Holiday Gaffes With Pets And Humans: Older And No Wiser?

Drawing by PJ Loughran, courtesy of The New York Times

We enjoyed this round-up of holiday mistakes that took center stage in today's New York Times "Home" section, but we were a bit taken aback at the insensitivity of some of those interviewed for their tales of holiday woe. We've all made mistakes with our pets (and otherwise), but does common sense ever prevail?
A holiday tree decorated with swan feathers when you have three cats and an allergic husband? A dog electrocuted by the Christmas tree lights? Yikes! But there are quite a few stories that involve harm to no creatures and are wildly funny, albeit a tad pea-brained.

Are we being too tough on these folks? Let us know what you think...

On a more positive note, we thought we'd pass on these tips from professional photographer, Vincent Laforet, for capturing just the right firelight glow. Enjoy learning to take better photographs when friends and family are gathered 'round the fireplace right here: gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/13/seven-tips-for-better-photos-by-firelight/?scp=4&sq=Roy%20Furchgott&st=cse

P.S. Don't forget that you have till tonight at 9:00 pm EST to enter to win a copy of Roam, that inspiring story of one intrepid canine and the human lives he touches. Don't miss it!
We'll announce the winner later tonight so stay tuned.

And tomorrow we'll bring you the scoop on a new online retailer of pet food and treats that we're particularly excited about, so check back with us tomorrow, too!

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Rising Dog Population in San Francisco Causes Spats

Photo of San Francisco dog walker courtesy of The New York Times

According to this New York Times article, tensions are rising in the Golden Gate city over... believe it or not, our canine friends. How could dogs cause a problem, we Fido lovers ask? It seems that the number of canines is greater than the number of children in San Francisco-but that's not what's causing the tiff. Rather, it seems to be the lack of regulations to help dog owners set boundaries for their canines' behavior, both indoors an out.

San Franciscans are notably protective of their scenic beauty, and proposals are in the works to restrict off-leash dog areas in their beloved Golden Gate National Recreation Area-national park land within the city boundaries-because our canine friends have been known to, ahem, "destroy" the natural habitats and species.

So, what do you think is a fair solution-in San Francisco and other city's around the world?  How do we strike the right balance among dogs and their owners, non-dog owners, and the natural and scenic areas that we all realize must be protected, but where canines and their human companions love to roam?

We'd love to hear what you think!

Important reminder: Speaking of roam, the deadline for entering our giveaway to win a copy of that amazing novel, Roam, by composer Alan Lazar, is fast approaching! Check out the review and details to enter here: www.boccibeefs.com/2011/12/roam-were-giving-away-one-copy-of-this.html. You have until Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm EST to get lucky. This is a book that will stay with you for a lifetime, so don't miss out on the chance to win a copy.

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Roam, A Novel

We're pleased to bring you a heads up about a beautiful debut novel, Roam, by musician/composer Alan Lazar, available on November 1, 2011, from Simon and Schuster publishers. We've already starting reading an advance copy and are totally smitten. To accompany the novel, Lazar has written seven original piano pieces that can be accessed through Microsoft tags throughout the book and through his website, www.alanlazar.com. Stay tuned in just a few weeks for a full review, including an interview with the author, and giveaway of one copy of the book, right here on Bocci's Beefs.

From the publisher: "Roam is the story of a dog named Nelson who follows his nose one day and gets lost, becoming separated from his anxious owner. Roam follows Nelson on his eight-year stray away from home, until one day he is miraculously reunited with his family...Lazar's skillful rendering of a dog's cognitive, sensory, and emotional life celebrates the extraordinary magical power of dogs, showing what this scrappy little mutt with a courageous heart can teach us humans."

We are thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with the author and give away a copy of this extraordinary book -we already know it will be an emotional journey for us. 

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