Monday, December 08, 2008


Funny Dog Videos (and a hedgehog)


I've had some great laughs lately -- thought I'd share them with you! Enjoy and if you have any to share with us, please add them with by clicking on "Comments" below.







Thursday, December 04, 2008

Puppy Size

This is one of the neatest stories you will ever hear. You will know
Precisely what this little girl is talking about at the end (you'll
Want to share this one with your loved ones and special friends)!

'Danielle keeps repeating it over and over again. We've been back to
This animal shelter at least five times. It has been weeks now since
We started all of this,' the mother told the volunteer.

'What is it she keeps asking for?' the volunteer asked.

'Puppy size!' replied the mother.

'Well, we have plenty of puppies, if that's what she's looking for.'

'I know... We have seen most of them, ' the mom said in
Frustration...

Just then Danielle came walking into the office.

'Well, did you find one?' asked her mom. 'No, not this time,'
Danielle said with sadness in her voice. 'Can we come back on the
Weekend?'

The two women looked at each other, shook their heads and laughed.

'You never know when we will get more dogs. Unfortunately, there's
Always a supply,' the volunteer said.

Danielle took her mother by the hand and headed to the door. 'Don't
Worry, I'll find one this weekend,' she said.

Over the next few days both Mom and Dad had long conversations with
Her.

They both felt she was being too particular. 'It's this weekend or
We're not looking any more,' Dad finally said in frustration.

'We don't want to hear anything more about puppy size, either,' Mom
Added.

Sure enough, they were the first ones in the shelter on Saturday
Morning. By now Danielle knew her way around, so she ran right for the Section that housed the smaller dogs.

Tired of the routine, mom sat in the small waiting room at the end of The first row of cages. There was an observation window so you could See the animals during times when visitors weren't permitted.

Danielle walked slowly from cage to cage, kneeling periodically to
Take a closer look. One by one the dogs were brought out and she held Each one.

One by one she said, 'Sorry, but you're not the one.'

It was the last cage on this last day in search of the perfect pup.

The volunteer opened the cage door and the child carefully picked up
The dog and held it closely. This time she took a little longer.

'Mom, that's it! I found the right puppy! He's the one! I know it!'
She screamed with joy. 'It's the puppy size!'

'But it's the same size as all the other puppies you held over the
Last few weeks,' Mom said.

'No not size... The sighs. When I held him in my arms, he sighed,' she Said.

'Don't you remember? When I asked you one day what love is, you told
Me love depends on the sighs of your heart.The more you love, the
Bigger the sigh!'

The two women looked at each other for a moment. Mom didn't know
Whether to laugh or cry. As she stooped down to hug the child, she did A little of both.

'Mom, every time you hold me, I sigh. When you and Daddy come home
From work and hug each other, you both sigh. I knew I would find the
Right puppy if it sighed when I held it in my arms,' she said.

Then, holding the puppy up close to her face, she said, 'Mom, he loves Me. I heard the sighs of his heart!'

Close your eyes for a moment and think about the love that makes you
Sigh. I not only find it in the arms of my loved ones, but in the
Caress of a sunset, the kiss of the moonlight and the gentle brush of Cool air on a Hot day.

They are the sighs of God. Take the time to stop and listen; you will Be surprised at what you hear. 'Life is not measured by the breaths we Take, but by the moments that take our breath away.'

I hope your life is filled with Sighs!!!

-anonymous

Tuesday, November 18, 2008


The Most Affectionate Creature in the World is a Wet Dog! ~Ambrose Bierce

Monday, November 17, 2008


Thank You Nutro For A Great Offer!!!

Free 5 lb Nutro Dog or Cat Food for your use or to donate to your neighborhood shelter or Meals on Wheels for the elderly who have have companions.

To register for your free bag go to: http://www.nutroproducts.com/yf/ Enter the code go4nc


It will take 3-5 weeks to receive. Just in time for the holidays! Yippee!

Saturday, October 18, 2008

A VERY SPECIAL DOG STORY.

Anyone who has pets will love this story. If you don't have that special companion you may just decide to bring home some love - NOW!

Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky.' Lucky was a Real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit They would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, Someone would forget and something would come up missing.

Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there The treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys. Lucky Always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his Toys stay in the box.

It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told Her she was going to die of this disease....in fact , she was just Sure it was fatal.

She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The Night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky? Although the Three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and Through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand That I didn't want to leave him. The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.

The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had Anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, Whining and miserable.

Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived Home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps To her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap. Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.

When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But Panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was Covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While She had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the Basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life.

He had covered her with his love.

Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, Walking further and further together every day. It's been 12 years Now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky? He still steals treasures And stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure.

Remember....live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing From God. And never forget....the people who make a difference in our Lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or The most awards. They are the ones that care for us.


Thursday, September 18, 2008

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Dogs and Diabetes

I really don't cover dog health in this blog. There are many others that already do a fine job on that topic. However ... how could I pass up an opportunity to connect you with excellent info on how to prevent diabetes in our best friends?

Diabetes in dogs starts with being overweight, just like us. And we can prevent it so easily, just like in us.

So I will post this post under a few of my favorite labels "Dog Walking," "Pets makes us healthy," and "The Dog Diet!"

Now click here to learn more about how to prevent diabetes in your dog. I bet it will return the favor to your own health and well-being.

Psst. Woof. By the way ... The Dog Captions Friendship Card Packs are available. Visit www.DogCaptions.com to order yours today and let your friends know how much and what you really think of them!

Thursday, July 24, 2008




I just found a great fund-raiser opportunity for us and an opportunity to make new dog lovin' friends. Check this out at DOGSTER.com. This runs just a few more weeks so hurry up and sign up!
Click here for the poop - I mean scoop. Then give your pup a smooch!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Just found an excellent Pet Behavior Information & Advice resource for you!

Please pass this on to your friends and family because the better we understand our pet friends, the fewer of them will be turned into pounds and shelters because of "issues" and misunderstandings.

Visit The Dumb Friends League at: http://www.ddfl.org/tips.htm

The link above has advice and solutions for dog, cat, small pet and all pet behavior. You are gonna love it!

PSST. Don't forget that the Dog Captions "Friendship Card Pack" in now available! Click here to treat yourself and your friends to a pack of our hilarious, uplifting, friendly cards today!

Friday, May 23, 2008

Thursday, May 22, 2008

This is very cute! And, I am going to print if off and post in on my fridge - down low.

PET RULES

To be posted VERY LOW on the refrigerator door - nose height.

Dear Dogs and Cats,

The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food..
The other dishes are mine and contain my food.
Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate does not stake a claim for it, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.
The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack.
Beating me to the bottom is not the object.
Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.
I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this.
Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort.
Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep.
It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible.
I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.
For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom.
If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get y our paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered.
Also, I have been using the bathroom for years --canine or feline attendance is not required.
The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough!

To pacify you, my dear pets, I have posted the following message on our front door:

To All Non-Pet Owners Who Visit & Like to Complain About Our Pets:
1. They live here. You don't.
2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture.
(That's why they call it 'fur'niture.)
3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
4. To you, it's an animal. To me, they are adopted children who are short,
hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.

Remember: Dogs and cats are better than kids because they:
1. Eat less
2. Don't ask for money all the time
3 Are easier to train
4. Normally come when called
5. Never ask to drive the car
6. Don't hang out with drug-using friends
7. Don't smoke or drink
8. Don't have to buy the latest fashions
9. Don't want to wear your clothes
10. Don't need a gazillion dollars for college, and...
11. If they get pregnant, you can sell their children. (But let's not go there - Spay! Neuter!)

Thursday, May 15, 2008


If you think dogs can't count, try putting 3 biscuits in your pocket, then giving your dog two of them.

That is just one of more that 170 dog jokes and quotes from The Publicity Hound's "Dog Jokes & Quotes e-Book." This is included with your sale of the Barker's Dozen Friendship Note Card Pack, our fund-raiser for a three awesome dog and cat rescue organizations ....

