Archive for June 2010
A Gift for Your Dog
OK everyone, please call your dogs. I’ll wait.
Do we have everyone in attendance? Excellent.
I have discovered the ultimate time waster for dogs. Go ahead, position your laptop in front of your dog and…
just…
scroll…
Odd News: Toledo Man Loses Genitals in Dog Attack
Yes, I know this is rather bizarre and troubling. You can’t help but feel for the victim. In an interview with 13ABC TV, the victim’s family told reporters they were upset that the dog had ripped off his genitals. Hell.
What I’m here to point out is just what an asshat Dexter Clark is for letting his dog run free on the streets of Toledo. In the interview he clearly acknowledges a history of violence with the dog. Two priceless quotes: Read more
Going for Broke: Gambler Arrested for Leaving 27 Animals in Hot Car
Lori Pellin, 39, is charged with two counts of animal abuse after police say she left 25 cats and two dogs inside a hot car while she went into a casino in St. Charles on Sunday afternoon. A casino guest spotted the Chevy Lumina and called police. They responded in time and the animals all survived. They are being cared for by St. Charles Animal Control and should be available for adoption in a couple days.
“The temperature was probably in excess of 90 degrees and we’re very fortunate that the witness stopped and called the police,” said Lt. Mike Akers, St. Charles Police.
Police say the conditions inside the car were deplorable. “The interior of the vehicle was very cluttered with debris there was car food strewn throughout the vehicle there was no water obviously the interior of the vehicle was covered with cat and animal feces,” Said Akers.
Pellin told police that she became homeless three days ago and had no where else to take her animals. She said she went to the casino to use a computer to look for an apartment.
“She also indicated she wanted to do a little bit of gambling,” said Akers. Read more
The Canine Codis: Using DNA to Extinguish Dog Fighting
ST. LOUIS — Scientists and animal rights advocates have enlisted DNA evidence to do for man’s best friend what the judicial system has long done for human crime victims. They have created the country’s first dog-fighting DNA database, which they say will help criminal investigators piece together an abused animal’s history by Read more
The Dog and Deer Show
I do my best to save the cheery finds for Mondays when we could all use a little help. This one certainly qualifies. I’m on the fence about the soundtrack selection, but these two are obviously in love.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of Wordless 68
Staff writer: Nigel Buggers
Hello everyone. I decided it was high time I quiet the naysayers, so I slipped a couple of roofies in my two-legger’s cereal and the blog world is my oyster. That’s a damn good thing, because from my perch on the sofa I have been eying some unsavory comments about my Wordless Wednesday pictures. I take my wordless seriously, so when words like “fake” and “photoshop” are casually uttered in the presence of my wordless pictures it gets my piss hot.
Let’s get one thing straight. I make the rules for Wordless Wednesday posts. If I’m going to be handicapped because my keyboard monkey won’t let me whip out my cartoon balloons, then I’m calling where/when/how – and I have outlawed Wednesday photoshop usage in retaliation. I know, I know: some of these pictures are so crazy that even a loon like me looks a bit out of place in them. But suspend your disbelief, because I’m giving you the proof. In the coming weeks, I’ll dissect a few of these posts and show you what went on behind the scenes. Soon we’ll visit my new friend Otis, but today, I’m going to introduce you to a strange local phenomenon I like to call fancy burgers.
I was just walking down the street minding my own business when I looked up and saw this ridiculous chap. He piqued my curiosity so I jumped the fence for a closer look. I asked him his name and where the heck he came from. Not a word. I offered him a piece of that bully stick I keep under my collar. Nothing. I even told him my best cat joke and got no reaction.
This dude clammed up like Tony Hayward answering house committee questions, so I did what most of that house committee probably wanted to do. Read more
Book Giveaway Week: Day 6
It’s our final day, and I hope everyone has had fun perusing these new summer reads. I know I have added a couple of must reads to my list, this one included. I went out looking for reviews online before realizing that The Dog Who Healed a Family will not be released until August. Oops. In any event, it looks great – it’s a collection of inspirational stories. It looks like a great feel-good read. Maybe I can get to it by next summer! But one of you will get a chance to win this and read it before it’s even available for purchase. How, you ask? Read more
The Saturday Pet Blogger Hop
Happy Saturday all! Ready to meet a great group of pet bloggers? Looking to add a few readers to your ranks? You have found the right place!
