Should the unimaginable happen and the Gulf Coast is hit once again by a devastating hurricane, please remember these safety tips for your pets.
This is from the Biloxi (Miss.) Sun Herald.
Take water for your pets, along with food, medication and bedding. According to the article, many motels and hotels will be happier about allowing a dog or a cat in their premises if you have a crate for the animal.
Here's thinking good thoughts for everyone in the Gulf Coast region.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Comment on Greatest American Dog
I got a comment from "anonymous" yesterday about Thursday's episode of Greatest American Dog.
Here it is:
I say, shame on them. And where are the animal rights people in all this?
Here it is:
I love your recaps of the episodes, they are a hell of a lot funnier than the episodes themselves.I replied that I wondered if I was over-reacting to the show, but the more I thought about it, the more I couldn't shake the feeling that these TV producers, self-proclaimed dog advocates and even the dog owners are merely exploiting these trusting, loving, follow-you-anywhere pooches.
I have to say this time that I was more upset than amused at the goings on in the show though. I don't care how ell trained the Elephant was , those things have a tendency to snap in captivity, not to mention that considering multiple dogs nipped at the puppies last episodes you'd think the producer wouldn't want to risk them nipping at something 100 times the dogs size.
I was shocked that it was Galaxy who got hurt and not Presley considering how much he was flailing during the zipline.
Despite thinking Galaxy is perhaps the best trained dog still left there I hope she goes home next week. There is no reason for her to have to suffer just for the sake of a game show.
I say, shame on them. And where are the animal rights people in all this?
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Greatest American Dog — episode 8
If I hadn't been told what the theme of last night's episode of Greatest American Dog was, I never would have guessed it.
My first choice was "Stupidity." Then I decided the theme was "How to Scare the Bejesus Out of Your Dog (paper towels and Clorox extra)."
While I feel in my heart I was right, the theme, according to the Weasel Host, was "Courage."
Yes, the housemates found the courage to talk about Beth (Ugh) Joy now that she's gone. Yes, they found deep within themselves the courage to make fun of her.
I'm so proud.
And the housemates also found the courage to try and make their dogs do really stupid things, like sit and watch a 9,000-pound African elephant named Susie come charging toward them.
That was the Golden Bone challenge, which should have been renamed the Bonehead challenge for this week.
The poor trusting animals (the dogs, not their money grubbing humans) had to sit in a circle while Susie came toward them, at one point thrashing her head and making scary elephant noises.
If the dog stayed in the circle while Susie grabbed a banana with its trunk (I'm not making this up) the dog wins.
Unbelievably, Andrew (of Laurie &) and Presley (of Travis &) stayed put. Presley left the circle a split second after Susie took the banana.
Leroy, Star and Galaxy had the good sense to get the hell away from the elephant.
The tie breaker had Andrew and Presley in a sit-stay, with their humans off to the side facing them. Susie then charged toward them. The first dog to break the sit-stay loses.
Presley had the good sense to get out of the way of a charging elephant.
Laurie gets the luxury suite and a letter from her husband. She shows she actually has the courage to have feelings.
The elimination challenge has the trusting dogs go up an incline, across a bridge and then leap off a ledge and travel down a zip line.
I wouldn't do it, and they are making these poor dogs do it?
The Weasel said, "This may be the toughest challenge yet."
I didn't think anything would be more dangerous to the dogs than a 9,000-pound elephant, but there you have it.
The humans could choose to have their trusting dogs go up a steep incline or one that is not as difficult and across a narrow bridge or one that is wider. As far as "the leap of trust" they either do it or don't do it. The landing is 32 feet high and the zip line to which they are harnessed is 50 feet long.
The dogs and humans are suited up in harnesses. That way no one can get hurt, right?
JD & Galaxy are up first. Up the steep incline, no problem. Across the narrow bridge, no problem. JD goes down the zip line and calls Galaxy. Galaxy jumps off, coming down the zip line wagging its tail.
Teresa & Leroy go up the steep incline. Leroy barks. Teresa tells him to shut up. They go across the narrow bridge. Then comes the leap. Teresa keeps calling Leroy, he obviously doesn't want to jump.
After a commercial, we see Leroy frantically pacing along the edge of the platform as Teresa, ever more shrill, keeps telling him to come. The poor dog eventually jumps off, gliding down the zip line, its legs stiff.
Bill & Star go up the easier ramp, then across the narrow bridge. Bill goes down the zip line, but Star refuses. After a bit, the Weasel asks Bill, "Are you calling it quits?" when the question should be "Do you think you shouldn't keep asking your dog to something it doesn't want to do?"
Travis & Presley go up the steep incline and across the narrow bridge. Presley jumps off the ledge and flails his legs all the way down.
Laurie & Andrew go up the easier ramp as quickly as Andrew's tiny legs can, and across the narrow bridge, also quickly. Despite a squeaky toy, Andrew doesn't budge from the ledge.
Judge Britty said that "jumping from a height takes tremendous courage." No, it doesn't. The dogs didn't exhibit courage; they just trusted their humans and did what they wanted to please them. Remember Star in last week's episode, trying to lie down but getting back up immediately because Bill wanted her to?
The judges loved Leroy's leap of faith but hated his barking, thought JD's constant praise and encourage were impressive, told Travis he needs to be able to control Presley's excitability, chastised Bill for going up the easier ramp and for not making Star jump, told Laurie that a Maltese doing what he did was outstanding, but in the end the dog and his owner were failures because he didn't jump.
While the judges deliberated, or were being told by the producers what to do, the dogtestants went back to the mansion.
Bill said he was glad that challenge was over. Travis said, "Golly." Does anyone say "golly" anymore?
Travis said, "Golly, I got the worst comments of anybody there. My dog did everything it was supposed to do." Can't disagree with you there.
Then Galaxy was shown limping. The pooch was obviously hurt.
They bring in someone to look at the dog and she said it was a muscle strain. JD said he is going to do everything possible to help her and make sure she is rested.
But on with the show.
As the contestants come in to the judges' table -- sorry, that's Top Chef -- the judges' lair, Galaxy is still limping and Britty asks about it.
Judge Old Guy said, "We hope it isn't anything serious." Note, no one said, "Maybe we shouldn't have asked your dogs to leap off tall buildings."
JD & Galaxy get special recognition and Galaxy limps over to stand by the Weasel.
The bottom three:
Laurie & Andrew
Bill & Star
Travis & Presley
Judge Clutchy said Presley was a little out of control. Judge Old Guy said, in a bad way, Star went up the easier ramp, but wouldn't listen to Bill when you encouraged her to jump off the zip line. Judge Britty said -- and I almost threw my laptop at the TV when she said it -- "Laurie and Andrew, Andrew exhibited a lot of stress signals in front of the zip line. Lots of pacing backwards and forwards, which is a stress signal."
Well, yes, the dogs were stressed by this entire episode. You would be stressed too if there was an elephant charging toward you and then you were told to jump off a ledge. How dare they berate the owners for allowing their dogs to be stressed when the entire episode was devised to do just that.
And, excuse me Judge Britty, you didn't say that Leroy was stressed. He was pacing frantically at the edge, but eventually jumped. So I guess that stress was OK. Well, was it?
Bill & Star were chosen to leave. Britty said it was tough for them, but their performance was the weakest. Clutchy kissed whatever it is that she clutches on every show.
The preview of next week's episode hinted that an injury may force JD & Galaxy to go home early.
Happy now, CBS?
My first choice was "Stupidity." Then I decided the theme was "How to Scare the Bejesus Out of Your Dog (paper towels and Clorox extra)."
While I feel in my heart I was right, the theme, according to the Weasel Host, was "Courage."
Yes, the housemates found the courage to talk about Beth (Ugh) Joy now that she's gone. Yes, they found deep within themselves the courage to make fun of her.
I'm so proud.
And the housemates also found the courage to try and make their dogs do really stupid things, like sit and watch a 9,000-pound African elephant named Susie come charging toward them.
That was the Golden Bone challenge, which should have been renamed the Bonehead challenge for this week.
The poor trusting animals (the dogs, not their money grubbing humans) had to sit in a circle while Susie came toward them, at one point thrashing her head and making scary elephant noises.
If the dog stayed in the circle while Susie grabbed a banana with its trunk (I'm not making this up) the dog wins.
Unbelievably, Andrew (of Laurie &) and Presley (of Travis &) stayed put. Presley left the circle a split second after Susie took the banana.
Leroy, Star and Galaxy had the good sense to get the hell away from the elephant.
The tie breaker had Andrew and Presley in a sit-stay, with their humans off to the side facing them. Susie then charged toward them. The first dog to break the sit-stay loses.
Presley had the good sense to get out of the way of a charging elephant.