Find out all about it at Dog Captions: http://www.dogcaptions.com/
Here's one more jewel!

5 Things We Can Learn From A Dog:
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Be loyal.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and
nuzzle them gently.
When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Here is a new member of our greeting card pack! Oh, and be sure to check out the Barker's Dozen "Friendship Pack" which is going on sale at May 18th during National Old Friend New Friend Week at DogCaptions.com

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Within the heart of every stray
Lies the singular desire to be loved.


Looking for Love? Try PetFinder.com to find the shelter nearest you and give the heart of a stray, and yours, a home ...

Friday, April 04, 2008

How many dogs does it take to change a lightbulb?- Author unknown
(found this on PetPlace.com - enjoy and give them a visit!)

GOLDEN RETRIEVER: The sun is shining, the day is young, we've got our whole lives ahead of us, and you're inside worrying about a stupid burned out bulb?

BORDER COLLIE: Just one. And then I'll replace any wiring that's not up to code.

DACHSHUND: You know I can't reach that stupid lamp!

ROTTWEILER: Make me.

LAB: Oh, me, me!!!! Pleeeeeeze let me change the light bulb! Can I? Can I? Huh? Huh? Huh? Can I?

TIBETAN TERRIER: Let the Border Collie do it. You can feed me while he's busy!

JACK RUSSELL TERRIER: I'll just pop it in while I'm bouncing off the walls and furniture.

Thursday, April 03, 2008


Humor Month. Yes, thanks to humorist Larry Wilde, http://www.larrywilde.com/, we have an entire month devoted to hilarity. Just in a nick of time I might add ...


Here is our first contribution to tickling your funny bones! Feel free to add in your own jokes, riddles, links to hilarious videos - do share. We can all use the extra laughs.



Psst. You can pick up an entire pack of humor to share with your friends @ http://www.DogCaptions.com.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Nubs is home!!! Great story - what a gift to all of us this Easter.

F-18 pilot returns home to canine friend from Iraqi war zone
By Kristina Davis
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER


They spent months in an Iraqi war zone cementing a special bond.

Marine Major Brian Dennis greets Nubs early Saturday morning at Camp Pendleton.
But after more than a month of being apart, Marine Maj. Brian Dennis began to worry if Nubs the dog would still remember him, especially in a new place like San Diego.

Their reunion early Saturday at Camp Pendleton clearly showed otherwise.
The 2-year-old old dog, named for his two nubby ears, drenched Dennis' face with doggie kisses and (click here for the rest of this awesome story!)

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Dog Lover's * Cat Lover's Fundraiser

HealthyPetNet offers a fund raising opportunity for non-profits to sell our natural holistic pet products and generate income for the organization. It's called, "Feed a Pet, Save a Pet". Here's how it works!! Contributors buy natural health food, treats, supplements and pet care products and help save other pet's lives. Pets eat superior products that can help them live a healthier, happier and longer life. The non-profit organization earns ongoing income. It's a WIN WIN WIN opportunity!!

For more information, please contact:

Beth Sponseller
Independent Field Representative
HealthyPetNet
http://www.NutritionForCritters.com
Beth@NutritionForCritters.com
509-389-0903

Do you offer a product or service that can help raise money for pet rescues and organizations? If so please e-mail me information @ Viveca@GetReadyForLove.com
Dogs change lives. Half Buddha, half Bozo, they keep us tethered to the earth, and they teach us to fly. Our dogs are our sanity keepers. They are our suicide-prevention task force. (There I'd be with the gun in my hand, and Fenton would look at me and say, "What the hell do you think you're doing?" and of course he'd be right, as always.) They are the worthy and willing recipients of our fierce, unrelenting, and unconditional love. They are our personal trainers, our gurus, our reason to get up in the morning, our bed-warmers, our muses, our teachers, our hearts.
-Pam Houston, Forward A Year Without Dogs, Woman's Best Friend Women Writers on the dogs in their lives


Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Dog Lovers In The Know -- Paul Gilligan, Pooch Cafe!

It's all in the wag ... tail way that is!

