Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Is your cat plotting against you?
You see, I read things like this and Get Fuzzy and I truly wonder about the wisdom of having a cat.
And then there's Garfield, which shouldn't be spoken of in the same breath as Get Fuzzy.
But that's just me.
Be sure and take the quiz to see what percentage chance your cat really is plotting to kill you.
I did.
89 percent!
And I don't even have a cat!
That is truly scary.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Video Monday
Kate used to bite at the snow as it was falling, and loved to run around in it, as long as it wasn't too deep.
The user video section of the Weather Channel's Web site has three videos of snow-related pooches.
First is a couple of College Station, Texas, basset hounds at war over a snowball. No. 2 is about three dogs destroying what was going to be the base of a snowman in Aurora, Ill. Third, a border collie in Lehi, Utah, runs around (of course).
The commercials are annoying (especially the one selling the stool softener), but the videos are cute.
Thanks, Kathy, for the heads up!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Sweetie needs your help
I interviewed a Pleasant Valley family the other day whose dog, Sweetie, a 12-year-old terrier mix, has leukemia.
The prognosis isn't good; without treatment, Sweetie could die in a month.
Ron Lipton, Sweetie's owner, is going through extremely tough financial times and can't afford the $200 combination blood tests and medicine that could give the dog up to another 2 years.
A local rescue and fostering organization contributed the first $200, but Ron's asking for other people to open their hearts and wallets and help him give Sweetie a fighting chance.
Here's the complete story on PoughkeepsieJournal.com.
I spent some time with Sweetie and the Lipton family on Wednesday. You could never tell the pooch is sick. To say she enthusiastically greets visitors to their home would be an understatement. She is a real sweetheart.
Sweetie means more than the world to the Liptons. Taking her from them would be devastating.
Donations to Sweetie's medical care should go directly to Pleasant Valley Animal Hospital, c/o Mary Lictro,18 Gretna Road, Pleasant Valley, NY 12569. Call 845-635-2110.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
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:
Saki — Shiba Inu mix
"They packed the china, the sheets and the furniture, but left the family pet behind. This 7-year-old male Shiba Inu mix is low key, housebroken and good with other animals. Saki is also taking medication for a thyroid condition, but this situation is easily and inexpensively maintained. Saki would do best in a home with older children."
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.
Christmas, 2008
Kate endured what is becoming a Christmas tradition of putting antlers on her and taking a picture. I found a festive collar at Bed Bath & Beyond to accentuate the holiday spirit.
The photo was taken last Friday just as the 9 inches of snow began to fall.
She put up with it just long enough.
One second after this picture was taken the antlers were no longer on Kate's head
She is a great pooch, and we both wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Continued caution about chicken jerky products
The entire warning can be seen here.
Complaints about sick dogs that their owners or veterinarians associate with eating the products — also called chicken tenders, strips or treats — continue to come in to the FDA. The products are imported from China. The FDA issued a cautionary warning to consumers in Sept. 2007.
Scientists have not been able to determine a cause for the reported illness.
The FDA recommends, if you choose to feed your dog chicken jerky products, to watch the dog closely and stop feeding them to your dog if it shows any of the following signs:
• decreased activity
• vomiting
• diarrhea, sometimes with blood
• increased water drinking or increased urination
Holiday on the verge
I got a Christmas card from my sister yesterday and I just had to share it with you.
Watch this video for the full effect. The "ticka ticka ticka ticka" sound you hear at the end is Kate coming to see what all the hubbub is.
And it wouldn't be Christmas without my favorite, favorite video: a Flash animation by Joshua Held of "White Christmas" recorded by Clyde McPhatter and the Drifters in 1953. It is, frankly, genius.
I was trying to plan what I would post for Christmas Eve and wanted to show the animation again. I had bookmarked its Enterwebs address and went to play it, but I got a message that the page couldn't be found.
Panic ensued. I googled, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.
Well, thanks to the youtube machine things still exist. What would we do without youtube?
Any who, here is "White Christmas" by the Drifters.
Genius, I said.
And to all a good night.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Winter weather tips for your pets
A complete list can be found here.
Among the hints are:
• Keep your kitty inside. Outside, cats can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed.• Never let your dog off the leash in snow or on ice, especially during a snowstorm. They can lose their scent and easily become lost.
• Wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when she comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. Your dog can ingest salt, antifreeze or other dangerous chemicals while licking its paws, and the paw pads can also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.
Christmas confirmation, Darlene Love style
But anyway, totally not pet-related, it's Christmas Time and nothing makes it seem like it really is Christmas until I hear Darlene Love singing "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)."
She is scheduled to sing it on The Late Show with David Letterman tonight and I urge you, urge you to DVR it or TiVo it or even stay up and watch it live.