Laurie gets the luxury suite and a letter from her husband. She shows she actually has the courage to have feelings.
The elimination challenge has the trusting dogs go up an incline, across a bridge and then leap off a ledge and travel down a zip line.
I wouldn't do it, and they are making these poor dogs do it?
The Weasel said, "This may be the toughest challenge yet."
I didn't think anything would be more dangerous to the dogs than a 9,000-pound elephant, but there you have it.
The humans could choose to have their trusting dogs go up a steep incline or one that is not as difficult and across a narrow bridge or one that is wider. As far as "the leap of trust" they either do it or don't do it. The landing is 32 feet high and the zip line to which they are harnessed is 50 feet long.
The dogs and humans are suited up in harnesses. That way no one can get hurt, right?
JD & Galaxy are up first. Up the steep incline, no problem. Across the narrow bridge, no problem. JD goes down the zip line and calls Galaxy. Galaxy jumps off, coming down the zip line wagging its tail.
Teresa & Leroy go up the steep incline. Leroy barks. Teresa tells him to shut up. They go across the narrow bridge. Then comes the leap. Teresa keeps calling Leroy, he obviously doesn't want to jump.
After a commercial, we see Leroy frantically pacing along the edge of the platform as Teresa, ever more shrill, keeps telling him to come. The poor dog eventually jumps off, gliding down the zip line, its legs stiff.
Bill & Star go up the easier ramp, then across the narrow bridge. Bill goes down the zip line, but Star refuses. After a bit, the Weasel asks Bill, "Are you calling it quits?" when the question should be "Do you think you shouldn't keep asking your dog to something it doesn't want to do?"
Travis & Presley go up the steep incline and across the narrow bridge. Presley jumps off the ledge and flails his legs all the way down.
Laurie & Andrew go up the easier ramp as quickly as Andrew's tiny legs can, and across the narrow bridge, also quickly. Despite a squeaky toy, Andrew doesn't budge from the ledge.
Judge Britty said that "jumping from a height takes tremendous courage." No, it doesn't. The dogs didn't exhibit courage; they just trusted their humans and did what they wanted to please them. Remember Star in last week's episode, trying to lie down but getting back up immediately because Bill wanted her to?
The judges loved Leroy's leap of faith but hated his barking, thought JD's constant praise and encourage were impressive, told Travis he needs to be able to control Presley's excitability, chastised Bill for going up the easier ramp and for not making Star jump, told Laurie that a Maltese doing what he did was outstanding, but in the end the dog and his owner were failures because he didn't jump.
While the judges deliberated, or were being told by the producers what to do, the dogtestants went back to the mansion.
Bill said he was glad that challenge was over. Travis said, "Golly." Does anyone say "golly" anymore?
Travis said, "Golly, I got the worst comments of anybody there. My dog did everything it was supposed to do." Can't disagree with you there.
Then Galaxy was shown limping. The pooch was obviously hurt.
They bring in someone to look at the dog and she said it was a muscle strain. JD said he is going to do everything possible to help her and make sure she is rested.
But on with the show.
As the contestants come in to the judges' table -- sorry, that's Top Chef -- the judges' lair, Galaxy is still limping and Britty asks about it.
Judge Old Guy said, "We hope it isn't anything serious." Note, no one said, "Maybe we shouldn't have asked your dogs to leap off tall buildings."
JD & Galaxy get special recognition and Galaxy limps over to stand by the Weasel.
The bottom three:
Laurie & Andrew
Bill & Star
Travis & Presley
Judge Clutchy said Presley was a little out of control. Judge Old Guy said, in a bad way, Star went up the easier ramp, but wouldn't listen to Bill when you encouraged her to jump off the zip line. Judge Britty said -- and I almost threw my laptop at the TV when she said it -- "Laurie and Andrew, Andrew exhibited a lot of stress signals in front of the zip line. Lots of pacing backwards and forwards, which is a stress signal."
Well, yes, the dogs were stressed by this entire episode. You would be stressed too if there was an elephant charging toward you and then you were told to jump off a ledge. How dare they berate the owners for allowing their dogs to be stressed when the entire episode was devised to do just that.
And, excuse me Judge Britty, you didn't say that Leroy was stressed. He was pacing frantically at the edge, but eventually jumped. So I guess that stress was OK. Well, was it?
Bill & Star were chosen to leave. Britty said it was tough for them, but their performance was the weakest. Clutchy kissed whatever it is that she clutches on every show.
The preview of next week's episode hinted that an injury may force JD & Galaxy to go home early.
Happy now, CBS?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
As long as you are spending money ...
Remember David & Elvis, the New Yorker and his jack russell who were booted off Greatest American Dog?
Well, David threw Elvis a "bark mitzvah" that cost $10,000. See the story here.
Today, you are a dog?
Well, David threw Elvis a "bark mitzvah" that cost $10,000. See the story here.
Today, you are a dog?
Take two and call me in the morning
Every morning, Kate takes two pills. The first one is for spay incontinence, which is managed easily by one Proin 25 chewable.
The vet who originally prescribed this for Kate said dog's love them. "They eat them right up."
Let's put it this way, about one time in 10 I have to either pick up the soggy pill, open Kate's mouth and drop it in (holding the snout closed until she licks her nose) or gather up all the little pieces and put them in her food bowl.
Sometimes Kate will hold the pill in her front teeth. Makes me laugh every time.
The second pill is glucosamine. It too is chewable. Though there usually isn't much chewing.
I got a laugh from the kennel where Kate stayed while I was away for a week. The owner said, "Oh, Kate sure likes taking her pills with liverwurst."
Duh. Kate trained them well, didn't she?
The vet who originally prescribed this for Kate said dog's love them. "They eat them right up."
Let's put it this way, about one time in 10 I have to either pick up the soggy pill, open Kate's mouth and drop it in (holding the snout closed until she licks her nose) or gather up all the little pieces and put them in her food bowl.
Sometimes Kate will hold the pill in her front teeth. Makes me laugh every time.
The second pill is glucosamine. It too is chewable. Though there usually isn't much chewing.
I got a laugh from the kennel where Kate stayed while I was away for a week. The owner said, "Oh, Kate sure likes taking her pills with liverwurst."
Duh. Kate trained them well, didn't she?
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Fair matches pooch with new family
I got an e-mail from Debra Hall of Hopewell Junction. She had a great story that happened partly because of the Canine Tent at the Dutchess County Fair, that just closed.
She said I could share it with you.
Marley
Duncan
Then in a follow-up e-mail Debra wrote this:
She said I could share it with you.
MarleyMarley is 8 years young. We rescued her from a lab rescue. Her old family moved to NYC and did not want to take the furkids with them. We cannot understand how anyone can do that. Their loss is our gain.
She is a very wonderful addition to our family. Duncan and Marley like each other very much. She slept like a baby on her bed all night long! The only thing dangerous about her is her wagging tail!
DuncanThen in a follow-up e-mail Debra wrote this:
I guess you should include this also. I got Marley after speaking with a gentleman that owns a lab rescue located in Saugerties. I met this man because he had a booth at the Dutchess County Fair in the canine tent. I asked him if he had a very well behaved 6- 8-year-old who was homeless due to no fault of their own. That was when he told me about Marley. The name of the Lab rescue is Canine Country Club. We, my husband David and I, were very impressed when we saw the set up at the rescue. When we met Marley I knew instantly she was going to be ours even though she is just shy of 80 pounds ... much bigger than I really wanted.Congratulations, Debra. Good job, Marley.
I took her to the vet today and he found a small, pea-sized mass in her lower belly. In 2 weeks she will have it removed with surgery. Otherwise she is in perfect shape. No heartworm, no lyme, no anal glad problems either, lol.
I left my 2 dogs home alone today to go to the dentist. When I came home she gave me such a wonderful greeting. I can tell she knows she has a home for life, and she deserves one because she is a fantastic dog. How someone can leave a dog behind after 8 years, I do not know.
Just wanted you to know the whole story.
Monday, August 25, 2008
More about pet therapy at Castle Point VA hospital
Thanks to Annette Smith for writing this nice e-mail in reference to an article in the Poughkeepsie Journal (see this entry) about pet therapy going on at Castle Point.
Great coverage of yesterday's "mass" dog therapy event, and especially for allowing the Castle Point facilities to get such a nice "plug." My Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Nicky, and I were there also, and I more than agree with everything you stated.
I, too, am a Vietnam Veteran, and I, too, have used the Castle Point Out Patient facilities for many years with nothing but Accolades for their staff.
During our Therapy Dog visits I am able to see the "every-day" running of the Castle Point Nursing Facility, and must say that I see very dedicated people who personalize each and every veteran. As they accompany me, I marvel at how they are able to greet each patient by name, and stop to have a small chat about their family, pet, past experience, or whatever topic is special to that particular veteran.
