Cats

The walls have eyes, ears and a nose!

	ALL IN ALL, IT'S JUST ANOTHER BARK IN THE WALL HAMPSHIRE (UK)—So you think you've got troubles? A 6-month-old Husky named "Keano" somehow got his entire face stuck in an ornamental wall. A neighbor alerted the pup's guardian who called Hampshire Fire Service. Rescuers arrived and were able to chisel away the wall, freeing the dog without any injuries. (Photo

Friday Light

MASAYA (Nicaragua)—Four-footed revellers came dressed as clowns, ballerinas, soccer players or au naturel to celebrate St. Lazaro's "Carnival of the Dogs" last month. The yearly fiesta is a religious event specifically for pooches, descendents of the dogs whom St. Lazaro healed and cared for, according to legend. This pooch is adorable, of course, but... how many of you noticed something terribly wrong with this picture?

Goodbye Daddy

In Memoriam: Daddy the Pit Bull
Cesar Millan, all his family and friends, his staff and volunteers, and dog lovers all around the world will mourn the passing of one of the most loyal, trusting, well-balanced, and influential pit bull ambassadors the world has ever known. Daddy, Cesar’s longtime friend and partner in canine rehabilitation, died peacefully surrounded by family on Friday the 19th of February. He was sixteen years old.


He lived each day of those sixteen years happy and fulfilled as Cesar’s right-hand-“man,” helping to shape the behavior of entire generations of dogs by showing them the way to balance. He stood as champion for calm-submissive pit bulls everywhere, and was instrumental in helping to repair their image as violent, savage, uncontrollable beasts. He successfully battled cancer and weathered chemotherapy, and even got the opportunity to present at the 56th Annual Creative Arts Emmy Awards!


His name is now added to that honorable roster of dogs gone by whose influence is still felt today, and which includes some of Cesar’s beloved childhood heroes: "Rin-Tin-Tin." "Lassie." … "Daddy."


He has been immortalized by Dog Whisperer fans in all mediums, from painting, to photographs, to charcoal drawings and papier-mâché sculpture. And, of course, he lives on in his work, reflected in the balance and calm-submission of his protégé Junior, the countless animals to whom he was a positive role model, and in the hearts and minds of everyone who knew him as a calm, sweet, and mellow example of a widely misunderstood breed.

In Loving Memory.

If you would like to honor Daddy’s memory and the contribution he made to improve the lives of other animals, you can make a donation to Daddy’s Emergency Animal Rescue Fund, which will provide assistance for dogs who are victims of abuse or violence, man-made disasters (hoarder and puppy mill rescues), and large-scale natural disasters (hurricanes, fires, and other natural catastrophies.

Something to Smile About Monday

Week of March 16 2010

Happy St Patricks Day

St. Patrick's Day dog

AP/paddyjokes.com

When you think of St. Patrick's Day, visions of leprechauns and clovers probably pop into your head. Yet, these fanciful images don't really signify the contributions into modern day society made by the Irish. People from Ireland have given us everything from Celtic art (including tattoos) to music, movies, dance and language. They've even given us several great dog breeds. The American Kennel Club recognizes eight Irish dog breeds. They are the Glen of Imaal Terrier, Irish Red and White Setter, Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel,Irish Wolfhound, Kerry Blue Terrier andSoft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. What makes these canines stand out are their unique coats, gallant postures, alertness and endurance. Most dogs with Irish lineage were hunters or guardians. However, today, they largely serve as domesticated companions. The most common Irish dog breeds are the terrier and setter. They are beloved by people worldwide. However, the particular Irish dog breed that makes natives of Ireland gush is the Kerry Blue Terrier. This dog symbolizes the regal nature, loyalty and determination many Irish people like to attribute to themselves. To find out more about Irish breeds of dogs, visit the American Kennel Club. There, you can get more details about the appearance and temperament of these dogs. Also, you can find out if one of them is right for your home

Irish dog breeds

Irish dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. Photos: AP, Wikimedia

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Something to Smile About Monday

Hachiko

Hachikō
Picture of Hachikō

Clients of mine are currently in Japan and sent me a photo of the two of them standing in front of the statue of Hachiko. Here is his story according to Wikapedia.

