the costs can be prohibitive for local police agencies. However, through the generosity of foundations such as Tony Stewart’s and others, the vests can protect those most vulnerable to the dangerous environment in which they work each and every day.

It’s not just a trend, it’s the way to live today. We all need to be environmentally conscious and eco-friendly. According to Marisa Belger, a Today Show contributor, there are many ways to be a pet owner and be “green”. Above are toys made from organic cotton rather than the plastic toys which are produced with fossil fuels and almost impossible to dispose of.

There are other ways to be both pet and eco-friendly. Just as more and more people are moving toward organic food products, more and more animal food producers are doing the same. I am very careful about buying meat and dairy products that are free of anti-biotics or growth hormones, and it is possible to buy dog food of the same quality.

Karma Organic Foods for dogs is a company that advertises dog food that is good for the body, good for the soul and good for the environment. Their products are
” 95% certified organic - that means no artificial preservatives, flavorings or fillers. Just pure, wholesome dog food your pet will love.” The dog food and dog treats produced by Karma Organic are done so without “without the use of conventional pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, GMO grains or irradiation.” And even better, the food is packaged in materials that are made from 100% recyclable materials.

Many dog accessories and grooming products are also eco-friendly and should be used for the good health of your dog. Be sure to check out West Paw Design, by clicking here, to view their “green” collection of goods. Remember, you do good things for your dog and be environmentally friendly at the same time.

No matter how much time is spent educating the public about puppy mills, there are obviously still pet shops and others who will buy from them, or they would cease to exist. The newest culprit is John Blank, owner of the Limestone Kennel which is located in Cochranville, Pennsylvania.

On Friday, the puppy mill was shut down as a result of an undercover investigation that revealed the horrid conditions. The Pennsylvania society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals removed 32 od the dogs and there were over 300 dogs in another building that will require attention. Some dogs had obvious wounds on them, while some of the older dogs have very overgrown nails because the dogs had never been on solid ground.

So how was Blank caught? Blank sold a 3 week old Yorkshire puppy to an undercover agent. The legal age for the sale of the puppies is 7 weeks. Unfortunately, the puppy died as a result of dehydration, hypothermia and emaciation.

Right now, the Yorkshire terrier is the 9th most popular dog in the country, which has made it the number one dog being bred by puppy mills. According the the American Kennel Club, there are some very important things to look for when looking for a Yorkshire puppy. First and foremost, you should use a legitimate breeder. You can veryify a breeder’s status by contacting the AKC to determine if they are registered as such. Don’t look for a bargain. This is not the time to be looking for a cheap deal. If you know the price that Yorkshire puppies demand and you are in contact with someone who is offering puppies for a fraction of the average cost, you should be extremely careful, as this could be indicative of a puppy mill.

So be cautious and pay attention. The more we do, perhaps the more puppy mills will be discovered and abolished and their owners prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

O.K., I know the title is a bit odd, but think about it. I am not a super religious person…too much science education for that. Neither are the members of my immediate family. So it was wierd one day when we were in the car, having a discussion about the influence of religion on everyday life and my daughter said, “Wouldn’t it be interesting if G-d was a dog?” I think it would be very interesting and it makes perfect sense as well.

Think about it. Many of the things that people get from religion and their beliefs can also be gotten from a dog. For example, when you are frustrated, angry, sad or confused, merely petting a dog or getting a warm nuzzle or kiss is enough to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. Many people are comforted in the same way by prayer!

In terms of religion, aren’t most people taught that G-d is all forgiving and loves us unconditionally? Well, if you forget to feed your dog or don’t take him out to walk or exercise as often as you should, does your dog give you an attitude or hold a grudge? Of course not, your dog will love you no matter what and be grateful for whatever time and energy you give him/her, even though it probably isn’t enough. This is close to religous teachings as well. Just because we don’t go to church or formalized religous services, supposedly G-d still cares and guides us.

Again, I am not a religous person and can’t speak to all who are. My reference to a dog as G-d, means no disrespect. In fact, it is completely the opposite. I, like so many others, think so highly of these great animals, that I wouldn’t be surprised but would be very pleased to see a great big lovable dog at the pearly gates when its my time, wouldn’t you?

In case you hadn’t heard, the 2008 Summer Olympics will be held in China this year. The Olympics begin August 8th (8/08/08), however there won’t be an item on the usual Chinese menu that has been traditionally served in China. You got it!!! Dog meat will not be offered on menus that are officially designated as Olympic restaurants. Also, the word around Beijing coming from tourist officials is that waitstaff should discourage customers from ordering items that are made from dog meat. Dog meat has a long tradition in China and is eaten by many who feel it has strong health related benefits.