Castle Point is certainly a home away from home for many well-deserving veterans, and the Therapy Dog program certainly helps to enhance this.
Again, thank you
Annette Smith
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Nellie in the house
I love Nellie McKay's "The Dog Song." It's on my cell as a ringtone.
Here's a vid of her singing the tune.
Enjoy.
Here's a vid of her singing the tune.
Enjoy.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
A day at the fair
Dutchess County Fair, that is.
I was assigned to do a story for today's Poughkeepsie Journal about the Talent Tent and other entertainment that goes on at the fair.
What? Animals and crafts and carnival rides and expensive food aren't enough for you?
So I was at the Talent Tent talking to Hudson Valley Idol contestants, and what was next door? Within barking distance? The Canine Tent!
Here's a link to the Dutchess County Fair, so you can see what all is going on today and Sunday.
The only place at the fair dedicated to companion animals. Yes!
I didn't have time to do my usual well-sourced look at the Canine Tent, but I did have the time (between Idol acts) to shoot some vids.
Here they are with minimal comments. It's my weekend and I'm tired.
Here's a vid during the dog Frisbee-catching demonstration. They invited a couple of kids from the audience to toss the flying disk.
Several organizations had booths in the Canine Tent, including this Lab rescue group.
One of my favorites ('cause they took such good care of Kate in the past) is Ledgewood Kennel. They are in this vid, among others.
I was assigned to do a story for today's Poughkeepsie Journal about the Talent Tent and other entertainment that goes on at the fair.
What? Animals and crafts and carnival rides and expensive food aren't enough for you?
So I was at the Talent Tent talking to Hudson Valley Idol contestants, and what was next door? Within barking distance? The Canine Tent!
Here's a link to the Dutchess County Fair, so you can see what all is going on today and Sunday.
The only place at the fair dedicated to companion animals. Yes!
I didn't have time to do my usual well-sourced look at the Canine Tent, but I did have the time (between Idol acts) to shoot some vids.
Here they are with minimal comments. It's my weekend and I'm tired.
Here's a vid during the dog Frisbee-catching demonstration. They invited a couple of kids from the audience to toss the flying disk.
Several organizations had booths in the Canine Tent, including this Lab rescue group.
One of my favorites ('cause they took such good care of Kate in the past) is Ledgewood Kennel. They are in this vid, among others.
Friday, August 22, 2008
A wit remembered
On this day in 1893, Algonquin Round Table member Dorothy Parker was born in West Bend, N.J.
She was an animal lover and loved her dogs. Here's a link to a poem she wrote about one of them.
We'll forgive her for saying about Katharine Hepburn, after she returned to Broadway in "The Lake" after being in Hollywood, that "She runs the gamut of emotions from A to B."
It's a great line.
She was an animal lover and loved her dogs. Here's a link to a poem she wrote about one of them.
| Such glorious faith as fills your limpid eyes, Dear little friend of mine, I never knew. All-innocent are you, and yet all-wise. (For Heaven's sake, stop worrying that shoe!) |
We'll forgive her for saying about Katharine Hepburn, after she returned to Broadway in "The Lake" after being in Hollywood, that "She runs the gamut of emotions from A to B."
It's a great line.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
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 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 (well ... almost), fetch, play ... "
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.
Greatest American Dog — episode 7
The theme of the seventh episode of the Greatest American Dog was search and rescue.
Like search for a way out of the show and rescue any dignity you have left.
The program opened with Beth Joy hugging Travis after the previous elimination round. Travis had stood up for Beth Joy and she said, "Happily, Laura got eliminated. The judges saw through her BS."
There's nothing like a sore winner.
BTW, Bella Starlet must have been channeling Elvis (remember David & Elvis?) because he nipped at Travis and was growling up a storm.
Laurie and JD have a great debate about dog training techniques. She feels he is doing it all wrong (through no-treat reward) and he says the proof is in whose dog is better trained. Let's see, Andrew the dancing fool or Galaxy the hip hop king.
I know where my money would be.
The Dog Bone Challenge this week teams up two contestants and their dogs.
One human gets in a box and waits to be rescued. One dog has to ring a bell and the other has to dig to find a rope which when pulled releases a door that opens allowing the human in the box to get out. Get it? Got it? Good.
JD and Laurie are teamed up (rut-row); Teresa and Beth Joy (Teresa is not amused); and Travis and Bill.
JD & Galaxy and Laurie & Andrew whizz through it, as do Travis & Presley and Bill & Star.
Not surprisingly, Beth Joy & Bella Starlet and Teresa & Leroy don't succeed. Bella Starlet didn't dig for the rope; she barked. Unfortunately, they went ahead and let Beth Joy out of the box.
And now a word about the crappy, infantile editing on this show.
The editing is infantile and crappy.
Team JD/Laurie completed the challenge in 1:45 (min:sec). After announcing that, the Host Weasel says, "Bill and Travis, you completed the challenge in" Cut to commercial. Is that the best you got?
Thank goodness for TiVo so I didn't have to wait an eternity for the results.
Turns out Bill and Travis bested the Odd Couple, coming in at 1:33.
Off to the Dog Bone suite and calls to a "loved one."
Travis calls his mom (awwwwwwww) and cries, and Bill calls his "old woman" and cries. How romantical.
The Best in Show challenge takes place in a maze. Each dog will start at the entrance and its owner will be at the end "guiding" them through. As evidenced by the actual challenge, the "guiding" was done by shouting, pleading and offering of treats.
The twist is that three puppies will be added to the mix, and the dogtestants will have to "rescue" all three by getting them through the maze within five minutes.
The "leg up" for Travis and Bill is a two-hour opportunity to acclimate their dogs to the squiggling, squirming, playful pack of golden retriever puppies.
Presley plays with the puppies like nobody's business, but Star doesn't want anything to do with them. You go, girl.
For the challenge, the judges come out of their cryogenic chambers, which is where I imagine the producers keep them during the rest of the week, to watch the dogs in action.
The owners will be judged on how well they motivate their dogs to get them and the puppies out of the maze. Each will have two minutes in the puppy pen before the task actually starts.
JD & Galaxy go first. JD works Galaxy like a herding dog, stopping and starting her to allow the puppies to follow and find the way out. He got them all out in 3:23.
Bill & Star were next. Star wasn't interested at all in the puppies, but Bill was working her like she was on a four-state cattle drive. The dog even started to lie down, but Bill made her get up and start over. I was beginning to get worried for Star and wondered why the challenge wasn't halted. Even one of the judges said she wanted Bill to stop. Only one pup got out.
Laurie & Andrew were up. Laurie made apologies before it started, saying Andrew would try and find a way out to find her to the exclusion of all others. Only one puppy made it out in time.
Beth Joy gave the puppies such well known commands (and I'm sure they understood her) as "Don't paw at her like that." Bella Starlet was nipping at the puppies because they were annoying her, and, frankly, because email isn't efficient for dogs in situations like this. There is no other way to get the message across. No puppies make it out in time and neither does Bella Starlet.
Travis & Presley's turn didn't go well. Presley runs through the maze like the wind, but doesn't pay any attention to the puppies. Probably because the pups were having a good time playing together. By the end of five minutes, no puppies had gotten out.
Teresa's strategy with Leroy is to be as low-key, low-energy as possible, which of course you couldn't tell from the way she immediately acted. Amazingly, the puppies follow Leroy (or Lee-Lee as Teresa was calling him) perfectly through and out the maze, as if they had been attached by a rope. They made it out in 4:31.
The judges were amazed at Teresa and Leroy's performance, saying Leroy really took care of those pups. (No he didn't; they just followed him; please don't project the stupidity of the challenge on these dogs.)
Laurie was reprimanded for Andrew nipping at a puppy. I agree with Laurie that Andrew was simply giving them a message that he wasn't in the mood for hi-jinks. (Again, I think it is ridiculous that the judges and the producers are trying to make us think that the dogs are capable of following the script and know they have to rescue or even take care of these puppies; they were all simply trying to get to their owners and the puppies either followed or didn't.)
Travis was told Presley wasn't engaged with the puppies and had no patience. (See paragraph above.)
Bill was told he was a disappointment in the way he pushed Star, saying the dog even gave him a clear signal by trying to lie down and licking her lips that she was stressed. (Well, did anyone bother to step in and stop Bill from possibly endangering the well being of his dog, or was it just good television?)
Beth Joy's beginning was good, the judges said, but Bella Starlet was stressed and barking constantly and simply wanted to get to her owner, ignoring the puppies. Typically, Beth Joy assumed more than her dog would ever be capable of. She said to the judges, "She was barking them towards a shelter area. She was trying to help them out." Oh, puh-leez.
