ITALIAN DOG BREEDS SAY ‘CIAO’ TO NEW YORK CITY IN THE COLUMBUS DAY PARADE

The American Kennel Club® is proud to announce its participation in the 65th Annual Columbus Day Parade, the world’s largest celebration of Italian-American culture, on Monday, October 12th from noon to 3:00 p.m. on Fifth Avenue between 47th and 79th streets. For the first time ever the parade will include a procession of rare Italian dog breeds, recognizing Italy’s great contributions to the dog world and celebrating the upcoming Meet the Breeds event at the Javits Center on October 17th and 18th where pet lovers can meet 200 breeds of dog and cat.

The one million parade spectators will enjoy a contingency of over 30 marchers and 13 furry friends including the Bergamasco , an ancient shepherding breed with a striking coat of dense, flat mats that reach the ground; as well as the Cirneco dell’Etna, an ancient dog used in Sicily for rabbit hunting; the Lagotto Romagnolo, a dog from Northwest Italy with thick curly hair and a history dating back to the 16th century and the only two native Italian gun-dog breeds, the Bracco Italiano and Spinone Italiano.

Parade spectators may be surprised to find four-legged marchers in amongst the 35,000 people but Italy has many native breeds that are becoming more popular in U.S. The owners and breeders of these dogs are proud to celebrate their heritage and invite those who want to learn more to come visit these dogs at the Javits Center this weekend.

Ringing the Bells for Purebred Dogs and Cats

American Kennel Club® (AKC) and Cat Fanciers’ Association® (CFA) announced that Meet the Breeds™ Chairperson, Gina DiNardo, will ring the NASDAQ opening bell on October 14th 2009 on behalf of leading toymaker and NASDAQ Member Company, JAKKS Pacific (NASDAQ: JAKK). JAKKS is a licensee of the AKC and CFA and is a sponsor of the upcoming Meet the Breeds event.

AKC and CFA’s Meet the Breeds, held October 17 & 18 at the Javits Center in NYC, is the world’s largest showcase of cats and dogs. The event offers cat and dog lovers the rare opportunity to meet nearly 200 breeds and interact with dogs, cats, puppies and kittens.

DiNardo will be joined by the Cat Fanciers’ Association and American Kennel Club, including CFA President Pam DelaBar and AKC President Dennis Sprung. In addition to being broadcast on national business television at 9:30 am EST, the bell-ringing ceremony will be webcast live on NASDAQ's website (http://www.nasdaq.com/about/marketsitetowervideo.asx) and on the NASDAQ MarketSite Tower in New York City's Times Square.

For more information about Meet the Breeds, visit http://www.meetthebreeds.com/.

Purina Cat Chow has Partnered with Susan G. Komen Cure Foundation

Cats are loving, affectionate, and loyal creatures. With these attributes, they have shown themselves to offer consolation and support to women with breast cancer.

A recent national survey of breast cancer survivors with cats highlighted the connection between owners and their cats by revealing 84 percent of respondents felt their cat had a calming effect during their battle with breast cancer and 76 percent of respondents received daily support from their cat during treatment.

As a result, Purina Cat Chow® has partnered with Susan G. Komen Cure Foundation, for the second year, to highlight that special bond between owner and cat, especially as it pertains to women with breast cancer. The Company has made a donation of $200,000 and created a website, Connected for the Cause.

I encourage you to visit the website and join in the conversation. Explore the beautiful mosaic, watch the videos, and remember to tell a friend.

You can help give even more by purchasing our "Connected for the Cause™" resealable cat food container. For every purchase, Purina® Cat Chow® will donate an additional $3 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Product Features
1) Price of each container is $14.99 and includes shipping and handling
2) Convenient spout and handle for ease of pouring
3) Container will hold 3.5 lbs dry cat food (cat food not included)
4) Dimensions of the container are 4 ½” wide x 8 ½”long x 10 ½” high/

If you are interested in purchasing the container. Check out the Purina Cat Chow website

It would have never happened on Melrose Place

Melrose Place actress Brooke Burns and her 9-year-old daughter Madison are upset over the disappearance of their black maltipoo, Max. The 3-year-old dog ran out a door that had been left open by some painters. According to Burns's rep, a neighbor near Burns' Toluca Lake, Calif., home spotted a couple pick up the dog. It has been reported that the dog was not wearing any tags.

