Another take on treadmills

To counter the previous posting, watch this video.

Walk it off

Nothing that I could write would be funnier than this video.

It's a cat on a treadmill.

Winter trials and tribulations

Last winter we had maybe two days when it snowed. Thinking back, I'm not remembering it being that big a deal.

Not for me, mind you. I have boots.

I only care when it affects Kate.

When you are dependent on the outside for your bathroom facilities, any impediment must be taken seriously.

This month's snow — and then ice — left some impressive piles of the white stuff here in the City of Poughkeepsie. Granted, a walk down the street this morning revealed even more grass showing than even 24 hours ago — here at the end of December.

Several hard rains and temps well above freezing have decimated the snow, leaving Kate plenty of choice when it comes to doing her bidness. But when the snow first arrived, and the snow shovelers finally did their jobs, there was precious little space for a dog who usually requires grass to complete the task.

And then the freezing rain came, leaving a glassy surface over the mounds of snow. That was an obstacle that could not be overcome. The picture above, taken this morning, showed that Kate could indeed still stand on the snow, but only for a second. Soon after the picture was snapped, two of her paws fell through.

Now we are back to lots of prime real estate for Kate to choose from. For now, no searching for the first available spot. I am certain that eventually the clouds will gather, the weather forecasters will fret and the snows will come. And Kate will be frustrated (I'm projecting again).

And to the person who couldn't be bothered to pick up after your dog when it went on the sidewalk, I hope your New Year is filled with ruined shoes.

Scream therapy?

Maybe this pug is excited about the possibility of a dog park coming to the Town of Wappinger.

Or maybe it is just a very strange pooch.

Thanks, Kathy, for the tip.

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:
Fuzzmom — Tiger
"A promise to love forever shouldn't end because someone moves away. Especially for a 10-year-old cat who has known no other family. Cats are creatures of habit and experience distress and depression when abandoned by their owners. Fortunately, they do adapt, and we expect that this older white-and-gray tiger female will rebound nicely if someone is willing to take her into their home."

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.

Merry Christmas, pet lovers

Here's my absolute favorite Christmas song.

It's Darlene Love singing "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" on The Late Show with David Letterman.

Have a wonderful holiday.

Merry Christmas Eve

I haven't been posting much lately. Been trying to take some time off. I know, how selfish.

Anyway, it's Christmas Eve, and I wanted to share something with you.

It's a version of "White Christmas" sung by Clyde McPhatter and the Drifters, with an excellent animation.

No, there's nothing pet-related in this post ... except for the fact that the animation makes me smile, and Kate makes me smile.

Enjoy.

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:
Kelly — Chow mix
"Chow — Wow! Handsome older male Chow proves the theory that you get better with age. A mellow personality and a realization that good things come to those who wait, Kelly is just biding his time — a new home is just around the next corner."

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.

Welcome, or not?

Is your dog automatically welcome at your friends' and acquaintances' homes? Do you wait for an invite, or do you just bring Fido along?

A New York Times article takes a look at the sometimes thorny problem of what to do with the pooch when you have to go to a party or visit for extended periods of time.

I only bring Kate when the invitation has been offered. I don't fish around for it either.

When I was living in Shekomeko, I would be invited to dinners where I was told to bring Kate with me. Most if not all of the people were dog owners or dog lovers.

However, I stopped letting her come along after one dinner party where one of the guests insisted on feeding Kate from her plate. I asked her not to — after all, I was the one who would have to deal with the stomach problems, or worse. She refused, so I never brought Kate to another large party again.

Don't worry: Kate's social calendar is just fine.

Requiescat In Pace

Pacino 1997-2007

Pacino, the Italian Greyhound who was my friend Bill Szarka's companion for almost 11 years, died today.

He was ill for the last few weeks and took a turn for the worst during the last couple of days.

The kind of love and the care Bill provided for Pacino truly shows the depth of his humanity.

Pacino was Bill's first dog and will certainly be missed.

In addition to Bill, Pacino is survived by DeNiro and Brando, also Italian Greyhounds.