The judge who shall be called Dog Clutcher was gaa-gaa over JD & Galaxy's performance. She said, "Whatever you whispered in Galaxy's ears worked. ... Move over Cesar Millan."
The judge who shall be called Britty McBrit disagreed. "I believe that any trainer or owner who uses dominance submission methodology, that is medieval dog training. The best scientists and behaviorists (but I'm sure she spelled it behaviourists) in this country agree that to train your dog in a positive manner gives it confidence and security."
Clutchy: "It's not your way or the highway. He has his way of training and you have your way."
Britty: "I totally disagree."
Clutchy: "You think you are the god of dog training." (I almost typed "the dog of god training.")
(Wait for it)
Britty: "Yes, I am, because I follow the very best in this country." (And she's modest, too.)
Clutchy: "That's just ridiculous."
Britty: "Do not say I am ridiculous." (leading me to believe she may not have heard correctly what the very best trainers in this country have said)
Clutchy: "Get over yourself."
Britty: "I am insulted."
Whew. Drama. I was expecting to come back from commercial and find the judge who shall be known as Old Guy in between Britty and Clutchy, keeping them from tearing each other apart.
But alas, Clutchy made nice and said Britty was probably one of the most impressive dog trainers she'd ever seen. They gave each other love pats. Awwww.
Special recognition for the challenge was given to Teresa and Leroy. But the bottom three were Bill & Star, Beth Joy & Bella Starlet and Travis & Presley.
The judges said Travis's hyper energy made it difficult for Presley to do his job (what are they thinking?), Beth Joy's increasingly shrill commands were reduced to bribes of treats and Bill pushed Star through the maze, losing track of what the maze was about.
Who took the loser lap?
Beth Joy & Bella Starlet. The long national nightmare is over, folks.
OK, all kidding aside, time and again the judges say that the dogs are stressed. And time and time again, the dogs are put through challenges that stress them or make their owners crazy and the stress flows down the leash.
Just look at how Star was desperate to end her participation in the challenge after the way Bill was forcing her time and again through the maze.
I just wonder how much money one's dog's well-being is worth. Is $250,000 a good amount for which to compromise your relationship with your dog or its health?
And I don't even want to know what an elephant will be doing in the next episode.
Like search for a way out of the show and rescue any dignity you have left.
The program opened with Beth Joy hugging Travis after the previous elimination round. Travis had stood up for Beth Joy and she said, "Happily, Laura got eliminated. The judges saw through her BS."
There's nothing like a sore winner.
BTW, Bella Starlet must have been channeling Elvis (remember David & Elvis?) because he nipped at Travis and was growling up a storm.
Laurie and JD have a great debate about dog training techniques. She feels he is doing it all wrong (through no-treat reward) and he says the proof is in whose dog is better trained. Let's see, Andrew the dancing fool or Galaxy the hip hop king.
I know where my money would be.
The Dog Bone Challenge this week teams up two contestants and their dogs.
One human gets in a box and waits to be rescued. One dog has to ring a bell and the other has to dig to find a rope which when pulled releases a door that opens allowing the human in the box to get out. Get it? Got it? Good.
JD and Laurie are teamed up (rut-row); Teresa and Beth Joy (Teresa is not amused); and Travis and Bill.
JD & Galaxy and Laurie & Andrew whizz through it, as do Travis & Presley and Bill & Star.
Not surprisingly, Beth Joy & Bella Starlet and Teresa & Leroy don't succeed. Bella Starlet didn't dig for the rope; she barked. Unfortunately, they went ahead and let Beth Joy out of the box.
And now a word about the crappy, infantile editing on this show.
The editing is infantile and crappy.
Team JD/Laurie completed the challenge in 1:45 (min:sec). After announcing that, the Host Weasel says, "Bill and Travis, you completed the challenge in" Cut to commercial. Is that the best you got?
Thank goodness for TiVo so I didn't have to wait an eternity for the results.
Turns out Bill and Travis bested the Odd Couple, coming in at 1:33.
Off to the Dog Bone suite and calls to a "loved one."
Travis calls his mom (awwwwwwww) and cries, and Bill calls his "old woman" and cries. How romantical.
The Best in Show challenge takes place in a maze. Each dog will start at the entrance and its owner will be at the end "guiding" them through. As evidenced by the actual challenge, the "guiding" was done by shouting, pleading and offering of treats.
The twist is that three puppies will be added to the mix, and the dogtestants will have to "rescue" all three by getting them through the maze within five minutes.
The "leg up" for Travis and Bill is a two-hour opportunity to acclimate their dogs to the squiggling, squirming, playful pack of golden retriever puppies.
Presley plays with the puppies like nobody's business, but Star doesn't want anything to do with them. You go, girl.
For the challenge, the judges come out of their cryogenic chambers, which is where I imagine the producers keep them during the rest of the week, to watch the dogs in action.
The owners will be judged on how well they motivate their dogs to get them and the puppies out of the maze. Each will have two minutes in the puppy pen before the task actually starts.
JD & Galaxy go first. JD works Galaxy like a herding dog, stopping and starting her to allow the puppies to follow and find the way out. He got them all out in 3:23.
Bill & Star were next. Star wasn't interested at all in the puppies, but Bill was working her like she was on a four-state cattle drive. The dog even started to lie down, but Bill made her get up and start over. I was beginning to get worried for Star and wondered why the challenge wasn't halted. Even one of the judges said she wanted Bill to stop. Only one pup got out.
Laurie & Andrew were up. Laurie made apologies before it started, saying Andrew would try and find a way out to find her to the exclusion of all others. Only one puppy made it out in time.
Beth Joy gave the puppies such well known commands (and I'm sure they understood her) as "Don't paw at her like that." Bella Starlet was nipping at the puppies because they were annoying her, and, frankly, because email isn't efficient for dogs in situations like this. There is no other way to get the message across. No puppies make it out in time and neither does Bella Starlet.
Travis & Presley's turn didn't go well. Presley runs through the maze like the wind, but doesn't pay any attention to the puppies. Probably because the pups were having a good time playing together. By the end of five minutes, no puppies had gotten out.
Teresa's strategy with Leroy is to be as low-key, low-energy as possible, which of course you couldn't tell from the way she immediately acted. Amazingly, the puppies follow Leroy (or Lee-Lee as Teresa was calling him) perfectly through and out the maze, as if they had been attached by a rope. They made it out in 4:31.
The judges were amazed at Teresa and Leroy's performance, saying Leroy really took care of those pups. (No he didn't; they just followed him; please don't project the stupidity of the challenge on these dogs.)
Laurie was reprimanded for Andrew nipping at a puppy. I agree with Laurie that Andrew was simply giving them a message that he wasn't in the mood for hi-jinks. (Again, I think it is ridiculous that the judges and the producers are trying to make us think that the dogs are capable of following the script and know they have to rescue or even take care of these puppies; they were all simply trying to get to their owners and the puppies either followed or didn't.)
Travis was told Presley wasn't engaged with the puppies and had no patience. (See paragraph above.)
Bill was told he was a disappointment in the way he pushed Star, saying the dog even gave him a clear signal by trying to lie down and licking her lips that she was stressed. (Well, did anyone bother to step in and stop Bill from possibly endangering the well being of his dog, or was it just good television?)
Beth Joy's beginning was good, the judges said, but Bella Starlet was stressed and barking constantly and simply wanted to get to her owner, ignoring the puppies. Typically, Beth Joy assumed more than her dog would ever be capable of. She said to the judges, "She was barking them towards a shelter area. She was trying to help them out." Oh, puh-leez.
The judge who shall be called Dog Clutcher was gaa-gaa over JD & Galaxy's performance. She said, "Whatever you whispered in Galaxy's ears worked. ... Move over Cesar Millan."
The judge who shall be called Britty McBrit disagreed. "I believe that any trainer or owner who uses dominance submission methodology, that is medieval dog training. The best scientists and behaviorists (but I'm sure she spelled it behaviourists) in this country agree that to train your dog in a positive manner gives it confidence and security."
Clutchy: "It's not your way or the highway. He has his way of training and you have your way."
Britty: "I totally disagree."
Clutchy: "You think you are the god of dog training." (I almost typed "the dog of god training.")
(Wait for it)
Britty: "Yes, I am, because I follow the very best in this country." (And she's modest, too.)
Clutchy: "That's just ridiculous."
Britty: "Do not say I am ridiculous." (leading me to believe she may not have heard correctly what the very best trainers in this country have said)
Clutchy: "Get over yourself."
Britty: "I am insulted."
Whew. Drama. I was expecting to come back from commercial and find the judge who shall be known as Old Guy in between Britty and Clutchy, keeping them from tearing each other apart.