I am going to give Ms. Burns the similar advice I gave to Ms. Hilton when her ChiChi, Tinkerbelle, had gone missing in 2004:

1. Make a flyer. Use 8 X 11 fluorescent paper for higher visibility. Use a recent picture of your pet to make it easier for someone to spot her. List the date and place your dog was lost, breed, sex, age, weight, color, markings and a contact number. (Never give out all the identifying features so that if someone claims to have found your pet , they will be able to convince you by providing you with a full description.) Offer a reward. Post flyers at eye level on utility poles within a one mile radius from your home. Also, place them at veterinary offices, pet shops, grocery stores, grooming shops and neighborhood restaurants and local businesses. Frequently replenish flyer supplies at these locations.

2. Walk the neighborhood. Take turns with family members and walk around the neighborhood during day and night hours. Carry a flashlight to check in dark places. Also, bring your pet's favorite squeaky toy and dog treats. Call her name and make familiar sounds that she regularly hears. It is important to stop often, be quiet and listen for your pet's reply.

3. Tell your neighbors and those working in your neighborhood. Go from house to house and introduce yourself. Explain that your dog is missing. Tell neighborhood staff (housekeepers, guards, caretakers, gardeners) and municipal workers (postal carriers, garbage pick-up crews, police officers). Give them a flyer so that they can help you find your dog.

4. Visit your local animal control, humane societies, animal shelters. Control agencies usually keep an animal for only three (3) days. Visit these organizations by taking turns with family, friends and others. Leave flyers so that they can look for your pet too!

5. Find out if your pet has been killed on the road. Call the city, county and state department of transportation to see if you pet may have been killed on the road. Dogs are generally picked up every 24 hours.

6. Beware! Never wander around the neighborhood alone looking for your pet. Also, be cautious if some calls claiming to have your pet. Have them meet you with a family member or friend at a public location.

Tips for Senior Dogs

According to ASPCA's Stephen Zawistowki, there is approximately 13 million senior dogs (10 and older) and 12 million senior cats (10 and older) in the United States.

Whether you have a senior pet or puppy or kitten, the doctor provides some tips to make their lives longer, healtheir and more comfortable.
— Don’t overfeed your dog or cat.
— For puppies, slim is in.
— Teach your pooch hand signals for commands such as sit, down and come when he is young. If he loses his hearing at any age, you’ll still be able to communicate with him.
— Keep your dog or cat active throughout life. Maintaining muscle strength keeps them comfortable with dog pet and more mobile with walks and playtime
— Take the time for regular brushing and veterinary cleanings to infections that can negatively affect internal organs such as the heart and kidneys.
— Schedule 2x a year veterinary visits for your older pet so you can catch and treat problems before they become serious.
— Don’t ignore lumps and bumps in older pets. Cancer is often highly treatable, if it’s discovered early.
— If your pet’s vision is impaired, don't move the furniture around.
— If necessary, ask your veterinarian about medication to treat arthritis pain in cats and dogs.
—Lastly, don't forget to give your pet lots of love and attention.

Florida teens activities could reveal his future

According to a 1997 study done by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Northeastern University, animal abusers are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people and four times more likely to commit property crimes than are individuals without a history of animal abuse.

Many studies in psychology, sociology, and criminology during the last 25 years have demonstrated that violent offenders frequently have childhood and adolescent histories of serious and repeated animal cruelty. The FBI has recognized the connection since the 1970s, when its analysis of the lives of serial killers suggested that most had killed or tortured animals as children. Other research has shown consistent patterns of animal cruelty among perpetrators of more common forms of violence, including child abuse, spouse abuse, and elder abuse. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association considers animal cruelty one of the diagnostic criteria of conduct disorder.

Virtually every serious violent offender has a history of animal abuse in their past, and since there's no way to know which animal abuser is going to continue on to commit violent human crimes, they should ALL be taken that seriously. FBI Supervisory Special Agent Allen Brantley was quoted as saying "Animal cruelty... is not a harmless venting of emotion in a healthy individual; this is a warning sign..." It should be looked at as exactly that. Its a clear indicator of psychological issues that can and often DO lead to more violent human crimes.

