Search Results for: blog what kind of dog is that why i love my pound hound

Using the ASPCA’s Personality Matcher to Adopt a Pet

The other day I was cruising around the ASPCA’s website looking for information about pet adoption when I stumbled across their Meet Your Match (MYM) Canine-ality, Puppy-ality, and Feline-ality assessment tool. “What the heck is that?” you might be asking. (I did when I first read about it.) It’s a great question. (And I’m not just saying that because I asked it too.) The Meet Your Match Program It might be the face, the eyes, or even the shiny coat that first attracts you to a certain dog or cat, but as any animal lover knows, pets have personalities too. … 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 →

Walking Encounters

I was out walking with my dogs Moose and Lally the other day. Occasionally, we encounter our neighbors’ dogs — the guys upstairs have a young pitbull mix and my next door neighbors have a Jack Russell terrier mix. I know it’s safe to let my dogs interact with these dogs because they’ve met before. Everyone has been well behaved each time. On this particular occasion, we were across the street from a lady walking a Saint Bernard. At first, I thought they would pass quietly… no such luck! First Moose, then Lally started barking at the strange dog. Then … Continue reading →

The Strays of Our Lives

I love stories about strays. Why? Because there’s usually a deeper story there. One that proves strays are not just strays, but the strays of our lives who’ve come into them in different forms and for different reasons. Kindred Spirits Have you ever looked into a dog or cat’s eyes and without speaking, touching, or sharing anymore time together than those initial first moments, you knew them? You read their soul, they read yours –instantly. That’s a kindred pet spirit connection. Wayne had that with Budly. I loved that little Cocker with my heart and soul but truly him and … Continue reading →

Andy Rooney on Westminster

Last night on 60 Minutes Andy Rooney wrapped up the show like he always does with his thoughts on something. This time it happened to be about the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Like Aimee’s mom (and who knows how many other thousands of people), Mr. Rooney also attended Westminster. According to him, it’s one of his few yearly rituals. (Along with going to the Super Bowl and doctor visits.) I always get a kick out of his musings. I don’t always agree with his opinions. Sometimes I’m downright offended while other times I’m embarrassed for him. But last night … Continue reading →

The Problem with Show Dog Science

I’ve long known certain dogs were specifically bred with others to get desired traits, but I hadn’t realized how far back it had all started. Which is pretty remarkable considering science hasn’t always been as advanced as it is now. A few months back I caught part of an episode called “Science of a Dog” on the National Geographic Channel which addressed the topic in depth. It was about how certain breeds have come to be, why, and where they go from here. Because for some breeds their health-future isn’t too bright. That was a really sad part of the … Continue reading →

You and Your Pet: Zodiac Compatible?

Okay, so first I was on a quest to find pet astrology sites. I wanted to see if I could learn more about my pets and their personalities based on their signs. That led to wondering if such a beast as year-ahead horoscopes for pets existed. Kinda, sorta, somewhat. But spending all that time looking at various astrology sites introduced me to another concept I’d never considered: determining compatibility with my pet based on our signs. I’m well aware that many people consult the stars about affairs of the heart. Is this sign romantically compatible with that one, etc, but … Continue reading →

The Top Pets Blogs of 2007: January – May

Aimee and I, along with the occasional guest blogger, tried our best to bring you informative, interesting, and entertaining articles this past year. But you seemed to like some more than others. So I decided to do a Year in Review recap of the ones that you responded most to. What Makes a “Top” Blog? Even though you all may enjoy most of the blogs we write, not all of them inspire you to leave comments or rate them. Those that received star ratings made the Top Blogs cut. January 2007 Top Blogs Assistance Dogs of the West and The … Continue reading →

My Favorite Pet Blogs from the Past Year

Below is a list of my favorite articles I wrote during the past year, often with an explanation of what made them memorable. Five Non-Cash Ways to Help Animals/Shelters this Holiday Season: This was my first article to have a comment left on it. Is It Ever Okay to Kick a Dog?: This was my first article to ever get stars. The BMK Fund: This practice is very near and dear to my heart and it was neat to have a platform such as blogging for Families.com to share it on. How to Put Your Shopping Dollars to Work Helping … Continue reading →

15 Things My Pets Make Me Thankful For

Happy Thanksgiving! This is my favorite day of the year. As I explained in I Am So Thankful for All of the Animal Lovers Out There, I was given a precious gift back in 1999: Sarah Ban Breathnach’s Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy. It was that book that introduced me to the power of gratitude and to keeping track of it in a gratitude journal, which was an act that revolutionized my life. I don’t always write in my gratitude journal every day, it’s more like a weekly journal, but today is the one day of the … Continue reading →