January 31, 2008Capture your Milk-Bone moments
Like to spend a lazy afternoon cuddled with your favorite canine? Do you and your pup ever do a little doggy dance together? Your pooch pucker up and plant a wet one right on your face? If you answered yes to any of these questions, get your cameras ready, photograph a special moment between you and your dog, and you could win big bucks for you and the title of Milk-Bone 100th Anniversary Spokesdog for your pup. Milk-Bone is looking for photos of memorable "Milk-Bone Moments" between dogs and their pet parents to celebrate 100 years of baking tasty dog snacks. You can enter your photo online at www.milk-bone.com, where 100 finalists will be chosen and America will vote for their favorite. The press release describes ideal entries as candid shots of those warm fuzzy moments we share every day with our dogs. I think they want the kind of photos that make you go "awwwwww." They also want a short essay describing your special moment and, of course, your special relationship with your pooch. The grand prize is a $100,000 contract to serve as the first ever Milk-Bone 100th Anniversary Spokesdog, plus a digital camera. I have no idea what that entails, but it sounds very cool. The other 99 finalists will also be awarded a digital camera. The contest opened today and the deadline to enter is Sept. 18, so you have plenty of time to snap an award-winning photo of you and your pooch. And if any of you loyal Happy Wag readers becomes a national finalist, let us know and we may cast our votes your way. January 30, 2008Vaccine forumStonewall Kennel Club of Rockbridge County will host a free educational forum on new canine vaccine protocols presented by Dr. Laura Keating. This is timely information since there has been recent discussion about vaccines. The forum will be held at the Redwood Family Restaurant, 898 N. Lee Hwy. in Lexington on Monday, Feb. 4 at 7p.m. For more information call 540-464-3335. Best in ShowBrowsing for something beautiful in the middle of winter? What's more beautiful than art centered around animals, besides, you know, the actual animals? Not much, I would say. Throughout the month of February, animal-themed works by local artists will be on display at the Market Gallery, Salem and Market Streets, in downtown Roanoke. The event is a fundraiser for the Roanoke Valley SPCA. January 29, 2008How to order the Schutzhund bookThere was a little confusion between me and the author and publisher of the book about Schutzhund I gave away earlier this week, and I'd like to clear it up. The book, titled "The Sport of Schutzhund: A Photographic Essay" can be ordered by clicking right here. The price is $25 plus $10 for shipping. The author and publisher, B.J. Spanos, contacted me and was disappointed that I did not include that information in the original blog posting. I agree; I should have. I spent a lot of time looking over the beautiful photographs and must have hurried through the blog entry. I usually do add links and I just dropped the ball on this one. Spanos said all profits will be donated back to the sport. If you are a fan of this sport, it's a lovely book with plenty of action shots and even some pictures of adorable little future Schutzhunds. I always give away promotional and review items, which I did with this book, as a way of sharing with readers. I will personally pay for this copy since it is a service project. What's in a mutt?Click here to read a Newsday story featured in today's Extra section of The Roanoke Times. In case you ever wondered about your dog's heritage, there are labs that will test your doggie's DNA and confirm what's in the mix. 
Why spend a couple of hundred bucks to find out what a sweet dog like Wylie here is really made of? For the same reason a doctor looks at your family medical history when treating you; it's helps to know what’s filtering through the gene pool. However, you may want to factor in the reliability of such tests before you have your vet send off that blood sample. Wylie, a Lab/pit bull mix, is available for adoption at the RVSPCA. When India vanishedMy heart sank when my husband told me my daughter’s cat was missing. 
I had just come home from a 13-hour workday. It was 10:30 on a brutally cold Friday night, and when he said India was gone, all I wanted to do was look for her. My husband, Phil, and my 21-year-old daughter Laura had already done that, he said, for several hours. Laura had noticed India was missing just after sundown. She combed the entire house. India usually comes when Laura whistles or calls. She never came. When Laura was certain India was not inside, she enlisted the help of neighbors for an outdoor search. We are remodeling our master bathroom. Phil figured while the contractor propped the door open to bring in supplies, India slipped out. Barking dogs in the adjacent yards may have scared her into running away. It was too dark to see a tiny, 6-pound, tortoise shell cat now. We would have to wait until morning. All I could think is how scared the little kitty must be. She’s a former stray who has been a house cat since she was 2 weeks old. She never goes outside and has no coping skills. January 28, 2008Second chance for Vick's dogsFor the first time since suspended NFL quarterback and former Hokie football star Michael Vick was sent to prison for funding and operating a dog fighting organization, the media will get a look at 22 of the dogs who were rescued from Bad Newz Kennels. According to the press release, the dogs, mostly pit bulls and pit bull mixes, are learning that a dog’s life should consist of playing, eating, sleeping and belly rubs. 
