Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Happy Birthday Alex (RUFF!)
I need to get on here more often to keep track of all my friends. I just remembered that my friend Alex has a BIRTHDAY TODAY ! ARF!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Pampered Pet
I have my next pedicure set for Friday ! Oh how I long for "french tips" !
Did you know the average for most pets is to trim nails is every six to eight weeks. You should pay attention to your pet's nails. Nails should be kept short. If you don’t trim them regularly, the nails can curl and grow into the pads, which is very painful. If you can hear your pet’s nails clicking when they walk, they are probably too long. Long nails can lead to bone and joint problems, because your pet isn't able to walk right.
Did you know the average for most pets is to trim nails is every six to eight weeks. You should pay attention to your pet's nails. Nails should be kept short. If you don’t trim them regularly, the nails can curl and grow into the pads, which is very painful. If you can hear your pet’s nails clicking when they walk, they are probably too long. Long nails can lead to bone and joint problems, because your pet isn't able to walk right.
Monday, March 7, 2011
"L" is for Labrador...and also for Loyal...
Did you know one of the most loyal breeds of dogs are Black Labs? 
It is not by accident that they are family dogs, gentle around children, and adorably irresistible as puppies, which make people melt at the sight of them. The love to play fetch with a tennis ball, or maybe even a few tennis balls at a time !
But more than anything else, Labs are loyal. This is why they are often used by the blind and handicapped as guide dogs. They have often been called "angels in dog suits". When you make friends with a Black Lab, you have a friend for life.
I am sad to say we are with one less "friend" these days. My Mom's friend from school recently had her Black Lab "Shania" pass on. When you lose a Black Lab, you might lose a friend, but you never lose that "angel in the dog suit".
Rest gently Shania...and find a spare tennis ball or two to chase for a while !
It is not by accident that they are family dogs, gentle around children, and adorably irresistible as puppies, which make people melt at the sight of them. The love to play fetch with a tennis ball, or maybe even a few tennis balls at a time !
But more than anything else, Labs are loyal. This is why they are often used by the blind and handicapped as guide dogs. They have often been called "angels in dog suits". When you make friends with a Black Lab, you have a friend for life.
I am sad to say we are with one less "friend" these days. My Mom's friend from school recently had her Black Lab "Shania" pass on. When you lose a Black Lab, you might lose a friend, but you never lose that "angel in the dog suit".
Rest gently Shania...and find a spare tennis ball or two to chase for a while !
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
See Spot...See Spot Listen...
When children read to him, Danny does not criticize or correct their pronunciation. He just nods and pricks up an ear, although sometimes he closes his eyes and appears not to be listening.
Danny is a greyhound and a novel way of encouraging pupils at Oakhill primary school in Tamworth, Staffordshire, to read aloud. A "listening dog", he is part of a scheme that originated in the US called Reading Education Assistance Dogs (Read).
"It helps with their self-esteem in reading out loud because he is non-judgmental," says the dog's owner, Tony Nevett, who has a degree in animal-assisted therapy. "He doesn't judge them and he doesn't laugh at them. He's just a tool – the children don't realise they are reading, which they might not have the confidence to do in class." Some children even show Danny the pictures as they read.
Danny received five months of training to become a Read dog. Greyhounds are particularly well-suited because they do not bark and their short coat is less likely to trigger allergies.
Nevett hopes that the scheme, piloted in Kent, will spread. "We've had some success stories, including a girl with Down's Syndrome who really took to the dog and improved her reading," he says. "When Danny goes to sleep I tell the children that he's dreaming about their story."
Danny is a greyhound and a novel way of encouraging pupils at Oakhill primary school in Tamworth, Staffordshire, to read aloud. A "listening dog", he is part of a scheme that originated in the US called Reading Education Assistance Dogs (Read).
