Pet Peeves

I am always on the lookout for educational newsletters about our fur friends. One that I recommend is Amy Shojai’s Pet Peeves.  Her free monthly electronic newsletter covers pet health and behavior articles and more. This month’s issue includes articles on springtime stress for cats and dog allergies. She gives away autographed books through her newsletter. She also does a weekly Internet Pet Peeves radio podcast.

Amy is the founder of Cat Writers’ Association, and I had the pleasure of meeting her last fall at the annual convention. Amy has authored 22 pet books and written over 1000 articles. Now talk about a role model for aspiring animal writers!! She is an inspiration to me. 

You can sign up for her newsletter, read archived newsletters, and learn more about Amy by visiting http://www.shojai.com

Bountiful Blessings!

Martha Stewart Pet Site

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. announced on Monday the launch of a multiplatform pets initiative with www.marthastewart.com/pets as a cornerstone of the program. Martha Stewart stated: “I have been passionate about pets all my life and over the years have been fortunate to share my home with many dogs, cats, and canaries. I understand why people consider their pets to be members of their family and am delighted to be offering a website, television programming, and other content that celebrate that special relationship and help consumers to better care for and enjoy their pets.”

The website will provide fresh ideas and information related to pet care and the joys of animal companionship, including a blog from the perspective of Martha’s French Bulldogs, Francesca and Sharkey, called “The Daily Wag”. I checked out her site which is sponsored by Nestle Purina PetCare.  You can enter your pet in an Easter contest through April 16. I signed up for a free newsletter called Get Pet Happy (which I am waiting to receive) and entered a sweepstakes to win two seats at Martha’s table when she receives the ASPCA Presidential Service Award. Now I would love to meet Martha Stewart and be at her table!

Bountiful Blessings!

In Loving Memory

In loving memory of my dear brother-in-law who passed away suddenly on Sunday, March 8, 2009, I dedicate this poem by T.C. Ring.

Butterfly

As you danced in the light with joy,

love lifted you.

As you brushed against this world so gently,

you lifted us.

Top Dog

The American Kennel Club recently announced their nationwide registration statistics which revealed that for the 18th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever was the most popular purebred in America in 2008. But, while more than twice as many Labs were registered last year than any other breed, making it a likely leader for many years to come, the Bulldog continues to amble its way up the list. It made news last year by returning to the AKC’s Top 10 for the first time in over 70 years and now has jumped 6 percent, advancing two spots to land in 8th place.                           

1.  Labrador Retriever

2.  Yorkshire Terrier

3.  German Shepherd Dog

4.  Golden Retriever

5.  Beagle

6.  Boxer

7.  Dachshund

8.  Bulldog

9.  Poodle

10. Shih Tzu

 

I enjoyed the watching the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show recently and cheered when Stump, the 10-year-old Sussex Spaniel won best in show. He is the first Sussex Spaniel to win Westminster as well as the oldest dog to ever win best in show as well. Stump (I love that name!) competed with 2500 dogs. He is an amazing story having almost died in 2004 and came out of retirement for this show. What a way to really retire now! This breed was among the original nine breeds in AKC’s registry 125 years ago. In case you are wondering, the breed ranked 147 in registration statistics in 2008.

 

Visit http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm for information on 50 cities and their most popular breeds as well as the complete list of national rankings for all breeds.

 

When I was a teenager, my brother got a beagle puppy. He named him Catfish after a baseball player, Catfish Hunter. The whole family adored this dog. In later years my sister got a precious little beagle named Pearl. So I have fond memories of beagles.

 

What is your favorite dog and why?

 

Bountiful Blessings!

My Muse Lexie Lee

Lexie Lee Sitting Pretty

Let me introduce dear sweet Lexie Lee! My muse and my inspiration for being the voice for fur friends. My sister captured this shot about a year ago when we were trying out a new camera. Lexie Lee actually seemed to enjoy posing amidst the blue and yellow iris. Isn’t she quite the charmer?–but then again I know I am biased!

Bountiful Blessings!