Your Dog Really Does Remember...

Everything. Really. We both understand and REMEMBER everything you humans say or do in our presence. And here's a bit of information from The New York Times on this subject to prove that I know of what I speak, 'er bark.

                      Fun photo of me by Clark Creative

What I love about this "latest scientific information" is that it confirms what we canines have been snickering about for thousands of years:"Humans don't think we understand them or remember stuff. HaHaHa!".  But all kidding aside, this very recent research demonstrates that dogs remember a lot more than humans ever thought possible and is being used to help human Alzheimer's patients—a win-win outcome!

Do you have any examples of your dog's extraordinary memory you'd like to share with us? We'd love to hear your stories!

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Is Your Dog's Groomer Regulated?

Chances are, the answer is a resounding "No". Luckily, Parental Unit personally attends to all my grooming needs...I even let her trim my nails!

Sweet photo of me looking my perpetually scruffy self by Clark Creative

We'd read a few stories recently about dogs suffering "accidental" deaths while at the groomers, but this story in The New York Times put it all together...and we just can't believe what we're reading. How big are these salons, and how many dogs are they grooming at once that the staff "forget" that they put a dog in a heated dryer? Not a good outcome from that mistake.

Although there are currently no federal or state requirements for dog groomers, legislation to regulate the trade is pending in New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. We hope that once these regulations are in place in those states and others, dog deaths during such a routine procedure like grooming, will at least drop. And we're glad to know there's a call for permanently nixing those heated kennel dryers in favor of blow dryers.

In the meantime, let us know if you take your dog to a groomer or do your furry friend's grooming yourself. 

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Sunday's "Living With Your Pet" Tips: Recognize Your Pet's "Reverse Sneezing"

        Fabulous photo of me by John Clark of Clark Creative

This recent article by Dr. Karen Becker caught our eye...well, it really caught Parental Unit's eye because I do a lot of sneezing, particularly when I'm excited. And she wanted to make sure that I wasn't "reverse sneezing", which is potentially dangerous.

According to Dr. Becker, "in a regular sneeze air is pushed out through the nose. In a reverse sneeze, air is pulled rapidly and noisily in through the nose." And both are "more or less a normal event for most dogs, particularly smaller and brachyceophalic dogs, although it's good to know how to recognize a reverse sneeze. If reverse sneezing becomes a chronic problem for your pet and/or or episodes are becoming more frequent or lasting longer, it's a good idea to make an appointment with your vet. Of course, if such events are accompanied by "bloody or yellow discharge from the nose or any other respiratory problems," get thee to a veterinarian!

Parental Unit and I watched the video of an Italian Greyhound during a reverse sneezing episode that accompanies this article, and quickly determined that I sometimes have a case of the regular sneezies.

Take a quick look at this video below...

We hope you all enjoy your Sunday!

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Sunday's "Living With Your Pet Tips": Take Your Dog Camping!

Fabulous photo of me by John Clark of Clark Creative

What a perfect time to go hiking and (even) camping in the woods with your best friend-the leaves are turning color, the skies are sunny and the air has a bit of a brisk chill...invigorating isn't it?

But as with most every adventure, some preparation helps, so we (with a little help from Parental Unit's cousin) culled these tips for getting the most out of a camping trip with your dog. We think they work just as well for a day hike in the woods, which Parental Unit seems to favor. Don't tell her I said this, but she's more "indoorsy" that the outdoorsy type...

         Photo courtesy of Pet Food Direct...Will this ever be me?

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