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Fast Company magazine highlights the pet-care business as expanding and profitable. The following are mentioned in the November 2009 issue:
- PAW Spotlight GPS Pet Locator
- Vet-Stem therapy
- Palladia anticancer medication
- Wisdom Panel MX DNA test
- HomeoPet anti-anxiety potions
- Purina One Vibrant Maturity 7+ Senior Formula
- Dog Gone Smart’s odor-repelling bed
- DogTread treadmill
- Pet Airways
- Pet Teek Pet Carrier
- Doggie Doo Drain
- EzyDog Backpack
- Portage Float Coat
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from an email I received 12/8/09...
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STRAY dogs are commuting to and from a city centre in Moscow on underground trains in search of food scraps.
The clever canines board the Tube each morning. After a hard day scavenging and begging on the streets, they hop back on the train and return to the suburbs where they spend the night. Experts studying the dogs say they even work together to make sure they get off at the right stop - after learning to judge the length of time they need to spend on the train. The mutts choose the quietest carriages at the front and back of the train.
They have also developed tactics to hustle humans into giving them more food on the streets of Moscow.
Scientists believe the phenomenon began after the Soviet Union collapsed in the 1990s, and Russia's new capitalists moved industrial complexes from the city centre to the suburbs. Dr Andrei Poiarkov, of the Moscow Ecology and Evolution Institute, said: "These complexes were used by homeless dogs as shelters, so the dogs had to move together with their houses. Because the best scavenging for food is in the city centre, the dogs had to learn how to travel on the subway - to get to the centre in the morning, then back home in the evening, just like people."
Dr. Poiarkov told how the dogs like to play during their daily commute. He said: "They jump on the train seconds before the doors shut, risking their tails getting jammed. They do it for fun. And sometimes they fall asleep and get off at the wrong stop."
The dogs have learned to use traffic lights to cross the road safely, said Dr Poiarkov. And they use cunning tactics to obtain tasty morsels of shawarma, a kebab-like snack popular in Moscow. They sneak up behind people eating shawarmas - then bark loudly to shock them into dropping their food. With children the dogs "play cute" by putting their heads on youngsters' knees and staring pleadingly into their eyes to win sympathy - and scraps. Dr Poiarkov added: "Dogs are surprisingly good psychologists."
The Moscow mutts are not the first animals to use public transport. In 2006 a Jack Russell in Dunnington, North Yorks, began taking the bus to his local pub in search of sausages. And two years ago passengers in Wolverhampton were stunned when a white cat called Macavity started catching the 331 bus to a fish and chip shop.
this came from an email I received
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original post: 12/25/07
A new book by Rex and Sparky, The Dangerous Book for Dogs, gives dogs tips on how to train humans, which types of shoes taste the best, and how to make various toys from things around the house. This guide has all kinds of information for both dogs and dog owners. It is available from the Book of the Month club for $11.99 and Amazon.com for $10.85.
Bad Dogs Have More Fun by John Grogan includes funny stories about life, family, and dogs from his newspaper columns in The Philadelphia Inquirer. Purchase from Book of the Month club for $13.99 or Amazon.com for $12.89.
Shelter Dogs by Traer Scott is a collection of photographs of dogs in shelters. These photos represent our friends’ unique personalities - the very qualities that separate a dog from a companion. Purchase from Amazon.com for $13.57.
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original post: 4/21/08
I came up with these myself...