But alas, Clutchy made nice and said Britty was probably one of the most impressive dog trainers she'd ever seen. They gave each other love pats. Awwww.
Special recognition for the challenge was given to Teresa and Leroy. But the bottom three were Bill & Star, Beth Joy & Bella Starlet and Travis & Presley.
The judges said Travis's hyper energy made it difficult for Presley to do his job (what are they thinking?), Beth Joy's increasingly shrill commands were reduced to bribes of treats and Bill pushed Star through the maze, losing track of what the maze was about.
Who took the loser lap?
Beth Joy & Bella Starlet. The long national nightmare is over, folks.
OK, all kidding aside, time and again the judges say that the dogs are stressed. And time and time again, the dogs are put through challenges that stress them or make their owners crazy and the stress flows down the leash.
Just look at how Star was desperate to end her participation in the challenge after the way Bill was forcing her time and again through the maze.
I just wonder how much money one's dog's well-being is worth. Is $250,000 a good amount for which to compromise your relationship with your dog or its health?
And I don't even want to know what an elephant will be doing in the next episode.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Pictures from Castle Point
I had the pleasure today of talking with veterans at the Castle Point campus of the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System, which is run by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Six therapy dogs and owners were in attendance to show what they do for our veterans.
The pictures are courtesy of Nancy Winter of the public affairs office. My story will run in the Poughkeepsie Journal tomorrow.
(EDIT: Here's a link to the article.)
Embiggen for more detail.
Here's Donna Toth and Shasta.
This is Annette Smith and Nicky Rose.
Here is veteran Frank Liberti being greeted by Shasta and Donna Toth.
Tag and his owners Lauri and Dave Foley. Foley is himself a veteran and volunteers to give back to his fellow veterans.
Gilda keeps her tongue sticking out. Her owner is James Tipping who is also a veteran.
A group picture with veteran Frank Liberti, Marilyn Coates with Max, veteran Clifford Hadden, Dave and Lauri Foley with Tag, Annette Smith with Nicky Rose, Mary Ann Bopp with Mindy, veteran Louis Peteli, Donna Toth with Shasta, veteran Phil Puntigan, James Tipping with Gilda. Castle Point recreational therapist Gretchen Smith is in the back row behind Peteli.
Six therapy dogs and owners were in attendance to show what they do for our veterans.
The pictures are courtesy of Nancy Winter of the public affairs office. My story will run in the Poughkeepsie Journal tomorrow.
(EDIT: Here's a link to the article.)
Embiggen for more detail.
Here's Donna Toth and Shasta.
This is Annette Smith and Nicky Rose.
Here is veteran Frank Liberti being greeted by Shasta and Donna Toth.
Tag and his owners Lauri and Dave Foley. Foley is himself a veteran and volunteers to give back to his fellow veterans.
Gilda keeps her tongue sticking out. Her owner is James Tipping who is also a veteran.
A group picture with veteran Frank Liberti, Marilyn Coates with Max, veteran Clifford Hadden, Dave and Lauri Foley with Tag, Annette Smith with Nicky Rose, Mary Ann Bopp with Mindy, veteran Louis Peteli, Donna Toth with Shasta, veteran Phil Puntigan, James Tipping with Gilda. Castle Point recreational therapist Gretchen Smith is in the back row behind Peteli.
Creepy kitty picture of the day
Take a look at this cat.
Yoda lives in Chicago and I'll bet he can hear what you are saying right now!
Yoda lives in Chicago and I'll bet he can hear what you are saying right now!
Give a dog a bath and he's clean for one day ...
... teach your dog to bathe himself, and you are one hell of a trainer.
If your plans for Sunday include washing the dog, then here's your chance accomplish that and help out the Putnam Humane Society.
The organization will be having a dog wash behind the Putnam Plaza on Old Rt. 6 in Carmel from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
You can get your pooch bathed, have its nails trimmed and even get microchipped.
Click on the link above for more information, or call 845-225-7777.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The fair is here again
The Dutchess County Fair is back and starts today.
Here is a link to all the activities you can see there.
The dog tent is back for the eighth year. There will be agility demonstrations, as well as dock diving and Frisbee catching.
Here are some scenes from last year's dog activities, which are the only ones devoted to companion animals at the fair.
Here's a video of Erich Steffensen of Millbrook, N.Y., working with his dog Java, a 3-year-old female border collie.
And then there's the dock diving and the inevitable aftermath.
Here is a link to all the activities you can see there.
The dog tent is back for the eighth year. There will be agility demonstrations, as well as dock diving and Frisbee catching.
Here are some scenes from last year's dog activities, which are the only ones devoted to companion animals at the fair.
Here's a video of Erich Steffensen of Millbrook, N.Y., working with his dog Java, a 3-year-old female border collie.
And then there's the dock diving and the inevitable aftermath.
What are you looking at?
We all remember the dramatic chipmunk, right?
See it here.
Well, now there is a dramatic animal that is much better.
See it here.
Actually, it is Dramatic Kitty plus Double-take Kitty.
A two-fer!
See it here.
Well, now there is a dramatic animal that is much better.
See it here.
Actually, it is Dramatic Kitty plus Double-take Kitty.
A two-fer!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Another banner day at the Journal
We didn't exactly roll out the red carpet (it was more of a blanket), but Roland — belonging to Assistant Local Editor Maria Burnham — visited the information center today.
He has visited in the past, and most everyone is happy to see him.
I say most everyone, because, well, today Roland was watching me. Just watching me.
Lying there, then sitting there on his haunches.
His eyes seldom looked anywhere other than in my direction. I could feel them in the back of my head.
Always with the eyes. The eyes!
Embiggen the picture for a closer look at the eyes. The eyes! coming from under the desk.
Maybe at first it was because of the turkey sandwich I brought for lunch and was eating at my desk.
Then maybe it was the barbecued chicken sandwich I had for dinner that my colleague Larry Hertz brought me from the Hudson Valley Ribfest.
Sheesh, I thought Kate could stare.
He has visited in the past, and most everyone is happy to see him.
I say most everyone, because, well, today Roland was watching me. Just watching me.
Lying there, then sitting there on his haunches.
His eyes seldom looked anywhere other than in my direction. I could feel them in the back of my head.
Always with the eyes. The eyes!
Embiggen the picture for a closer look at the eyes. The eyes! coming from under the desk.
Maybe at first it was because of the turkey sandwich I brought for lunch and was eating at my desk.
Then maybe it was the barbecued chicken sandwich I had for dinner that my colleague Larry Hertz brought me from the Hudson Valley Ribfest.
Sheesh, I thought Kate could stare.
The King remembered
In 1977, on this day, Elvis Presley died at the age of 42.
Here's a brief video from the Hawaii concert of Elvis singing Hound Dog.
Thank you verra much.
Here's a brief video from the Hawaii concert of Elvis singing Hound Dog.
Thank you verra much.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Greatest American Dog — Episode 6
Sorry the recap is a little later than usual. It was kind of a busy day in the newsroom.
Last night's show was all about intelligence, and none of it was about the humans.
The sixth episode of Greatest American Dog opened with Laura (of & Preston) talking about how nice it was to have Brandy (of & Beacon) gone. Travis (of & Presley) said that he could finally talk to other people with Brandy out of the picture.
He then spends quality time with Laura — and their dogs. Laura was smothering Presley with smooches. I think even Travis was taken aback. Or jealous.
The Dog Bone Challenge was called, by Weasel host, an IQ test, but it really was a nose test.
The dogs had to go around a wall to get to their favorite treat. There was a small opening through which they could see and smell the goody. The humans could only say "Go find it" and "Go get it." The dogs had five minutes.
Most of the dogs did find the treats. Andrew (of Laurie &) kind of walked around his owner. Sort of like what they did in the dancing competition last week. Well, it didn't work this time.
Beth (ugh) Joy's voice when it was Bella Starlet's turn got higher and higher until, I swear, only the dog could hear her. The pooch did get the treat in a little over 15 seconds (probably to get as far out of hearing range as possible).
The winner was Bill & Star, in 8.34 seconds. Yea, Texas.
So it was Bill's turn to receive the coveted golden bone. (snicker.)
Now Bill being a gentleman and probably tetched by the sun too asks if he can give the golden bone to somebody else. (snicker, snicker.)
The Weasel said (and I'm not making this up): "You can do whatever you want. You are holding the golden bone." (guffaw!)
To repay the favor Teresa (of & Leroy) did last week, Bill turns the luxury suite and the "leg up" for the elimination challenge (oh, I just put 2 and 2 together — leg up and elimination, who writes this stuff? Ha!) over to Teresa.
So the elimination challenge is called Salvador Doggie.
Get it?
A painting has to be created that represents the bond between the dog and the owner AND all the painting must be done by the dog.
