Are you a responsible dog owner? Take the AKC Responsible Dog Owner Pet
Promise!
1. I will never overlook my responsibilities for this living
being and recognize that my dog’s welfare is totally dependent on me.
2.
I will always provide fresh water and quality food for my dog.
3. I will
socialize my dog via exposure to new people, places and other dogs.
4. I
will take pride in my dog's appearance with regular grooming.
5. I will
recognize the necessity of basic training by teaching my dog to reliably sit,
stay and come when called.
6. I will take my dog to the vet regularly
and keep all vaccinations current.
7. I will pick-up and properly
dispose of my dog's waste.
8. I will make sure my dog is regarded as an
AKC Canine Good Citizen® by being aware of my responsibilities to my neighbors
and to the community.
9. I will ensure that the proper amount of
exercise and mental stimulation appropriate for my dog’s age, breed and energy
level is provided.
10. I will ensure that my dog has some form of
identification (which may include collar tags, tattoo or microchip
ID).
11. I will adhere to local leash laws.
Post your name and
your dog's names in the comments if you are a responsible dog owner.
SIGN THE PET PROMISE ONLINE AT
http://www.gopetition.com/online/9290.html
For more information visit
www.akc.org or call
212-696-8228.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Saturday, September 1, 2012
It's AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Month!
People have embraced the joys of dog ownership for centuries. Maybe even longer! All sorts of people have owned dogs. Presidents. Celebrities. Athletes. Scientists. And people like my Mom and Dad.
Many dogs were originally used as hunters or workers. We tracked game, fetched the kill, herded livestock, and guarded our master's family, home and possessions. Today we also act as service dogs for the disabled, search and rescue dogs. We help detect bombs and drugs, and serve as members of K9 police units. But we mostly serve as companions for families.
The American Kennel Club - the nation’s largest registry and leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of purebred dogs – recognizes that canine companionship is not only a right but also a privilege that must be respected and nurtured. In return for this privilege, dog owners need to respect reasonable, enforceable, non-discriminatory legislation governing the ownership of dogs,
such as local leash laws, curbing policies and licensing regulations. And this is true not only for the families of purebred dogs, but for all dogs - even little dogs like me!
Each year the AKC® hosts Responsible Dog Ownership Days in September to educate the dog-loving public about the importance of being a responsible owner. Nearly 600 AKC affiliated clubs and other organizations around the country participate by holding events in their local communities throughout the month of September.
Whether you are looking to add a puppy to your family for the first time or are a lifelong dog lover, Mom and I encourage you to “bone up” on responsible dog ownership. We invite you to celebrate AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days with us in September. We'll be posting lots of fun and educational information for dogs and their families. Come. Sit. Stay and learn what it takes to be a responsible dog owner. Your best friend is counting on you!
For more information about AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days, contact Stephanie Smith, Club Communications Manager.
Many dogs were originally used as hunters or workers. We tracked game, fetched the kill, herded livestock, and guarded our master's family, home and possessions. Today we also act as service dogs for the disabled, search and rescue dogs. We help detect bombs and drugs, and serve as members of K9 police units. But we mostly serve as companions for families.
The American Kennel Club - the nation’s largest registry and leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of purebred dogs – recognizes that canine companionship is not only a right but also a privilege that must be respected and nurtured. In return for this privilege, dog owners need to respect reasonable, enforceable, non-discriminatory legislation governing the ownership of dogs,
such as local leash laws, curbing policies and licensing regulations. And this is true not only for the families of purebred dogs, but for all dogs - even little dogs like me!
Each year the AKC® hosts Responsible Dog Ownership Days in September to educate the dog-loving public about the importance of being a responsible owner. Nearly 600 AKC affiliated clubs and other organizations around the country participate by holding events in their local communities throughout the month of September.
Whether you are looking to add a puppy to your family for the first time or are a lifelong dog lover, Mom and I encourage you to “bone up” on responsible dog ownership. We invite you to celebrate AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days with us in September. We'll be posting lots of fun and educational information for dogs and their families. Come. Sit. Stay and learn what it takes to be a responsible dog owner. Your best friend is counting on you!