Does this mean that Tyler Weinman, the Florida teenager accused of mutilating and killing 19 cats in two South Florida towns, Cutler Bay and Palmetto Bay, has a set future?

On Sunday, he was charged with 19 counts each of animal cruelty and improperly disposing of an animal body. Tyler Weinman, 18, also faces burglary charges in relation to four of the cats' deaths.

Authorities have been searching for the responsible person or persons since shortly after the killings began in April.

While detained, Tyler Weinman, offered to tell police "about one or two cats" if they would drop other charges, according to court documents released this week. The documents, which include a further transcript from an interview Weinman gave police shortly before he was arrested in June, appear to show the 18-year-old on the verge of a partial confession.

But the interview stopped before a possible confession could happen, the Miami Herald reports, when Weinman said he wanted a lawyer involved in the proceedings. David Macey, the attorney representing Weinman, disputes the accuracy of his client's statements as recorded in the documents. Calling them "either misleading [and/or] false," Macey cast aspersions on the investigation, which "with its unlimited resources" failed to include a tape recording of the interview.

Macey maintains Weinman is innocent of the charges against him, which include animal cruelty and improperly disposing of an animal body for each of 19 cat killings and an additional four counts of burglary related to the crimes.

Thus far in the investigation, only circumstantial evidence seems to connect Weinman to the killings. The crimes took place in the two Florida towns, Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay, where his divorced parents, between whose homes Weinman split his time, each live. His mother's home in Cutler Bay is on the same street where four of the cat killer's victims went missing. The Miami Herald reports on other possible connections:Investigators have said that they grew suspicious about the teenager after reading comments he made about the crimes on the Facebook and MySpace websites. (Weinman even apparently belonged to a "Catch the Cat Killer" group on Facebook, and he was reportedly known in his community as an animal lover.)

Ducted Tape Cat finds Home, PSPCA Raises Sticky Money

Beyond Sticky's new home and the arrest of her alleged abuser(left), there's even more good news. The PSPCA says that the number of cats adopted from its shelter during the period Sticky was there nearly quadrupled from the total number of cat adoptions from the same period last year, an increase staffers attribute to all the publicity. Plus, the organization received more than $2,000 in donations from members of the public who cited Sticky as their reason for donating

Pet Commitment. Are you ready?

Pets play many roles in our lives. Think about your reasons for bringing an animal into your life and make your decisions based on your needs. Here are some typical situations that offer insights:
•Loss of a loved one or a pet often motivates people to acquire a new pet in an effort to lessen the impact of the loss. Assess your feelings about what you are willing to invest emotionally under these circumstances. Appreciate your new pet's individuality; don't make comparisons.
•Studies show that raising children with pets helps them to be more compassionate and sensitive. Teach children to respect the animal by interacting through daily care and appropriate play. An older pet experienced with children may be less challenging for a family.
•You want protection. While some dogs can provide a level of security, the primary role of a pet should be that of a companion.

But think long-term
Acquiring a pet can be a 17-year commitment. Anticipate lifestyle changes that may present unique challenges for you and your pet and be prepared to make adjustments:
•Starting out on your own may provide the impetus to acquire a pet, but being the animal's sole caregiver can be socially and professionally restrictive. A potential first-time pet owner can get a feel for this special bond before committing in various ways — volunteering at a shelter, fostering an animal or watching a friend's or relative's pet.
•Moving often triggers temporary behavior problems requiring understanding and tolerance. You might have to retrain your pet to adjust.
•A couples' first "baby" is often their pet treated like a child. But behavior that is acceptable in the absence of children is often problematic when kids come along. The pet's world changes and, most likely, so do the rules. Dogs are particularly sensitive to change. Set rules and a routine in the beginning that won't change even if your family does.
•"Empty-nesters" may feel loss when children leave home. Caring for a pet provides a sense of purpose but can also impede newfound freedom.
•Retirement provides time to spend with a pet, but consider your plans and whether a pet can be included. Will you relax at home, travel or possibly relocate? A small dog is a wise choice for traveling. A husky would be a poor choice if kenneled often or you relocate to a warm climate.
•As we approach the "golden years," often our spirit is willing, but our bodies aren't quite up to task. Caring for a puppy or kitten can be exhausting. Seniors would do well to consider an older or smaller, more manageable dog.

