I saw this in an editorial of a popular women's magazine about 20 years ago and have always wondered at the truth of its words. I often thought of its wisdom as my children grew from toddlers to teens. In honor of Mother's Day, I thought I would share it:
"I just realized that while children are dogs ... loyal and affectionate ... teenagers are cats.
It's so easy to be a dog owner. You feed it, train it, boss it around. It puts its head on your knee and gazes at you as if you were a Rembrandt painting. It bounds indoors with enthusiasm when you call it.
Then around age 13, your adoring little puppy turns into a big old cat. When you tell it to come inside, it looks amazed, as if wondering who died and made you emperor. Instead of dogging your doorstep, it disappears. You won't see it again until it gets hungry ... then it pauses on its sprint through the kitchen long enough to turn its nose up at whatever you're serving. When you reach out to ruffle its head, in that old affectionate gesture, it twists away from you then gives you a blank stare, as if trying to remember where it has seen you before.
You, not realizing that the dog is now a cat, think something must be desperately wrong with it. It seems so antisocial, so distant, sort of depressed. It won't go on family outings. Since you're the one who raised it, taught it to fetch and stay and sit on command, you assume that you did something wrong. Flooded with guilt and fear, you redouble your efforts to make your pet behave.
Only now you're dealing with a cat, so everything that worked before now produces the opposite of the desired result. Call it and it runs away. Tell it to sit and it jumps on the counter. The more you go toward it, wringing your hands, the more it moves away.
Instead of continuing to act like a dog owner, you can learn to behave like a cat owner. Put a dish of food near the door and let it come to you. But remember that a cat needs your help and your affection too. Sit still and it will come, seeking that warm, comforting lap it has not entirely forgotten. Be there to open the door for it.
One day your grown-up child will walk into the kitchen, give you a big kiss and say, "You've been on your feet all day. Let me get those dishes for you."
Then you'll realize your cat is a dog again"
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Are You Ready For A Dog?
So you are contemplating getting a pet. You’ve looked at all of your options- small furry animals such as hamsters or ferrets, a cat, a horse, and even a llama. And you’ve decided that your companion animal of choice will be a dog. You’ve begun to look at breed types and doing homework about what type of dog would best suit your family and lifestyle. Great- now for the harder questions: are you ready to bring a dog into your family?
When you picture your life with a dog, what comes to mind? Games of fetch in the backyard, long walks in the park, lazy afternoons snuggled together on the couch, warm wet puppy kisses when he greets you after a long day at work? Maybe you want a friend for your children or a guardian for your home. A dog can be all these things, and more.
But a realistic picture of your life with a dog will also include seeing yourself paying for veterinarian bills for routine vaccinations, checkups, illnesses and injuries. Completing the housetraining process and the accidents that happen before training is complete. Perhaps your picture should also include losing your best shoes to chewing, your best rosebush to digging, barking when you're trying to sleep, and begging when you're trying to eat. Dogs do all these things too, and unless you're prepared for that reality, you're not ready for a dog. Many of these behaviors can be resolved with consistent training and education to encourage your dog to develop into a model canine good citizen but that also requires effort and dedication on your part.
Owning a dog is a lifelong commitment that comes with countless benefits but like anything worthwhile, it also brings a new set of responsibilities; if you cannot meet those responsibilities, neither you or your dog will be happy. An honest evaluation of your lifestyle, home and family, and your pocketbook should be considered before you make a final decision to commit to a pet. The American Kennel Club provides the following list of factors to consider carefully before you accept the responsibilities that accompany pet ownership:
Food - In addition to your dog's meals, you'll want to supply occasional healthy treats. You may need to feed a special diet for puppies, allergies, weight management, illnesses, or older dogs. You'll need to train your dog not to beg for people food; and your family not to give in to those pleading puppy eyes.
Shelter- For indoor dogs, you'll need a crate or other confined area to protect the dog and your belongings at night or when you're away. You'll want to keep a supply of carpet cleaner on hand, and provide a bed or mat. Gates to keep the dog out of certain rooms can also be helpful.