I have to say that the editor of this show kept cutting to Leroy who had the most perfect "you've got to be kidding" expression I've ever seen.
All the paint was non-toxic, so as to avoid a situation similar to the radium dial painting women of the 1920s.
Oh, and the "leg up"?
Teresa will have the assistance of, oh brother, a dog art instructor.
Not an instructor that teaches someone to paint dogs playing poker on a a velvet canvas, but an instructor that teaches dogs to paint.
There's a sucker born ...
The paintings will be judged on how creative the project is, and ... this is hard to swallow ... the dog's technique and use of tools.
Bill has Star paint stars; Teresa said her relationship with Leroy is summed up by learning; Travis has Presley push paint rollers over stencils by smearing peanut butter on them; Beth (ugh) Joy makes Bella Starlet roll over and the dog yelps, then puts sponges on the dog's feet tied up with tape and the dog yelps more; Laura & Preston don't do much; Laurie & Andrew don't do much either but do it with a paint roller; JD has Galaxy roll over with letters on his back and the letters end up backwards.
I don't think anyone was paying attention when the Weasel said all the painting had to be done by the dogs.
The Best in Show Challenge begins with Beth (ugh) Joy & Bella Starlet. She said it was fun to put the sponges on the dog's feet and that they were working through the pooch's sensitive paw issue. The judge said it was good they were working through that issue.
Bill said their painting with the moon and the stars meant Star represented everything to him. The judge said the concept was touching, but the use of the solar system was predictable.
Travis opened up about having a commitment problem and Presley was the first thing that needed him. The painting looked like nothing frankly, and the judge said it looked as if he didn't use a lot of technique.
JD tried to convince the judges that the backward letters and incomprehensible words were meant to be that way. No one bought it. JD said, "Obviously dogs can't spell."
Teresa had a big L on her canvas surrounded by a moon and stars (was that predictable, judges, was it?). She said that Leroy sometimes drives her over the moon from the barking, but the dog is the moon and the stars to her. The judges were impressed by her technique. Meh.
Laurie & Andrew's painting looked like a poster or a pep rally slogan, according to the judges. She called the painting "He ain't heavy." Well, yeah, look at the dog. He's a 10 pound Maltese. The judge said that Andrew's personality wasn't in the painting. "You kind of missed the boat."
Laura & Preston's painting was supposed to be a great big heart, but to one of the judges it looked like a pink pretzel. "This sucks," the judge said. Laura then said that she knew that Preston was comfortable doing the painting. She then went on to say that one dog was crying (cut to Beth [ugh] Joy whose mouth was on the floor) and she didn't want to push him like that. The judge asked who it was and Laura told them it was Beth (ugh) Joy, without the (ugh), of course.
The judge said that (the royal) we are not into pushing the dogs into doing everything. But there are ways to create something that is enjoyable and fun and also good. They said that Laura could have done better.
I thought they were judging the dogs' techniques. I guess that would be silly.
Back in the green room, Beth (ugh) Joy asks Laura to explain the "call out." Beth (ugh) Joy said Bella Starlet only yelped twice (there were more) and at least she challenged her dog. Who'd have thought there would be a cat fight on a dog show?
Travis came to Beth (ugh) Joy's defense, saying she really does take good care of her dog. If Laura's eyes had been daggers, Travis would be bleeding like a stuck pig.
There's one commitment Travis won't have to worry about.
Back to the judging chamber: Teresa & Leroy were chosen for special recognition. yippee.
The bottom three were Laura & Preston, JD & Galaxy and Laurie & Andrew.
(JD is a putz; he was upset at being in the bottom three and when Galaxy tried to lick his face, he said, "Galaxy, no more; please don't." And he pulled away. It's just a stupid game and you act like that to your dog? Moron.)
The judges said that Laura did put much time or thought into her painting; Laurie rested on her laurels and didn't put any work into the painting; and JD's jumbled words and letters were clearly a mistake and he wanted them to believe they were intentional.
Who's taking the loser lap?
Laura & Preston.
And don't expect the paintings to be on display at the Metropolitan Museum any time soon.
Maybe the BowWowHaus.
Last night's show was all about intelligence, and none of it was about the humans.
The sixth episode of Greatest American Dog opened with Laura (of & Preston) talking about how nice it was to have Brandy (of & Beacon) gone. Travis (of & Presley) said that he could finally talk to other people with Brandy out of the picture.
He then spends quality time with Laura — and their dogs. Laura was smothering Presley with smooches. I think even Travis was taken aback. Or jealous.
The Dog Bone Challenge was called, by Weasel host, an IQ test, but it really was a nose test.
The dogs had to go around a wall to get to their favorite treat. There was a small opening through which they could see and smell the goody. The humans could only say "Go find it" and "Go get it." The dogs had five minutes.
Most of the dogs did find the treats. Andrew (of Laurie &) kind of walked around his owner. Sort of like what they did in the dancing competition last week. Well, it didn't work this time.
Beth (ugh) Joy's voice when it was Bella Starlet's turn got higher and higher until, I swear, only the dog could hear her. The pooch did get the treat in a little over 15 seconds (probably to get as far out of hearing range as possible).
The winner was Bill & Star, in 8.34 seconds. Yea, Texas.
So it was Bill's turn to receive the coveted golden bone. (snicker.)
Now Bill being a gentleman and probably tetched by the sun too asks if he can give the golden bone to somebody else. (snicker, snicker.)
The Weasel said (and I'm not making this up): "You can do whatever you want. You are holding the golden bone." (guffaw!)
To repay the favor Teresa (of & Leroy) did last week, Bill turns the luxury suite and the "leg up" for the elimination challenge (oh, I just put 2 and 2 together — leg up and elimination, who writes this stuff? Ha!) over to Teresa.
So the elimination challenge is called Salvador Doggie.
Get it?
A painting has to be created that represents the bond between the dog and the owner AND all the painting must be done by the dog.
I have to say that the editor of this show kept cutting to Leroy who had the most perfect "you've got to be kidding" expression I've ever seen.
All the paint was non-toxic, so as to avoid a situation similar to the radium dial painting women of the 1920s.
Oh, and the "leg up"?
Teresa will have the assistance of, oh brother, a dog art instructor.
Not an instructor that teaches someone to paint dogs playing poker on a a velvet canvas, but an instructor that teaches dogs to paint.
There's a sucker born ...
The paintings will be judged on how creative the project is, and ... this is hard to swallow ... the dog's technique and use of tools.
Bill has Star paint stars; Teresa said her relationship with Leroy is summed up by learning; Travis has Presley push paint rollers over stencils by smearing peanut butter on them; Beth (ugh) Joy makes Bella Starlet roll over and the dog yelps, then puts sponges on the dog's feet tied up with tape and the dog yelps more; Laura & Preston don't do much; Laurie & Andrew don't do much either but do it with a paint roller; JD has Galaxy roll over with letters on his back and the letters end up backwards.
I don't think anyone was paying attention when the Weasel said all the painting had to be done by the dogs.
The Best in Show Challenge begins with Beth (ugh) Joy & Bella Starlet. She said it was fun to put the sponges on the dog's feet and that they were working through the pooch's sensitive paw issue. The judge said it was good they were working through that issue.
Bill said their painting with the moon and the stars meant Star represented everything to him. The judge said the concept was touching, but the use of the solar system was predictable.
Travis opened up about having a commitment problem and Presley was the first thing that needed him. The painting looked like nothing frankly, and the judge said it looked as if he didn't use a lot of technique.
JD tried to convince the judges that the backward letters and incomprehensible words were meant to be that way. No one bought it. JD said, "Obviously dogs can't spell."
Teresa had a big L on her canvas surrounded by a moon and stars (was that predictable, judges, was it?). She said that Leroy sometimes drives her over the moon from the barking, but the dog is the moon and the stars to her. The judges were impressed by her technique. Meh.
Laurie & Andrew's painting looked like a poster or a pep rally slogan, according to the judges. She called the painting "He ain't heavy." Well, yeah, look at the dog. He's a 10 pound Maltese. The judge said that Andrew's personality wasn't in the painting. "You kind of missed the boat."
Laura & Preston's painting was supposed to be a great big heart, but to one of the judges it looked like a pink pretzel. "This sucks," the judge said. Laura then said that she knew that Preston was comfortable doing the painting. She then went on to say that one dog was crying (cut to Beth [ugh] Joy whose mouth was on the floor) and she didn't want to push him like that. The judge asked who it was and Laura told them it was Beth (ugh) Joy, without the (ugh), of course.
The judge said that (the royal) we are not into pushing the dogs into doing everything. But there are ways to create something that is enjoyable and fun and also good. They said that Laura could have done better.
