What to do this weekend? Rent a movie or a dog?

Shame on The New York Times.

They ran a total fluff piece on FlexPetz, the San Diego-based company that rents dogs. There was nothing in the article about how this might affect the living, breathing animals.

My take on this terrible idea is here, but I'll reiterate:

Yes, I know there are probably some people for whom this might be a good idea. But, there are too many negatives to think that this is good for anyone other than the person running the business.

For one thing, it costs over $1,800 for a year's commitment. Why not donate that money to your local dog shelter if you have that much disposable case. How about volunteering to walk dogs at the shelter?

And while some dogs might not mind having a different person on the other end of the leash every day, do you think the dog will be really happy sitting in a cage for five days after a weekend out?

A mandatory one-hour training session? Puh-leez.

What do you think is going to happen when the dog makes a mistake on the parquet floors? How is that one-hour training session going to help that poor animal when the renter loses his or her temper?

This is such a bad idea.

Test driving the FURminator

Faith manages

If this story doesn't move you, nothing will.

Faith, a 5-year-old chow mix, has only two back legs.

She gets around pretty well.

Even without her handlers' positioning of Faith as essentially a 27-pound self-help book -- "If a dog can do it, so can a person," [Faith's agent Mike] Maguire says -- the experience offers a rare license to gawk, touch and find inspiration in a soft take on missing limbs and human hardships.

Here is the story from the Washington Post. Be sure and see the photo gallery and the video.

Another brush off

I don't read Woman's Day, but a Google alert brought the following that piqued my interest.

It's the FURminator, which looks a bit like a mini ice scraper for a car’s windshield, except instead of a rubber blade, there’s a fine-tooth metal comb.

Sounds a bit pricey, with the smallest size starting at $34.95, but if I can cut back my vacuuming to three or four times a week, I might consider it.

Dog ban postponed in Alaska

They are getting tough in Anchorage, Alaska, about people cleaning up after their pets.

It was almost to the point where dogs were going to be banned from fenced city ball parks. A previous version of a law had dogs banned from all sports fields, fenced or not. Fines were going to be jacked up for scofflaws.

Dog lovers bought themselves a year to work on informing people about their responsibility.

A group calling itself AADOG (Anchorage Alaska Dog Owners Group), whose members get together for dog play dates at one fenced fields thinks residents will do the right thing — by always cleaning up after their pets.

"We are absolutely fastidious about that," AADOG member Steve Kreinbrink said. "We want to be good stewards."

Here is the complete article from the Anchorage Daily News.

I hope that some of my neighbors read this and stop allowing their dogs to relieve themselves all over our street.

Is it so difficult to pick up after your dog?

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:
Honey — Terrier
"Sweet as honey ... she certainly is! This young female terrier is very affectionate and is top of the class. Don't take our word for it — just watch this video (above) of her practicing her basic commands with our trainer. With continued obedience training and lots of love, she will make the perfect companion for a feline-free family without small children."

Honey — ready for her close up, too.

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.

Prisoners train dogs to help disabled

My story about the Puppies Behind Bars program, which is going on at Fishkill Correctional Facility and other prisons in the area, is in the paper today.

Here's an excerpt:

Edward Stoll, 51, originally from Warwick, Orange County, is training Midas, a 13-month-old male golden retriever.

Stoll, who is serving 20-years-to-life for second-degree murder, has been with the program for five years.

"I haven't regretted it yet," he said. "If you've got to be in prison, what better way to spend your time?"

Stoll talked about the various tasks the dogs will hopefully master, including taking off someone's socks, opening doors, taking clothes out of dryers and turning light switches on and off.

Midas, on cue, jumped up and flipped a wall switch.

"We teach them all kinds of things," Stoll said.

And the dogs give back companionship and affection, not only to the inmates who work with them, but to other inmates. Stoll said just about every day another prisoner will ask if they can pet his dog.

"There they are looking pretty miserable," he said, "and then they go away smiling."

Read the whole article and see the photo gallery and video created by Lee Ferris and Chrissie Williams, respectively, here.

Puppies Behind Bars story might really run

According to the latest information, my Puppies Behind Bars story is scheduled to run tomorrow (Wednesday).

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know what you're thinking. You've heard this before.

Here is the link to the blog entry with Chrissie Williams' video and Lee Ferris' photos.

Adopt-a-thon a success

I just heard from the Dutchess County SPCA that the second annual Miracle Ford Adoption Day did better than car dealership manager Anthony Marzano had hoped.

A total of nine cats, eight dogs and four rabbits were adopted out to loving homes — 21 in all.

Marzano had wanted to see at least 20 pets go to new homes during the all-day event on Route 9 in Poughkeepsie.

See the video I took Saturday here.

So many sweaters, so little time

A British couple has been spinning yarn out of their dogs' hair and making sweaters out of it since 1977.

Here the story from the London Daily Mail.

After 13 years with Kate, I think I could have opened a clothing store.