Make the perfect match
Do your research. Consider the age, size, weight, temperament, energy, health and life expectancy of the new pet and the people in the household.
Assess the size and location of your residence. If you live in an apartment, consider a cat or a quiet dog requiring minimal exercise. A mastiff or a Great Dane, although large, needs less activity than a Jack Russell terrier. All pets require exercise or they can become depressed, overweight or destructive. The amount depends on the individual. A walk around the block can seem like a marathon to a bulldog but is just a warm-up to a Labrador retriever.
Breeds have specific traits and tasks for which they were bred. If the origin of a mixed breed is unknown, so are the traits, but most bad traits are extinguished in mixed breeds through natural selection. An animal's personality is based both on inherent traits and environmental influences.
The perfect match between a pet and owner is precious. It's your job to create it.

Subsidized Predators

It’s estimated that there are 117 million to 150 million free-ranging cats in the United States. They’re the most abundant carnivore in North America today. Moreover, free-ranging domestic cats are considered subsidized predators. They eat cat food at home, and then hunt just for sport, a strategy that allows them to exist at densities far greater than carnivores achieve in nature.

According to Peter P. Marra, a research scientist at the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center at the National Zoo, pointed out that cats were the only domesticated animal permitted to roam. “Pigs have to stay in pens, chickens have to stay in pens,” he said. “Why are cats allowed to run around and do what their instincts tell them to do, which is rampage?”

Although regular stints outdoors are estimated to knock three or more years off a pet cat’s life, why do pet owners do it? In many cases, cat owners have no idea how to create an indoor paradise for their cats. Appropriate toys which bringing out their hunting instincts, cats trees which allow them to climb and in some cases access to a large window to watch the world go by can keep them satisfied at home.

But experts agree when it comes to the question of whether it’s O.K. to let your beloved Cleo, Zydeco or Cocoa wander at will and have their Hobbesian fun. The authorities on both sides of the alley emphatically say, No. There are enough full-time strays; don’t add in your chipper. It is not fair to the songbirds and other animals that domestic cats kill by the billions each year.

"People fool themselves into believing that by simply putting a bell on a cat they could prevent mortality to birds,” says Darin Schroeder, vice president for conservation advocacy at the American Bird Conservancy in Washington. People fool themselves into believing that by simply putting a bell on a cat they could prevent mortality to birds,” Schroeder said. “But a bell ringing means nothing to a bird.”

As it happens, many temperate-zone birds go through a dangerous time early in life, when they are too big for the nest but still poor at flying. The fledglings spend their time on the ground, hiding in bushes and waiting for their parents to come feed them. They’re incredibly vulnerable,” Dr. Marra said, “and in high-cat densities, the fledglings get nailed.”

Furthermore, while some experts believe that they cats should be taken off to the pound, others stand firm on a policy of catch, neuter and release.

What do you think? I want to know.

Love to Be Charitable

Cause-related marketing refers to a type of marketing for profit and non-profit businesses working together for a mutual benefit. The creation of the term has been attributed to American Express in order to describe their efforts to support locally-based charitable causes that promote businesses and their good works.In this doggie dog world, I am very impressed with the charitable, cause campaigns of Toru Dog. The company sells dog hoodies, tees and tanks, as well as some products for people, too.

In July 2008, Toru produced a hip, rock 'n roll clothing line for dogs to raise awareness and funds for The Good Dog Foundation, located in Brooklyn, NY. Fifteen percent of the proceeds of The Good Dog charity line are donated to The Good Dog Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to all forms of animal-assisted therapy. To learn more about or to make a donation to The Good Dog Foundation, visit http://www.thegooddogfoundation.org/.

