Total Pageviews

Friday, October 28, 2011

Please Don’t Call Me a “Dog Whisperer”

Each year, Jim, myself, and the dogs host a “Christmas Eve Eve Party” for our friends on December 23rd. It’s a night when many of our out-of-town friends that we only see once a year are in town for the holidays and not otherwise booked with family obligations. It is my favorite night of the year – a nice, mellow, fun evening with some of my favorite people (and dogs).

I try to keep the party fun for my dogs, too (and last year, a client dog joined the fun). I also know, that with a variety of tempting food dishes ALL OVER THE PLACE and wine-consuming partygoers leaving half-emptied plates on low-lying tables, that while I enjoy the fun, I cannot drop my guard. I have to watch my dogs at all times, in a state of constant readiness to either manage a situation to prevent “bad” behavior (like jumping or counter-surfing) and reinforce good behavior (like greeting politely, allowing for petting, etc.).

I prepare ahead of time. While I am busy prepping food and beverages for the party, I am also stuffing Kongs. When I buy groceries, I buy marrow bones. I know my dogs need things to keep them busy and therefore, out of trouble.

I also do occasional, very brief and fun training sessions with them to teach them that paying attention to me when there are 40 people in the house is a VGT (Very Good Thing – for dogs).

We’ve been hosting this party for over a decade now, and many friends have not missed a year. Many attended the first year we had brought Monte (my Saint Bernard) home. Ten months after adoption, he was much healthier than he was when he came to us and also much better behaved, but still had reactivity issues to being touched by strangers. He spent a lot of his first Christmas Eve Eve party crated. A few years later, those same guests were at our house where he would happily allow for appropriate petting in exchange for a tasty treat, would practice impulse control lying down while pieces of steak rained down around him, bouncing off his big head, slobber smacking on the kitchen floor. He was not crated, he was part of the party, having a great time.

One of my friends said, “Wow! He’s so much better behaved than he used to be. You’re like the ‘Dog Whisperer’.” Her face was beaming with the joy of having found what she thought was the perfect compliment.

That wasn’t the first or last time I heard the phrase. I’m sure they mean Cesar Millan and not Paul Owens (who is the “original Dog Whisperer,” having written a book by that name many years before National Geographic created their popular reality television show, and is actually a very talented, dog-friendly trainer), which means, I can’t possibly take the reference as a compliment.

Cesar and I both train dogs and their people. We both care deeply about helping dogs and people co-exist together more peacefully. But that’s pretty much where the similarities end.

See, Monte would easily have made a great dog for an episode of the Dog Whisperer – Cesar would call him a “red zone” dog. He would bark and lunge, slobber flying everywhere, sometimes to the point of vomiting, when he’d see another dog on the leash. One time, my friend bent over him and smiled at him. In a time span measured in fractions of seconds, he had her skull in his mouth (and thankfully, showed unbelievable bite inhibition). He dragged me into city traffic after a dog one day, nearly putting me in the hospital. He was a strong, powerful dog with strong, powerful unwanted reactions to dogs and specific other situations with people.

At the time, I wasn’t a trainer. I was a dedicated pet owner and huge Cesar fan. I tried the techniques I saw on his show and found his problems worsened. I had the opportunity to chat with Cesar once after a seminar, and he suggested that I wasn’t “calm and assertive” enough. I felt discouraged and hopeless.

I was as skeptical as many dog owners are about the power of positive reinforcement to address reactivity and aggression. “Seriously?! You think a toy noisemaker and some treats are going to help this dog?” It didn’t “cure” the problem overnight, but we did see progress right from the start. It was hard work. It required that we change our lifestyle and our thoughts about how dogs learn about the world.

But it worked. It worked so well that Monte was eventually able to enjoy play dates with carefully selected other dogs and even Christmas Eve Eve parties. It worked so well that I couldn’t stop learning more until I became a trainer myself.

On the surface, our results looked the same. Dogs and their people were able to enjoy the types of lifestyles together that they’d hoped for, dogs that started out with extreme behavior issues. Underneath the surface, our results and process were extremely different. I achieved my goals without the use of fear, intimidation, choke chains, prong collars, leash pops, “taps” with the foot to the ribs, or pinning my dog to the ground. I did it with cooperation, not opposition.

As for results? To a trained eye, body language speaks volumes. Monte was not stressed. He was happy, relaxed, more worried about when he would receive his next treat or scratch as opposed to when he’d hear the next verbal “Tschhht!” or get the “touch” in the shoulder.