Miracle Ford's adopt-a-thon

For the second year in a row, Miracle Ford on Route 9 in Poughkeepsie held an Adoption Day, in cooperation with the Dutchess County SPCA.

During the entire day today, the car dealership paid all adoption fees for any animals taken home.

They were also asking people to donate items needed by the shelter.

And the Easter Bunny was there, too!

Upcoming story

I wrote a story a couple of weeks ago, but it hasn't seen ink yet because we've had a few other stories that needed to be on the front page lately.

Thanks, Eliot!

But there's no need for my colleagues Chrissie Williams and Lee Ferris to have to wait in the wings.

Chrissie shot the video below, and Lee took photos (see the photo gallery here) while we all were working on a story about Puppies Behind Bars, a program that uses prisoners to train dogs to become guide dogs, service dogs or explosive-detection dogs.



At this point, the print story is on for Wednesday.

But I haven't looked at the schedule in the last five minutes.

Is Paterson still governor?

Photo by Lee Ferris/Poughkeepsie Journal
Video by Chrissie Williams/Poughkeepsie Journal

UPDATE: As of Monday morning, March 24, the story is scheduled to run on Tuesday, March 25. That means there will be some cataclysmic event this afternoon.

UPDATE II: Thanks, Marist women's basketball. As of Monday afternoon, my Puppies Behind Bars story has been bumped to Wednesday.

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:
Havi — Domestic mediumhair
"Got cats? Have one as cute as Havi? This black and white mediumhair female came in a a stray, but refined skills are just below the surface as this feline adjusts to home life. Preferring to be petted rather than picked up, she will become a lap cat/couch potato in short order. Just let her do it on her own schedule."

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.

A must toy for the active dog

Take a look at the automatic ball thrower that someone came up with.

I'd get one for Kate but I think after two throws — three tops — she'd say the heck with this and go back to the couch.

Either that or she would reposition the launcher and I'd come home and find broken lamps.

Free rabies shots for Dutchess residents' animals this month

You can get your dog, cat or domestic ferret vaccinated against rabies for free March 30 if you are a Dutchess County resident.

The county Department of Health, in cooperation with the Dutchess County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, will hold the clinic at Bowdoin Park Community Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The park is located at 85 Sheafe Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie.

Non-residents will be charged $10 for each pet vaccinated.

To be given the rabies shot, animals must be at least 3 months of age. Dogs must be on leashes, and cats and ferrets must be in carriers.

The state requires rabies shots for all cats, dogs and domestic ferrets by the age of 4 months. Owners can be fined up to $200 if they fail to get their pets vaccinated and keep them up to date.

If you have questions about the vaccination clinic schedule or need other rabies-related information, call 845-486-3404.

Feline truth III — St. Patrick's Day edition

"Beware of people who dislike cats." — Irish proverb.

Feline truth II

"Cats are smarter than dogs. You can't get eight cats to pull a sled through the snow." — Jeff Valdez

Spring is around the corner

Ah, the first day warm enough to take a nap on the patio.

It's good to be a dog.

Feline truth I

"A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way." — Mark Twain.

Tearjerker tale of man's best friend

Here is a video about a dog named Skidboot and the man who loved him.

It will take about eight minutes of your time and about three tissues. You've been warned.

Sadly, Skidboot died March 25, 2007. Go to his Web site to learn more about him.

Ready for adoption — floppy ear edition

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

This week's featured pet:
Beau — Shepherd mix
"He's the only Beau your husband won't be upset with you having! A noncompete clause comes standard with this adoption, but we don't think you will have any problem sharing your affections between spouse and Beau. This male shepherd mix is definitely a low maintenance guy, with occasional walks, treats and scratches behind the ears all that's necessary to keep him happy."

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.

Please do not try this at home

Here's a video of a woman who has formed a special bond with ... a lion.

Reportedly, she rescued the animal and brought it back to health.

What kind of dog?

Dogster.com is now offering a quiz that will tell you what kind of dog you are.

My result was so wrong.

I think.

I don't know.



While I don't mind doing the occasional weather story for the paper, I am certainly no Oprah, much less Queen Elizabeth.

How did you fare?

Pick a party

Does your dog prefer elephants or donkeys?

I'm trying to avoid asking if your dog is a Republican or Democrat.

The people at Petlane.com have some politically oriented treats for your partisan pooch, made in the shape of the party mascots.

Nothing for cats -- we all know they don't vote.

Uno, we hardly knew ye

The Associated Press has reported that Uno, the top dog of the 2008 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, has retired.

That doesn't mean the soon to be 3-year-old beagle will be sitting on his haunches. The White House wants him to visit, Oprah's people called and he's set to be in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.

Photo credit: Mary Bloom

Need a kitty fix?

Try this Random Kitten Generator.

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:
Dancer — Domestic shorthair
"Made popular by Tina Turner, now is your chance to have your own private Dancer. This 6-year-old gray and white male is affectionate, but not in the way you might expect. Prefering to keep all four paws on the floor (or something solid), this tabby prefers the ancient ritual of head butting to show his love. Nothing says 'You're special to me' more than a knock on the noggin by your cat."