For more information about AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days, contact Stephanie Smith, Club Communications Manager.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Packing for a Trip
We are getting ready for a trip to Hannibal, MO. Dad is all packed but Mom and I are still working on it. Dad is laughing at Mom saying she always packs twice as much as she needs. I don't know if that's true, but Mom does always have the biggest suitcase. Maybe she should make herself a packing list like mine. Everything I need to travel fits in one suitcase, except my food and water. Mom puts that in a separate box. What's in my suitcase? Here's my list!1. My Leash - almost every city has some sort of leash law so bring it along unless you want to spend the entire trip in your crate in a hotel room.
2. My Collar with ID Tags - just in case you get lost, your ID tags should help you get home. Mom got me a microchip, but if you don't have one, you definitely want the collar and tags.
3. Food and Water - who knows what the local food and water may be like. Bring your own!
4. My Dishes - you'll need something to eat and drink from. Bringing your own dishes will also make strange places seem more like home.
5. My Blankie - I always sleep better with my favorite blankie!
6. Pooper Scooper - it's just polite to clean up after yourself.
7. My Favorite Toy - sometimes traveling can be stressful. Having my favorite toy along with my favorite blankie is comforting.
8. Copy of Pet Health Certificate or Shot Record from your Dr. Karen - just in case you do get sick or hurt, this will help the vet give you the best care.
9. My brush - so I always look my best!
10. Carpet deodorizer or Cleaner - just in case. I'm a good dog, but accidents do happen!
That's it! Sometimes she brings some extra things like my carrier, or my toothbrush, or some treats. But this is the basic list. I even have my own little travel bag to pack everything in. Put together your own list using mine to give you some ideas. Then tell your mom and dad that you're packed and ready to hit the road!
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Kansas Humane Society Has a True Vision for the Future
To end the euthanasia of all adoptable animals by
2014. That's the vision of the Kansas Humane Society. Wouldn't that be wonderful? A world where no little dogs (or cats) had to worry about being put to sleep?
We had the opportunity to visit them while we were in Wichita. They provide a wide range of services dedicated to helping homeless animals. Mom and I were pretty impressed and we want to share their story with you.
The Kansas Humane Society is a private, non-profit organization that receives nearly 17,000 animals each year from citizens unable or unwilling to care for them. They receive no local or state tax dollars, United Way funding, or support from the Humane Society of the United States and depend entirely on private donations and adoption fees. They are Wichita's largest, privately-funded, non-profit animal shelter. Not only do they provide adoption services, they also provide spay/neuter services, dog training classes, education programs, and programs for kids.
The Kansas Humane Society has a good adoption record. Part of the reason is their Meet Your Match program. By evaluating the personalities of their adoptable pets and then matching it to potential forever moms and dads, they increase the chance of successful adoptions. This program is available for both dogs and cats.
I know - not everyone is a dog or cat person. Hard to believe, but it's true. But you are in luck because the Kansas Humane Society also has small animals for adoption. There are rabbits, guinea pigs (my new favorite pet), rats (?), and even gerbils. Something for everyone. Even rats need love.
One of their education programs got Mom's attention. They have a Pet Pals Patch program for Scouts. My mom used to work for the Girl Scouts so she was very interested in this program. She said she wished our animal shelter here had something similar. Maybe she could help them start one. Wouldn't that be a great idea?
A world where no homeless pets are euthanized. Or better yet, a world where there were no homeless pets. That's our dream. But until then, I am glad there are places like the Kansas Humane Society watching out for us. Please visit them, support them, and adopt a forever friend from them today.
We had the opportunity to visit them while we were in Wichita. They provide a wide range of services dedicated to helping homeless animals. Mom and I were pretty impressed and we want to share their story with you.
The Kansas Humane Society is a private, non-profit organization that receives nearly 17,000 animals each year from citizens unable or unwilling to care for them. They receive no local or state tax dollars, United Way funding, or support from the Humane Society of the United States and depend entirely on private donations and adoption fees. They are Wichita's largest, privately-funded, non-profit animal shelter. Not only do they provide adoption services, they also provide spay/neuter services, dog training classes, education programs, and programs for kids.