There is a cultural assumption that only trainers who use coercion can be successful in rehabilitating and modifying the behavior of dogs with extreme behavior problems – whether the dog has killed a number of small animals, an established bite history with people or other dogs, or has torn the doors and windows out of the house as a result of separation anxiety. The second part of the myth is that trainers who eschew the use of coercion in favor of manipulating reinforcement opportunities only teach tricks to well-behaved dogs and allow dogs with behavior problems to die.

This is an urban legend. Most of the country’s top behavior consultants, including actual behaviorists (who have advanced degrees in behavioral sciences), rehabilitate “red zone” dogs every day, working with real life dog owners, a treat pouch, and dog and people-friendly techniques grounded in modern science. To me and all behavior consultants who use positive reinforcement to rehabilitate dogs with behavior issues, please don’t call us “Dog Whisperers” when you’d like to give a compliment (Unless followed by the disclaimer, “You know, the Paul Owen kind.” Then it’s ok.).

For more on the pitfalls of “Dog Whispering” as shown on NatGeo, check out the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s Position Statement on Punishment for Behavior Modification in Animals and the Position Statement on the Use of Dominance Theory in the Behavior Modification of Animals.

About the Author: Casey Lomonaco graduated with distinction from the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior, and is a member of the following professional organizations: APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers), CGC evaluator — AKC (American Kennel Club), TDF (Truly Dog Friendly), and the No-Shock Collar Coalition.




View the original article here

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Clip We Love: Dog Ruins Proposal Video

It’s really hip these days to sneakily film your fiancee-to-be while you pop the question. Some folks we know have even gone as far as live-streaming their proposals for all to see.

We’re always worried the girl will say no … how embarrassing would that be?

Well, apparently you don’t have to get turned down to have a proposal video FAIL. Add one overly excited dog to the picture and …

P.S. Hat-tips go out to Dogster customer support guru John D. Williams and the Dog Blog’s own Maria Goodavage for sending this our way!




View the original article here

Dogster’s Picks of the Week: Travel Edition

Like many people, my family lives all over the world. Although I wish they lived much closer, I love that I get to travel to so many great cities to visit them.

I’m not the kind of person who can tolerate spending holidays and vacations away from my dog, so most of the time, he jetsets around the world with me. You should see his doggy passport! Having accumulated countless air miles, we know a thing or two about flying together. We hope you enjoy our picks and tips!

1. Chunky Yellow Cable Sweater — Airplanes often get chilly. I know I’m constantly reaching to shut the air vent. If you’re cold, chances are your pup might be, too! Make sure you pack a cozy sweater in his carry-on. A warm doggy is a happy doggy.

2. Pet Ego Sport Wagon Carrier — Beyond being an attractive piece of luggage, this stylish travel carrier by Pet Ego comes with a comfortable travel strap you’ll be glad you have while you’re standing around waiting to board. Most importantly, it’s airline approved.

3. The Dog Lover’s Companion Travel Guide — This incredible collection of travel books gives you insider information on hundreds of off-leash areas, parks, hiking trails, camping areas, and beaches, all rated from a pooch’s perspective on a one-to-four-paw scale. Check out the site for a guidebook to the city you’re traveling to. [Editor's Note: Dogster's own Maria Goodavage wrote the California edition!]

4. Airplane Dog Bed — You definitely won’t be taking this on board, but this airplane dog bed is a fun way for you and your dog to remember all of your travel days together. It’s a must have for dogs who love to jetset.

5. Silicone Travel Bowls — Flying can be just as dehydrating for your dog as it can be for you. Don’t leave home without travel bowls for your pooch. These collapsible silicone bowls are a cinch to pack and take up very little space.

6. Leather Pet Passport Cover — Traveling overseas? Your dog will need all his vaccination records and important travel documents. Keep them organized in a beautiful leather pet passport cover from Lila Paws.

7. Amrita Cardi — Flying isn’t the most comfortable way to travel, so I like to keep myself as comfy as possible by wrapping up in a big soft sweater. This wrap cardigan will have you looking and feeling cozy in style.

8. Hideo Jellybean Trolley — Sometimes when you get off of a long flight, it’s not always easy to tell which suitcase is yours at baggage claim. Spot your stuff immediately with this bright and fun Hideo suitcase in jellybean green.

9. Perry Travel Pillow — Catch some zzzzs while your pooch is snoozing while resting your head and neck on this pop-print pillow.