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.

Alleged puppy-tosser's family gets death threats

The Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune is reporting that the family of the marine named in the alleged puppy-tossing video has been getting death threats.

She said: "We've received plenty of hate, we've received death threats against our family. ... I can't believe that this much hate mail is going forth. ... My family has been suffering greatly because of this.

Reading the article requires free registration.

UPDATE: Here's a link for a Seattle Times article that doesn't require registration.

More on Marine/puppy video

The Honolulu Advertiser has been chasing the story about the video that allegedly shows a Marine tossing a puppy off a cliff.

The first story is here.

The follow up, from today is here, "Puppy-tossing incident continues to enrage viewers of online video."

Marine Corps Base Hawai'i is investigating the actions because the video may have involved a Hawai'i Marine with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. The unit returned from Iraq in October.

It remains to be determined whether the video is genuine or a hoax.

According to the article, the Marine Corps will try to determine whether the puppy was already dead or if indeed the video is a fabrication.

Viral video is sickening

There's a video going around supposedly showing a Marine tossing a puppy off a steep hillside. YouTube has pulled it, but because it's the Interwebs you can always find it.

Some people have said they thought the video was a fake. Snopes.com as of this morning said the authenticity is undetermined, but the Marine Corps apparently is taking it very seriously.

The video came to the Marine Corps' attention early Monday morning and has prompted an investigation. The Marine Corps does not tolerate this type of behavior and will take appropriate action.

I've said it before, it's how you treat the helpless among us that speaks volumes about the type of person you are.

UPDATE: YouTube hasn't pulled the video.

Pet a cat, have some tea

Some of you may remember how I felt about the rent-a-dog places springing up around the country.

Well, here's a much better way to go about letting pets and humans who don't have pets interact.

It's a shop in Tokyo (yes, it's a bit of a hike) where you can mingle with a cat and not have the 24/7 responsibility of being an owner of a cat.

More therapy dogs to the rescue

Eight new teams of therapy dogs and handlers are working in Dutchess and Columbia counties.

At a recent Good Dog Foundation graduation at the Stanfordville Grange, Hank Sapoznik and Lapsig, Kathy Brady and Henry, Eliza Twitchell and Tookie, Annie Shaker and Georgia, Larry Stockl and Mac, Molly Jenks and Ace, Jeffery Tallackson and Duncan, and Caitlin Twain and Montus were honored for completing both the obedience and therapy training segments required to become a team with the foundation.

Good Dog teams are now working at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie; Northern Dutchess Hospital, the Thompson House and the Astor Home for Children in Rhinebeck and Columbia Memorial Hospital, the afterschool reading program coordinated by the Mental Health Association of Columbia and Greene Counties and the Hudson City Schools in Hudson.

The new grads bring the total number of Good Dog teams to 86 in Dutchess and Columbia counties in New York, Western Massachusetts and Connecticut.

New training classes begin in Stanfordville in late March. Contact Susan Fireman, executive trainer, at 518-398-5249 or solanina@aol.com.

The Good Dog Foundation is a nonprofit organization providing therapy dog services to 120 health care, social service, educational and community facilities in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Photo caption: Standing, left to right: Fireman, Stockl and Mac, Tallackson and Duncan, Twain and Montus, and Sapoznik and Lapsig. Sitting, left to right: Brady and Henry, Twitchell and Tookie, Jenks and Ace and Shaker and Georgia.

Photo: Kate Twain.

Hippity hop to Miracle Ford

The Poughkeepsie car dealer Miracle Ford, at 2250 South Road, is hosting a Dutchess County SPCA adoption event on Sat., March 22.

According to the dealer's Web site, the DCSPCA is going to bring animals available for adoption that day, and Miracle Ford will pay all adoption fees during the event.

Also, participants will get the opportunity to have a picture taken of them and their pets with the Easter Bunny.

And by the way, the DCSPCA is in need of pet food, blankets, paper towels, gauze bandages, office supplies, disinfectants, laundry detergent and dog beds. Miracle Ford is an official supply drop-off site.

See you there.

Color me Irish

Here's a dog that was wearing the green Saturday in Wappingers Falls for the 13th Annual Dutchess County St. Patrick's Parade.

Photo by Kathy McLaughlin/Poughkeepsie Journal

No. 1 in Peoria

And elsewhere.

Uno, the soon-to-be 3-year-old beagle who won best in show at the 2008 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, paid a visit to a 13-year-old (in dog years) Peoria woman.

Rosemary Kramm's home health nurse arranged the visit for the senior citizen because she thought the pooch, shown above after winning the title, would cheer her up.

It worked.

"Oh, I can't believe it!" Kramm said repeatedly, as she patted and stroked the dog. "I can die now. I can leave this planet."

Maybe it worked a little too well.

Read the story from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Photo credit: Mary Bloom