Outdoor dogs must have a fenced yard or kennel run. They will need a sheltered spot so they can stay out of the heat in summer, the cold in winter, and the rain. You'll need to install creative fencing to protect your garden, and to protect the dog from toxic plants. You will probably have to do some obedience training to prevent nuisance barking. You'll need a pooper-scooper to keep your yard clean.
Water- Fresh water must be available at all times.
Exercise- Your dog will need a couple of daily walks or romps in the yard. You'll have to provide a leash, a pooper-scooper, and balls or flying discs to play with.
Training- Housetraining is first. A crate is useful, but also stock up on carpet cleaner and deodorizer. Teaching basic good manners requires time and dedication. You may want to join a Puppy or Obedience class. Advanced classes or behavioral training may be required for more difficult or spirited dogs. Seek help from an experienced reputable trainer who can structure training around your dog’s particular needs. You must be prepared to control your dog's behavior at home, with guests, in the park, around the neighborhood, at the vet's office--at all times.
Health Care- Your dog will need regular checkups, vaccinations and dental care. You must also be prepared to care for your dog during illnesses or after accidents--such as a sprain, a torn paw pad, consumption of a stuffed animal, or poisoning. Some dogs develop serious illnesses such as cancer or epilepsy; older dogs also require additional care. Remember the best health care plan is one which begins with healthy food choices and regular exercise for your dog.
Grooming- You'll need equipment such as a tub, brush, comb, shaver or nail clippers. All dogs require regular grooming- either by you or a trusted pet professional. Introduce your dog to the process early and he will accept and enjoy it for his lifetime.
Play- You can give your dog safe stuffed and rubber toys, bones, balls and other chewies. You'll need to train the dog to distinguish its toys from your possessions.
Companionship- Your dog needs your attention when you're home, and a secure place to stay when you're away (a crate is a great substitute for a den and most dogs accept it with minimal effort. Some dogs require training to alleviate separation anxiety in their owner's absence. You'll need a petsitter or a good boarding kennel if you go away for an extended period of time. A Doggie Daycare is a great way to meet your dog’s social and companionship needs in a safe environment.
Forgiveness- Your dog won't apologize for having housetraining accidents, for digging, for barking, for chewing—or for being a dog. He is doing what comes naturally most times and it will be up to you to educate him otherwise. You'll have to forgive him his "mistakes" anyway.
Devotion- Don't worry about the time and energy you invest in your new pet- you'll get it all back. In fact, it will most likely return to you tenfold.
Now that you have thoroughly considered all of the aspects to owning a dog, are you ready? If the answer is yes- there is a dog out there somewhere who is waiting to be a part of your family.
When you picture your life with a dog, what comes to mind? Games of fetch in the backyard, long walks in the park, lazy afternoons snuggled together on the couch, warm wet puppy kisses when he greets you after a long day at work? Maybe you want a friend for your children or a guardian for your home. A dog can be all these things, and more.
But a realistic picture of your life with a dog will also include seeing yourself paying for veterinarian bills for routine vaccinations, checkups, illnesses and injuries. Completing the housetraining process and the accidents that happen before training is complete. Perhaps your picture should also include losing your best shoes to chewing, your best rosebush to digging, barking when you're trying to sleep, and begging when you're trying to eat. Dogs do all these things too, and unless you're prepared for that reality, you're not ready for a dog. Many of these behaviors can be resolved with consistent training and education to encourage your dog to develop into a model canine good citizen but that also requires effort and dedication on your part.
Owning a dog is a lifelong commitment that comes with countless benefits but like anything worthwhile, it also brings a new set of responsibilities; if you cannot meet those responsibilities, neither you or your dog will be happy. An honest evaluation of your lifestyle, home and family, and your pocketbook should be considered before you make a final decision to commit to a pet. The American Kennel Club provides the following list of factors to consider carefully before you accept the responsibilities that accompany pet ownership:
Food - In addition to your dog's meals, you'll want to supply occasional healthy treats. You may need to feed a special diet for puppies, allergies, weight management, illnesses, or older dogs. You'll need to train your dog not to beg for people food; and your family not to give in to those pleading puppy eyes.
Shelter- For indoor dogs, you'll need a crate or other confined area to protect the dog and your belongings at night or when you're away. You'll want to keep a supply of carpet cleaner on hand, and provide a bed or mat. Gates to keep the dog out of certain rooms can also be helpful.