I thought they were judging the dogs' techniques. I guess that would be silly.
Back in the green room, Beth (ugh) Joy asks Laura to explain the "call out." Beth (ugh) Joy said Bella Starlet only yelped twice (there were more) and at least she challenged her dog. Who'd have thought there would be a cat fight on a dog show?
Travis came to Beth (ugh) Joy's defense, saying she really does take good care of her dog. If Laura's eyes had been daggers, Travis would be bleeding like a stuck pig.
There's one commitment Travis won't have to worry about.
Back to the judging chamber: Teresa & Leroy were chosen for special recognition. yippee.
The bottom three were Laura & Preston, JD & Galaxy and Laurie & Andrew.
(JD is a putz; he was upset at being in the bottom three and when Galaxy tried to lick his face, he said, "Galaxy, no more; please don't." And he pulled away. It's just a stupid game and you act like that to your dog? Moron.)
The judges said that Laura did put much time or thought into her painting; Laurie rested on her laurels and didn't put any work into the painting; and JD's jumbled words and letters were clearly a mistake and he wanted them to believe they were intentional.
Who's taking the loser lap?
Laura & Preston.
And don't expect the paintings to be on display at the Metropolitan Museum any time soon.
Maybe the BowWowHaus.
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:
Steely — Domestic longhair
Gorgeous, fluffy male longhair has a coat the color of steel ... no points for name creativity here. Lots of attention will score you kitty kisses in return, not to mention a purr that sounds like an engine. Steely would be perfect for a home without other feline or canine companions because he wants you all to himself!
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.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
On my travels
Probably the last thing I imagined I would encounter in an airport while I was traveling last week was a pet gift store.
(Actually right before I found the store I had a celebrity sighting: Rev. Al Sharpton. So he was probably the last thing I thought would encounter.)
But in the Detroit Metro Airport (yeah, yeah, yeah, it has another name, but this is what the locals call it) in the A terminal was The Stylish Paw.
It's a cute shop that is well worth the trip through the concourse's music and light show that connects to other terminals.The store has the requisite treats and collars, but there are also clever mugs ("Real Men Like Cats") and even this twist on an old favorite board game.
Embiggen the picture for details from the game. (Imagine paying a $300 fine for fleas!)I was given a Web site but I wasn't able to find the Stylish Paw on it. If I can scare up a correct URL I'll post it later.
But Deanna runs the shop, and she can be reached at 734-247-6887. The store is located near Gate A66.
The video at the top is from Dallas, not Detroit. Full disclosure.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Making amends — and muffins
It wasn't that I felt the least bit guilty leaving Kate at a local kennel while I was out of town last week.
I just felt — on my first day back and the only day I had to recuperate from my vacation — like baking dog treats. OK?
I picked up the "Three Dog Bakery Cookbook" (Andrews McMeel publisher) the other day. It's filled with all sorts of goodies for dogs, many of which sound good enough to eat if you are a human.
The cookbook was written by Dan Dye and Mark Beckloff, who run the treat empire and had a funny and informative show on the Food Network many years ago. (Note to Food Network: How about bringing the guys' show back? It was a far sight better than some of the so-called talent you have on the air now.)
For my apology, er, Sunday baking experiment, I chose Welcome Home Kennel Cakes, made with 4 cups oat bran, 2-1/2 cups white flour, 2-1/2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 egg, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup natural peanut butter and 2-1/2 cups buttermilk.
You mix the dry ingredients, add the rest and stir.
According to the recipe, you fill a greased muffin tin two-thirds full and bake for 25 minutes in a 375 degree oven.
Again, according to the recipe, it makes 12 treats.
Twelve it is.
But, take a look at this picture.
There was so much more batter I filled a 9-inch pie tin and made a separate cake.
I think the recipe meant 24 regular-size muffins or 12 great big gigantic muffins or the ingredients should have been cut in half. And my muffins only took about 20 minutes to bake (when a skewer was inserted and came out clean). The cake took about 30 minutes.
In any event, Kate loved them. (She was a little apprehensive about tackling an entire muffin, so I broke it up for her.)
If you make these — and a warning to my friends who are going to be receiving samples — these are crumbly and messy.
Kate is sated and forgives me for putting her in the kennel, but she got back at me by making me clean the kitchen floor.
Recipe courtesy "Three Dog Bakery Cookbook" by Dan Dye and Mark Beckloff, Andrew McMeel Publishing.
I just felt — on my first day back and the only day I had to recuperate from my vacation — like baking dog treats. OK?
I picked up the "Three Dog Bakery Cookbook" (Andrews McMeel publisher) the other day. It's filled with all sorts of goodies for dogs, many of which sound good enough to eat if you are a human.
The cookbook was written by Dan Dye and Mark Beckloff, who run the treat empire and had a funny and informative show on the Food Network many years ago. (Note to Food Network: How about bringing the guys' show back? It was a far sight better than some of the so-called talent you have on the air now.)
For my apology, er, Sunday baking experiment, I chose Welcome Home Kennel Cakes, made with 4 cups oat bran, 2-1/2 cups white flour, 2-1/2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 egg, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup natural peanut butter and 2-1/2 cups buttermilk.
You mix the dry ingredients, add the rest and stir.
According to the recipe, you fill a greased muffin tin two-thirds full and bake for 25 minutes in a 375 degree oven.
Again, according to the recipe, it makes 12 treats.
Twelve it is.But, take a look at this picture.
There was so much more batter I filled a 9-inch pie tin and made a separate cake.
I think the recipe meant 24 regular-size muffins or 12 great big gigantic muffins or the ingredients should have been cut in half. And my muffins only took about 20 minutes to bake (when a skewer was inserted and came out clean). The cake took about 30 minutes.
In any event, Kate loved them. (She was a little apprehensive about tackling an entire muffin, so I broke it up for her.)
If you make these — and a warning to my friends who are going to be receiving samples — these are crumbly and messy.
Kate is sated and forgives me for putting her in the kennel, but she got back at me by making me clean the kitchen floor.
Recipe courtesy "Three Dog Bakery Cookbook" by Dan Dye and Mark Beckloff, Andrew McMeel Publishing.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Greatest American Dog — episode 5
Newsflash.
Beacon (of Brandy &) wants to go home.
So thinks Brandy (of & Beacon). The fifth episode of Greatest American Dog begins with Brandy projecting her feelings on her dog.
Obviously, the dog, who doesn't seem to listen to Brandy — ever — is the mastermind of this outfit.
Laurie (of & Andrew) tells her not to put expectations on dogs to be human because they are not.
Well, duh.
By the way, Beacon is wearing pajamas.
Bill and Teresa (of & Star and & Leroy, respectively) are yackin', as they would say in Bill's native Texas.
Bill misses his wife and goes on about it, saying he doesn't know how people go away from home.
The crusty older Texan tells Teresa that he wants to win the "Golden Bone" (they still manage to say that on this show with a straight face) so he can move into the luxury suite and put up pictures of his family.
Hey, Bill, there are these things called picture frames that you put, like, pictures in and you can probably clear off part of a nightstand and put them on them. It's like they were made for level surfaces.
Teresa thinks Bill is the sweetest man.
Oh, and this is a show about dogs.
Well, I did mention that Beacon was wearing pajamas.
The stakes of the first challenge have changed. The dog house is no more. It is now probably being rented out; these are tough economic times.
And the winner of the challenge will get a "leg up" — get it? — in the elimination challenge.
The pooches have to go across a small bridge over muddy waters. Not troubled, thank goodness.
The fastest wins.
Only two dogs manage to successfully cross the bridge: Star and Leroy.
Leroy is the fastest and Teresa asks if she can give Bill the "golden bone" so he can enjoy his family's pictures in the suite.
The little weasel host said that Teresa would be giving up the "leg up" (I'm not making this up, please realize that) as well. She is fine with that.
Cut to people lying around the mansion. Brandy is trying to teach Beacon to sit.
"Sit, sit, sit, sit."
Somehow doesn't work.
Brandy even pushes Beacon's back end down and he pops right back up.
Bill said, "Check her butt; it might be sore."
That made me laugh.
So on to the elimination challenge and the weasel says that the owners and their dogs have to come up with a one-minute dance routine. The "leg up" for Bill is a professional dancer, whose name I never heard of and don't care enough to Google, to work with them.
The dogtestants pick from different dance styles: Laurie & Andrew, ragtime; Laura & Preston, latin; Bill & Star, rockabilly; Travis & Presley, country; Brandy & Beacon, classical ballet; Teresa & Leroy, disco; J.D. & Galaxy, hiphop. I'm sorry, I've blocked from my mind what Beth (ugh) Joy and Bella Starlet danced.
They all practice, which as we know makes perfect.