The Kansas Humane Society has a good adoption record. Part of the reason is their Meet Your Match program. By evaluating the personalities of their adoptable pets and then matching it to potential forever moms and dads, they increase the chance of successful adoptions. This program is available for both dogs and cats.
I know - not everyone is a dog or cat person. Hard to believe, but it's true. But you are in luck because the Kansas Humane Society also has small animals for adoption. There are rabbits, guinea pigs (my new favorite pet), rats (?), and even gerbils. Something for everyone. Even rats need love.
One of their education programs got Mom's attention. They have a Pet Pals Patch program for Scouts. My mom used to work for the Girl Scouts so she was very interested in this program. She said she wished our animal shelter here had something similar. Maybe she could help them start one. Wouldn't that be a great idea?
A world where no homeless pets are euthanized. Or better yet, a world where there were no homeless pets. That's our dream. But until then, I am glad there are places like the Kansas Humane Society watching out for us. Please visit them, support them, and adopt a forever friend from them today.
Friday, July 6, 2012
It's 100 Degrees in the Shade!
It's been so hot here lately, I haven't felt like doing anything. Mom says it's been 100+ degrees. I don't know what that means. I just know it's hot! Thankfully, I am an inside dog (most of the time) so I can relax inside where it's cool. I've spent the last few weeks just laying on my bed or sometimes out on the porch when Mom is trying to keep the garden from getting all dry and brown. But Mom decided yesterday that I had been lazy enough and so we went for a walk. That's when we saw the others - two dogs that had been left outside in the heat. These dogs had been abandoned when their owners moved out of the house we passed. They were just left there with no food or water. I'm sure they probably caught a squirrel or rabbit or bird to eat. But Mom says all the time there is no water out here. That's why we keep bird baths and saucers of water outside when the summers are extra hot.
These dogs were left behind and were in pretty bad shape. I know most of my friends wouldn't do that to their four-legged family members. But just the walk got me hot enough that Mom carried me part of the way back home. I didn't realize just how fast a dog can get into trouble from the heat. And so I decided I needed to remind everyone that extreme heat can be dangerous to the fur babies! Every year dogs tragically die in hot vehicles or end up at the vet with sunburn or heatstroke. Please don't let your dog be one of them.
Here are some tips for helping your dog survive the summer heat:
1. Don't leave your dog in the car. You know I go almost everywhere Mom goes. But not now. It's just too hot. Mom said that on 100 degree days, her car can reach 120 degrees or more inside. That's like an oven! Even if you are only planning to leave your dog for a few minutes, don't. Leave them at home.
2. Don't let your dog sunbathe. Our dog Beauty was a sunbather. She loved nothing more than laying out in the warm summer sun. But dogs can sunburn just like people. Mom did not know this when we first moved here. And so Beauty was left to enjoy her sunshine. Only Jack Russell's don't have thick fur and she got a nasty sunburn. I have seen Mom wince when she had one so I can imagine it was just as painful for poor Beauty. Beauty is gone now, but Mom learned the lesson. If we are going to be outside for a long time, she puts sunscreen on our most vulnerable areas, just like she does Carter, Morgan, and Reid. In fact, we use the same sunscreen. I guess if it's good enough for the dogs, it's okay for the grandkids. Mom puts it on our ears and on the bridge of our noses and around our eyes. Sometimes she even puts it on our tummies, but that usually means we are going to be outside for a LONG time.
3. Provide plenty of fresh, cool water. Mom has several big jugs she fills with water and then turns them upside down in our water bowls. Automatic waterers, I think she calls them. These hold enough water for me, Austin and Oscar, and the cats for the whole day. Nothing tastes better than cool water on a hot day!
4. If you must take your dog outside for exercise, avoid the hottest part of the day. Mom and I go for walks or out in the garden either early in the morning or later in the evening after she has fed Dad. Stay out of the midday sun.