Outdoor dogs must have a fenced yard or kennel run. They will need a sheltered spot so they can stay out of the heat in summer, the cold in winter, and the rain. You'll need to install creative fencing to protect your garden, and to protect the dog from toxic plants. You will probably have to do some obedience training to prevent nuisance barking. You'll need a pooper-scooper to keep your yard clean.
Water- Fresh water must be available at all times.
Exercise- Your dog will need a couple of daily walks or romps in the yard. You'll have to provide a leash, a pooper-scooper, and balls or flying discs to play with.
Training- Housetraining is first. A crate is useful, but also stock up on carpet cleaner and deodorizer. Teaching basic good manners requires time and dedication. You may want to join a Puppy or Obedience class. Advanced classes or behavioral training may be required for more difficult or spirited dogs. Seek help from an experienced reputable trainer who can structure training around your dog’s particular needs. You must be prepared to control your dog's behavior at home, with guests, in the park, around the neighborhood, at the vet's office--at all times.
Health Care- Your dog will need regular checkups, vaccinations and dental care. You must also be prepared to care for your dog during illnesses or after accidents--such as a sprain, a torn paw pad, consumption of a stuffed animal, or poisoning. Some dogs develop serious illnesses such as cancer or epilepsy; older dogs also require additional care. Remember the best health care plan is one which begins with healthy food choices and regular exercise for your dog.
Grooming- You'll need equipment such as a tub, brush, comb, shaver or nail clippers. All dogs require regular grooming- either by you or a trusted pet professional. Introduce your dog to the process early and he will accept and enjoy it for his lifetime.
Play- You can give your dog safe stuffed and rubber toys, bones, balls and other chewies. You'll need to train the dog to distinguish its toys from your possessions.
Companionship- Your dog needs your attention when you're home, and a secure place to stay when you're away (a crate is a great substitute for a den and most dogs accept it with minimal effort. Some dogs require training to alleviate separation anxiety in their owner's absence. You'll need a petsitter or a good boarding kennel if you go away for an extended period of time. A Doggie Daycare is a great way to meet your dog’s social and companionship needs in a safe environment.
Forgiveness- Your dog won't apologize for having housetraining accidents, for digging, for barking, for chewing—or for being a dog. He is doing what comes naturally most times and it will be up to you to educate him otherwise. You'll have to forgive him his "mistakes" anyway.
Devotion- Don't worry about the time and energy you invest in your new pet- you'll get it all back. In fact, it will most likely return to you tenfold.
Now that you have thoroughly considered all of the aspects to owning a dog, are you ready? If the answer is yes- there is a dog out there somewhere who is waiting to be a part of your family.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Extreme Grooming
What started out as crazy pictures you see on the internet has begun to creep into grooming shops all across the country. Known as Extreme Grooming, you can find pictures of dogs (usually standard poodles are the preferred canvas of choice) sculpted, scissored and dyed to look like everything from a peacock to a wounded soldier to a Clydesdale horse.
I can say that Extreme Grooming has officially gone mainstream as Brittney gave her little shelter rescue terrier named Olive a faux hawk (not to be confused with a mohawk!) a few days ago. The entire back of Olive is moused and stands up in true mohawk fashion while her sides are short. Instantly, customers were intrigued and are already asking if they can have the cut as well.
We can offer vegetable-based pet friendly dyes for the fashion conscious owner as well as extreme haircuts- so if you are looking for something a little different as the Spring doggy fashion season rolls around, give us a call! Your dog may have an inner diva just dying to get out.
I can say that Extreme Grooming has officially gone mainstream as Brittney gave her little shelter rescue terrier named Olive a faux hawk (not to be confused with a mohawk!) a few days ago. The entire back of Olive is moused and stands up in true mohawk fashion while her sides are short. Instantly, customers were intrigued and are already asking if they can have the cut as well.
We can offer vegetable-based pet friendly dyes for the fashion conscious owner as well as extreme haircuts- so if you are looking for something a little different as the Spring doggy fashion season rolls around, give us a call! Your dog may have an inner diva just dying to get out.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Dogs: A New Healthcare Alternative?