Just reading a cool article on Paul Gilligan's website at http://www.PoochCafe.com. Do you know which way a dog wags when he is happy vs. nervous? Is it right - left, right - left OR mostly to the right OR mostly to the left?

Click here and find out for yourself - then run your home test like I'll be doing today with Velvet and Jacky!

Tuesday, March 11, 2008


Fundraiser for Dog Lovers!

The Dogs Rule Removable Bumper Sticker
Let your car do the talking. Just add this 3-3/4" x 7-1/2" removable vinyl sticker.
Printed. Black.Item #: DOG8421

Friday, February 29, 2008

The Dog Diet - A Memoir, by Patti Lawson
What my dog taught me about shedding pounds, licking stress and getting a new leash on life

I am loving this book! I just bought another copy to send to a girlfriend who is in denial about depriving herself of some four footed joy ... She says she's too busy, says she travels too much, says this, says that. Truth is she works, works, works and is alone a lot much like the heroine of this true story.

If Patti Lawson - out of the blue - was able to fit Sadie into her life and thrive, so will Mafe.

I laughed and cried and related from page one. This past Monday I propped myself up in bed with Velvet on one side and Kitty nestled on the other. I couldn't put it down. Had some big, unexpected "ah has" about my diet and how I "tug at my leash." Whew. I got changes to make in the NOW!

Click here to order The Dog Diet for yourself. Heck, order two or three. Friend's Day is just around the corner - don't you have a girlfriend who doesn't know how awesome, healthy and fun life is with some 24/7, no-matter-how-you-look or how intelligent you are kind of love?

Me, I have Velvet the dog, Peetie the bird and Gengus Kitty our newest addition. I think Patti needs to adopt a cat next ... There's a bigggggg difference as I've been livin' and learn'.



Thursday, February 28, 2008

Fundraiser Idea for Bakesales. Thanks to Melissa Felts of SPCA Fredericksburg!

I'm always trying to find something different for fundraising ideas, and I made these picture cupcakes today, just to see if they would be bakesale worthy. I think they are! I took the photos of the animals for adoption from our website (SPCAFred.org), and printed them on white paper. Then I took the paper to the bakery dept. at Giant (the machine at Simply Sweet was not working) and they printed it for me on edible paper. When I called them, they said it was $9.99 per sheet, but when I went there, it turned out to be $6.00. Then I frosted the cupcakes, cut out the pics, peeled off the backing, and stuck them on the cupcakes. Then I simply did a quick trim around them to cover the edges of the pics. Cute, huh? I hope you all can use this idea for your fundraising efforts, too!

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Fundraiser for Dogs, Cats, Horses ...

This is pretty simple. Just go to The Animal Rescue Site and click on the purple box "fund food for animals." This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com

There are also some really cool products here ... One that caught my eye is a small plaque that reads "Heaven is where you meet all the dogs you ever loved." I am counting on that.

Help get the word out on this fundraiser! Please add their link above to your website, blog or signature and pass it on to your friends.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Be Prepared to Protect Your Pets During a Disaster

If disaster strikes, would you have a plan in place to protect your pet ... or would you have to leave your pet behind to fend for itself? Being prepared for a disaster ahead of time can save not only your life, but the life of your pet as well. If at all possible, do not leave yourpets behind should you have to evacuate! If it's not safe for you to stay in your area, it's not safe for your pet.

Click here for the rest of the article - very good information from someone who loves her doggie!

Tuesday, February 19, 2008


Dog Lover Gift and Fundraiser for the SPCA
Introducing The Barker's Dozen Friendship Greeting Card Pack!

Take a break and treat yourself to a belly laugh or two or three. Then, pass it on to a friend, in fact up to 13 of your friends and family.

How?

My brother Richard and I are selling the "Barker's Dozen Friendship Cards" as a fundraiser for our SPCA. Proceeds pay for spaying and neutering pets while promoting adoptions and volunteering ...