"It helps with their self-esteem in reading out loud because he is non-judgmental," says the dog's owner, Tony Nevett, who has a degree in animal-assisted therapy. "He doesn't judge them and he doesn't laugh at them. He's just a tool – the children don't realise they are reading, which they might not have the confidence to do in class." Some children even show Danny the pictures as they read.
Danny received five months of training to become a Read dog. Greyhounds are particularly well-suited because they do not bark and their short coat is less likely to trigger allergies.
Nevett hopes that the scheme, piloted in Kent, will spread. "We've had some success stories, including a girl with Down's Syndrome who really took to the dog and improved her reading," he says. "When Danny goes to sleep I tell the children that he's dreaming about their story."
Monday, February 28, 2011
Cats Versus Dogs
It's an age old battle...although we all know who is the better pet ! So I just wanted to share WHY dogs are better than cats occasionally. Consider this the first of many comparisons !
So sure, make a few more dollars with a cat. You'll need it for all the medical problems you're going to have ! But with a dog, you get LOVE !
So sure, make a few more dollars with a cat. You'll need it for all the medical problems you're going to have ! But with a dog, you get LOVE !
Monday, February 14, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Heroes, One and All...
Did you see the article about how Hero, a dog living in Brackenridge, Pennsylvania recently helped rescue her owners from a house fire? Apparently the house caught on fire and Hero barked and barked until her owners woke up. When Wendy and Keith Rankin did, they went downstairs and found that their kitchen was on fire. The couple and their daughter Emily then got out of the house, taking Hero with them. When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found that the fire had consumed much of the kitchen and had spread to a neighbor's house as well. Fortunately they were able to bring the fire under control and no one was seriously injured.
But it almost didn't happen that way...
You see, Hero had been hit by a car a few months ago. Her leg was broken badly and she had other injuries. Fixing it was going to be expensive. So the family was faced with that most terrible of decisions - would they put Hero down, saving her the long and difficult (to say nothing about the expense) road ahead ? Or would they get her leg set and try as best they can to nurse her back to health ?
There was never really any question in the Rankin's minds; they told the vet to do whatever was necessary to fix Hero up. And now they're even more glad that they did.
They chose to save Hero's life, and she, in turn, lived up to her name and saved theirs.
We're all sort of heroes when it comes right down to it...
ARF ! ARF !
But it almost didn't happen that way...
You see, Hero had been hit by a car a few months ago. Her leg was broken badly and she had other injuries. Fixing it was going to be expensive. So the family was faced with that most terrible of decisions - would they put Hero down, saving her the long and difficult (to say nothing about the expense) road ahead ? Or would they get her leg set and try as best they can to nurse her back to health ?
There was never really any question in the Rankin's minds; they told the vet to do whatever was necessary to fix Hero up. And now they're even more glad that they did.
They chose to save Hero's life, and she, in turn, lived up to her name and saved theirs.
We're all sort of heroes when it comes right down to it...
ARF ! ARF !
Monday, February 7, 2011
Hike ! Hike ! Hike !
Sunday, February 6, 2011
I'm McDreamy
My Mom called today and chewed out my Grampa because she had a bad dream about me. Why can't she just have good dreams like all dogs do?
According to www.pet-tails.com, dogs dream just like humans dream ! Research confirms this, but it's not hard to figure out when you watch us sleeping and it appears that we're running, woofing, squeaking, wiggling, and eating while asleep.
Dogs have different phases of sleep, just like humans do. The only difference is in the length of time. Dogs go through slow wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. All our dreaming, like yours, happens in the REM sleep cycle.
When your dog is still and breathing deeply, he's probably in the SWS sleep phase. Although he seems to be doing a great imitation of a rug, he's actually much more likely to wake up during this sleep phase than during REM sleep. Once the dog starts "running" or twitching, he's in the REM cycle, which is extremely deep sleep and when tests have shown there is the most brain activity.