We take good care of our pets. They have better healthcare and nutrition than ever before. For many American households, our dogs are considered to be cherished family members who receive birthday gifts and Christmas tidings. They are our best friends, protectors, therapists, coworkers, secret-keepers, hand warmers, and garbage disposals. There has been a lot of focus in recent years on what we do for our pets- now, however, there is a shift to understand exactly what our pets may be doing for us.
People and animals have a long history of living together and bonding. Perhaps the oldest evidence of this special relationship was discovered a few years ago in Israel—a 12,000-year-old human skeleton buried with its hand resting on the skeleton of a 6-month-old wolf pup. “The bond between animals and humans is part of our evolution, and it’s very powerful,” says Dr. Ann Berger, a physician and researcher at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
While the science of studying human/animal bonds is still in its infancy, the general belief is that there are health benefits to owning pets, both in terms of psychological growth and development, as well as physical health benefits according to Dr. James Griffin, a scientist at NIH’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
The list is long and varied but here are some examples of the health benefits of owning a dog:
Dog owners are more likely to exercise, be active, and walk more. One study of elderly persons found that senior citizens who owned dogs were more mobile inside their own homes.
Dog owners are more likely to survive a heart attack. One NIH-funded study looked at 421 adults who’d suffered heart attacks. A year later, the scientists found, dog owners were significantly more likely to still be alive than were those who did not own dogs, regardless of the severity of the heart attack.
Dog owners enjoy less stress. In another study which looked at 240 married couples. Those who owned a pet were found to have lower heart rates and blood pressure, whether at rest or when undergoing stressful tests, than those without pets. Pet owners also seemed to have milder responses and quicker recovery from stress when they were with their pets than with a spouse or friend.
New also research suggests that pet ownership may hold special benefits during childhood. Researchers in child development and behavior have discovered that pets are an important source of comfort and help children develop empathy. In fact, therapists and researchers have reported that children with autism are sometimes better able to interact with pets, and this may help in their interactions with people.
Dog owners have long enjoyed the benefits of caring for their canine companions. Now, it seems that it's actually a two way street. So, go pet a dog on the head, enjoy puppy breath, or take your dog for a walk- and let your dog help take care of you.
People and animals have a long history of living together and bonding. Perhaps the oldest evidence of this special relationship was discovered a few years ago in Israel—a 12,000-year-old human skeleton buried with its hand resting on the skeleton of a 6-month-old wolf pup. “The bond between animals and humans is part of our evolution, and it’s very powerful,” says Dr. Ann Berger, a physician and researcher at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
While the science of studying human/animal bonds is still in its infancy, the general belief is that there are health benefits to owning pets, both in terms of psychological growth and development, as well as physical health benefits according to Dr. James Griffin, a scientist at NIH’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
The list is long and varied but here are some examples of the health benefits of owning a dog:
Dog owners are more likely to exercise, be active, and walk more. One study of elderly persons found that senior citizens who owned dogs were more mobile inside their own homes.
Dog owners are more likely to survive a heart attack. One NIH-funded study looked at 421 adults who’d suffered heart attacks. A year later, the scientists found, dog owners were significantly more likely to still be alive than were those who did not own dogs, regardless of the severity of the heart attack.
Dog owners enjoy less stress. In another study which looked at 240 married couples. Those who owned a pet were found to have lower heart rates and blood pressure, whether at rest or when undergoing stressful tests, than those without pets. Pet owners also seemed to have milder responses and quicker recovery from stress when they were with their pets than with a spouse or friend.
New also research suggests that pet ownership may hold special benefits during childhood. Researchers in child development and behavior have discovered that pets are an important source of comfort and help children develop empathy. In fact, therapists and researchers have reported that children with autism are sometimes better able to interact with pets, and this may help in their interactions with people.
Dog owners have long enjoyed the benefits of caring for their canine companions. Now, it seems that it's actually a two way street. So, go pet a dog on the head, enjoy puppy breath, or take your dog for a walk- and let your dog help take care of you.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Appendixes and Other Things I No Longer Need
It's amazing what we can live without. Watch one week of the hit TV show Survivor if you need a reminder. I lost my appendix recently. Well, not really lost- I was aware that it was leaving. In fact, I was rather happy to have it taken off my hands when the event actually unfolded.