Each pack consists of 13 hilarious and heartfelt greeting cards. Each photo and caption is different - get ready to laugh, sigh, snort, chuckle, connect, howl and commiserate. Keep one for yourself on your desk as a reminder to avoid the dog poop in life or to never let them catch you with cookies on your breath ...

You're tired of just getting bills and ads in the mail - so are your friends. These greeting cards with cheer them up and cheer them on. This is a totally awesome birthday gift for anyone. It is an anytime gift for the dog lovers in your life.

Please click here to order your Barker's Dozen Friendship Greeting Card Pack from the SPCA of Fredericksburg (thru eBay.) If you would like to sell these as a fundraiser for yours, just drop me a note at Viveca@FatigueBeGone.com

Finally, please forward this post onto your friends and family. Thanks for helping us get the word out on this fundraiser and thanks for stopping by today ...

Monday, February 18, 2008

The Special Olympics in Delaware has a site called www.waggies.org that makes peanut butter doggie treats. They have 2 bag sizes 24 bone bag for $6.oo, and a 50 count bag for $10.oo. This does 3 things;

1) It supports Special Olympics 2) It beats the prices of every other retailer out there and 3) It makes our pups tails go wiggly wag, waggle wig.

Please pass this to all of your animal loving friends!

Monday, February 11, 2008


Our Valentine's Pup is ready for love ...

Are you?

Happy Valentine's Day, almost!

Saturday, February 09, 2008

Pedigree says ...

Help Us Help Dogs.
For every dog that gets adopted, there is one that doesn't.

The Pedigree adoption drive is on. I remember this campaign from last year - they present the situation as it is with joy and sorrow. Yes for every dog that is - one isn't.

Click here for more information about how you can begin a pack or add one more heart on legs into your pack.

I noticed that Pedigree is also giving away free food for a month to anyone who adopts. This company is a class act.

Friday, February 08, 2008

Pets make us healthy and happy. I know you know that but here are a few specifics ...

Would you like stronger bones? This fact will make your purrrrrr. Apparently the sound of a cat’s purr keeps their bones strong AND keeps their owner's bones strong and healthy too.

Want to give your happy hormones a boost? The fact will make you want to pet – the verb. Petting cats or dogs increases feel good hormones, lowers blood pressure and slows the heart rate. In other words, petting is healthy for your heart!

Want to live longer? On average, people who cared for dogs during their lives lived 3 years longer than people who never had a dog.

Want an easy, healthy stress buster? A study shows that watching fish swim can drop your blood pressure about 15 points, about the same as meditating.

Want to get back into shape, in how you feel and look? Dog owners walk 79 percent farther in an average week than non–dog owners.

“Walking is the biggest bang for our buck. Thirty minutes a day of walking will prevent many cases of diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic diseases. Walking is the simplest, easiest way for most people." Richard Carmona, Surgeon General

This is a fun topic to research and along the way I came across a slew of great books on this topic …


What a dog loves is ... about the same thing I love!

Thursday, February 07, 2008

Are you up for a litte humor today? Here's an irrestible blonde joke ...

A blonde and her husband are lying in bed listening to the next door neighbor's dog.
It has been in the back yard barking for hours and hours. The blonde jumps up out of bed and says, 'I've had enough of this'. She goes downstairs ...
The blonde finally comes back up to bed and her husband says 'The dog is still barking, what have you been doing?'
The blonde says, 'I put the dog in our backyard, let's see how THEY like it.

Saturday, February 02, 2008

There's not a dry eye in the house ...

Last weekend I read Mark Levin's book, Rescuing Sprite. I knew it would be a total tear jerker but I didn't know that I would be teared up from the minute I looked at the cover till I closed the back cover and all over each page in between.

Now, I had different kinds of tears from empathy to joy. I was teared up for Mark, I teared up being reminded about my past loves Candy and Champ and Molly and Vertigo and Angel.

I teared up thinking about Velvet and Bitsey our 12 year old Christmas pups. And their lil sis Hunter and Coco the barbarian, too.

From the minute you bring a pup home the clock starts ticking. Does this make us love them more intensly? I wonder. But I wouldn't have it any other way ...