The dogs are being cared for at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary near Kanab, Utah. Best Friends is the nation’s largest no-kill animal rescue facility and the setting for the National Geographic Channel's documentary "Dogtown." I wish I could be there but travel funds for a pet blogger are extremely limited. Mileage to the cat show this weekend may have, in fact, blown my budget for the year. A home for the Schutzhund bookBlog reader John commented that he has a German Shepherd Dog and would very much like to have the Schutzhund photo book, so as soon as I get John's address, the book will be on its way to him. If anyone else has interesting facts about this sport, please continue to post comments. I would love to know more about it. Thanks! January 27, 2008Just a few more cat show factoids
Lesson 6. There are some very cute little kitties at the cat show. You see exotic breeds as well as more familiar-looking felines. If you like cats, this annual show is a hoot, and a bargain at $5. Keep an eye on this site for updates on future shows. More lessons from the catwalk
Lesson 4. Despite the playful nature of the show ring, judging is serious business, Flash photography can be distracting to the kitty and the judge, so I learned as I bothered Peyton, one of Diane Boettcher's prized Persians. Peyton, just like his namesake, Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, rallied and exceled, but it is polite to be quiet and demure while the kitty is showing off for the ribbon-givers. Things I learned at the cat show, part two
Lesson 3. Show cats will be examined by many judges during the day. The cats are very cooperative and most actually seemed to have fun. Judge Douglas Myers teases this Cornish Rex with a feather and encourages the cat to play with the shiny, little danglies on the show ring stand. A kitty is judged on playfulness and personality as well as breed standards of confirmation. Things I learned at the cat show, part 1
Lesson 2. All Himalayans are Persians. Not all Persians are Himlayans. The difference is the points, the little frosting of color on tips of the kitty's face, ears, tail, and legs. January 26, 2008Cats are at Valley View Holiday InnI made a major blunder on previous posts about today's Star City Cat Fanciers' WInter Show. They are indeed showing at the Holiday Inn, but it's the one near Valley View on Ordway Drive, NOT the one at Tanglewood on Starkey Drive. My mistake completely, and I apologize profusely for any confusion this blog may have caused. We correct errors here at The Happy Wag. If you ever see any information that looks a little goofy, post a comment and I will happily investigate. January 25, 2008Stop the litteringHere's a link to an entertaining video on the importance of pet population control. Fluffy has a question
Tomorrow is the biggest local event of the cat-lover's season when hundreds of kitties take to the rings for the Star City Cat Fancier's show. For those of you who are with me on Team Newcomer, I did a little Internet research and found these answers to some frequently asked question about attending your first cat show: Can I touch the cats at the show? No. While you may be tempted to give Fluffy a little love, remember that hours of grooming may have gone into acheiveing Fluffy's look for the judges. Can I take photos of the cats at the show? Yes, but it is polite to ask permission of Fluffy's staff before snapping your picture. Why won't a breeder talk to me? Because attending to a diva is in itself a full-time gig, most breeders are very busy at the show. They are responsible to make sure Fluffy gets to where Fluffy needs to be on time, not to mention making sure Fluffy is in top condition. But try back later; most breeders are passionate about their kitties and may indeed want to chat about their cat. Can I ask a judge a question? If the judge is not otherwise occupied in judging kitties, they will more than likely be happy to answer questions. These folks do this because they love it, so they will likely want to help you understand the process. How do I know when a particular breed is being judged? Listen for the call to the ring. Set schedules are hard to follow, so be patient.
Keeping kitty fit, entertained, and sanitaryHere are a couple of WikiHow articles on leash training your cat and making a jungle gym for your favorite feline. 
And apparently just like Robert DeNiro's character did for Mr. Jinx in the movie "Meet the Fockers," you too can toliet train your tabby. The warnings on these cat lessons are most amusing: Warning: Never leave the cat on the leash in the backyard alone. The cat may try and hop over the fence and get stuck, resulting in an imminent cat funeral. Warning: Do not teach your cat to flush. Although it is possible, once they learn they seem to enjoy it and will do it all the time.