A : Axle, Arden, Animal, Abby, Asia, Arabella, Alvin, Angle, Asterisk
B : Bauer, Biscuit, Bella, Barley, Berry, Bowtie, Bonanza, Baltic
C : Casper, Colby, Comet, Charcoal, Checker, Cinnamon, Chester, Cricket, Combo, Cheerio
D : Davis, Disney, Daisy, Daphne, Doodle, Digit, Domino, Dawson, Duncan, Dino, Dollar, Dimple
E : Emma, Euro, Emmett, Elvis, Eeyore, Engine
F : Figment, Feldspar, Fisher, Frolic, Freckle
G : Gretchen, Gretel, Gadget, Gooch, Griffen, Ginger
H : Halo, Helmut, Huntley, Helix, Hershey, Heidi, Heinz, Henley
I : Igloo, Izzy, Indigo, Ipod, India
J : Jaxson, Jumper, Jersey, Jenkins, Jasper, Juneau, Jiggle
K : Kringle, Krypton, Kermit, Keebler, Kodak, Kudos, Kudzu
L : Lily, Lucy, Lauder, Linus
M : Merlot, Mindy, Monet, Montana, Mini or Minit, Monroe, Metro
N : Nutmeg, Nelson, Ninja, Nickel, Newton, Nixon
O : Oscar, Olive, Oslo, Otis, Otto, Orbit
P : Portia, Pepper, Peanut, Popeye, Pluto, Puzzle, Pickles, Poncho
Q : Quincey, Quiggle, Quaker, Queen
R : Reese, Roscoe, Raisin, Riley, Rainey, Ruler
S : Sprocket, Saffron, Sydney, Sunkist, Stella, Sailor, Sinclair, Sprite, Shiloh, Signal
T : Tyson, Tuscan, Turtle, Tic Tac, Trixie, TiVo, Twix, Teddy
U : Utah, Uno, Uncle, Unit, Ubu
V : Venus, Vanna, Vixen, Velcro, Vintage
W : Wilson, Woodstock, Wiley, Whisper, Wizard, Wally, Willow
X : Xerox, Xanax
Y : Yugo, Yankee, Yoshi, Yoda
Z : Zelda, Zoey, Ziggy, Zucker, Zipper, Zinnia, Zeus, Zero
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original post: 1/3/09
There is an article titled "Uno: America's new doggie icon" by Sandy Robins that I think is so cute! Uno, being of celebrity status, has been appearing at various events all over the U.S. Uno's fans, along with his unrivaled popularity, are demanding of his presence. Uno and his owner live in Texas, but his owner decided it would be easier if Uno lived with his Westminster Kennel Club escort (David Frei) in New York. The cute part is next... American Midwest Airlines upgraded him from "carrier class" to "passenger class" giving him his own seat. His ticket read "Uno Frei". He was randomly selected for a security check and when it was discovered that he was a dog, everyone thought it was funny. He was frisked with a wand, just as any other passenger would have been. Mr. Frei then says, "It's nice to know that we are safe from terrorist Beagles." I thought this was a very cute and original article with a positive overtone.
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original post: 9/25/08
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
- When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
- Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
- Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
- Take naps.
- Stretch before rising.
- Run, romp, and play daily.
- Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
- Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
- On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
- On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
- When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
- Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
- Be loyal.
- Never pretend to be something you're not.
- If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
- When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
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original post: 9/16/08
A Great Little Innovative Device
Social dog site - device attaches to dog collar, whenever dogs with tags walk near each other, a signal is sent between them and to the SnifTag site. On the site, owners can see who they’ve walked near and can even add them to their profile as “friends”, similar to facebook.com and myspace.com
Device includes sensors that detect what the wearer is doing (ie. walking, sitting, etc.)
The data is relayed to the SnifTag website where owners can check on their pets (and their dog walker)
Retails for around $300
SnifTag
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original post: 11/16/07
This may sound ridiculous, but I have a "dream" dog. The moment I first saw a Weimeraner I fell in love with the breed. Their beautiful ice-blue eyes, short and silky flat-gray hair, and their one-of-a-kind people personality won me over from day one. Of course, William Wegman and his devotion to his own Weims (puppies and adults) didn't deter my instant admiration. Every time I see one of his photos, especially of pups, my heart melts and a sweet smile escapes me.
I call it my "dream" dog because in order to have a pure bred pooch, you have to have the purse to pay for it! Unfortunately for me, I am always financially challenged - and my not-so-recent unemployment status hasn't helped funds.
