Take Your Dog To Work... REALLY!

For any of you who have ever used the "my dog ate my report" excuse with your boss... it's time to bring the canine culprit in to face the music! Friday June 26 marks the nation's 11th Annual "Take Your Dog To Work" Day.

This beloved, non-Hallmark national howliday was created by Petsitters International in 1999 to celebrate the fabulous companions that dogs make for us two leggeds... and to encourage adoption from local animal rescue & welfare organizations. It's a once-a-year excuse to stop working like a dog, but rather to work along side one!

Of course, before you place your pooch in the passenger seat and cruise to work in the HOV lane, you'll need to get permission from your HR department. And when they shoot back a "you gotta be kidding me" stare to your sincere request, clue them in to results of the most recent APPMA survey which definitively shows that Americans believe having pets in the workplace:

• leads to a more productive & creative environment
• decreases absenteeism
• helps co-workers get along better
• improves the relationship between managers and their employees

And, something that will really get their tails waggin'...employees who bring their pets to the workplace are known to watch the clock less and work longer hours

TOMORROW: "Take Your Dog To Work" Day Etiquette

Mother's Day... Doggy Style

I just got back from my annual Mother's Day visit with Mom in Florida which, as always, separates me from my own K-9 Kids (they are so sweet... thanks to Hallmark, they sent me an e-card to remind me of how much they love me!).

And speaking of Mother's Day, I just saw a video that clearly shows a fur baby's devotion to his four legged Mom that I feel compelled to share with you... and as the commentator, Anderson Cooper, says toward the end of the piece: "How cool are dogs... dogs truly are the best!".

Anderson, I may not always agree with what you say, but this time you're preaching to the choir! Happy viewing! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7SXw-epixU

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!

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

Monday, 5/4

What a blast this morning on FOX10 with Corey McCloskey was! An animal lover and pet partent himself, Corey definitely had as much fun with the four-leggeds as they had with him! I tried to cram a lot of different Be Kind To Animals topics in our three brief segments but to do them justice, each should be covered in more depth. And that's just what I'll be doing through TheTopDogsBlog over the course of this week! So be sure to visit daily!

I've already had LOTS of contacts from FOX10 viewers about the fabulous summer safety products I showed & told in this morning's last segment. All of them... and a whole lot of others... are available at Travel Hounds USA at 3375 E. Shea Blvd. in Phoenix. Be sure to stop in between May 4 - May 9 for their week long Be Kind To Animals event which features lots of different fun & fur-filled activites and products. PLUS every day, a percentage of all proceeds will be donated to a different animal welfare organization!

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!

Getting 2009 Off On The Right Paw

In Western culture, annual New Year’s celebrations are traditionally accompanied by well intentioned resolutions. As humans, we historically vow to lose weight, stop smoking or spend quality time with the family.

Did you ever wonder what your dog’s resolutions would be? Perhaps “I’ll stay out of the cat box”. Maybe “I’ll beg at the table less”. Or the difficult but ever popular “I’ll put paw in hand, not snout in crotch, when meeting new humans”.

My doggy daughters? Well, Cassie might very well affirm “I’ll refrain from barking at the mailman”, although this would be particularly difficult to keep since her self-esteem gets a hefty boost each time she initiates his hasty retreat (shhhh… don’t tell her he was about to leave anyway!). Dizney’s could rightly be “I’ll share my toys with my sisters” but that one would go quickly by the wayside as soon as her treasured green binky ball was involved. And Tracey's? "I'll finish one nylabone before starting another... and another... and another!" (My "the world is my oyster girl... she wants it all!).

Regardless of what our canine companion’s intentions are, there are some simple but important New Year resolutions that YOU can make on their behalf to help your four-legged family members live happy and healthy all year long.

• Resolve to feed your dog a healthy diet. Not all pet foods are created equal, nor are they all suitable for all dogs. Puppy formulations typically have higher levels of protein than would be needed or desired for senior dogs. Some dogs are allergic to chicken or beef, hence the increase in alternative protein sources such as lamb or fish. Be sure your precious pet gets an appropriate blend of high quality protein, vegetables, fats and vitamins. Diets rich in antioxidants can reduce disease, inflammation, premature aging, and degeneration. “Human” food is often too rich in fats or sugars; emotionally difficult as it may be, deposit table scraps into the garbage pail, NOT your doggy disposal.


• Resolve to reduce your pet's exposure to harmful substances. The toxins found in common fertilizers, pesticides and household cleaning agents have been linked with increased incidences of pet cancers. Rather than using products with warning labels stating they are unsafe for animals, seek out the increasing number of available "green" --- environmentally-friendly --- products.


• Resolve to schedule regular visits to the veterinarian. Since illnesses that are caught early are often treatable, regular exams and immunizations to protect your fur kids from doggy diseases and maladies are your best weapon. Regular professional teeth cleaning will keep germs and bacteria in check, while giving your Poochy Pal consistently kissable breath and a pearly white smile.


• Resolve to give your pet lots of exercise. Insufficient exercise can contribute to behavioral problems including chewing, digging, hyperactivity and unruliness. A regular schedule of exercise can help prevent obesity and illness for both you AND your dog!
  

Last but not least, if you have not already done so…

• Resolve to spay or neuter AND microchip your dog!

2008s Been Doggone GREAT!

Lessons from the Fur Side

When I look back over the past 365, I COULD focus on economic issues, vicious political battles and international strife. By WHY BOTHER??? There's so much good to push to the forefront of our minds. And thanks to my fur kids Dizney, Cassie & Tracey... I have some great memories AND learned some great lessons.

Dizney's ever-passionate love affair with her beloved squeeky ball (ala the squirrel-rat's obsession with its elusive walnut in the movie Ice Age) demonstrates the power of devotion and loyalty to that which you adore. Could be an object, a person, a career, or an idea. Dizney turned 11 this year but has a zest for life (and that darned ball!) that will keep her young and vibrant forever. What or who are YOU that excited about? What or who can't you wake up each morning raring experience? If you don't know... find out! And then, like Dizney, pursue it doggedly!!!

Cassie is the ultimate love machine. If there's a human to be rubbed against, she's there... front and center, ready to bestow her special blend of Golden sugar! She's an equal opportunity bellyrub recipient because in her eyes and mind, everyone is good. She has no unfounded, unnecessary fears or prejudices. Would that we two-leggeds could be so openminded and accepting. I have learned to look to the snout to learn what humanity should be all about. Cassie's snout (she's never been wrong yet!).

Happy-go-lucky Tracey demonstrates the bliss of "gam zu l'tovah" (Hebrew for "it is all for the good). Chewing contentedly on a nylabone one minute, whipping a stuffed toy around the next, romping with her friends at daycare twice a week, independently snoozing on her Mom's bed whenever the mood strikes her. A tandem lick of the tongue and a wag of the tail is her trademark... happy at BOTH ends. She continuously displays a satisfied expression on her adorable little face that clearly indicates she lives "for the moment"... and that the combination of those moments create a wonderfully satisfying life. That all she needs will be given unto her because there is unabounded good in the Universe. Take it from Tracey... it's the ONLY way to live!

A happy, healthy and doggone wonderful 2009 to you and yours from The Top Dog and her doggy daughters! Please log into The Top Dog's Blog regularly (perhaps register as a follower?) and be sure to share your thoughts about living FURvently!