Full details are here, and I’ll summarize again below. Get those links in and have fun. Read more
Book Giveaway Week: Day 5
Only a few hours remain between myself and the weekend, and I could not be more happy. It’s hot and the dogs are ready for a swim. I’m ready to escape a barrage of phone calls and e-mail and join them, but not before I offer another lucky reader a chance to take home a great book. While I’ve not read this myself, the early press is very good.
Katie Up and Down the Hall will not be released until September. Please note that this is a uncorrected proof, soft cover promo copy. The official release will be offered in hardcover. Ready to give this one a whirl? Then enter for a chance to win!
Bring Your Dog to Work Day: June 25th
Some people love the idea. Some people grumble about it. Regardless of how you feel about pets in the workplace, it’s back! Tomorrow, June 25th, is the official “Take Your Dog to Work Day.”
If your employer permits animals in the office, but you’re on the fence about introducing FiFi to your coworkers, consider that spending time in new places can help socialize your dog and get her more comfortable with new experiences. Pets also tend to have a calming effect on (most) humans. Studies show that having pets in the workplace can help create a more productive work environment, lower stress levels and aid in reducing employee absenteeism. A recent CNN survey revealed that 75% of people said they would work longer hours if they were able to bring their pet to the office.
Here are a few common-sense pointers to help ensure a positive experience for everyone involved during this annual event:
Pet proof your cubicle: Before your dog visits, remove all small, chewable items that could be a potential choking hazard as well as anything with sharp edges. It’s also wise to cover exposed electrical cords or outlets. If you don’t want to keep your dog on a leash, put up a baby gate at your office door to keep her from wandering off.
Create a happy home away from home: Make your dog comfortable by bringing in a cozy bed or favorite blanket where she can chill out. Also be sure to pack bowls, food, poo bags and a few treats to reward good behavior.
Keep boredom at bay: Give your pup a chew toy or other “job” to keep her occupied while you’re working. It’s also a good idea to designate a surrogate office pet parent to look after your pup in the event that you are stuck in a lengthy meeting.
Be realistic: You should only take your dog to work if she is healthy, up-to-date on her vaccines, well-trained, well-socialized and, of course, housebroken. If you already know that your dog can become skittish or aggressive in new situations, it may be best for her to sit this event out.
Practice good canine hygiene: No one likes a dirty dog. Be sure your pooch is clean and well-groomed before her corporate debut.
Be a responsible owner: Some of your cubicle mates may be allergic to or afraid of dogs, so never assume that everyone is happy to see your prized pup prancing down the hallway. Keep her on leash in common areas and always make your dog sit politely to greet other people and their dogs.
Have a “plan b” in place: Just in case your pooch doesn’t dig the office scene, arrange (ahead of time) to take her to a reputable dog sitter or daycare place nearby where she can safely and happily spend the rest of the day until you are ready to retrieve her.
Are you planning to bring your favorite canine comrade to work tomorrow? We’re planning to set Nigel up with a webcam to stream live video from the office tomorrow – watch for a special post!
from sfgate.com
Book Giveaway Week: Day 4
I don’t know about you, but Thursday tends to be my hell day at work. Maybe it’s that constant longing for the weekend that makes the clock drag. Since I’m not a giant fan of Thursdays, I figured it was the perfect day to offer you a chance to win a cat book. :p
Please note that the cover and title of the copy I have here are slightly different. The new edition is The Meaning of Meow: Understanding and Caring for Your Cat. I have not been able to find reviews online, and please keep in mind that I have not read this book – the publisher has just been kind enough to offer a copy for our giveaway. So give this one a read and let me know if you like it! How do you enter to win a copy?