Back to dog-dreaming...ideally I would like three dogs to be my three children. I've always treated my babies like (or possibly even better than) human babies. The angels eat with me, shower with me, and even sleep with me. Some of my friends find it humorous that I have put the dog in the shower with me. This came about early on after adoption. I had attempted the traditional bathing ritual of placing the pup in a mildly warm tub of water and then proceeded to shampoo my pup. More often than not I received the most pitiful, pathetic, and desperate look from the pup. Rather than feel like I've subjected an innocent animal to the perils of a bath, I decided to prove that I, too, must participate in the same act of cleanliness that I expect from my pooch. So began my unique approach to "giving the dog a bath".
First, I get myself and my pooch into the bathroom and close the door securely. Make sure there are plenty of towels handy because regardless of your choice of venue, there will be a watery mess! Next, turn on the shower and strip down into your birthday suit. Yes, you will probably receive a questioning look from your pet, but don't worry, they'll understand soon enough. Once clothing, etc. is removed, place your pooch in the shower and then quickly join him/her. Now this is the point where I look at my pup and say, "see Mommy has to endure the grueling bath too." At least in this situation your dog can 'see' that you and he/she are in the same boat! I said that your pet would (for the lack of a better word) understand the new technique, but perhaps that is an incorrect assumption. Whether or not your pet understands something isn't the issue, it's the companionship that matters. Any kind of situation becomes bearable when you have someone or somedog who can relate with you.
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original post: 2/14/09
Whine-O - for the pathetic whines I sometimes hear
Fleabag - a convenience term, for lack of a better word
Flealess bag - a more truthful name
Alligator - for when she has that goofy look on her face, and a tooth-revealing smile
Snapping Turtle - for when she's snapping at me trying to get a toy from me
Kitty Cat - for when she's drinking my cereal milk
Beggar - for the pitiful looks while I'm eating
Needy - for the un-ending nose nudges
Galloping bunny - basically, a galloping (Honey Bunny)
Little big girl - she's my little girl (that weighs about 65 lbs.)
Easta Bunny - Easter Bunny with a Boston accent
Dimple Butt - she has a cut dip just before her tail begins
*I will add to this as I remember and use my "name-calling"
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original post: 2/20/08
Having Honey has caused my vocabulary to change just a bit. I don't think I talk to her in babytalk, but I certainly don't use everyday language either.
I have come up with a word whose meaning is the combination of two other words. Sounds confusing, but you'll understand in just a second.
Wubbin' : pronounced (wub en) : v. engaging in the act of rubbing your dog's stomach, or other body area and simultaneously giving your dog lovin'. Viewed as one-in-the-same to devoted pet owners and lovers. May also be viewed as two separate and independent acts by outsiders* or those who are not wrapped up in their pets.
*outsiders refers to those people who do not own pets and who do not view their pet as a family member.
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original post: 11/8/08
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.
Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.
Now please pass this on to other pet owners. We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!
from an email I recently received
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original post: 2/14/09
- A dog's life
- As mean as a junkyard dog
- As quick as a dog can lick a dish
- As sad as a hound dog's eye
- Barking up the wrong tree
- Better to be the head of a dog than the tail of a lion
- Can't teach an old dog new tricks
- Crooked as a dog's hind leg
- Dog-eat-dog world
- Dog-tired
- Don't bite the hand that feeds you
- Go and see a man about a dog
- Going to the dogs
- Hair of the dog
- Haven't got a dog's chance
- Haven't seen you for a dog's age
- In the doghouse
- Let sleeping dogs lie
- Looks like a dog's dinner
- Lucky dog
- Sick as a dog
- Sly dog
- Tail wagging the dog
- The bark is worse than the bite
- The dog ate my homework
- Throw it to the dogs
- Top dog
- Underdog
- Working like a dog
- You've made a dog's breakfast
inspired by Dogs Miscellany by J.A. Wines
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original post: 12/14/07
I found this new site (well, it's new to me) called PetSugar.com that carries the cutest great idea that I've seen in a while. Designed by Mon Ami, "Baggie Buddies" are fabric and velcro pouches that hold pooch poop plastic bags. And the best part is that they attach to collars and leashes, so your dog can carry it's own stash of plastic bags. Now all they need to do is come up with an electronic hand of sorts to scoop up the poop package and dispose of it too! The pouches sell for $14.00 which isn't a bad price at all. Some of the designs include gingham pattern, fat dots, skulls, a lot of geometrical patterns, and some dog specific themes.