In 1924, Hachikō was brought to Tokyo by his owner, Hidesaburō Ueno, a professor in the agriculture department at theUniversity of Tokyo. During his owner's life Hachikō saw him out from the front door and greeted him at the end of the day at the nearby Shibuya Station. The pair continued their daily routine until May 1925, when Professor Ueno did not return on the usual train one evening. The professor had suffered a stroke at the university that day. He died and never returned to the train station where his friend was waiting.

Hachikō was given away after his master's death, but he routinely escaped, showing up again and again at his old home. Eventually, Hachikō apparently realized that Professor Ueno no longer lived at the house. So he went to look for his master at the train station where he had accompanied him so many times before. Each day, Hachikō waited for Professor Ueno to return. And each day he did not see his friend among the commuters at the station.

The permanent fixture at the train station that was Hachikō attracted the attention of other commuters. Many of the people who frequented the Shibuya train station had seen Hachikō and Professor Ueno together each day. They brought Hachikō treats and food to nourish him during his wait.

This continued for nine years, with Hachikō appearing only in the evening time, precisely when the train was due at the station.

That same year, another of Ueno's faithful students (who had become something of an expert on the Akita breed) saw the dog at the station and followed him to the Kobayashi home where he learned the history of Hachikō's life. Shortly after this meeting, the former student published a documented census of Akitas in Japan. His research found only 30 purebred Akitas remaining, including Hachikō from Shibuya Station.

Professor Ueno's former student returned frequently to visit the dog and over the years published several articles about Hachikō's remarkable loyalty. In 1932 one of these articles, published in Tokyo's largest newspaper, threw the dog into the national spotlight. Hachikō became a national sensation. His faithfulness to his master's memory impressed the people of Japan as a spirit of family loyalty all should strive to achieve. Teachers and parents used Hachikō's vigil as an example for children to follow. A well-known Japanese artist rendered a sculpture of the dog, and throughout the country a new awareness of the Akita breed grew.

Eventually, Hachikō's legendary faithfulness became a national symbol of loyalty.

Each year on March 8, Hachikō's devotion is honored with a solemn ceremony of remembrance at Tokyo's Shibuya railroad station. Hundreds of dog lovers often turn out to honor his memory and loyalty.

For more information go to Wikapedia

Week of March 8 2010

Faith's story

Humility

Ever notice that no matter who you think you are, dogs just have a way of putting things in perspective? I think of President Bush and his dog Barney. As if the President didn't have enough problems with his public persona, Barney the Scottish Terrier would act up in a most public way. He would routinely show a complete disregard for the President. It used to make me laugh out loud to watch Barney duck and dodge as the President tried to grab him. Barney even bit a reporter and was captured on film doing it! Take that!

One of my personal moments happened at La Taza restaurant. I was feeling very special.

It was my birthday brunch celebration and fundraiser for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. The owners of the restaurant allowed us to bring our dogs. Everybody was having a great time when Bentley showed up. We were all very excited to see him and made quite a fuss at his arrival. Bentley walked to the middle of the patio, squatted and left a very nasty stinky pile. In a flash, the range of emotions went from happy, disbelief, disgust, acceptance and finally humor. Voila - a memory made. Some people turned away like it didn't happen, others left the patio and pretended to have urgent business inside but most of us just groaned "Bentley" and laughed while he tried to steal some food off of one of the plates left unattended.

A friend once said babies and dogs bring out the best and worst in people. I have to agree. Lucky me. I am surrounded by people that love their dogs, have a sense of humor and know how to forgive - maybe not forget - but certainly forgive!

Hello March

Kleenex worthy

Picnic gone wrong!

Monday's something to smile about

Goodbye February

Free Love

Meet Tom and Dave

Tom Kelleher (on the left) is getting a high five from his boy Dave.

Tom Kelleher has just released his book "Free Love - True Stories of Love and Lust on the Internet". This is his first book and Dave could not be more proud! Take a look at Tom's website www.tomkelleher.com to learn more about his book and blog.