However, measures such as these are not unique. In 1988, 20 years ago when the Olympics were held in Seuol, South Korea, the use of dog meat was also suspended. The Chinese tourism officials recognized that the practice of eating dog meat is not accepted universally and in an attempt to demonstrate respect for other cultures and ethnic beliefs, the suspension of the sale and use of dog meat has been put into place.

As with any decisions, there is controversy and so is the case with this. There are some traditional Chinese who say that eating dog meat has long been custom and tradition in China and that beef and pork were not banned from other Olympics, even when it infringed on the beliefs of Indians and Muslims. Point very well taken, however there is the view of public opinion and I thing the Chinese officials recognize the use of dog meat goes deeper to most non-Chinese than the use of cows or pigs. In many cultures, especially countries and cultures of the west, dogs are considered family members and are loved with the same depth and devotion as ones’ children in many cases. This can’t be said for the cows and pigs.

I think the ability of the Chinese to recognize the feelings that many people have towards their dogs is to be commended. They have proven that while they may still enjoy their own customs and traditions, they respect those of others enough to put theirs on the back burner, so to speak.

Saturday, July 12th was a day that shined bright on Broadway. No, not because of the many stars and shows that were being seen on a sultry New York City day. Rather because it was the 10th annual Broadway Barks event. This is an effort by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, “the nation’s leading industry based HIV/AIDS fundraising and grant-making organization.” The event, which this year was hosted by Mary Tyler Moore and Bernadette Peters was held in Shubert Alley between 44th and 45th streets in the heart of the theatre district.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the organization and this event was used to raise awareness of the plight of the many homeless dogs and cats in New York City. It is hoped that as a result of this event and others like it, people will welcome the idea of adopting a pet from a local shelter so that the number of dogs and cats that are euthanized will continue to decrease. According to Mary Tyler Moore, back in 2002, the rate of euthanaisia in shelters was at about 70%, but in 2007 that rate had decreased to 43%. The New York City shelters that took part in this event include all of the following: A Cause for Paws, Adopt A Boxer Rescue, Animal Haven, Anjellicle Cats Rescue, ASPCA, AC&C, BARC, Bide-A-Wee, Bobbi & the Strays, City Critters, Humane Society of New York, Husky House, Kitty Kind, Long Island Greyhound Rescue, Loving Touch, Metropolitan Maltese Rescue, Mid Atlantic Great Dane Rescue, NYC Siamese Rescue, Pet-I-Care, PLUTO, Russell Refuge, Staten Island Council for Animal Welfare, Stray from the Heart, Tigger Foundation, Arf, and Save Kitt.

Bernadette Peters recently has been listed on the New York Times bestseller list for a book she wrote with the title “Broadway Barks”. The book was inspired by this event and it is about a puppy who is lost in Central Park in New York City and finds its way to Shubert Alley to be part of this very special event. With the book, which is filled with colorful maps and pictures is a CD with Peters reading the story as well as singing a song that she wrote and composed. Bernadette Peters is a classic Broadway star and puts her heart and soul into her performances and the causes she supports. All of the proceeds from the sale of the book/cd will go back to benefit this organization.

The event took place between 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. Moore and Peters were only two of the many Broadway stars who helped to make this adopt-a-thon a success. Many of the stars of Broadway’s biggest hits were on hand to help out the cause. To find out more about this cause, how you can help and even when you can attend the next event, check out the website by clicking HERE!!!

Mimi Ausland, a 12-year-old, started a trivia Web site to feed homeless cats and dogs Kibbles.(Photo Courtesy of Robb Kerr)

While watching the Today Show this morning, I came upon an interesting and inspiring story. Mimi Ausland is a 12 year old from Oregon. Mimi has always had an overwhelming love for animals. As she was playing an internet word game on the website www.FreeRice.com, which helps feed people in impoverished countries, she had a wonderful idea. Why not use an internet site to feed the many hungry dogs in shelters? Mimi, a volunteer at a local shelter in her area, knew that many shelters were overloaded with dogs. The housing crisis has caused many dog owners to simply abandon their dogs and most end up in shelters, without homes and hungry.

With her idea, and her parents’ help, it took about 4 months to get the website, www.FreeKibble.com up and running. On the site, there is a daily trivia question and whenever someone goes on the site and answers the trivia question, 20 pieces of Kibble are donated to a local shelter. At this writing 1,630,090 pieces of Kibble have been donated to help dogs in shelters close to Mimi’s home.

