Happy New Year 2010!

My fur kids are always so happy when January 1 rolls around. They hear my resolution about taking better care of myself... exercising more... and of course, that means more walkees for them! This year, they seem a bit skeptical. And why wouldn't they be, considering I have broken my resolution each year of Dizney's 13, Cassie's 8, and Tracey's 4 years of life. The issue is that I simply don't enjoy walking, so it doesn't get done.

I've realized that the trick is to find activities that I look forward to doing, so they become a joy rather than a responsibility. So this year, I've selected specific "quality time" stuff to do with each of my fur kids... things that both they and I are sure to make time for (yeah, like they have a busy schedule to keep tabs on, right?!).

My wet & wild diver Dizney and I are going to be joining a dock diving club where she can bellyflop to her hearts content in pursuit of her beloved green bally. My velcro dog Cassie and I are going to do the two step... or in her case, the four step... through freestyle dancing. And my super social youngest girl Tracey and I will be making bi-weekly visits to those who need cheering up through pet assisted therapy.

What does your K9 like to do that you can help nurture, all the while spending quality time and enhancing the bonding experience? Chances are there's an outlet for it just waiting! Agility, flyball, disc handling, lure coursing, tracking... there is no end to the possibilities.

And for those of you who enjoy brisk walks with a willing fur friend, don't think about it. Do like Nike says: Just Do It!

BE KIND TO ANIMALS WEEK 5/3 - 5/9/09

Four Simple Steps for Being KIND To Animals:

K = Karmic:
what goes around comes around, what you give is what you'll get... studies show that those who treat animals inhumanely are more likely to ultimately abuse people!

I = Interactive:
find and pursue activities that bond and delight both you and your pets... it doesn't have to be strenuous, just fun and consistent! And remember, if your pet is overweight, YOU'RE not getting enough exercise!

N = Nutrition:
there is no one "right" food... take your pet's breed, age, and health conditions into account at all times... keep in mind that all of the above are subject to change, so keep your eyes open

D = Devotion:
pets are a lifelong commitment, they are NOT disposable! Take the time to determine what species, breed, age, and activity levels you can realistically handle (both now and in the future). And when you've got it narrowed down, remember that adoption is the best option!

Bark Park Etiquette

Picture it: dozens of adorable kids joyously interacting in a beautifully landscaped fenced park with their beaming parents standing by to proudly point out their little darlings. Listen carefully: You’re bound to hear statements like “My Maggie… isn’t she just the social butterfly?” Then there’s “since he’s turned two, Petie loves playing with the other big boys”. And “Emma & Tess… play nicely and share your toys!”. Look closer: More and more, these scenes involve kids of the canine persuasion. Maggie, Petie, Emma and Tess? They’re the names of typical patrons that strain at the leash to visit the increasingly popular socialization arenas known as Bark Parks!

These manifestations of our changing society are increasing in number throughout the country. They are usually well lit to accommodate early morning and evening visits, segmented into areas for dogs of different sizes, and offer both poop pickup and water stations. While the concept seems idyllic, there are frequently issues that arise which can turn fur-filled frolic into a doggone bad experience for four-legged and two-legged alike. Bark Park visitors can help keep it happy, safe and sane by following --- and reminding others about --- these simple but important “rules” of Bark Park etiquette:

• Be realistic about your dog’s personality and behavior. Bark Parks are not testing grounds to see IF your dog is social, or for him to “get over” a bad experience. Aggressive, anti-social, and toy-possessive dogs are not appropriate visitors; neither are unsprayed females in season.
• All playing pooches should understand and respond to basic verbal obedience commands, especially “come”, “stay” and “no”.
• No doubt that Bark Parks have become enjoyable social opportunities for humankind as well, but an owner’s primary responsibility is to make sure that his or her dog is behaving appropriately. Keep an eye on, and control the actions of, your dog. Excessively rough play, overt dominance posturing or deep-throated growling is not acceptable even if you are convinced that your dog “doesn’t mean anything by it”. And, just as importantly, only bring as many dogs as you can realistically handle.
• It is inappropriate and unacceptable for anyone to leave a dog at the Park and come back for him later (for those of you squinting in disbelief, this really does happen… far too often).
• Make sure your dog is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. While fun for fur kids, nose-to-nose contact, nose-to-butt introductions, and the sharing of water bowls and toys are potential breeding grounds for upper respiratory infections, viral mouth warts, and parasites.
• If a particular dog is causing a problem, politely ask the owner to leave; if he or she won’t comply, don’t stand on ceremony… have your dog say good-bye to his poochy playmates and end that day’s visit.
• Leave the park the way you found it. Most Bark Parks are not supervised or maintained by their city or municipality, so it is up to visitors to keep them clean and desirable to visit. All too often, visitors go home with a souvenir or two on the bottom of their shoes… or paws. Bring your own poop bags just in case the park has run out. Pick up all solid wastes and dispose of them in designated containers. And if you managed to dodge a land mine or two, be courteous and pick them up too!

The bottom line? Use common sense and respect whenever socializing your dogs. Here’s wishing you and your dogs a great day… and a Ruff Life!