Do these things at your own risk. Good luck and let us know how it goes. January 24, 2008SchutzhundI got a book in the mail last week about schutzhund, a sport for dogs. According to the book's preface, schutzhund means "protection dog," and was originally designed as a breed test for German shepherd dogs. Participants in this sport earn titles by demonstrating skills in police service work that include tracking, obedience and protection. It's like a martial arts for dogs, and earning a "schutzhund" title is similar to earning a black belt. While most of the dogs featured in this book are German shepherds, the original schutzhunds, there are a few other breeds of dogs like rottweilers, giant schnauzers and pit bulls who participate in these trials. Anyone have any experience with this sport? If so post a comment and maybe this beautifully photographed book will find its way to you. January 23, 2008Bully for bulldogs
The American Kennel Club released their annual list of the most popular dogs in the U.S. this week, and bold and beautiful bulldog climbed back into the Top Ten for the first time since 1935. The Labrador retriever remains the most popular dog in the U.S. for the 17th consecutive year. Pooches are ranked based on the club's annual registration figures of its 157 breeds. "This breed appeals to a very wide range of dog lovers," AKC spokeswoman Lisa Peterson said of the bulldog, which she described as "docile and adaptive" and "an all-around excellent pet." It's interesting to note that wrinkly-faced bulldogs are the second most popular dog in L.A., the nip-tuck capital of the world. However, they did not even crack the Top Ten list in Atlanta, despite the popularity of Uga, the University of Georgia mascot. I'd tell you where dogs in Roanoke ranked, but the AKC only listed the top 50 cities in the U.S., and unfortunately Big Lick didn't make the cut. I am a complete sucker for a bulldog; I just love those faces! I know some of you out there share your home with these wonderful dogs. Tell us what makes your bulldog so special. Help neededThe animal control shelter in Roanoke, the one that serves Roanoke city and county, Vinton and Botetourt County, is in the process of replacing stalls due to normal wear-and-tear. That means for the next few days, there will only be about half as many spaces to hold homeless adult dogs. That does not mean there are half as many homeless adult dogs at animal control right now. 
This beautiful golden lab mix and five other good, adoptable dogs need a place to stay. The Roanoke Valley SPCA is looking for foster homes that can care for them until they can be moved back to animal control or over to the RVSPCA and wait for their forever homes. The e-mail I got said the dogs will need to be fostered for about five days. If you have the space in your home to care for one or more of these poor pooches, please contact Ann Marie at the RVSPCA, 344-4840, ext. 208 or email, asweeney@rvspca.org. Heil Kitler?Here's a link to a rather unusual Web site that celebrates kitties who bear an uncanny resemblance to, of all people, Adolph Hitler. 
Now, you have to have a dark sense of humor to really appreciate this Web site, and I guess I fall into that catagory (pun only slightly intended.) The site allows people to post protests at comparing perfectly innocent kitties to one of the worst mass-murderers in modern history, and I can sympathize that to many people, any attempt at humor in this area will not be appreciated. Hitler was pure evil, and according to Webmaster Paul Neve, "I think it's entirely appropriate to reduce him to an object of ridicule by comparing his physical appearance and styling to a bunch of fluffy, cute moggies." Besides, if you look at the photos purely from the facial expressions and the trademark moustache on each feline fuhrer, the resemblance is indeed hard to deny. I do, however, think most look more like Charlie Chaplin than Hitler. January 22, 2008Kitty Care 101In honor of the cat show coming to Roanoke this weekend, I will dedicate some blog space to all-things feline this week. Don't run away, dog-lovers. While we shine a spotlight on kitties, we will not ignore pooches, I promise. 
Here's a list of ten tips for caring for your cat, courtesy of the Humane Society of the United States and with a little editorial comment from me: 1. Outfit your cat with a collar and ID tag: No matter how you try to body block the door, a determined kitty can get around you and disappear. Only about 5 percent of all lost cats are reunited with their families, so do all you can to make sure Fluffy can find home. And when choosing a collar for a cat, especially a female cat, think bling. She is a diva, after all. 2. Follow local cat registration laws: Roanoke County requires you to register cats just like dogs, meaning you pay a fee after you prove your pet has been properly vaccinated. 3. Keep your cat indoors: Keeping Fluffy confined to the house may seem like a violation of her personal freedom, but it's really the only way to protect your feline from the dangers of life on the outside. January 21, 2008Are you ready for some puppies?Circle Feb. 3 on your calendar. You will want to have your favorite snacks and beverages handy and your big screen ready for the sporting event of the year, the simply must-not-miss big game... Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl IV! 