Again, Mimi is only 12, but she came up with the idea and is responsible for finding sponsors, serving as spokesman and generating media attention for her special effort. It seems to be working with close to 2 million pieces of kibble already donated, and more support than she could ever imagine, she is looking to expand her efforts.

Richard Thompson, the founder of Zootoo.com is donating all of the kibble that is generated through Mimi’s site. Thompson says,
“She has enthusiasm, passion, and she knows what she’s doing.�? I think people are taken with the idea that a person as young as Mimi has the drive, initiative, heart and compassion to undertake such a huge project. It takes about 1/2 pound of kibble a day to feed a dog in a shelter. Through Mimi’s wonderful project, the dogs in the shelter near her home have been eating for over two months and it continues.

I think we’ll be hearing and seeing a lot more about Mimi and her kindness and generosity in the future. Her spirit is contagious. Just check out the site by clicking here and pass it on to all of your friends and family!!!

This is Ron and Tillman, a team competing on the new CBS reality show, The Greatest American Dog!!

For those of you who checked into to watch the first episode of The Greatest American Dog, you already know what the Canine Academy is. However for those of you who missed it, the Canine Academy is the house where 12 teams of dog and owner will spend the next couple of months working and training their dogs. Week by week there will be contests and competitions that narrow the teams down until only one is left. That team will win $250,000 and the title of Greatest American Dog!!!

The first episode was interesting. We got to meet all of the teams and watch how they begin to interact. Like any reality show, I started passing judgments and making determinations of who would last and who wouldn’t by the first commercial!!! One of the first contests was a game of musical cubes(The Dog Bone Challenge). All dogs and their owners circled a certain number of cubes while music was playing. As soon as the music stopped, a dog had to get to, jump up and sit on the cube. The dog left without a cube would be asked to leave. After each round a cube or two was removed. At the end, it was between the teams of J.D./Galaxy and Michael/Ezzie. J.D./Galaxy won and were given the key to the Big Bone Suite, where anyone, dog or man would be happy to rest their paws.

In the Best in Show Challenge, there were some pretty poor performances, but in the end Michael and Ezzie were sent home. Michael was devastated, but he claims he was never more proud of Ezzie and her performance.

I think things are going to get sticky as the weeks go on. There are some very strong personalities (and I don’t mean from the dogs). If you hadn’t watched, take a look for an hour on Thursday evenings this summer. The show won’t win an Emmy, but it is entertaining and some of the dogs are down right adorable!!!

Here we are, Thursday night!!!! Almost time for the greatest reality show of all time…o.k. I won’t be so dramatic, but make sure you check it out tonight on CBS-The Greatest American Dog. I am here to give you a glimpse of the remaining teams!!! Pick your favorites now or tune in tonight…tomorrow I’ll be doing a review and you can start picking your favorite teams!!

Laura and Preston. Laura who is 27 and a film producer who is from New Jersey, but came to Los Angeles to follow her dream of working in films. She is an active lady, who with Preston, bring smiles to many. Preston is a 5 year old pure Pomeranian, who loves the beach, the girls that are there and the camera. Preston is also a certified therapy dog

David and Elvis. David is a 55 year old doctor from New York City who never had a dog in his life until 2 years ago. Elvis is a 2 year old Parson Russell Terrier. Being adopted by David, who comes from a tight knit Jewish family gave Elvis the privilege of a $10,000 “Bark Mitzvah”, which brought together 100 family members and friends to celebrate the occasion. Elvis is full of personality and loves morning jogs with David. It will be interesting to see these two confirmed bachelors in the house with the rest of the teams.

Laurie and Andrew. Laurie, a resident of Virginia spends a lot of time with dogs. She is a Dog Fitness Specialist and also runs a doggie day care center. From the description, Laurie is known for her outgoing personality and her witty, outspoken ways. That should add sparks to the show. Andrew is a 5 year old Maltese who is well behaved and the “perfect companion”. He has competed in several dog shows winning top prizes.

Beth Joy and Bella Starlet. These must be the most theatrical pair on the show. Beth Joy has a degree in music, theatre and dance. She dedicates herself full-time promoting Bella Starlet’s career. The pair participate in many dog related activities to promote animal advocacy and adoption. Bella Starlet is a 10 year old Mutt (Chihuahua, Labrador Retriever, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Shih-Tzu and Pomeranian). She loves many kinds of fruits and veggies and shares her home with 5 other dogs and in New York City!!!