Someone told me once that the greatest sign of love and thanks we can give to the loves we've lost is to love again. That is what I have been doing which is why there is a long string of dog names. Live long enough, love enough and you will have your own. (You probably do already, eh?)

Anyway what I really want to say right now is Thank You! to Mark Levin for sharing his intimate love story with all of us and to encourage you to order your own copy today at:
http://www.MarkLevinShow.com

Oh, and while you are at, the Barker's Dozen Friendship Cards are now available. Click here for more information and to order your copy at: http://barkersdozennotecards.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

What a dog loves ... is to cry like a baby! (or, with a baby? You decide.)

This is too cute. My father-in-law finds the best "stuff" out there on the internet. This is a video of a babe and a pup ...

Saturday, January 12, 2008


Was just visiting Cesar Millan's website and saw that he has a new DVD out called "Your New Dog: The First Day and Beyond."


I love his work. It works when I work it. Imagine that.


A couple weeks ago I was off for a walk with Jacky and Velvet and decided that NO-MATTER-WHAT I would walk with them according to Cesar's Way. Although I am a Dog Whisperer junkie I haven't been walking his walk. I've been excusing me and my pups.


Jacky's excuses include: He's a Jack Russell Terrier. Oh course he is hyper. I have to let him run all over the place to burn off the extra energy. He's this way because I don't have a fenced backyard for him to run around in. He's just visiting for a couple days. I can't change anything.


Velvet's excuses ... She's getting old, just let her be. She's been this way for 11 years - can't teach an old dog new tricks. She doesn't pull or jerk THAT much ...


My excuses ... too many to list!


Anyway, on that fateful day I wrapped each leash around my hand so they had to walk at my heels. I pulled my shoulders back, held my head high, keep my focus on where I was walking and relaxed - relaxed - relaxed.


Velvet did o.k. Jacky pulled and whined and squealed and struggled for most of the 45 minute walk. I kept my focus on breathing, relaxing and moving forward. The next day we were out walking for awhile before I noticed my miracle. Jacky's leash was relaxed and he was trotting by my side. SWEET!


... tears in my eyes. It is an awesome feeling to be a pack leader. Even better is the joy I felt at seeing Jacky happy and relaxed vs. anxious, unhappy and straining.


You know how they say that a dog is "man's best friend?" Well, we (starting with me) have to learn, grow and be their best friend.


Final note. Last week I showed Jacky's mom how easy it is to walk Jacky the Cesar way.

Passing it on ...

Friday, January 11, 2008

I have a word problem to figure out and it is a doozy. Remember the ones with two cars driving from here to there - one is going 50 miles and hour, the other 55 - how many hours will it take ...

Before I give you the problem, actually it is a dream, here are the facts.

1. 6-8 million cats and dogs enter shelters each year.
2. 3-4 million cats and dogs are euthanized by shelters each year.
3. 3-4 million cats and dogs are adopted from shelters each year.
4. There are approximately 6.5 million owned dogs in the U.S.
5. Most owners (65%) own one dog.
6. Eighteen percent of owned dogs were adopted from an animal shelter.
7. Seventy-two percent of owned dogs are spayed or neutered.
8. Average number of pups one fertile dog can produce in one year is 16.
9. There are approximately 77.6 million owned cats in the U.S.
10. 51% of cat-owning households own one cat; the remaining own two or more.
11. Average number of kittens one fertile cat can product in one year is 15.
12. Each day 10,000 humans are born in the U.S. and each day 70,000 puppies and kittens are born. As long as these birth rates exist, there will never be enough homes for all the animals. (Spay USA)

Now, that's the problem. I would Love to end up with a graph showing movement towards solutions. Please help me if you can ...

If we lowered the birthrate by 2%, 5%, 10% ...

If we converted 2%, 5%, 10% of the single dog and single cat owners into adding just one more ...

If we increased the percentage of spay/neutered households by 2%, 5%, by 10%

And, what if the number of dogs going into shelters was reduced by 2%, 5%, 10%?

How would the above tweaks to our present situation affect the "entering shelters" figure? How would that affect other figures?