Brandy starts crying and Travis tries to comfort her by saying she needs to act like she is playing and have some fun. Brandy said, "I don't want to lose because of my anxiety."
See where this is going, folks?
The competition:
Laurie walks around and so does Andrew, which the judges find to be charming with both of them having fun. OK.
J.D. has "got some moves there, boy." Beth (ugh) Joy squeaky talks to Bella Starlet. Leroy barks constantly at Teresa. Beacon practically ignores Brandy. Bill does an imitation of Jerry Lee Lewis and Star gives him paw. Travis wear a cowboy hat and jeans and Presley pretty much looks at him. Preston spends more time scratching at the collar around his neck than dancing with Laura.
The judges said that special recognition would go to ... Laurie and Andrew?
Huh?
I don't much care for the frat-boy persona of J.D., but his dance was a billion times better than Laurie's. And so was Bill's.
The bottom three: Laura & Preston; Brandy & Beacon; Travis & Presley.
The reasons: Presley didn't look enthused, Brandy made poor choices from having Beacon wear socks to not training him, Preston lost focus and Laura lost control.
The one to take the loser lap? Brandy & Beacon.
Brandy: "We have a deeper bond. She still has my heart and that's all that counts. I am leaving with my head held high."
She also said that she watched Beacon grow in the short time they were on the show.
OK, but he still wouldn't do a sit.
Beacon (of Brandy &) wants to go home.
So thinks Brandy (of & Beacon). The fifth episode of Greatest American Dog begins with Brandy projecting her feelings on her dog.
Obviously, the dog, who doesn't seem to listen to Brandy — ever — is the mastermind of this outfit.
Laurie (of & Andrew) tells her not to put expectations on dogs to be human because they are not.
Well, duh.
By the way, Beacon is wearing pajamas.
Bill and Teresa (of & Star and & Leroy, respectively) are yackin', as they would say in Bill's native Texas.
Bill misses his wife and goes on about it, saying he doesn't know how people go away from home.
The crusty older Texan tells Teresa that he wants to win the "Golden Bone" (they still manage to say that on this show with a straight face) so he can move into the luxury suite and put up pictures of his family.
Hey, Bill, there are these things called picture frames that you put, like, pictures in and you can probably clear off part of a nightstand and put them on them. It's like they were made for level surfaces.
Teresa thinks Bill is the sweetest man.
Oh, and this is a show about dogs.
Well, I did mention that Beacon was wearing pajamas.
The stakes of the first challenge have changed. The dog house is no more. It is now probably being rented out; these are tough economic times.
And the winner of the challenge will get a "leg up" — get it? — in the elimination challenge.
The pooches have to go across a small bridge over muddy waters. Not troubled, thank goodness.
The fastest wins.
Only two dogs manage to successfully cross the bridge: Star and Leroy.
Leroy is the fastest and Teresa asks if she can give Bill the "golden bone" so he can enjoy his family's pictures in the suite.
The little weasel host said that Teresa would be giving up the "leg up" (I'm not making this up, please realize that) as well. She is fine with that.
Cut to people lying around the mansion. Brandy is trying to teach Beacon to sit.
"Sit, sit, sit, sit."
Somehow doesn't work.
Brandy even pushes Beacon's back end down and he pops right back up.
Bill said, "Check her butt; it might be sore."
That made me laugh.
So on to the elimination challenge and the weasel says that the owners and their dogs have to come up with a one-minute dance routine. The "leg up" for Bill is a professional dancer, whose name I never heard of and don't care enough to Google, to work with them.
The dogtestants pick from different dance styles: Laurie & Andrew, ragtime; Laura & Preston, latin; Bill & Star, rockabilly; Travis & Presley, country; Brandy & Beacon, classical ballet; Teresa & Leroy, disco; J.D. & Galaxy, hiphop. I'm sorry, I've blocked from my mind what Beth (ugh) Joy and Bella Starlet danced.
They all practice, which as we know makes perfect.
Brandy starts crying and Travis tries to comfort her by saying she needs to act like she is playing and have some fun. Brandy said, "I don't want to lose because of my anxiety."
See where this is going, folks?
The competition:
Laurie walks around and so does Andrew, which the judges find to be charming with both of them having fun. OK.
J.D. has "got some moves there, boy." Beth (ugh) Joy squeaky talks to Bella Starlet. Leroy barks constantly at Teresa. Beacon practically ignores Brandy. Bill does an imitation of Jerry Lee Lewis and Star gives him paw. Travis wear a cowboy hat and jeans and Presley pretty much looks at him. Preston spends more time scratching at the collar around his neck than dancing with Laura.
The judges said that special recognition would go to ... Laurie and Andrew?
Huh?
I don't much care for the frat-boy persona of J.D., but his dance was a billion times better than Laurie's. And so was Bill's.
The bottom three: Laura & Preston; Brandy & Beacon; Travis & Presley.
The reasons: Presley didn't look enthused, Brandy made poor choices from having Beacon wear socks to not training him, Preston lost focus and Laura lost control.
The one to take the loser lap? Brandy & Beacon.
Brandy: "We have a deeper bond. She still has my heart and that's all that counts. I am leaving with my head held high."
She also said that she watched Beacon grow in the short time they were on the show.
OK, but he still wouldn't do a sit.
Ready for adoption — video edition
Here are the Dutchess County SPCA Pets of the Week — Ready for adoption. What are you waiting for?
This week's featured pets:
Star — Terrier
" 'Star light, star bright, I'm wishing for a home tonight.' We're hoping this is her lucky star and her chance to get a new home. Gorgeous white and black terrier female has a stellar personality and an intelligence that is out of this world. "
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.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Sorely needed
I'm taking a few days off, so blogging will be sporadic.
My Enterwebs — it's a series of tubes (thanks, alleged felon Sen. Ted Stevens) — connection will be dependent on the public library and whatever coffee shops are modern enough to have WiFi, so episode 5 of Greatest American Dog might take a day or so to show up.
Thanks for reading.
My Enterwebs — it's a series of tubes (thanks, alleged felon Sen. Ted Stevens) — connection will be dependent on the public library and whatever coffee shops are modern enough to have WiFi, so episode 5 of Greatest American Dog might take a day or so to show up.
Thanks for reading.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Update on the big cat update
I keep finding more articles about the 44-pound cat, whose real name is Powder.
This from the Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, N.J.
The cat's owner, Donna Oklatner of Voorhees, N.J., lost her home to foreclosure earlier this year. She had two cats, a dog and a rabbit.
Oklatner moved from friend to friend, finally moving into a friend's condo with Cody, her dog. Another friend kept 10-year-old Powder and the 2-year-old rabbit Honey Bunny. That friend's sister took Powder's sibling, Puff.
This from the Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, N.J.
The cat's owner, Donna Oklatner of Voorhees, N.J., lost her home to foreclosure earlier this year. She had two cats, a dog and a rabbit.
Oklatner moved from friend to friend, finally moving into a friend's condo with Cody, her dog. Another friend kept 10-year-old Powder and the 2-year-old rabbit Honey Bunny. That friend's sister took Powder's sibling, Puff.
That arrangement worked until last weekend, when a trip out of town forced [the friend] to send Powder back to Oklatner. But because the friend she's currently living with has asthma, Oklatner says she turned the cat over to friends who promised to deliver him to the animal shelter themselves.Oklatner said she was devastated to have to give up her pets.
Big cat update
Princess Chunky is really Prince Chunky and his owner has stepped forward.
The 44-pound kitty was found wandering around a Voorhees, N.J., apartment complex. He is a victim of the foreclosure crisis.
Chunky's owner, who has not be publicly named, is a senior citizen who lost her home to foreclosure, is now staying with friends, and couldn't afford to take care of her two cats.
Read the Philadelphia Inquirer article that appeared on the Dallas Morning News Web site.
Camden County Animal Shelter officials said that there have been 20 formal applications to adopt the feline.
When found the cat was determined to be a male, but that was later changed — and changed again.
Shelter Executive Director Jennifer Andersch said:
The 44-pound kitty was found wandering around a Voorhees, N.J., apartment complex. He is a victim of the foreclosure crisis.
Chunky's owner, who has not be publicly named, is a senior citizen who lost her home to foreclosure, is now staying with friends, and couldn't afford to take care of her two cats.
Read the Philadelphia Inquirer article that appeared on the Dallas Morning News Web site.
Camden County Animal Shelter officials said that there have been 20 formal applications to adopt the feline.
When found the cat was determined to be a male, but that was later changed — and changed again.
Shelter Executive Director Jennifer Andersch said:
"Is it possible this cat is so dang fat that even though everyone's looking at it things are hidden? It's possible. We keep looking at this cat's behind and it looks like a girl to us. But nothing looks really normal on this cat."No further comment is necessary.
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