10. Maxi Tank Dress — In all of my traveling experience, nothing is more relaxing and easy to wear on board than a cotton maxidress. You’ll feel like you’re wearing pajamas without actually wearing pajamas. They look fantastic layered with a cardigan wrap like the one above.

What are your favorite travel tips?

Follow Dogster’s Picks of the Week on Pinterest!


View the original article here

Make your dog a Halloween Doggie Smoothie!

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

Clip We Love: Gigi Being Gigi

It’s like Christmas morning here at Dogster HQ. Our pals at West Paw Design (who recently brought you this cute Halloween contest) sent us a box of sample toys for the upcoming season, and we just ripped it open.

Gigi, our resident Boston Terrier, got to give one of their toys a whirl, and it was a big hit. Below, see her having a ball with the “Salsa.”

Thanks for the cool stuff, guys! <3




View the original article here

Clip We Love: Monkey and Dog Clean Each Other

You know how many web denizens use the term TL;DR (too long, didn’t read)?

Well, we’d like to start TC;CD (too cute, cannot deal) here on Dogster, starting with this video our social media scientist, Anna Zeman, found while poking around online earlier today. (Yes, be jealous, we have a mad scientist on staff.)

You may recognize the little monkey from this viral video that made the rounds in July.

P.S. After watching the video, we were dying to know more about this little creature. Apparently Nala is a Black Cap Capuchin monkey who lives in Vegas with her family. She was rescued from a veterinarian and not purchased at a store. Her best friend is Miss Millie Marshmellow (yes, spelled as such), who we are assuming is the dog in the video above. (Someone correct us if we’re wrong.) She helps care for two autistic boys! What a little sweetie.

Learn more about Nala here.




View the original article here

We're presenting Daily Green Dog Tips for Dogster!

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Share Your Pit Bull Story: Saturday Is Pittie Awareness Day

Tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 22, is National Pit Bull Awareness Day, and we thought the best way to celebrate these gorgeous, goofy, and often misunderstood dogs would be to encourage everyone reading who has ever had a positive experience with these pupsters to share their story in the comments section below.

To kick things off, we’ve invited our friend Laura Petrolino of StubbyDog to tell us what National Pit Bull Day means to her.

StubbyDog is a nonprofit that is working to change public perception and improve the lives of Pits everywhere. (You can read more about them on their Facebook page.)

Here’s Laura! — Janine K.

++++

Because I grew up with dogs, there have only been a handful of sad times when I was forced to lead a dogless life. During one of them, while I was in graduate school, a good friend, knowing of my extreme dog withdrawal, connected me with a colleague who was looking for a dog sitter. And so Ruby entered my life.

Ruby was a medium-sized, beautiful brown Pit Bull who bounced when she walked and tended to steal all the blankets at night. I was able to overlook this slight annoyance (and my cold toes) because Ruby won me over with her ridiculously goofy and loving personality. She was just what I needed, and I secretly waited for her guardian to go out of town again so I could have my Ruby vacations.

Several years later I discovered StubbyDog, a nonprofit whose mission was to change the public perception of Pit Bulls and help people rediscover them as lifelong friends. Although I’d read shocking media stories about “dangerous” and “vicious” Pit Bulls, sweet, bed-hogging Ruby was what I saw when I thought of the breed. I knew very little about the prejudice and hateful responses the dogs and their guardians are forced to deal with every day.

Because of dogs like Ruby, almost anyone who has ever known and loved a Pit Bull becomes an advocate for them, which is why events like National Pit Bull Awareness Day, on Saturday, Oct. 22, rally people to support these wonderful dogs.

Pit Bull Awareness Day shines a spotlight on brave, loyal, and loving Pit Bulls you don’t often read about in the media, such as:

Shaka

Shaka, the star K-9 cop who keeps her community safe. Spackle

Spackle, the constant companion who helped heal her mom’s PTSD. Sarge

Sarge, the survivor who taught us to respect our elders. Sal

Sal, the therapy dog with the power to soothe hospital patients. Jagger

And Jagger, the victim of dog fighting, who teaches us all the power of forgiveness.

There are so many heroes — canine and human — working to change public perception and improve the lives of Pit Bulls everywhere. Every day I’m inspired by a new story of hope, courage, and love! We know there’s a lot to do before more people begin to think positively about Pit Bulls, the way I did with Ruby. But the more stories we can share like those above, the better chance we have.