5. Consider giving your dog a haircut. I am a short haired boy so I don't have a problem. But Austin is a Yorkshire Terrier and has lots of long hair. In the summer, to help keep him cool, he gets what Mom calls his "puppy cut". (That means she cuts his hair short like mine. He looks a little funny but he sure seems happier - and cooler).
6. Watch where we walk. You wear shoes. We don't. Have you ever burned the bottom of your feet? It hurts! Don't make us walk on hot sidewalks, driveways, or sand.
Summer is here. That means lots of BBQs and trips to the beach and days out in the boat. We want to share it with you. Just follow these simple tips and we can enjoy the "dog days" so summer too!
These dogs were left behind and were in pretty bad shape. I know most of my friends wouldn't do that to their four-legged family members. But just the walk got me hot enough that Mom carried me part of the way back home. I didn't realize just how fast a dog can get into trouble from the heat. And so I decided I needed to remind everyone that extreme heat can be dangerous to the fur babies! Every year dogs tragically die in hot vehicles or end up at the vet with sunburn or heatstroke. Please don't let your dog be one of them.
Here are some tips for helping your dog survive the summer heat:
1. Don't leave your dog in the car. You know I go almost everywhere Mom goes. But not now. It's just too hot. Mom said that on 100 degree days, her car can reach 120 degrees or more inside. That's like an oven! Even if you are only planning to leave your dog for a few minutes, don't. Leave them at home.
2. Don't let your dog sunbathe. Our dog Beauty was a sunbather. She loved nothing more than laying out in the warm summer sun. But dogs can sunburn just like people. Mom did not know this when we first moved here. And so Beauty was left to enjoy her sunshine. Only Jack Russell's don't have thick fur and she got a nasty sunburn. I have seen Mom wince when she had one so I can imagine it was just as painful for poor Beauty. Beauty is gone now, but Mom learned the lesson. If we are going to be outside for a long time, she puts sunscreen on our most vulnerable areas, just like she does Carter, Morgan, and Reid. In fact, we use the same sunscreen. I guess if it's good enough for the dogs, it's okay for the grandkids. Mom puts it on our ears and on the bridge of our noses and around our eyes. Sometimes she even puts it on our tummies, but that usually means we are going to be outside for a LONG time.
3. Provide plenty of fresh, cool water. Mom has several big jugs she fills with water and then turns them upside down in our water bowls. Automatic waterers, I think she calls them. These hold enough water for me, Austin and Oscar, and the cats for the whole day. Nothing tastes better than cool water on a hot day!
4. If you must take your dog outside for exercise, avoid the hottest part of the day. Mom and I go for walks or out in the garden either early in the morning or later in the evening after she has fed Dad. Stay out of the midday sun.
5. Consider giving your dog a haircut. I am a short haired boy so I don't have a problem. But Austin is a Yorkshire Terrier and has lots of long hair. In the summer, to help keep him cool, he gets what Mom calls his "puppy cut". (That means she cuts his hair short like mine. He looks a little funny but he sure seems happier - and cooler).
6. Watch where we walk. You wear shoes. We don't. Have you ever burned the bottom of your feet? It hurts! Don't make us walk on hot sidewalks, driveways, or sand.
Summer is here. That means lots of BBQs and trips to the beach and days out in the boat. We want to share it with you. Just follow these simple tips and we can enjoy the "dog days" so summer too!
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Singing for Spays
Hello Animal-Loving Community!
Time again for the Singing for Spays Picnic hosted by SpayArkansas. Please look/print/share etc. our adorable attached poster for this event. For the basics, keep reading...
When: Sat, June 16, 6:30-9:00pm, rain or shine
Where: Dog Party USA (912 S. Maestri - Hwy 112 - Tontitown, AR)
What: BBQ chicken, hot dogs, beer & wine. Music by the Shulertown Band. Vaccinated and dog-friendly dogs welcome: wading pool!
Why: To celebrate NWA Spay/Neuter Clinic's first year with 5000 surgeries! To fund our goal of NO MORE HOMELESS PETS!
Details: $20 per person, dogs free. (cash or check, please)
Time again for the Singing for Spays Picnic hosted by SpayArkansas. Please look/print/share etc. our adorable attached poster for this event. For the basics, keep reading...