The rookies take the field once again to rush and rumble, tackle and tumble, foul and fumble in a stadium playpen built for maximum puppy play on the gridiron. And this year the high jinx will be broadcast in high def. Stick around for the kitty half-time show, where almost anything can happen but there has never been a wardrobe malfunction. Seriously folks, the cute factor is incalculable. Puppy Bowl IV starts at 3 p.m., and I assure you it is far more entertaining than the hours of pre-game droning about the Super Bowl, even for a hardcore football fan like me. And do not worry about the safety of the players; they are refereed during the game to ensure clean tackles and no unnecessary roughness. January 18, 2008Flyball, anyone?Check out this cool graphic about flyball, a relay sport for dogs. 
From what I can glean from a little Internet research, there is a flyball tournament held in Blacksburg each summer, and there are local teams that compete. I am dying to know more and would love to attend a practice and the actual tournament this summer. Any of you readers have any scoop on the local flyball scene?
January 17, 2008Snow day!What a beautiful snowfall. Roanoke has never looked better than it does this morning. I just wish I could have stayed home cuddled up with my pooches and my kitty, but alas, a deadline meant I had to venture out to work this morning. 
I hope most of you get to spend the day snuggly warm at home, and for those who had to get to work like me, I hope you made it safely. If you are lucky enough to spend time at home today, share a story about playing with your pets in the snow. And if take any great photos of your critters frolicking in the wintery mix, send them to me at nona.nelson@roanoke.com. January 15, 2008Good news from RVSPCAI got a really nice note yesterday from Kathy Perdue at the Roanoke Valley SPCA saying that their microchip clinic on Saturday was a big success. Perdue said 62 pets were chipped last weekend, more than the two previous clinics combined. If you missed out on this opportunity, most vets will insert a microchip. It only takes a few minutes, causes the pet only minor discomfort for just a minute, and provides valuable protection if they ever become lost. 
And remember pets like Walter, the handsome pup in this picture that found a family this week, that are adopted from the RVSPCA are chipped before they go home with their new families. Politics of animal protectionHow do you make animal welfare legislation important to the law makers that represent you? How do you let your congressional leaders and your state representatives know about your outrage at the depth of cruelty in the Michael Vick dog-fighting case and the horrific number of pups being mass produced in a Hillsville puppy mill? It’s as simple as a phone call, a letter, an e-mail. Jessica Feingold and John Goodwin of the Humane Society of the United States traveled from D.C. to Roanoke Monday night to give a seminar titled Lobbying 101 at the downtown library. The goal was to help citizens effectively make their voices heard on animal protection legislation. Ten area residents, including me, watched two presentations with tips on finding contact information for your government representatives and how to influence them about supporting laws that protect animals. January 14, 2008Into the great wide openI promised to let you know about the cat stroller I ordered as part of my New Year’s resolution. The Double Decker Pet Stroller by Kittywalk Systems Inc. arrived last week, and so far, this is my best purchase of 2008. There are actually three pieces to this contraption. There are two pet carriers, or Cat Caves, as we have come to call them. These were obviously designed by people who understand cats. Half of the carrier is covered in a mesh net and the other half is covered in a nylon fabric that creates a purr-fect little sanctuary when kitty wants to see be not be seen. 
The carriers easily lift on and off the body of the stroller, which is a very sturdy vehicle with nice double wheels that swivel on the front, two foot brakes on the back wheels, and a plush, comfortable handle grip. There are pockets on the back of the carriers for keys, a wallet, cell phone, whatever you would need while out for a stroll. And when you are done, it folds up nicely, too. January 11, 2008Greyhounds are giversSpeaking of dogs and health in the news, check out this Associated Press story about greyhounds on the campus of Ohio State University who donate blood for injured and sick dogs. As the proud pet parent of two retired racers, I was so happy to see that so many hounds had loving homes and can make such a "greyt" contribution to help other animals. If you are looking for a wonderful dog, please consider a retired racer that can adopted locally through Star City Greyhound Adoptions. Critter comfortNormally my bed is an either-or situation for my pets: Either my cat is on the bed with me or my dog is, but not simultaneously, except when I am sick. Then it’s like they reach an agreement that I need them both, and they will co-exist on either side of me until I feel better. I spent a couple of days at home last week fighting a nasty little virus, and besides an endless supply of Dayquil and the chicken soup my hubby made me for dinner, the best remedy for what ailed me was cuddling with critters. Turns out there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that pets, dogs in particular, improve the health of the humans who are fortunate enough to live with them. According to this article in The New York Times, companion animals have positive benefits on human health. New medical research even suggests dogs may be able to detect cancer in some patients. I found the comments posted to this article as interesting than the original text. It’s a pretty lively discussion, with testaments of how animals can affect owners' well-being and a little debate on vegan diets for humans and pets. What do you think? Do you believe your pets contribute to your overall good health? January 10, 2008Lights in the skyWe're a pretty sedate bunch around my house. On New Year's Eve, my husband and I were already dozing at the 11 p.m. news. My 21-year-old daughter watched the ball drop in Times Square on television, and then let the dogs out just after midnight. We may regret that for a long time. From our home in northern Roanoke County, we were treated to the sights and sounds of the New Year's fireworks display in Vinton. Dexter is afraid of fireworks, and our newest dog, Coral, became absolutely panicked at the loud noises and bright lights. 