Dogsters, let’s make this Pit Bull Awareness Day really meaningful. How has a Pit Bull affected your life? What would you tell others about your Pittie? Please share your pawsitive stories below!




View the original article here

With Furminator’s FUR Dry Towels, Your Dog Can Be a Jedi, Too

Oscar, left. Jasper, right.

We’re always reading good things about Furminator’s deshedding products in the Dogster and Catster forums. I can’t say I’ve had the opportunity to furminate a pet myself, since my dog is extremely short-haired, but the small fact that “furminate” is a verb that has penetrated pet owner culture speaks volumes.

These days, the Furminator folks are trying their hand at products that aren’t necessarily shedding focused (though still fur-centric), the latest of which are the FUR Dry towels modeled by Dogsters Oscar and Jasper above.

This is the canine equivalent of the human bath towel wrap, and is meant to be slipped around a recently bathed (or sullied) pooch to dry him quickly and comfortably while keeping your carpet and furniture free of wet dog. We mainly like that it makes your pupster look like a mini Jedi.

Does your dog do that post-bath dance that includes rubbing his entire body against the couch, carpet, and bedspread? Yeah, mine too. It’s the funniest thing in the world — until you crawl into bed and find that confounded wet spot!

Anyway, we gave the FUR Dry towels a whirl — courtesy of Oscar the Miniature Schnauzer and Jasper the Boxer’s human parents — and the product got rave reviews all around. We even found an alternate use for it at the office: inhibiting Gigi, one of our office pups, from scratching a swelling bite on her tummy.

The medium and large wraps fit perfectly, and both dogs appeared to be comfortable. Oscar and Jasper’s parents report that the towels absorbed a surprising amount of bathwater but weren’t cold and wet when removed. Not bad at all! The only flaw we found was that the design includes a circular cut-out at the end for pups with tails — this was a little odd for dogs with stubs for tails, but we imagine it’ll be just fine on dogs with the proper hardware.

Contest Time!

Here’s a chance to give these FUR Dry towels a try yourself: Furminator is giving three Dogster readers the chance to win one.

To enter, leave a comment telling us an amusing bathtime story and be sure to mention what size of towel your dog would like. These babies come in puppy, small, medium, large, and giant. (For sizing, see this page.) We’ll pick a winner on Wednesday, Oct. 26.




View the original article here

The Great Spay/Neuter Debate: From a Trainer’s Perspective

When Janine Kahn, my fantabulous editor here at Dogster, invited me on as a guest blogger this month for the Dog Blog, she requested specifically that I not shy away from topics that may be considered contentious and likely to provoke thoughtful debate.

I tried to do Janine proud — we’ve discussed appropriate dog park behavior and the puppy mill industry these last couple of Tuesdays. Today, I’ve selected another subject that is likely to create a stir: spay and neuter.

Spay/neuter is generally recommended universally as a procedure with no or negligible side effects. It is the only ethical decision in terms of social consciousness related to pet overpopulation, and provides health and behavioral benefits.

Do not take the decision to spay/neuter lightly. At what age should you spay/neuter your pet? What management protocols should be in place should you decide to keep your dog intact responsibly — how will you adjust your environment to ensure you’re not contributing to the overpopulation problem?

Are intact dogs more “aggressive,” and are neutered dogs more likely to be obese? These are just a few of the questions pet owners would do well to consider.

The truth is, it’s not an easy decision. There are behavioral and physical benefits and risks, some of which are mitigated or altered based on the age of the dog at the time of neuter. While rescue and shelter organizations are understandably great advocates for early spay/neuter programs (often as young as 8 weeks!), little information is given to adopters about potential health risks associated with the procedure.

I’m not trying to dissuade anyone from neutering or spaying their dogs. I also understand the early need for spay/neuter in dogs who are adopted from shelters or rescues: Much as I cannot guarantee my clients will follow through with training, you cannot guarantee your adopters will take advantage of that spay/neuter voucher after the dog is taken home.

I am saying that I am a big advocate for educated consumers. When you are making a decision with potentially serious consequences, it is best to thoroughly research the pros and cons so you can make the best possible choice.

If you are not willing to securely fence your yard, even if that includes a potential cost of thousands of dollars; keep your dogs on leash at all times; and even implement a crate and rotate system in your home if necessary, talk to your vet about scheduling a neuter procedure at a time that is physically and behaviorally optimal for your dog.