Cat Talk

"Off the Beaten Path" Tijuana opening

See our very own Randy Rosenberg (Sadie's mom) in her debut "You Tube" presentation of her world wide exhibition "Off the Beaten Path". The exhibition can be seen after the welcoming speeches. For more information about Randy's non profit organization go to http//www.artworksforchange.org .

Our Movie Pick

thursday 2/18/10

Wed 2/17/10

Tuesday 2/16/10

Smile!

To our VIP family

http://www.funpunch.com/Ecards/View/e94a7ae5-3877-4305-a421-4debe2096c63

A Valentine Date

Happy Valentines Day! I know just the place for a perfect morning with your four legged valentine. Montclair (Oakland CA) Start the day with coffee at Peets (on Antioch), Nellies, or Starbucks - on Mountain Blvd (they are all dog friendly). Then go up to the top of LaSalle and walk the Shepard Canyon trail, come back to LaSalle and stroll through the Farmers Market. Stop by Glamour Paws, do a little window shopping finish off the morning at the Malt Shop. Ice cream and frosty paws for you and your Valentine. Now tell me that does not sound like a great day!

Friday 2/12/10

Lexie's dance moves

Thursday 2/11/10

february 2010

Valentine

If you are looking for a special card to send your valentine, check out Jaquie Lawson's e cards. To view her collection go to www.jacquielawson.com

sadie

Saysay

Hold a good thought for Sadie today. She has not been feeling well for the past few days. She is at the doctors office again today as they try to figure out what is going on. We miss her sweet fun energy. Hurry back sweet Saysay.

Mr Sandman

Bring me a dream. Make him the cutest that I've ever seen. That song must have been written about our Archie!

Wag for the Weekend!

The Broadway Terrace Cafe is a great place to stop for a coffee and pastry before or after a walk at the Mountain View Cemetery. The Terrace has a dog friendly area with tie downs, water bowls and biscuits. If you happen to be without dog - there is a lovely covered outdoor patio, or tables and chairs inside the cafe/gift shop. It is located next door to Village Market at 5891 Broadway Terrace.

The cemetery is such a beautiful place for a walk. There are 226 acres and leashed dogs are welcome but please, please, please pick up after your dog (we don't want to lose the privilege). The cemetery opens @ 7am and closes 1/2 before sunset. It is located at the end of Piedmont Ave. for more information go to their web site www.mountainviewcemetery.org . It's a great way to get some exercise and fresh air without the mud! Have a wonderful weekend!

Voodoo Doll

Misty is pictured above peeking out the door of the exam room - nervously awaiting Dr Taylor. Once every couple of months Misty gets acupuncture. She has an unoperable anachnoid cyst and this is what we do for her in hopes of keeping her condition at bay. Misty is a miniature schnauzer and her disposition is already a little uptight. After all, her nickname is rigamortis because she completely seizes up when she is held. Imagine my surprise to see that not only does she tolerate these needles being poked into her, she actually falls asleep during her treatment! A true testament to Dr. Taylor and her talents.

Recall of Merrick Beef Filet Squares

Be safe and keep these snacks away from your pets as the FDA issued a warning about Merrick Beef Filet Squares. If you still have the resealable package, check for a "Best By 11/19/11" date — those batches may be contaminated with Salmonella. To be on the safe side, if you're not sure when you bought the treats, and they look like this, discard and treat your pooch to something else instead.

Luckily no illnesses have been reported yet — the bacteria was caught in a routine inspection in December — but be careful when handling the treats (to discard them), remove anything else they could have contaminated, and thoroughly clean any containers, too.

Closing time @ the Dog Show

Annie

Sunday afternoon (after taking care of the horses), I rushed over to the Cow Palace with my friend Ms. Pat to watch Annie (Steve O'Donnell's dog) in the agility demonstration. We made it just in time and it was so worth it! I was able to catch Annie right before she went on. I could tell she was nervous. She gave me a bunch of kisses and stepped into the ring. The crowd went wild. They cheered her on as she made her way through the maze of posts with Steve walking beside her encouraging her the whole way. She certainly was not the fastest but I believe she was the favorite. She was the essence of dog in that ring. Scared but brave and doing her best for those she loves. Big Hug Annie. You were amazing!

January 2010