Apparently a dog's sleep position also indicates how they sleep. A dog curled up in a tight ball may look like he's sleeping hard, but may not be. To enter the deepest REM sleep a dog has to be completely relaxed. But he can't be completely relaxed when all his muscles are tensed to keep him curled up. So that compact hound may be more awake than you thought.
Along the same lines, a dog sleeping on his back with his feet in the air isn't doing it just to be weird. Dogs have less fur on their tummies, so when they are hot, they tend to sleep upside-down, since it cools them off.
And here's something ALL us dogs know, but lots of you humans don't ! Dogs who lie back to back are bonding with one another. When they lie with their back resting on you, they are bonding with you. This contact shows a desire to be with the other dog or human. It's a way of showing affection. And it's how I like sleeping with my Grampa and Gramma at night !
Interestingly, puppies and old dogs dream more than middle aged dogs. So as your dog ages, you can expect more dream activity.
Although it's fun to watch the antics of dreaming dogs, it's best to let them dream their happy dreams of chasing squirrels uninterrupted. ARF!
According to www.pet-tails.com, dogs dream just like humans dream ! Research confirms this, but it's not hard to figure out when you watch us sleeping and it appears that we're running, woofing, squeaking, wiggling, and eating while asleep.
Dogs have different phases of sleep, just like humans do. The only difference is in the length of time. Dogs go through slow wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. All our dreaming, like yours, happens in the REM sleep cycle.
When your dog is still and breathing deeply, he's probably in the SWS sleep phase. Although he seems to be doing a great imitation of a rug, he's actually much more likely to wake up during this sleep phase than during REM sleep. Once the dog starts "running" or twitching, he's in the REM cycle, which is extremely deep sleep and when tests have shown there is the most brain activity.
Apparently a dog's sleep position also indicates how they sleep. A dog curled up in a tight ball may look like he's sleeping hard, but may not be. To enter the deepest REM sleep a dog has to be completely relaxed. But he can't be completely relaxed when all his muscles are tensed to keep him curled up. So that compact hound may be more awake than you thought.
Along the same lines, a dog sleeping on his back with his feet in the air isn't doing it just to be weird. Dogs have less fur on their tummies, so when they are hot, they tend to sleep upside-down, since it cools them off.
And here's something ALL us dogs know, but lots of you humans don't ! Dogs who lie back to back are bonding with one another. When they lie with their back resting on you, they are bonding with you. This contact shows a desire to be with the other dog or human. It's a way of showing affection. And it's how I like sleeping with my Grampa and Gramma at night !
Interestingly, puppies and old dogs dream more than middle aged dogs. So as your dog ages, you can expect more dream activity.
Although it's fun to watch the antics of dreaming dogs, it's best to let them dream their happy dreams of chasing squirrels uninterrupted. ARF!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
SNOW DAY TOMORROW !
My Gramma has the day off tomorrow because of the big snow storm we are getting! I can't wait to play in the snow with her !
Waggle, Waggle, Waggle
Have you ever wondered why we dogs wag our tails? I like to wag mine 'round and 'round, but not all of us wag the same way.
When we are relaxed our tails are normally carried either horizontal or slightly downward, and in some breeds it many be relatively close to the hind legs and then curling up and away. When we carry our tails in this position we are signaling we are calm and relaxed, not feeling threatened and ready to do whatever is asked of us. Dogs that have normally high positioned tails like many of the terrier breeds will have their tail slightly lower and the "over-the-back-tail" breeds will have a relaxed and slightly flattened curl to the tail.
When we move our tail into a more elevated or horizontal position it signals an interest in something that is happening, but not a worry or concern. Dogs in training that are very focused on learning something new often have a slightly horizontal tail that is gently wagging, a signal they are concentrating but still content. Often dogs approach other dogs with this slightly elevated or straightened tail signaling "I am willing to be friendly if you are, but I can also protect myself".