I strongly believe that sterilization decisions should be highly individualized — related to the dog’s breed, physical development, the owner’s lifestyle, training and management abilities or options, the presence of other dogs and/or other pets, genetic health histories of both parents (when available), your home environment (chain-link fence in an area where there are many intact strays, for example?), etc. Conventional wisdom says to spay or neuter your dog at 6 months. But there may be real reasons to spay or neuter earlier or later, and you should carefully consider them, they must be considered carefully; hopefully as a collaborative decision among a knowledgeable veterinarian, behavior specialist, and committed pet owner.

It’s not much of a secret that I like to consider holistic health treatment for dog care issues. One of my favorite sources of information is the “Healthy Pets” section of Dr. Mercola’s website. The section is run by the fabulous Dr. Karen Becker, an integrated wellness veterinarian, and has a lot of compelling (albeit controversial) content. You can follow her on Facebook.

Check out her recent entry on the Mercola site, an unbiased examination of the data currently available on the physical and behavioral risks associated with spaying or neutering at any stage of a dog’s life.

What are your thoughts? Are your animals intact? Neutered or spayed? If spayed or neutered, at what age were they sterilized? Have you noted any health or behavioral changes in your dog(s) related to your decision? What information did your vet give you about the benefits/risks associated with your decision? Please give your feedback in the comments!

About the Author: Casey Lomonaco graduated with distinction from the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior, and is a member of the following professional organizations: APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers), CGC evaluator — AKC (American Kennel Club), TDF (Truly Dog Friendly), and the No-Shock Collar Coalition.




View the original article here

It's Halloween...make it a green!

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

And the Winner of the West Paw Howl-O-Ween Contest Is…

Thanks go out to everyone who entered our Halloween toy giveaway with West Paw Design. We got a ton of great comments, but our favorite was from reader Boops, who said:

My dog Pumpkin, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, will be dressed as a king. I will swag our front porch with red fabric, and roll out a red carpet on the stairs. He will sit on his faux lynx/ermine dog bed/throne at the top of the stairs and he will bestow from a gold/brass vessel candy to all the children in the land who approach him with reverence. I will not be his queen, I’m more of a court jester.

Boops, you will have to send us a photo of Mr. Pumpkin in all his glory. Our friends at West Paw will be in touch to find out where to send your goodies!




View the original article here

It’s Monday, Monday

Not quite as upbeat as Friday, Friday, eh? Oh well.

Over the weekend, I was showing my visiting mother around San Francisco, and we ran into this little guy lounging in the sun (yes, it’s our turn for summer!) in front of a salon on Haight Street. Does he embody the spirit of Monday morning or what?

We were going so quickly that we neglected to stop and get his name. What would you name this little doorstep marshmallow?

Happy Monday!




View the original article here

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Saint Bernard Jack ‘o Lantern

My first attempt at carving a Saint Bernard pumpkin.  I saw plastic ones on the internet and created my own saint bernard pumpkin stencil.  Surprisingly,  it actually turned out.  I wonder how long it will take for the neighborhood kids to smash it.


View the original article here

Thursday, October 13, 2011

The Best Doggie Halloween Costume in the History of Doggie Halloween Costumes?

Our minds = blown!

This morning, as on many mornings, I checked my Facebook account to see what crazy things my friends were up to … and one of them had left a link to a Cute Overload blog item titled “Ladies and Gentlemen, the Best Pet Halloween Costume of All Time.”

Next to the link, my friend had written, “So Mox is getting one of these, right?”

Yeah, I wish! My little Italian boy has an extensive wardrobe (as evidenced by this video), but I am nowhere near as crafty or creative as Katie, the mom of Bones Mello, now known to Internet denizens everywhere as “the AT-AT Dog.”

Over the weekend, she posted her step-by-step AT-AT costume process on Bones’ Facebook page. (Go on and “like” while you’re over there!)

Here’s how this amazing outfit was made. All captions and photos are from Bones’ page:

A foam form Katie made for fittings.

“This is an early shot of the foam form I made for fitting purposes. It was made to minimize the fittings on Bones the actual dog. He is patient, but there are limits.”

Bones in his speed suit.

“Here is Bones in his speed suit. This is two pieces, body and head, and is completely open underneath. I patterned it after some pajamas that he wears at night.”

The costume body.

“I am holding the body of the vehicle on bones to check the fit. I was taking too long to get his picture and he was ready to be done. I made the body all out of foam sheet which was 1/4 inch thick with “fun foam” foam sheets on top. It hardly weighs anything.”

Yogurt cups for feet!

