What's Happening to Us?

I got this image straight off of Doogtoons, http://www.doogtoons.com/ep-mv1.php. It's so cute but if you are not the type to enjoy some ridiculous cartoons with a high level of profanity. Off the scale on the profanity factors...then these are not for you so do not even click on it. So I came upon this website, that had a little cartoon about a kid and his thoughts on his mom's Chihuahua. He comments on the fact that this little dog has more clothing than he has and that his mom shops more for the dog now than she does for her son. I too have noticed this as well. There are some dogs at the parties I've been to that are better dressed than me. Now, that isn't exactly hard considering that I have a relatively simple fashion plate. My clothes reflect basically that I will try to dress for the occasion but I will not go all Paris Hilton or Imelda Marcos out to be the highlight of the party. I just like to look nice. These dogs however become the highlight of the party just by wearing these outfits that are absolutely incredible. I think that they could have their own Doggie Vogue or something soon. Very very soon.

Taking play to a whole other level of extreme

I'm referring to http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/09/fashion/sundaystyles/09sheep.html

I read in today's NYTimes that people out in California are taking their dogs to some pretty serious play action sites. They are letting their dogs actually do some sheep herding. As an owner of a sheepdog, I can totally relate to that as an activity that I might consider doing with Katie. I think she would love it. But we just basically play in our yard. I run around and she tries to herd me. It's fun. It's basic. It costs nothing more than a good pair of running shoes and a bottle of water. We go find a field, even the backyard and I play with her. THAT is a normal dog/human interaction. Now, I might get some criticism from the folks that harbor the idea that we should be master/dog or that dogs don't understand the difference between "play" and "work" and "commands." That is just jibberish. Dogs go into their play stance to let you know, "Hey, I'm ready to play now!" Then they walk away when they are done. Or, at least Katie does. She has a pretty short attention span really. She will play and be having fun, then she'll go into the shade, plop down and happily just watch me as I still run around the yard trying to get her to play some more. She used to be the one that would out run me when she was a mere puppy. I remember it well, the endless fountain of energy that kept on flowing. I had to make sure I made absolutely no noise after she had laid her little head down or else she would bounce up and pick up her ball or something squeaky and ridiculously noisy that would mean MORE PLAY TIME NOW! I think it's great to want to let your dog have an activity like sheepherding but really, shouldn't we be getting off our giant cabooses and running around a little with our dogs? They really are teaching us something about how to lead a healthy life. Eat, drink water, sleep and play. The four step program...I like it.

(Photo taken from The NYT website, The Modern Dog, 1611 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, come-sit-stay.com or (310) 450-2275.)

Okay, now this was cute. I found this on the NYT website also. For some fun style for your home and your dog. I would definitely buy these cute little toys for my home and I think Katie would love those little toys up on the mantle shelf.

Food for thought

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/09/nyregion/09homefront.html
I've mentioned before that I heat Katie's dinner for her so that she gets warmed rice and her dog chow. She likes it that way and so dried kibble just does not cut it for her. I like that this woman, Michelle Lewis has the right idea of good ingredients for her dog's meals. That's nice. But then I wonder if she subscribes to her own diet plan there. Does she eat healthy? I wonder if perhaps once again, now I'm sounding like a broken record but...shouldn't we follow the healthy way of life we so desperately are trying to pursue for our four legged friends? I'm not saying I am a nutrition guru or a personal trainer but I think by incorporating just one part of that healthy living plan into your life every day will just make it easier for us all to gradually become healthier. Nobody wants to live forever but we all want to have a better quality of life.

Okay, I gotta go run now and take Katie out for a little leg stretching.