Last, but by no means least is Teresa and Leroy. Teresa has her own dog sitting and pet care business in Virginia. She is competitive and treats her dog like royalty. Leroy gets special outfits and elaborate birthday parties. Very unlike one of the dog owners mentioned, which should present some interesting interactions. Leroy is a 5 year old border collie who loves to play frisbee. He is a “focused performer” who loves the activities for which he trains.

This should be a very interesting show. Remember, check it out tonight on your local CBS channel and watch for weekly reviews and updates. If you want to check out more information on The Greatest American Dog, click here.

As was mentioned in my last entry, the newest reality series involving dogs, their owners and a house they share will be debuting tomorrow evening on CBS. I want to get you all familiar with the teams. I introduced three of the teams in the last entry and will continue with the remaining nine in this entry and another.

J.D. is the oldest of the contestants introduced thus far. He is 38 and his dog Galaxy is 9. Galaxy is a mix of English Pointer and Border Collie. J.D. is a professional dog entertainer. He loves his 10 dogs including Galaxy, but he doesn’t believe in spoiling or indulging the animals. He is married with a son and step-daughter. Galaxy is considered to be an extremely good athlete who demonstrates maturity and confidence. She loves playing frisbee, with tennis balls and enjoys a good swim or run in the snow!!! J.D. and Galaxy are from Oregon.

Brandy and Beacon have been a team for two years, ever since Brandy recieved Beacon as a Christmas gift. Originally from Arkansas, Brandy has been in California for a few years and is currently a fashion designer with her own line of clothing called Cross Training Clothing. Beacon is a 1 1/2 year old minature Schnauzer, who although a girl, likes to play tough and tumble like a boy. She has agility training and alerts Brandy that she wants to go out by ringing a bell. I bet we wish we had all taught our dog(s) to do that!!! What a great idea!!! These two look like soulmates together.

Bill and Star. Bill and Star hail from Texas, where Bill, his wife, Star and two other dogs live on 18 acres of land. There is plenty of room for Star to run and romp. Bill is 60 years old, has his own business as a pressure washer and when he isn’t working he and Star like to make people smile with the many tricks that Star can do. Star is 7 years old and a full breed Brittany . She has been formally trained and has competed nationally in agility competitions. One of Star’s favorite foods is bacon.

Ron and Tillman. Ron is 39 and Tillman, a 3 year old English Bulldog have been forever friends since Tillman became a Mother’s Day gift for Ron’s wife. In fact, Ron and Tillman are so dedicated to each other that sometimes Erika, Ron’s wife and son are a bit jealous of their relationship. Ron is a laid back California guy who loves the beach, but also works as a construction manager, when the beach weather is not real great!!! Tillman is a boarding kind of dog. He loves to skateboard, snowboard and skimboard. He loves being part of the family and gets really upset when he is left home alone.

All of the contestants and their dogs seem to truly love each other. I think this will be an interesting reality show, to say the least. Watch in the next entry for the final contestants and then a review of the show on Friday!!!

In case you had missed one of my entries from last month, the newest reality show to debut this week on CBS is called The Greatest American Dog. The reality is that 12 teams of dog and owner live in a house together and weekly are set to perform tricks and feats. The team that fails each week will be disqualified until all that is left is “The Greatest American Dog”. The show premieres this Thursday, July 10th on your local CBS station.

I though this week it would be cool to look at the teams on the show and set the stage for what will be a weekly review of the show.

Travis and Presley. Travis is a 29 year old bartender who is single, lives in Los Angeles and comes from Oklahoma. Presley is a 1 1/2 year old boxer who enjoys lots of tricks and is seen by Travis as intelligent, affectionate and playful.

Michael and Ezzie. Michael hails from San Diego and is an aspiring actor/comic. Ezzie is a 2 1/2 year old Boston Terrier who loves to dance as one of her best tricks. Michael says Ezzie doesn’t like pools, but loves the ocean. Michale also says she highly intelligent, hyper, affectionate and high strung. With all of these TYPE A personality dogs, it should be a very interesting show!!!

Elan and Kenji. Elan is 24 years old, is from Oregon and has an extensive health studies background. She wants to open a pet care center and is very active with the Oregon Humane Society in her role to rehabilitate and encourage good behavior in dogs that come through the shelters. Kenji is a year old giant Schnauzer. She is energetic, loves other dogs, but tries to come out as the leader of the pack. Her stunning appearance can stop traffic!!!

I’ll catch you up on the other nine teams before the show debuts on Thursday. In the meantime, check out more of the show by clicking here.