Until then, here is Darlene Love from two years ago, via the miracle that is youtube.com.
As one of the youtube posters said, she is the only one who should be allowed to sing this classic.
Thursday, December 18, 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:
Sweetie — Domestic longhair
"This longhair regal, young female acts cool and collected, but we know she's aching to find a lap to keep warm this holiday season. A home with other cats is OK, but Sweetie would do best in a home without canine companions. Come give Sweetie the best holiday gift she could ask for: a new home."
The Dutchess County SPCA is located at 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538. The shelter is open Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. Call 845-452-SPCA (7722). Browse our adoptable animals today! Shelter pets rule.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Obama discusses non-federally insured deposits
Here's a clip from the Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC showing Barack Obama with Vice-President-elect Joe Biden and education-secretary-designate Arne Duncan speaking with some Chicago elementary school kids.
Be warned: there is a commercial at the beginning of the clip; Obama's comments begin approximately 30 seconds into the video.
To make sure you understand the importance of these comments, I have transcribed them below.
"If they do their [slight pause] business, if they've got some poop, you've got to make sure you're not just leaving it there. So I want to make sure that my kids are taking care of their dog properly. I think they are old enough now to do that."Good for the president-elect. Getting right to the issues at the heart of young minds. Right after Iraq.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Training, training, training
The dog darted in front of my car several times as I slowly tried to drive to my parking spot.
Then a guy appeared, waving at me as if to say "Oops, runaway dog alert."
I parked and got out of my car and the guy and the dog were still doing that "dance" that dogs and their owners do when the dogs don't want to be "caught."
I tried to get the dog's attention but it was having TOO much fun having everyone chase after him. Apollo was the dog's name, so the guy kept calling him.
I figured we could try and get the pooch to come into my patio area and capture it, but the dog came close to me and I was able to grab its collar.
The 1-1/2-year-old dog was having such a good time, making his owner chase him around the parking lot.
That took me back.
Kate was a real pisser in the early days. We would go to the dog park and she would make me chase her, until, eventually, she would let me catch her.
I consulted our trainer, who suggested I either keep a leash attached to her (so I could step on the leash and get her that way; not always a good idea in a crowded dog park) or just "walk away."
The "walk away" strategy was supposed to work this way: I walk away from Kate, who will suddenly realize she is being abandoned and will pine to be taken by me back to our home.
That was the way it was supposed to work.
In reality, Kate wouldn't come to me when I wanted to leave the dog park and started playing "catch me if you can." After several embarrassing minutes, I walked away from the park.
I kept looking back and she was having a wonderful time playing with the other dogs. I was completely out of her sight and, I was told, she never gave any indication that she missed me.
Eventually, I came back to the dog park. Eventually, one of the other dog owners grabbed her collar.
It was a long walk home.
Eventually, Kate began responding to the "come" command.
It took a lot of work and a lot of practice, but we learned the command — eventually.
Friday, December 12, 2008
More advice on finding a presidential caliber dog
An Associated Press article outlines the rough road ahead for the Obamas and the quest for the perfect White House pooch — one that is compatible with the historic surroundings and situation in which it will find itself and doesn't aggravate daughter Malia Obama's allergies.
The article says there is no perfect dog, only a dog that is perfect for one's family.
"It's not the breed, and it's not even so much where it's from," said Patricia McConnell, an animal behaviorist and host of Wisconsin Public Radio's "Calling All Pets." What's important, she said, is that the Obamas set a good example by "picking a dog based on its behavioral as well as its physical health, from a credible, responsible place."Of course, being in the spotlight can cause problems, but then the Obamas will certainly be in a position to get the best advice and training available.
White House life can be demanding for a dog. People are always coming and going, many eager to schmooze. One of Bush's two Scottish terriers, Barney, is famous with children nationwide for his "Barneycam" holiday Web videos, but more recently he popped up in a clip on YouTube nipping a reporter who persisted in trying to get his attention. The Reagans' Bouvier des Flandres, a large, energetic dog named Lucky, was moved to their California ranch after becoming too rambunctious.Didn't that happen to several Cabinet members in the Reagan administration?
A sidebar to the article contained tips from animal experts on finding the perfect pooch for you, even if your address isn't 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
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:
Todd — Terrier mix
"One look at this face and you know you have a winner here. This 1-year-old terrier mix came in as a stray, but we are certain he will leave soon as a cherished family pet. An active, adult home would be best for this high-energy guy and some obedience classes would only help to bring out the best in Todd."
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.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Cats and cars don't mix
According to an Associated Press story, Edgar, a 4-year-old long-haired female feline, disappeared for a few days last week and returned home with part of her face dangling from her head.
Thirty-five stitches later and the kitty is doing fine.