I had a small period of down time following surgery in which my already busy mind found lots of ways to entertain myself. I listed things that I could live without. Of course, the list could not be simple. I found myself dividing it into categories: things I could live without happily, things I could live without if I had to, things I could live without with pain and suffering...you get the picture.
So, in the aftermath of thinking of things that I could actually live without, I naturally developed a list of things that I could NOT live without. In no particular order, these are those things:
Animals. Of any sort. I do not want to spend a day without the company of an animal of some type. Dogs, horses, cats, llamas, raccoons, hedgehogs, ferrets, goats...any of these will do.
Family. Of any sort. My family comes in a wider variety of characters than most, I think. Like a book of nursery rhymes, complete with villians, heroes and heroines, furry creatures and big teeth, I love them as they are and am thankful for the crowd that rallied around us during and since my surgery.
Friends. Few and True could be a new motto for me here. I am busy and don't take the time to cultivate and tend the wonderful friends I have- thank you all for understanding my tendency to withdraw and retreat on occasion.
Home. Yes, I do mean the walls that surround me. I hear about the struggles of people and am thankful that I have a place to call home.
Purpose. I wake up each and every day and am driven to complete the tasks I have started, be excellent at everything I do, achieve more than I should in a day, help someone who didn't expect or deserve it, and follow my personal compass toward some unseen destination.
Okay, enough musing...Sorry I've been absent but I'm anxious to start blogging again and tell you about all the wonderful animals I've met lately.
I had a small period of down time following surgery in which my already busy mind found lots of ways to entertain myself. I listed things that I could live without. Of course, the list could not be simple. I found myself dividing it into categories: things I could live without happily, things I could live without if I had to, things I could live without with pain and suffering...you get the picture.
So, in the aftermath of thinking of things that I could actually live without, I naturally developed a list of things that I could NOT live without. In no particular order, these are those things:
Animals. Of any sort. I do not want to spend a day without the company of an animal of some type. Dogs, horses, cats, llamas, raccoons, hedgehogs, ferrets, goats...any of these will do.
Family. Of any sort. My family comes in a wider variety of characters than most, I think. Like a book of nursery rhymes, complete with villians, heroes and heroines, furry creatures and big teeth, I love them as they are and am thankful for the crowd that rallied around us during and since my surgery.
Friends. Few and True could be a new motto for me here. I am busy and don't take the time to cultivate and tend the wonderful friends I have- thank you all for understanding my tendency to withdraw and retreat on occasion.
Home. Yes, I do mean the walls that surround me. I hear about the struggles of people and am thankful that I have a place to call home.
Purpose. I wake up each and every day and am driven to complete the tasks I have started, be excellent at everything I do, achieve more than I should in a day, help someone who didn't expect or deserve it, and follow my personal compass toward some unseen destination.
Okay, enough musing...Sorry I've been absent but I'm anxious to start blogging again and tell you about all the wonderful animals I've met lately.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
The Playplace
Top Ten List of Reasons to bring your dog to The Playplace at Petropolis:
10. You are tired after a long day of work and he's not.
9. Dogs enjoy romping in a safe, structured program.
8. It's wet and nasty and we have indoor play areas!
7. We don't care if his hair gets all over our couches (or us for that matter!)
6. He enjoys watching other dogs but seems reluctant to join in.
5. He would play fetch 8 hours a day if he had the opportunity.
4. When was your dogs last play date?
3. He's a good boy and deserves a special field trip.
2. Two words- Dog Pile.
1. Your dog deserves a new Canine BFF!
Come find one at Doggie Daycare
http://www.petropolisllc.com/
10. You are tired after a long day of work and he's not.
9. Dogs enjoy romping in a safe, structured program.
8. It's wet and nasty and we have indoor play areas!
7. We don't care if his hair gets all over our couches (or us for that matter!)
6. He enjoys watching other dogs but seems reluctant to join in.
5. He would play fetch 8 hours a day if he had the opportunity.
4. When was your dogs last play date?
3. He's a good boy and deserves a special field trip.
2. Two words- Dog Pile.
1. Your dog deserves a new Canine BFF!
Come find one at Doggie Daycare
http://www.petropolisllc.com/
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tiny packages...
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