“Here is the body suit once it is painted. The feet are just slid on to the model. The round disks at the joints snap on to the suit so it is more comfortable and easier to get on and off.”

The final product!

Hats off, Katie! This is the coolest thing we’ve seen in a long time, and your pup is being such a good sport about it!




View the original article here

Photos: Our Marketing Gals Bring the Adoption Message to NYC Advertising Week

SAY Media (Dogster’s pawesome parent company) is at the IAB MIXX conference for NYC Advertising Week, and to channel Dogster’s core values, they invited the Brooklyn Animal Foster Network to join them and host a mini adoption event at their booth!

The fine folks at BAFN brought five kittens and three pups, and with any luck, some of them will end the week with new homes! (Paws crossed.) Below are some photos from the Say/Dogster booth — we hear it was the hit of the conference!



View the original article here

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

America’s Top Hero Dogs Get Well-Deserved Recognition

Devoted certified service dog Zurich calmly surveyed the audience when he took the stage with his sick partner, who cannot walk or speak, at the inaugural Hero Dog Awards in Los Angeles. He can retrieve anything for her, and adds light to her life. Zurich overcame a cancerous tumor and continues to assist his partner. (Photo: Maria Goodavage)

Hey Dogsters! Yes, I know, I’m not supposed to be here. I’m supposed to be writing my book, Soldier Dogs, while on my leave of absence from Dogster. But partly because of that book, I took some time last weekend to fly to Los Angeles to attend the inaugural event for the American Humane Association’s Hero Dog Awards. First, these hero dogs are all incredible creatures — devoted, mellow, hard-working, truly amazing. I wanted to meet them.

And it was work-related, because among the heroes was Bino, a 13-year-old former military working dog who was up for the award for top hero dog. His adoptive owner, Debbie Kandoll, and I had missed each other while I was in Texas for book research, but since she was coming to my state with him, and since I’d been invited to attend by the nice folks at Cesar canine cuisine, I decided to leave my writing cottage in San Francisco for some time out of my cave.

Wow, was it worth it. It was a splendid gala event, star-studded, and, more importantly, hero-dog-studded. These dogs were true luminaries, gracious with the throngs who gathered at the Beverly Hills Hilton for this red-carpet event. They impressed the crowds with their poise and calm. Nearly every hero dog sat or lay down shortly after arriving on the stage during  the awards portion. Jake would have run amok and jumped off the stage to whatever table of filet of beef tenderloin was nearest. (Maybe this is why no one nominated him?)

Throughout the night, the award ceremony featured video tributes of each of the eight finalists. When I looked around the audience after the films, there were many cloth napkins dabbing away tears. Each finalist received a $5,000 donation to his or her designated AHA Charity Partner, as well as a very cool trophy — a sculpture created by Elizabeth Taylor’s daughter, Liza Todd Burton.

At the end of the night, the winner was Roselle, a yellow Lab guide dog who led her blind handler, Michael Hingson, down 78 flights of stairs in World Trade Center’s Tower One on 9/11. Sadly, Roselle died on June 26, while the contest was in full swing, but she received the award posthumously — a most deserving dog if ever there was one. Hingson brought his new guide dog, Africa, in her place. You can read about Roselle in Hingson’s bestselling book, Thunder Dog.

The Hero Dog Awards will premiere on the Hallmark Channel on November 11. The 90-minute special will air at 8 p.m. ET. If you’re a Dogster, you’ll love it. (I hope they show the behind-the-scenes look at Mickey Rooney’s voiceover of the Rin Tin Tin video. It’s hilarious.)

Here are some exclusive photos from the event. Enjoy! And see you next month when I’m done writing about canine heroes of the military persuasion. :)

The ever-iconic Betty White with Michael Hingson with his dog Africa. His dog Roselle won the night's top honors for leading him safely down 78 flights of Tower One of the World Trade Center on 9/11. Sadly, she passed away this summer. (Photo: Maria Goodavage)

_____________________

Military Working Dog Bino enjoyed some red-carpet action. It was a long way from Iraq, where he once served, to this gala evening. (Photo: Charley Gallay @ WireImage Cesar Canine Cuisine)

_______________________

Darla, the face of Cesar canine cuisine, wasn't up for a hero award, but she won hearts on the red carpet as she stood up and waved. (Photo: Laura Altair Hanson)

_____________________________

Surf Dog Ricochet got all dolled up for the event. Ricochet, as many Dogsters know, surfs with children and adults with disabilities for therapeutic purposees. She inspires people all over the world, encouraging them to focus on what they CAN do, as opposed to what they can't. (Photo: Laura Altair Hanson)