If your dog normally carries his or her down to level and he or she is feeling threatened, showing dominance or establishing that they are the boss dog, the tail will be carried as high as possible and the hair is often very puffed out, making the tail look bigger. The tail is not wagging but rather is held very rigid. Often the hair along the spine is also bristled which serves to make the dog look bigger and more aggressive. In some breeds such as the working dogs, the aggressive posture may result in a more dramatic bend or upward swing to the tail when they are in the dominant or protective posture.
Dogs that are showing a slight amount of submission tend to carry their tails down close to our back ends with little or no upward curl. The hair is very flat on the tail and there is usually a slight bit of wagging, especially towards the tip of the tail. In extreme submission the tail is literally tucked between our legs. In some breeds the tail may even curl around the underside of the body. A tail that is flat against the body can also signal that the dog is ill or feeling unsure of the situation or environment.
Our tail ends can tell you a lot about what are front ends are thinking ! ARF !
When we are relaxed our tails are normally carried either horizontal or slightly downward, and in some breeds it many be relatively close to the hind legs and then curling up and away. When we carry our tails in this position we are signaling we are calm and relaxed, not feeling threatened and ready to do whatever is asked of us. Dogs that have normally high positioned tails like many of the terrier breeds will have their tail slightly lower and the "over-the-back-tail" breeds will have a relaxed and slightly flattened curl to the tail.
When we move our tail into a more elevated or horizontal position it signals an interest in something that is happening, but not a worry or concern. Dogs in training that are very focused on learning something new often have a slightly horizontal tail that is gently wagging, a signal they are concentrating but still content. Often dogs approach other dogs with this slightly elevated or straightened tail signaling "I am willing to be friendly if you are, but I can also protect myself".
If your dog normally carries his or her down to level and he or she is feeling threatened, showing dominance or establishing that they are the boss dog, the tail will be carried as high as possible and the hair is often very puffed out, making the tail look bigger. The tail is not wagging but rather is held very rigid. Often the hair along the spine is also bristled which serves to make the dog look bigger and more aggressive. In some breeds such as the working dogs, the aggressive posture may result in a more dramatic bend or upward swing to the tail when they are in the dominant or protective posture.
Dogs that are showing a slight amount of submission tend to carry their tails down close to our back ends with little or no upward curl. The hair is very flat on the tail and there is usually a slight bit of wagging, especially towards the tip of the tail. In extreme submission the tail is literally tucked between our legs. In some breeds the tail may even curl around the underside of the body. A tail that is flat against the body can also signal that the dog is ill or feeling unsure of the situation or environment.
Our tail ends can tell you a lot about what are front ends are thinking ! ARF !
Monday, January 31, 2011
They're Just Lucky I Never Did Films !
The good people at seefido.com have put together their 20 favorite dogs of TV and movies. They're just lucky I was never discovered ! Check it out at www.seefido.com/20-famous-film-star-dogs
The only thing is, they forgot the most famous dog of all - SNOOPY!
The only thing is, they forgot the most famous dog of all - SNOOPY!
A Short Vacation !
Hi All !
I apologize for disappearing for a while. I was busy over the holidays and well, you know how it goes. Plus I had a bit of a medical problem at Thanksgiving...let us NEVER speak of the Great Onion Incident again !
Since I last chatted my mom has been home for a month and gone back to school. I miss my mom(s) sooooooo much. And my Auntie Pooger has been here a while too. Now that she has gone back to college I can have John all to myself.
So while I have been gone I have been busy, mostly playing in the snow ! I'll post more soon !
I apologize for disappearing for a while. I was busy over the holidays and well, you know how it goes. Plus I had a bit of a medical problem at Thanksgiving...let us NEVER speak of the Great Onion Incident again !
Since I last chatted my mom has been home for a month and gone back to school. I miss my mom(s) sooooooo much. And my Auntie Pooger has been here a while too. Now that she has gone back to college I can have John all to myself.
So while I have been gone I have been busy, mostly playing in the snow ! I'll post more soon !
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