The Humane Society of Utah's Clever Idea!

Sometimes it's hard to walk into a crowded shelter and make a connection with a dog when you want to adopt a new pet. Shelters are crowded, noisy, dogs are jumping, barking, and not much fun for dogs or people. The Humane Society of Utah decided to give each dog a chance to shine in front of the camera.

Each dog was given an opportunity to show his or her personality to staff photographer, Guinnever Shuster. 

Separating each dog from the others allowed their personalities to shine, captured on film. This gives potential adopters a chance to get to know the dogs by looking at their pictures before they meet them. Potential dog owners are now lined up to meet the dogs who have captured their fancy. Each dog now has a much better chance to find a forever home.

Algae, You and Your Pets

How often do you think about algae? If you're like me, you probably only think of it when you're at the beach, if at all. I really wasn't aware that primarily in Asia it is being studied as a source of natural energy and health. Nor did I know that it has been used for 50 years by Olympic Athletes. No, I don't know which ones. It has also allegedly been used by NASA astronauts. So, now you're wondering what that has to do with you and your pets. 

Frankly, I'm always in search of new sources of energy. Life moves at such a fast pace that meeting deadlines, keeping up with interview requests, speaking engagements, etc., is fun but if you're like I am, you really need energy to keep up with your busy life. Your pets do, too. Whether they're involved in a sport (did you know that cats do agility, too?) or just racing around the house or playing fetch in the yard, energy is important.

I was recently made aware of a fairly new (6 years old) company that's practically in my back yard. ENERGYbits® is based in Boston and they are putting algae to work for us and our pets. 

ENERGYbits are a performance fuel/food for runners, endurance racers and the rest of us who have busy lives. The small pills are made of 100% organic spiralina algae and are absorbed within 10 minutes. Believe it or not, they are loaded with 40 vitamins, including all the B vitamins, Omega-3 and "the highest concentration of protein in the world."  The company insists that they deliver a steady stream of mental focus and physical energy without sugar, caffeine, chemicals, soy, gluten, animal products or stomach distress. They can be used as a snack or meal replacement.

Well, frankly, I'd be hard-pressed to used them as a meal replacement for myself or for Aimee. 

The company sent samples of both their ENERGYbits® and RECOVERYbits®, the latter is made from 100% organic chorella algae, which has the highest concentration of chlorophyll and RNA/DNA in the world. It is supposed to build the immune system, prevent colds and speed recovery from athletics or injury. It also is supposed to remove toxins.

Photo © Gary Rohde

All of the bits are swallowed like supplements but they're not a supplement. Algae is a plant which is grown organically and dried into small tablets. While you and your family can consume them, so can your cats and dogs. 

The information accompanying the samples I received pointed out that it's better to swallow them although pets often like the taste.  I put it to the test. Aimee came up on my lap for a cuddle, as she does throughout the day. I opened a packet, offered her one and she sniffed it. Then she delicately took it from my hand, chewed it, swallowed it, seemed satisfied and went off to investigate the whereabouts of one of her toys.  I decided to see what would happen if I consumed it the way she did.  Trust me, the company is right. You want to swallow it unthawed, untasted.  

We haven't tested it long enough to know if we have increased energy or if our immune systems are improved. Winter in New England is a better test of the latter since most of us walk around with pneumonia thanks to the weather. 

Photo © Frank Incremona

I can tell you that these bits are pricey but what isn't these days.  I can also tell you that it passed my cat's taste test. 

If you're involved in dog sports (or cat agility) or have a particularly active pet, or one who can use an energy boost, you may want to give this a try. Dieticians have been quoted approvingly. If you have any hesitation, talk to your veterinarian. 

To learn more or to order some for yourself and your family, both two-legged and four-legged, point your browser to:  www.energybits.com

NOTE: I received no payment of any sort in return for this review. I received only samples of the two products so that I might test them. The opinions expressed are my own.

The Fourth of July!

The Fourth of July, America's Independence Day, is cause for celebration but that celebration can lead to problems for dogs and cats. It's so important to keep them safe.

Picnics and barbecues are fun for the family but be careful of what sorts of food your pets eat. If friends and relatives are likely to feed them from the table, ask them in advance not to do that and keep you dog or cat in another room while food is being served. The last thing you want is a visit to the Emergency clinic with a sick pet.