___________________________

My daughter, Laura Hanson, attended the event with me and was on cloud nine all night. She loved all the dogs, and was thrilled to meet NCIS star Pauley Perrette, who is a huge dog lover and shelter rescue advocate, and a really nice, appealing, down-to-earth person. I wanted to give her a copy of my book, The Dog Lover's Companion to California, because I thought she would enjoy it. She asked me to sign it, since she collects signed books. Talk about role reversal! When I asked if I could take a photo of her with my daughter, she insisted on holding up the book, and my daughter held up my business card for Soldier Dogs. A great end to a very fun evening! (Photo: Maria Goodavage)




View the original article here

Introducing Ferris! (Or: Why I suck)

Posted on 05. Oct, 2011 by in Dog Bliss News

Ferris FaceHi. I’m back. And with good news.

Introducing Ferris! He’s my 18-week-old Pomeranian puppy.

There’s so much to say about this. Such a whirlwind of emotions: Joy, nostalgia, guilt, amusement, frustration… And that was just in the last 20 minutes. So much has changed for me since I lost Bliss and even since the last time I wrote on this blog. My life doesn’t resemble what it did before. Not to get into too much detail and make everyone all uncomfortable and squirmy (don’t you hate it when you ask people how they are and they actually tell you how they are?), but seriously, almost everything has changed since I posted in July of last year.

But back to Ferris. After 20 months, I finally decided I was ready for a new dog, and debated whether or not I wanted another Keeshond. I love the breed. Bliss was everything I wanted in a dog and more. But there were a couple of issues. First, at 30-50 pounds, a Keeshond would be too large for the small place I’m renting, and second (and more importantly), I didn’t want to try to replace Bliss.

I’d considered a Pomeranian before I found Bliss, and revisited that idea. After meeting several, I found a little guy who met what I wanted in my next dog but whose size, color (he’ll get redder with his adult coat), and gender would be far enough removed from Bliss to help avoid comparison. I brought him home last week.

And here’s where I get honest with y’all (because if I can’t be honest, why bother writing?). It’s been a bit of a struggle.

Ferris is freaking adorable. He’s smart, bouncy, active, and alert. I chose him because although he was initially a little aloof, when I picked him up he nuzzled under my chin and gave me little doggy kisses. I saw how he acted with his owners (playful and attentive) and I knew that with socialization, he’d come out of his shell a little. But although he can be affectionate, now that I know him it’s not necessarily how I’d first characterize him. “Feisty” would be a better word.

I began to get concerned when I saw a couple of instances of resource guarding. He only did it twice, but of course, my mind unfairly harkened back to Bliss whom we could never get to growl outside of playtime. This little dude at 17 weeks was already doing it. Family and friends told me it’s just a “puppy thing,” but I know better. This is the kind of thing that can escalate quickly and become a real problem later. In our first vet visit, I brought it up. Although he was gold with the vet, an assistant abruptly stuck her head in the room and Ferris started growling and barking.

“Yeah,” the vet said, “you may have an aggression problem here. This is going to need constant attention, and probably an individual trainer.” She went on in that manner until she saw my crestfallen face and stopped, saying, “I’m sorry. Probably not what you wanted to hear.” It wasn’t, especially on that day (again with the personal things, but just know that date was significant and hurtful). I took Ferris back to my car and bawled until I damn near dehydrated.

I already had a training class scheduled, but thought a trainer visit couldn’t hurt. She came over on Sunday and evaluated Ferris. She didn’t see the same thing the vet did. “Well, resource guarding isn’t great,” she said, “but it’s early enough to deal with. I don’t see aggression. He’s a pretty independent little guy, and he’s never going to be a dopey, wiggly-with-strangers type. But he may get more outgoing with socialization.” I was okay with that.

But here’s the thing. Here’s the really honest, I-suck-as-a-human-being kind of thing. I haven’t really bonded with Ferris yet. I enjoy him, I think he’s adorable, but… But. I knew he wasn’t going to be Bliss, but then… you know… he wasn’t. Bliss was pure sweetness through and through. Ferris is sharp and wily. Bliss just wanted to be near me. Ferris wants to see how much he can get away with. Bliss needed me. Ferris needs what I give him. I play with him, I give him tons of affection, we’ve begun training, and I’ve gone above and beyond what a puppy needs. But it just doesn’t feel the same.

