How not to get a good night's sleep

And it involves a cat.

Here's the video.

Enjoy.

Ready for adoption — video edition

Here is the Dutchess County SPCA Pet of the Week — Ready for adoption. What are you waiting for?

This week's featured pet:
Canela — Terrier/boxer mix
"Fawn colored body. Black muzzle. Looks like this female terrier mix stuck her nose in someplace it shouldn't have been. The right place to stick her nose in would be around the playground as this young girl has plenty of energy and loves to walk, sit, fetch, play. Watch the video and see Canela play fetch on the new zip line at the shelter!"


The Dutchess County SPCA is located at 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538. The shelter is open Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. Call 845-452-SPCA (7722). Browse our adoptable animals today!

Shelter pets rule.

Sally's alleged abuser released on own recognizance

HYDE PARK — According to reporter Christine Pizzuti, a City of Poughkeepsie man accused of leaving his dog for dead in a clothing donation bin last month was released on his own recognizance after he pleaded not guilty on all charges at his arraignment in Hyde Park court tonight.

Gary Lee Rhodes, 28, was charged with one count each of torturing/not feeding an animal, abandonment of a disabled animal and neglect of an impounded animal, misdemeanors in violation of state Agriculture and Markets Law.

Assistant District Attorney Heather Ryan said Rhodes had been convicted of two DWIs — one in 2003, the other in 2005.

She said Rhodes had two prior failures to appear in court, and there were bench warrants issued both times.

Public defender Thomas Angell said said Rhodes will have to find new defense, since someone in his office has opted to adopt the dog, posing a conflict of interest.

Ryan asked for bail at $1,000, but the judge let Rhodes go on his own recognizance, to reappear Oct. 28 at 9:30 a.m.

Journal covers animals related events Sunday

The Poughkeepsie Journal went to the dogs — and cats and at least one rabbit — today. Well, at least the front page of the Mid-Hudson section did.

And as one of my colleagues noted, neither of the stories was mine.

The first story is by Christine Pizzuti and is about an Ulster County Sheriff's Office K-9 who is retiring after nine years of service.

Here's a picture of the retiree with Undersheriff Frank Faluotico.


The second story is by Rasheed Oluwa and is about the blessing of the animals at Hyde Park United Methodist Church. This is the third year the church has held the ceremony to commemorate the death of St. Francis of Assisi.

There is a nice photo gallery by Karl Rabe, too. Be sure and check them out.

See what happens when I take a weekend off?

(Photo by Christine Pizzuti/Poughkeepsie Journal)

Old dogs, the best dogs

There was a touching story in yesterday's Washington Post. It was an excerpt called "Something about Harry" from a book entitled "Old Dogs" by Post staff writer Gene Weingarten.

Click here to read the excerpt. Be sure and look at the photo gallery, too.

The story tells the tale of Weingarten's 13-year-old dog and his last days, and why old dogs are the best dogs.

"Old dogs can be cloudy-eyed and grouchy, gray of muzzle, graceless of gait, odd of habit, hard of hearing, pimply, wheezy, lazy and lumpy. But to anyone who has ever known an old dog, these flaws are of little consequence. Old dogs are vulnerable. They show exorbitant gratitude and limitless trust. They are without artifice. They are funny in new and unexpected ways. But, above all, they seem at peace."

I think of Kate when I read things like this. She's 13. She doesn't play like she used to.

And still there are times when I see the puppy in her eyes. When she wants a little attention. When she knows I need lick on the hand.

I know the days we have in front of us are considerably less than the days we have had.

That gives me pause.

And then I look at Kate — sleeping, shedding — and though when the time comes I will miss her, I wouldn't trade the now for anything.

Fall out from season change

With the change of seasons in full swing, Kate has begun shedding like nobody's business.

There is considerably more hair on the floors, and yesterday, Kate was standing in the hallway with her back to a window through which sunlight was streaming.

She shook. It was a sight to behold: hair cascading to the floor from, seemingly, every possible direction.

So, armed with my trusty FURminator, I set to work.

This picture was taken about a week ago, after a 3 minute brushing.


And this picture was taken yesterday, after a 2 minute brushing. (Embiggen for a better look.)


For fun, once again, here's a video I did on the FURminator.

Ready for adoption

Here is the Dutchess County SPCA Pet of the Week — Ready for adoption. What are you waiting for?

This week's featured pet:
Kitty — Domestic shorthair
"Currently our longest term feline, this mostly black female shorthair may be cursed with the normal gene. With no distinctive markings or coloring, Ms. Kitty seems to blend right in. But don't let that distract you — her personality is unique and continues to grow. In fact, she's been known to be down right affectionate when the mood strikes her!"

The Dutchess County SPCA is located at 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538. The shelter is open Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. Call 845-452-SPCA (7722). Browse our adoptable animals today!

Shelter pets rule.

Brand-new bed for Kate

I recently got Kate a new bed for the living room. The old one we'd had for a couple of years, and it was time for a change.

The new one is an orthopedic bed. The tag said it was good for older dogs and dogs with arthritis. Yes, Kate is older, but she doesn't have arthritis, but it looked firm and comfortable. So I bought it.

It also has a head rest.


I said, head rest, Kate.


That's better.

Celebrity birthday

Groucho Marx was born on this day in 1890.

He uttered one of my favorite dog-related sayings: "Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it is too dark to read."

Alleged dog abuser to be arraigned Tuesday

Garry Lee Rhodes, 28, of the City of Poughkeepsie will be arraigned in the Town of Hyde Park Court next Tuesday for allegedly abandoning his dog in a clothing donation bin.

Here's my article from today's Poughkeepsie Journal.