Now she all but refuses to go out the patio door at night, requiring a walk upstairs to the door that leads to the deck and then down the deck stairs to the yard for her pre-bedtime potty break. The entire time she is in the yard after dark she seems very nervous. I understand a phobia like this is in dogs is very hard to treat. According to animal expert Steve Dale, our best bet is an anti-anxiety drug. But I really hesitate to give my pets drugs, especially mood altering drugs. I gave anti-anxiety pills to my daughter's cat when we moved from Nashville to Roanoke, and it was awful. She was like a mean drunk who cried for seven solid hours in the car. I am sure many of you have dealt with fear and anxiety in pets. What's worked for you, and what hasn't? January 9, 2008One of the good guysHere's a commerical that Jason Taylor, defensive end for the Miami Dolphins, made for the ASPCA about animal cruelty. As a football fan, I am glad to see one of the good guys speak up on this issue.
After you view that clip, you will also notice there are links to other video clips from the ASPCA, including tips for holiday safety (a little late, but still good to know) and a piece on the country's only animal-centered, mobile CSI unit. And there are some really cute puppies and kittens, too. What more could you want?
January 8, 2008An overdose of cuteIf you should happen crave uber-cute pictures of cats and other fuzzy animals and coincidentally happen to have way too much time on your hands, I direct you to icanhascheezburger.com.
Warning: Do not wander into this Web site if you have adverse reactions to adorable kittens or if you have something else, anything else, to do, including your job. January 7, 2008Super Bowl party poochesRound one of the NFL playoffs may be over, but there is still plenty of football to watch between now and Feb.3, the date of Super Bowl XLII. But if you want your pup to wear your team colors for the big game, you may need to rush. 
The Humane Society of the United States is selling team jerseys for dogs. The mesh jerseys bear the name of your favorite NFL city and can be personalized with your pooch's name and the number of your favorite player. So our Coral can cheer for Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts in her #18 royal blue jersey, and Dexter can memorialize the great late Walter Payton in his navy blue Chicago Bears #34 jersey. I really suspect if they could choose, they would both prefer a Green Bay Packers jersey. They really love cheese. The Web site said to allow two weeks to have the jerseys customized. You will also need to allow time for shipping. So if you want your dog dressed for the big game, you may want to order this week. January 4, 2008Baby it's cold outsideActually, it's starting to warm up a little. It's going to be almost balmy soon. 
But since it is winter, here are a few tips from the ASPCA, with a few added comments from me, to keep your pooches and kitties warm and happy during frigid days like the ones we've just had: 1. Keep your cat inside. Even the most rugged, all-weather kitties can freeze. 2. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. Bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give napping kitties fair warning to escape. 3. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags. 4. Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. Pooches can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking paws, and paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice. 5. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. Own a short-haired breed? Consider a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck. The other dogs in the neighborhood will be jealous of your fashion icon. January 3, 2008Cats are coming!Mark your calendar for the feline social event of the season: the annual Star City Cat Fancier's show, Jan. 26 and 27 at the Holiday Inn on Ordway Drive near Valley View. [Editor's note: this has been corrected from an earlier posting,] 
I have been graced with the company of cats, all of them lovable little strays, for most of my life. Yet I confess I know nothing at all about showing cats and little about different types and breeds. Until I did a little Internet research, I could not tell a Havana Brown from a Javenese. I am pretty sure the kitty in this stock photo is neither. I do think he looks a little annoyed. If any of you readers are cat show veterans, post a comment and tell us what we should expect. January 2, 2008A pup is more than a priceI am a little late getting an entry done today; I’ve been home sick today with a nasty little holiday cold. This morning’s paper did not make me feel any better. The front page story about discount dogs just made me sad. This may indeed be the season to get a great deal on a new pedigreed pooch, so from a purely consumer standpoint, the article was timely and informative. But to me, a 25 percent discount should not be the tipping point in deciding to bring a puppy into your family. |