And it’s so unfair to Ferris. So, so, so unfair. Bliss had the advantage of following a real problem dog (he was neurologically impaired, had seizures starting at 11 weeks, was aggressive, and died at 2 years old), so anything she did was an improvement. And her sweet nature was so irresistible I bonded with her instantly. Ferris looks sweet, but he’s actually kind of edgy. He’s just a little harder to connect with.

But then after some significant soul-searching I realized I’ve put way too much pressure on the dude. Not only did I expect him to be Bliss (yes I did), but Bliss without all of her own set of faults. I also expected him to take care of everything else that’s going on in my life and make me instantly happy. Because if a puppy can’t make me happy, what can, right? Wow. That’s a huge burden for a 4-pound puppy.

So I’m giving him (and myself) a break. We’re working on what we can work on now, and I’m forgiving myself for feeling the way I do. I’m celebrating his victories and his differences, and trusting that all good things take time. Amazing things take time plus faith plus work. Lots and lots of work. I think we’re both up for it.

…And now excuse me while I deter Ferris from taking the drapes down.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Tags: , , , ,


View the original article here

Dogster’s Picks of the Week: Halloween Edition

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays to celebrate with my dog. Every year, I dress him up in something unique and we head out for treats and tons of ooohs and awwws. Come to think of it, I’m not sure who loves the attention more. Luckily, I have a dog who doesn’t mind sporting a Halloween costume. In fact, he truly seems to enjoy it. If you’ve got a pooch who loves to dress up for Halloween, check out some of this year’s favorites.

Have a safe and Happy Howl-o-ween!

1. Animal Planet Triceratops and Raptor Dog Costume — Whether your dog is an herbivore or a carnivore, he’s going to be the fiercest-looking dog in Jurassic Bark. I highly recommend checking out all of Animal Planet’s dog costumes. They’re incredible!

2. Indiana Bones — Is your dog the adventurous type? Then perhaps he should be dashing through the Halloween dog parade as Indiana Bones the thrill-seeking dog!

3. Mermaid Costume — This one is perfect for the lady dogs out there who want to stand out in sequin scales. Your little mermaid will love the under-the-sea crab toy that comes with the costume.

4. Banana Split Pet Costume — Complete with three scoops of ice cream and a cherry on top, this costume is the way to go if you have the sweetest dog around.

5. Chef Dog Costume — Dressed up as Chef Boyar-dog, your pooch will look like he has what it takes to be crowned the next Top Chef.

6. Martha Stewart Devil Dog Costume — Martha Stewart never disappoints with her lovely and well-made dog costumes. Your little devil will definitely stay warm all night long with this head-to-tail costume.

7. Iguana Costume — If your dog is kind of an odd animal, then perhaps this iguana costume would be fitting. It’s a bit pricey, but has some beautiful plush details.

8. Party Hounds Smoking Jacket Costume — Your dog is handsome and debonair and is constantly asked for play dates at the dog park. Yes, he’s a ladies’ man, and no other costume would be more appropriate than this Hefner-esque look. The pipe toy is a bonus!

9. Ghosts Glow-in-the-Dark Dog Tee — If dressing up your dog in a costume just isn’t your thing, but you’d still like to celebrate the holiday in a fun way, Halloween dog T-shirts are always a fun and simple option. Find a cool one that glows in the dark, like this one from Muttropolis, for an extra cool effect.

10. Chia Pet Costume — There’s still plenty of time to make your own dog costume if you’re the DIY type. Remember to keep it fun and get creative! This Chia Pet costume is bursting with creativity. Be sure to follow the link for the “how to.” [Editor's Note: This costume was made by Dogster member Kitai!]

Follow Dogster’s Picks of the Week on Pinterest!


View the original article here

Art We Heart: Tiny Pupster Confessions by Christopher Rozzi

You guys, I’m supposed to be taking today off to show my visiting mother around the big city, but I was going through email this morning and one of the many, many deal-of-the-day sites I subscribe to (Fab.com in this case) had a sale on prints by artist and comedian Christopher Rozzi.

Many of the illustrations from his “Tiny Confessions” series feature pets, and I thought I’d share with you some of my favorites.

Here’s how the artist describes this collection: “I believe that all creatures have their own distinct inner voice which, if we listen closely, we can interpret on their behalf.”

His Etsy shop is over here, and the Fab.com sale (which has $5 off each print) is over here. (You have to be signed up to view the link, alas.)

Which one is your favorite?




View the original article here