The biggest problem of the holiday is the fireworks. If they sound loud to us, imagine how they must sound to dogs and cats whose hearing is so much more sensitive than ours!  If you're going to an outdoor fireworks display, please leave your pet safely at home. Being that close to the sound is even more frightening for sensitive ears and your pet is liable to bolt and run our of fear, no matter how well-mannered he is. To be sure that your pet is protected, he or she should be wearing a name tag as well as be microchipped. Don't forget to register the microchip. It does no good if a veterinarian or shelter reads the chip and can't find the owner. Do not leave pets outside. Keep them safely indoors!

Photo:  ThunderShirt

Even inside your home, the sound of fireworks from public displays in the area, or neighbors who insist upon setting off their own, is very upsetting to most dogs and cats. They often hide in the bathroom, behind the toilet if they can fit.  And they shake from fear.  Some are so afraid that they will bolt out of the house.

Do not be afraid to reassure your pet and try to distract him, although that's not always possible. You certainly should not yell at them. They're already frightened. There's never a need to yell. Being wrapped in something snug can make your dog or cat feel more secure.  I often recommend ThunderShirt, which is available for dogs and cats in a variety of sizes. It fits snugly and makes the pet feel secure, rather like a baby swaddled in a blanket. It provides gentle pressure. (It's also a nice solution for cats who are afraid to go to the veterinarian.)

Other such products include the AnxietyWrap and Storm Defender, the latter is a cape for dogs with a  special lining. 

If your pet exhibits more severe symptoms like excessive shaking, not eating, a lot of salivating or even incontinence, speak to your veterinarian about medication. You do not want to use Acepromazine, which will only make the pet sleepy but will not impact anxiety, in fact, they can come out of it even more fearful. Benedryl isn't a good idea, either. It may make your dog sleepy but he's still going to be upset and anxious. Better medications are available from your veterinarian to address the problem.

Photo: ThunderShirt

You can also try desensitizing your pet to the sound. Not just fireworks, but thunder as well if your pet has thunder phobia.  There are a number of places on the internet where you can find recordings of thunder or fireworks that you can play for your pet to slowly accustom him to the sound. 

The Fourth of July doesn't have to be a nightmare for your pet if you are prepared to help keep your pet calm.  Happy Independence Day!!

Coach Pups? Yes!

I know what you're thinking: she's writing about Dalmatians. Good guess. Wrong. But a good guess. When I think of Coach Dogs I think of Dalmatians. They are eternally associated with coaches and fire trucks. Look again. I wrote Coach Pups because my attention was captured by a new advertising campaign being rolled out by Coach, Inc. the leading New York design house of modern luxury accessories and lifestyle collections.  The ones I drool over like a Newfoundland who is about to be fed.

Coach is going to the dogs in a pretty neat way for their Fall Collection. Their advertising will feature canine stars in a series of portraits photographed by Steven Meisel. We should all be so lucky.  The campaign celebrates the dogs in our lives and captures each one's unique personality as they model Coach's Fall 2015 star bags. Star bags?  Ask Coach, not me.  I'm more inclined to think the dog portraits are the real stars. 

Above is the very first portrait to kick off the campaign and the only pup to be revealed so far. The others will be announced "shortly."  (Your guess is as good as mine.)  The Coach Pup pictured, an utterly adorable French Bulldog, Miss Asia Kinney, is the little dog who owns Lady Gaga and has her own social media following. She models the Edie and the Rucksack bags in the campaign.

The campaign is art directed by Fabien Baron and styled by Karl Templer. I can assure you that no one has ever written a similar sentence about me. 

"I am so proud of Miss Asia," said Lady Gaga.  "She's a natural in front of the camera, and we're both so excited that the iconic Steven Meisel shot her for Coach's pup campaign! I really love getting to watch my best friend be a star!"

Stuart Vevers, who is Coach's Creative Director certainly enjoyed the experience, "I've never had so much fun on a shoot," he acknowledged. "The combination of Mr. Meisel and the pups was an extraordinary, surreal, special moment. We wanted to create playful images that make you smile. We were inspired by some images from the Coach archive, which featured Eddie - the dog that starred in the TV series, Frasier [Tell that to Kelsey Grammar!] - to create something joyful, with humor and character. That's a spirit that's uniquely at the heart of Coach."