*Note: About reducing "the # of dogs going into shelters." Many of the dogs I meet at my SPCA are in the 1-3 year age group. They lack manners, can be difficult to walk etc.

According to SPAUSA.org "Behavior Problems" is one of the Top 5 reasons dogs are returned to shelters. I assume their owners don't know what to do and feel overwhelmed by their dog. (I am not excusing this human behavior, just being factual.) It seems logical that increased owner education via teachers such as Caesar Milan "The Dog Whisperer," group classes like those offered by PetCO etc. could affect those numbers.

If you need more data for this project ... just let me know. These are 2 documents that supplied key data and raised questions:

Latest US Data Show Shelter Killing Down to 4.2 Million/year
http://www.spayusa.org/media/pdfs/companion_animals/article01.pdf

and
Spaying And Neutering: Myths vs. FACTS
http://www.spcala.com/pdf/hePresentation3&4.pdf

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Dog Walking Log - Stepping Out For The SPCA

Last Wednesday I bought a pedometer to start logging my steps for the SPCA. (I am a volunteer dog walker - you could be too. Click here for typical volunteer opportunities at your local shelter OR to help out at ours.)

Anywhuuu on Wednesday, January 2ND I walked 9533 steps. Someday I'll figure out how that translates into miles. Right now I like the sound of steps! (BTW, the manual that came with my pedometer recommends that we walk a total of 10,000 steps a day.)

January 9 = 9880 Steps (Easily 10,000 steps for that day counting walking my Velvet and being up and about!)

January 16 = OPPs. Forgot my pedometer. Had a great walk just the same!

January 23 = 7879 - down a little. Didn't have as much time and just felt like taking it easier today. Listened to my body talk ...

January 30 = 9960. Wuu Huu!



Would you like to join the Dog Walkers? Just click here to locate and contact your neighborhood shelter. They - and the pups - would LOVE to meet you.
February 6 = 0. Out sick with the flu. Boo hoo.



By the way - I just determined that my average day which includes two 1/2 hour or so walks with my pup Velvet plus an errand or two plus sitting at my computer, making dinner etc. brings me in around 4900 steps. That is a lot less than I expected it to be ... I think I'll keep up my SPCA rendezvous!
February 13 = 9578 . Now this plus the above "norm" of 4900 puts me well above the 10,000 Step goal at least one day a week! (And I made a bunch of cool new friends yesterday! The pups have really been moving out quickly into GREAT homes. That makes my day just thinking about it.)
February 20 = 7069. I did more petting and connecting and brushing this week than vigorous walking. Also, I'd been to the dentist and had 3 teeth worked on ... This is not a competition and some days I need to take it easy. The fresh air and company did wonders for me!

Monday, January 07, 2008

Dancing with the Dogs!

Have you ever heard about the "Musical Dog Sport?" It was news to me until Melissa sent me this link to watch Carolyn Scott and Rookie dancing to "You're The One That I Want."

Too much fun! Click here to enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqbVbPvlDoM

What a dog loves ... is a comfortable place to nap.

I was just sent this jewel by my friend Jeannie. Enjoy!

An old, tired-looking dog wandered into the yard. I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home. He followed me into the house, down the hall, and fell asleep in a corner.

An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out.
The next day he was back, resumed his position in the hall, and slept for an hour. This continued for several weeks.

Curious, I pinned a note to his collar: "Every afternoon your dog
comes to my house for a nap."

The next day he arrived with a different note pinned to his collar: "He lives in a home with ten children -- he's trying to catch up on his sleep. Can I come with him tomorrow?"

Saturday, January 05, 2008

Don't breed Annie ... (opens up a pdf file)

Big thanks to Michelle Cascio, Outreach Assistant, Animal Sheltering Issues of The Humane Society of the United States, for bringing this remarkable piece to our attention.

If you are thinking about breeding your "Annie" PLEASE read-this-letter-first. Feel free to pass this onto a friend.

We talk about how a dog is "man's best friend." We can be theirs when we spay, neuter and adopt ...