When: Sat, June 16, 6:30-9:00pm, rain or shine
Where: Dog Party USA (912 S. Maestri - Hwy 112 - Tontitown, AR)
What: BBQ chicken, hot dogs, beer & wine. Music by the Shulertown Band. Vaccinated and dog-friendly dogs welcome: wading pool!
Why: To celebrate NWA Spay/Neuter Clinic's first year with 5000 surgeries! To fund our goal of NO MORE HOMELESS PETS!
Details: $20 per person, dogs free. (cash or check, please)
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Welcome to Wichita!
Neither Mom or I had ever been here before, but Wichita, Kansas was a great place to visit. Mom went to see Morgan dance - she is a good dancer! Dad and I came up later that weekend so we could spend some time with Mom and Morgan. It was a fun trip with just us guys driving up. Mom left the new Jeep home and rode with Morgan so Dad and I got to take it. It's the first time I got to ride in the Jeep. Darn thing is so big, Dad had to lift me up in my seat. But I like it!
We stayed at the Hotel at WaterWalk. It's conveniently located in downtown, only a few blocks from Century II where the dance contest was being held. The room was comfortable and it even had a fireplace. I almost wished it was colder so Mom would make a fire. There is nothing like sleeping in front of the fireplace on a cold night. But the bed was the most comfortable I have ever been in - besides my own - so I had to settle for that.
After giving Morgan some congratulatory nose kisses (Hip Hop Cuties won first place!) Mom, Dad and I went to Sedgwick County Park. It has lakes, and a playground, and even a place to go fishing. Dad loves to go fishing but he didn't want to go this time. We just walked on the paths and enjoyed the sunshine. Mom, Dad and I have not all had time to go for a walk together in a while so it was nice.
After that, we went walking through Old Town Wichita. Mom loves old buildings and the old brick warehouses here seemed to interest her. I'm don't care much about old buildings. But I did enjoy walking some more with Mom and Dad. I am getting old so I was able to convince her to carry me for part of our walk. I liked that a lot!
We had to head for home after that. It's a bit of a drive. But we stopped at Jason's Deli on the way. I worked up quite an appetite after all that walking. Mom usually shares her lunch with me - at least a bite - but this time she had something called a Zucchini Grillini. Zucchini, spinach, and olives - yuck! But she liked it. Dad had a California Club. I got to have a bite of that and it was okay. Fortunately, Dad remembered to pack my food and some snacks before we took our trip. But I am going to have to talk to Mom before we travel again. She needs to remember that when we are eating on the road, she is ordering for two!
We stayed at the Hotel at WaterWalk. It's conveniently located in downtown, only a few blocks from Century II where the dance contest was being held. The room was comfortable and it even had a fireplace. I almost wished it was colder so Mom would make a fire. There is nothing like sleeping in front of the fireplace on a cold night. But the bed was the most comfortable I have ever been in - besides my own - so I had to settle for that.
After giving Morgan some congratulatory nose kisses (Hip Hop Cuties won first place!) Mom, Dad and I went to Sedgwick County Park. It has lakes, and a playground, and even a place to go fishing. Dad loves to go fishing but he didn't want to go this time. We just walked on the paths and enjoyed the sunshine. Mom, Dad and I have not all had time to go for a walk together in a while so it was nice.
After that, we went walking through Old Town Wichita. Mom loves old buildings and the old brick warehouses here seemed to interest her. I'm don't care much about old buildings. But I did enjoy walking some more with Mom and Dad. I am getting old so I was able to convince her to carry me for part of our walk. I liked that a lot!
We had to head for home after that. It's a bit of a drive. But we stopped at Jason's Deli on the way. I worked up quite an appetite after all that walking. Mom usually shares her lunch with me - at least a bite - but this time she had something called a Zucchini Grillini. Zucchini, spinach, and olives - yuck! But she liked it. Dad had a California Club. I got to have a bite of that and it was okay. Fortunately, Dad remembered to pack my food and some snacks before we took our trip. But I am going to have to talk to Mom before we travel again. She needs to remember that when we are eating on the road, she is ordering for two!
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