Now for what I consider the "best" part: the new initiative will also introduce the social campaign #coachpups, including a range of online activities for fellow dog fanciers, opportunities for Instameets, special talks and other events hosted by the great and the good of the canine world. (These are Coach's words. I have not been made privy to who they might be. You know that I only advocate positive training and grassroots organizations.) This will also mark the debut of the Coach Snapchat account.

Here's something I can get behind: Coach has made a donation to Chicago French Bulldog Rescue (frenchieporvous.org) on behalf of Miss Asia Kinney and Lady Gaga.

Coach was established in New York City in 1941.  You can find them at: www.coach.com

NOTE: I received no payment of any sort for this blog post. 

Cat Got Your Tongue? No. Cat Has the Dog's Bed

Cats and Dogs can live together quite harmoniously. However, when you wonder who rules the roost, so to speak, the cats often have the upper paw. Just like small children, they need to learn to share, as so well shown in this video compilation from HooplaHa:

Did You Ever See Animals Interacting with Their Reflection in a Mirror?

Cinnamon by Jayne Lewis

Animals are so much fun. We love interacting with them and for good reason - they are part of the family. One of the most amusing things is to see an animal's first reaction upon seeing him or herself in a mirror for the first time. Do they realize they're looking at their own reflection? Do they think they're seeing a potential playmate? An enemy? There are probably as many answers as there are animals. 

I thought we could use a little levity this week so I'm happy to share the video below. Take a look at what the nice people at Hoopla-Ha!  http://www.youtube.com/HooplaHa

Relax, laugh and share this with your animal loving friends. They deserve a laugh, too.

Women Who Still Love Cats Too Much

When I first read Women Who Love Cats Too Much, I fell in love with Allia Zobel's writing, wonderfully illustrated by Nicole Hollander. The book was hilarious. I read it, re-read it and have never forgotten it. When a book is that much fun, what else can you do?

Allia & Angela

Jump ahead in time. I was fortunate enough to meet, and get to know, the author, now Allia Zobel Nolan, an incredibly prolific award winning writer who has over 200 children's and adults trade titles. She also has, as you would expect, a great sense of humor and a real love for cats. Her own kitties aren't just loved, they're adored. Her Mr. Right, who prefers dogs, also loves cats. Smart man. They share their home with two feline children, Sineady Cat, the Fraidy Cat, and Nolan Nolan. Allia's beloved Angela Dahling, the oldest of their kitties, passed on a few months ago after a very long, happy life.

I've enjoyed so many of Allia's books over the years, but it didn't surprise me when, by popular demand, she revised and brought back Women Who Still Love Cats Too Much.  Even the original cartoonist, Nicole Hollander is back. 

It's no surprise that in its new incarnation, the book is still hilarious and those of us who love cats can certainly relate even if it is a little, well, uh, er, umm, exaggerated. No, we really don't need a ten-step program. We're not crazy. Really. We just love cats. A lot. A whole lot. 

Could I relate to this book? Yes. Can I laugh at myself? Thankfully, that's a Yes, too. You know I also love dogs. I consider myself multi-cultural.

"I know there are women out there who try (many in vain) to cover up their addiction to pleasing their puddies," says Zobel Nolan, admitting, "I'm one of them. So I reprised the is book for two reasons: to throw cold water in their faces so they snap out of their dilemma and get a life (fat chance), and failing that, to let feline-addicted women know they're a member of a silent sorority who find it impossible to look into their cat's heart-wrenching eyes and say that callous two-letter word, 'No.'"  

Here's a sneak preview:

Women Who Still Love Cats Too Much by Allia Zobel Nolan is due for release on June 15, 2015 and will retail for $10.05  It's a wonderful book and a terrific gift for your cat-loving friends.


You can pre-order it either at Amazon: 

http://www.amazon.com/Women-Still-Love-Cats-Much/dp/075731872X 

Or from the publisher, HCI:

http://www.hcibooks.com/p-4338-women-who-still-love-cats-too-much.aspx