PoopBags.com offers 100% biodegradable dog waste bags made of corn and additional renewable products and ships them free within the U.S. You can also order dog-shaped poop bag holders for $12 each. A leash attachment is also available that holds bags, treats, keys, and other small items and is priced at $12. You can even order a sample pack for about $2.
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original post: 12/30/07
It’s impossible to keep a straight face in the presence of one or more puppies. - Unknown
Puppies are nature’s remedy for feeling unloved…plus numerous other ailments of life. - Richard Allan Palm
If you would invest in friendship, purchase a dog. - Le Baron Cooke
No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich. - Louis Sabin
In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn’t merely try to train him to be semi-human. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog. - Edward Hoagland
There will always be a lost little dog somewhere that will prevent me from being happy. - Jean Anouilh
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. - Roger Caras
If a dog will not come to you having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience. - Woodrow Wilson
You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us. - Robert Louis Stevenson
From PUPPYDOGS by Hulton Getty
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original post: 12/20/07
Instructions on how to clean your toilet
1. Put both lids of the toilet up and add 1/8 cup of pet shampoo to the water in the bowl.
2. Pick up the cat and soothe him while you carry him towards the bathroom.
3. In one smooth movement, put the cat in the toilet and close both lids. You may need to stand on the lid.
4. The cat will self agitate and make ample suds. Never mind the noises that come from the toilet, the cat is actually enjoying this.
5. Flush the toilet three or four times. This provides a "power-wash" and "rinse".
6. Have someone open the front door of your home. Be sure that there are no people between the bathroom and the front door.
7. Stand behind the toilet as far as you can, and quickly lift both lids.
8. The cat will rocket out of the toilet, streak through the bathroom, and run outside where he will dry himself off.
9. Both the commode and the cat will be sparkling clean.
Sincerely,
The Dog
(from an email I received several years ago!)
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original post: 12/20/07
1. When you run away in the middle of a perfectly good leg humping.
2. Blaming your farts on me... not funny.
3. Yelling at me for barking... I'M A FRIGGIN' DOG YOU IDIOT!!
4. How you naively believe that the stupid cat isn't all over everything while you're gone. (Have you noticed that your toothbrush tastes a little like cat?)
5. Taking me for a walk, then not letting me check stuff out. (Exactly whose walk is this anyway?)
6. Any trick that involves balancing food on my nose... stop it.
7. Yelling at me for rubbing my ass on your carpet. Why'd you buy carpet?
8. Getting upset when I sniff the crotches of your guests. Sorry but I haven't quite mastered that handshake thing yet.
9. How you act disgusted when I lick myself. Look, we both know the truth, you're just jealous.
10. Dog sweaters. Have you noticed my fur?
11. Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons. Now you know why we chew your stuff up when you're not home.
12. When you insist on picking up the piles in the yard. Do you realize how far behind schedule that puts me?
13. Taking me to the vet for "the big snip", then acting surprised when I freak out every time we go back there.
14. The sleight of hand, fake fetch throw. You fooled a dog! What a proud moment for the top of the food chain.
15. Invisible fences. Why do you insist on screwing with us?
(from an email I received several years ago)
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original post: 9/3/08
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 and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, 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 your 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, he/she is an adopted son/daughter who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn'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.
from an email I recently received
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