Search Results for: blog bless the pets who forgive us our trespasses

What Gives Us the Right to Treat Our Pets That Way?

As I’m watching The Greatest American Dog, I can’t help but wonder what gives us the right to treat our pets certain ways. It’s something I think about from time to time anyway, but more so now that I’ve been watching the challenges on the show. Abusing Their Trust? Our dogs trust us unconditionally. It’s about as close to a true unconditional love and acceptance relationship as you can get. Is it right for us to expect them to do certain things? Not only expect them to, but in some cases demand them to perform. Take the personality episode for … Continue reading →

The Search for the Greatest American Dog

The other night I saw a preview for a new show that’ll premier on CBS this summer called “The Greatest American Dog.” From what I can tell it’s an American Idol-like contest for dogs. Except not geared so much to their singing talent as their brain ability. The Premise It looks like producers scoured the dog-loving free world for any and all kinds of talented dogs. They picked 12 to live together in a house and compete for “Greatest American Dog” honors. I’m still not sure if they’re going to do an American Idol like start to the series where … Continue reading →

Religion and Animals

The other night on the news they ran a story about orangutans eating matzah crackers in observance of Passover at the Zoological Center of Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan in Israel. They seemed to be enjoying themselves, and while it was a cute story I couldn’t help but wonder: do you think those orangutans care if they’re kosher or not? I’m willing to believe they don’t, but because their handlers are Jewish and it’s their way of life so it becomes the orangs way too. Or does it? Maybe they don’t always follow a kosher diet. But if they did, what about … Continue reading →

Unconditional Love: A Myth?

I’ve been thinking a lot about the concept of unconditional love versus conditional love lately. Like the ideal of a perfect marriage, I’m now of the opinion that pure unconditional love doesn’t exist either. I don’t think humans are capable of that. I think some pets come close. They forgive us most trespasses and don’t shun us just because we age, gain a few pounds, lose our jobs, drink or smoke too much, or whatever other vice, hardship, or trouble we may suffer, encounter, or endure. But even pets have their limits. Just like people in relationships, they rely on … Continue reading →

Leona Helmsley’s $12 Million Bequest to Her Dog

As I often do when I eat breakfast, I watched the Today Show this morning. I tuned in right as Ann Curry interviewed a lady from Court TV about the late Leona Helmsley bequeathing $12 million to her Maltese, Trouble. I guess the big hoopla has to do with the fact that not only did she specifically not leave anything to two of her four grandchildren, but she either didn’t leave a dime to her 12 great-grandchildren or what she did leave was ridiculously small compared to the largest bequest she made –the $12 million to Trouble, who at eight-years-old … Continue reading →

What You Think Upon Grows Day: What Does My Dog Think? (Because I Want to Think Like Him!)

Perhaps the principal of attracting (or growing) what you think about has been around for eons, but the person who introduced it to me and put it in terms that made sense was Dr. Wayne Dyer. Earlier this year I read his books 10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace and Being in Balance: 9 Principles for Creating Habits to Match Your Desires. The concept of attracting into your life what you dwell on ran through them both –and smacked me in the face. I haven’t quite been the same since. Because while it’s a principal that makes sense, it’s … Continue reading →

National Pet Week

Not only is this week (May 6-12) designated Be Kind to Animals Week, it’s also National Pet Week. The American Veterinary Medical Association and the Auxiliary to the American Veterinary Medical Association started it 26 years ago, in 1981. Together, their goal is to “promote responsible pet ownership, celebrate the human-animal bond, and promote public awareness of veterinary medicine.” They even have a website dedicated to the week. It’s chock full of both useful and fun information. Under the Pet Health Care, tab they provide a plethora of complimentary downloadable brochures. (In both English and Spanish.) They have 20 pamphlets … Continue reading →

Pets Are Wonderful Month: My Tribute to Murphy, Mr. Meow, and Tabby

Did you know in addition to being Animal Cruelty Prevention Month it’s also Pets Are Wonderful Month? I already covered a couple reasons why I think my pets are wonderful in Bless the Pets Who Forgive Us Our Trespasses, but here’s some others specific to each of them: Why Murphy’s Wonderful • Because he’s so easy going and tolerant. • Because he’s one heck of a good listener. I can grumble to him or sing to him (my singing is horrible, maybe even worse than my grumbling), and he just sits there wagging his tail. • Because he’s so gentle … Continue reading →

The Pets Blog Week in Review for Feb 26-Mar 4

It’s concise, quick, and handy. For your Pets Blog pleasure, here’s the breakdown of what Aimee and myself wrote about this past week: Monday, February 26 Pets need to keep warm in cold winter weather, too, and what better way than with a coat made just for them? Aimee interviewed Holly Glover, a dog-lover who turned her talent for sewing into Project Puppy Love, which ultimately warms up the lives of shelter dogs. Speaking of warming … the weather prompted me to take Murph for a walk, which sparked “What Kind of Dog Is That?”: Why I Love My Pound … Continue reading →

Bless the Pets Who Forgive Us Our Trespasses

I am no saint and I fully admit it. Even though most people who know me say I’m one of the most upbeat, cheerful people they’ve ever run across, I’m chalk full of faults. I’m often stubborn, selfish, critical (of both myself and others), jealous, possessive, and lazy. Physically I’m no prize either: I’m overweight, my poor legs are covered in cellulite (yes, the back and front of my thighs), I have yellowing teeth, blow my nose obnoxiously loudly, snore, my morning breath’s so ghastly it lingers well after I brush my teeth, and I’m still battling acne even into … Continue reading →