38 – My Favorite (Dog) Things
Raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens – okay, I’m no Julie Andrews and my life resembles Groundhog Day more than the Sound of Music. Like Julie, though, I do have some favorite things. From books to magazines to websites and television shows, there are resources I find invaluable whether looking for information or just needing a laugh.
I survey my bookshelves and see they are overflowing with every kind of dog book imaginable. Patricia McConnell’s books occur most frequently. She blends her scientific knowledge, written in a style that is easily understood for the non-scientist reader, with anecdotes that are funny or heart-wrenching. The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs and For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend are two I always recommend to dog owners. Jean Donaldson’s Culture Clash is another book most dog owners could benefit from reading. For fun, Dog is My Co-Pilot and Howl, from the editors of the Bark magazine, are compilations of humorous short stories good for the beach or a rainy day.
Nothing makes a trip to the mailbox better than discovering the latest copy of one of the magazines to which I subscribe. The Whole Dog Journal has the most valuable information currently available regarding foods, treats, supplements, training, health issues, and activities to share with your dog. Since they do not accept advertising, their reviews are unbiased. I was introduced to the Whole Dog Journal while attending the Peaceable Paws Intern Academy several years ago and have not missed an issue since. For a combination of entertainment and information, from art work to behavioral issues, The Bark magazine is one of the top magazines covering everything dog. Last, but not least, I would be lost without my monthly issue of Clean Run magazine. Dedicated to agility enthusiasts, they publish training tips, dog and handler conditioning exercises, and course designs for those who wish to show their dogs or for those who just want to play agility in the backyard.
Most of the television shows built around dogs leave a great deal to be desired. It’s Me or the Dog with Victoria Stillwell surpasses the other shows as she presents sound, safe, effective advice for families who own dogs with issues. Still, I hate the thought that people tune in to TV in order to get help for the four-legged members of the family. The facts are it takes more than one hour to solve behavior problems, the shows are edited and no one actually sees everything that happens, and dogs, like people, are individuals and solutions to problems must be tailored to the dog. Unless you are someone who believes you can solve crimes in your neighborhood by watching Cops, save television for other uses.
Websites – there is one for every topic, every viewpoint, every need. Regarding pet health, Animal Talk Naturally (www.animaltalknaturally.com) links to their blog radio show, covering topics of natural animal care. The hosts are very friendly and welcome questions from callers. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviorists (http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/) has the most informative articles relating to problem behaviors as well as position papers regarding punishment, dominance, puppy socialization, and finding a trainer. These are current, scientifically-based positions of which every pet owner needs to be aware. Speaking of science, Science Daily (http://www.sciencedaily.com/) has articles on the latest research (and not just pet related). Finally, lest you think all I read is scientific articles, I love to check in weekly to Three Woofs and a Woo (http://threewoofs.blogspot.com/), a blog written by an aspiring dog photographer who also runs a border collie rescue foundation in Canada. Her photos are unique (like her dogs, cats, and M.C. Hamster) as are the captions which accompany them.
Favorite places to visit with my pups are, well, just about everywhere! Cane Creek Park has a wonderful walking trail and Burgess Falls is also dog friendly. Buzz and I have discovered the fun of attending the TTU Girls Softball home games. Out of state, there’s nothing like the dog beaches at both Honeymoon Island and Ft. DeSoto Park in the Tampa Bay area.
I am a believer in helping the animals in the area in which you live. My favorite charity, the Friends of the Cookeville/Putnam County Animals (http://www.friendsofcpcanimals.org/About.asp), on whose Board I serve, does so much to help animal causes in our area, exclusively. Not only are they responsible for bringing you these Pet Pages every other week with the help of Bob McMillan and the Herald-Citizen, they also stage the Bark in the Park in October, Fur Ball in January, and Art Show in June. All money goes to help animal charities in our area such as the Animal Shelter, the Humane Society Spay/Neuter Clinic, and many others. You can also help them as they try to get enough votes from the Animal Rescue Site (http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/ ) to win a grant for the C/PC Animal Shelter, which is in desperate need of a new shelter building. Follow Cookie and Putter on Facebook and Twitter (www.twitter.com/cookieandputter), too!
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens – not on my list of favorite things. Fuzzy dogs, a supportive husband, and time to spend with them – now those are really my favorite things!
Jan Casey owns Smiles and Wags in Cookeville and offers training and behavior consultations to local dog owners. She can be reached at 913-510-0119 or jan@smilesandwags.com