Remarkably, Edgar suffered no major blood lost nor sustained any permanent nerve damage from her accident. She just needed to have her facial skin stitched back on during an hour surgery, according to veterinary surgeon Michael Pavletic.Veterinarians believe Edgar was injured by a car's fan belt when she tried to stay warm under the hood.
The obvious joke is "one life down, eight to go."
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Putting pressure on the pres-elect
Here's what I've had to blog about the matter.
You can't read "Mutts" in the Poughkeepsie Journal, unfortunately, but you can read it online at the Washington Post here. That's where I get my daily Earl and Mooch fix.
Michael Cavna, who writes the "Comic Riffs" blog for the Post, interviewed McDonnell about his first foray into the political arena.
Read the interview here.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Pets + Santa = Fun
The event, which was a benefit for the Dutchess County SPCA, was held at Petco in the Town of Poughkeepsie. The photos were taken by Al Nowak of On Location Studios, also in Town of Poughkeepsie.
Here is Debbie Napolitano of Wappingers Falls and her greyhounds Chance, 6, Logan, 5, and Chinaberry, 5, getting the paparazzi treatment with Kris Kringle.
And it was not just dogs that were the center of attention with Santa.
Most of the pooches were patient.
Here's Al (left) making his magic.
Jill Greaves of the City of Poughkeepsie brought Freddy, her 6-year-old bassett hound to have his picture taken.
Wingdale resident Melanie Skillman wanted a picture taken with Santa and her 1-year-old bison frise Rose and 9-year-old Yorkshire terrier Ricky. Ricky looks good in a Santa hat.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Pix with Santa for your pets
Then head down to Petco in Poughkeepsie Saturday for a benefit for the Dutchess County SPCA.
On Location Studios will be taking pictures of leashed or crated pets and their owners from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the 1933 South Road location.
DCSPCA Executive Director Joyce Garrity said the Santa will be animal experienced and people can do several poses and then chose which they like.
People will go to the studio to choose the print and pick up their photos. A color studio 5x7 portrait is $10. Reprints, enlargements and holiday cards are available.
If you want to see the video from last year, it is below.
The shelter is also accepting gifts for its animals, such as steel bowls, toys, blankets and canned food. Dry food will be accepted for the Community Pet Pantry.
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:
Doxie — Maine Coon
"Throughout the last few weeks, you have seen pictures of several Maine Coons that came in via our humane law team. Doxie is part of that seizure, one of only a handful left that needs a home. This handsome, 3-year-old, black-and-silver female has a stately look and air of confidence that belies her somewhat quiet personality."
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.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Holiday hints for pet safety
The holidays can be strange and trying times for the pets in your lives. A lot can be going on, and needless to say, there can be quite a few more temptations for your dog or cat not to pass up.
The people at MyPetCareTV.com have some tips to help you and your pet to pass the holidays in safety and in good health:
House guests should be reminded not to feed the pets human food, especially fatty foods and candy.
Leave pets in safe areas or outdoors during dinner parties when you are too occupied to watch them.
Be sure pets wear identification tags at all times. Visitors can inadvertently let your dog or cat out.
Keep candles out of the reach of pets.
Dangly ornaments or table decorations can be hard for a pet to ignore. Ingested decorations can require a visit to the veterinary emergency room.
If you are traveling by car with your pet, plan ahead to ensure that you can find hotels that accept pets.
If traveling by air, try to get a direct flight. Check the expected temperature of your destination airport. Luggage carts stranded on the tarmac or sat in a plane for hours while it is delayed.
If you are staying at a pet-friendly hotel and you need to leave your pet unattended, put a "do not disturb" sign on the door. You don't want housekeeping to accidentally let your pet out.
For the complete list, see the article on PioneerLocal.com.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Kate's grand adventure
The feature-length film is called "The Untold Christmas Story," a behind-the-scenes movie, which stars actors from the holiday favorite "A Christmas Story." It was directed and edited by my friend Bill Szarka. If you are curious, here are the trailer and a couple of clips from the film.
As always, the problem with going away is what to do with Kate. Couldn't take her to Cleveland.
Fortunately, my editor Maria Burnham volunteered to take care of Kate for the weekend.
Maria documented the weekend for me, leaving out pictures of the little stomach upset Kate had. She wasn't eating much, probably because of the change in circumstances, and when she doesn't eat, she throws up. Again, Maria, my apologies.
Apparently, Kate made herself right at home, commandeering Roland's bed, even though Maria brought Kate's bed from our home. Roland was a gentleman about it. Maria's cat Wookiee, on the other hand, was non-plussed.
Here are Maria's pix:
Kate and Roland meet.
Kate inspects the digs.
Kate inspects Roland.
Wookiee is not impressed.
Kate wonders where all the food is.
Kate makes herself at home ... in Roland's bed.
Roland wonders, what is up with that?
Kate and Roland on a walk.