Halloween

     The National Retail Federation recently estimated 20 percent of Americans (that is 31.3 million people) plan to dress their pets in Halloween costumes this year.  Also according to the National Retail Federation, the most popular costumes for cats and dogs are #1 Pumpkin and #2 Hot Dog. 
     Whether you dress your pet up or not, remember to keep them safe during the holiday.  And give them lots of tasty treats (but no candy!)  Happy Halloween!

A Dog of Many Tricks

     It's been almost 2 years since we got our dog, Lewis.  When we got him, my middle son began to work with him to teach him some tricks.  Our last dog would fetch and that was it.  We had never taught her any tricks. She was a labrador and honestly, fetching just came naturally to her. She was a GREAT dog-- very calm and obedient but, no, she did not do tricks. Lewis was our new project and my son was determined to make him the smartest dog ever.  He IS a pretty smart dog.
     The tricks that my son managed to teach him before growing tired of his project were sit, shake (paw), lay down, roll over, crawl, up (stands on 2 legs), and hug (puts paws on the person's chest).  He is really cute and will do these tricks more readily if we have a treat or a squeaky toy as a reward when he is done.
     HOWEVER, if you dare come into the room with a REALLY GOOD treat such as a slice of pepperoni or a piece of hamburger or a BRAND new rubber squeaky toy, Lewis will go nuts in anticipation.  He will immediately sit, lay down, roll over, crawl, roll over.....he will run through the tricks he knows best and do them really fast over and over until you give him the treat.  It's pretty funny.  I guess you could say that he is a dog of many tricks.

(This story was written by my daughter, Karen.)

And My Name Is

     Right now, I do not own a dog.  But when I did, I was amazed at how the dog learned its name.  We had several dogs over the years.  When calling the dog, he/she would come running.  Was it the tone of the voice, or whatever, that made communicating with this canine so easy?  We were able to teach the dogs some tricks.  But what stood out the most was their intelligence in knowing their name. 
     The dog did not become Man's best friend by not understanding him a bit.  I would love to have a dog now.  But with a house full of cats, I'm not sure it is a good idea right now.  But then, it is on the burner still to get one.  After all, I love dogs...

Look Alikes

     There must be some truth to the saying, "Dogs look like their owner."  As a wedding gift from my husband, I received a puppy.  We went to the dog pound and I picked her out.  I named her Zundel after a friend.  It was my friend's last name.
     The dog went everywhere with us.  She enjoyed the back window of the car as she poked out enjoying the wind.  When I, or my husband, went somewhere alone, she rode in the front passenger seat.  She was definitely part of the family.
     One day, my uncle said, "I thought that was you in the front seat of the car."  Was he being funny or did the dog really look like me?
     While sitting on my front porch, I saw a neighbor walking his dog.  The Pit Bull looked straight at me.  I was amazed at how much the dog reminded me of his owner.  I ask now the question.  When picking out our dog, do we unknowingly pick a dog that looks somewhat like us?  Maybe this story will leave you to wonder.  Or is the answer simply...the dog picks up on our behavior?  You be the judge.

Taking a Break

     It has been such a pleasure writing for this blog every month.  However, we are going to be taking a break for awhile and hope to be back and writing for 2019.


UPDATE:  We will begin new blog submissions on July 1, 2018!

Happy New Year!

Please enjoy this photo from my Christmas and may you and your dog (or dogs) have a warm, merry, and bright New Year!

Thankfulness

     The Thanksgiving Holiday has come and gone, but with its passing, the Christmas Holiday Season is upon us. Thankfulness isn't meant to be honored on only one day in November every year.   Let us not forget to remain thankful throughout the season, and every single day as well. 

 

Here is a photo of a well-fed, well-spoiled, and assuredly thankful dog!