This year, Toru owners, Susan and Vanessa, have created Rescue Wear to promote awareness for rescue groups, as well as adoption and spay/neuter programs nationwide. Fifteen percent of the proceeds from this line are donated to Miami-based Paws 4 You Rescue, whose top priority is to save animals from euthanasia at Miami Dade Animal Services. To learn more or make a donation to this 501(c)(3) organization, visit http://www.paws4you.org/.Good luck, girls, and keep up the good work! If you want to learn more about Toru and its good works, visit the girls at the HH Backer Christmas Trade Show in Booth #4644 on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Is Your Dog the Cutest?

Could your pooch be the next winner of the Cutest Dog Competition, an online photo contest based on voting? The top prize in the contest, sponsored by All American Pet Brands, a dog food maker, is $1 million.

Between August 1st and October 24th, pet owners can enter the All American Pet Company, Inc.™ CUTESTDOGCOMPETITION.COM Contest. According to the rules, there is no purchase necessary to enter or win. Contest is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who own* a dog and have online photo-uploading capabilities. To enter: Visit http://www.cutestdogcompetition.com/ and follow all Contest entry instructions, including completing the online entry form in its entirety. See below for photograph specifications. For judging purposes, your Entry will be included in the Entry period it is received (see below).

Good Luck.

Gang of Cats Take to the Streets

Sometimes, it is hard to be a good neighbor. But Helen and Richard Scott live on Jenkins Lane in Union Township, Clermont County, outside of Cincinnati, Ohio are more than good neighbors; they are animal lovers. When an elderly neighbor went to the nursing home, she left her cats behind and that's where the problem starts. At one point, she tried to get them all spayed and neutered but it just got out of hand.

Now, Scott and Richard live next door to at least 25+ cats who call the old woman's trailer home. According to Richard, a new litter is born almost every other week. When the Scott's spoke to elderly woman's son who he lives in Ashville, North Carolina about the situation, he said "Let the cats starve." The Scotts say they won't let that happen. They feed the cats twice a day and pay for the food on their own. Mrs. Scott notes, "There ain’t no way we can take care of all of them or have them fixed,” but "So, if someone would help us or come and get rid of them or pick them up if they really want a cat." They'd like to find a good home for all of the cats or at least find a way to get them spayed and neutered to make the cats more adoptable.

The Scotts contacted the Clermont County Health Department, the Clermont County Humane Society and the Clermont County Sheriff's Department, but didn't get any help. But once news 9News got involved airing a story, an unanimous donor offered help to the Clermont County Humane Society with this colony of cats that have overrun Jenkins Lane. Now, maybe these good neighbors and cat lovers will finally have some help.

I rather have a pet than an apple

Today, pets are in more than 60 percent of American homes. More people are incorporating pets into their leisure time, such as making them part of their exercise routines, taking them to dog parks and bringing them to family events. As a result, research involving human-animal interaction can be extremely beneficial.

This fall, the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction (ReCHAI) will explore the many ways animals benefit people of all ages during the International Society for Anthrozoology and Human-Animal Interaction Conference in Kansas City, Mo., on Oct. 20-25.

The conference will provide a unique opportunity for international experts working in human-animal interaction research to connect with those already working in the health and veterinary medicine fields. A wonderful array of presentations will show how beneficial animals can be in the lives of children, families and older adults.

Earlier this year, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), co-hosted two workshops with The WALTHAM® Centre for Pet Nutrition, a division of Mars Incorporated, bringing together leading experts to discuss the benefits of human-animal interaction in childhood. With support from a grant from NICHD and sponsorship from WALTHAM®, the conference will continue this discussion.

Other conference discussions will include ways that human-animal interaction benefits humans and animals, new facets of human-animal interaction, and ways to apply new human-animal interaction knowledge to their fields. Some of the presentations will highlight the special role of companion animals in facilitating reading and physical activity in children and adults.

The few studies that have been conducted suggest that pet ownership may have multiple health and emotional benefits for both children and adults. Studies have shown that pets help lower blood pressure, encourages exercise, improve psychological health. But, there has been relatively little rigorous research documenting these benefits and examining how and why they occur. By providing support for this conference and additional research studies, experts hope to generate some answers.

Help Cats In Mass

Local cat volunteers removed approximately 50 cats and kittens from a foreclosed home on Guisti Drivein Attleboro, Mass on Saturday. This is the region's latest case of apparent animal hoarding. The nonprofit Friends of the Attleboro Animal Shelter is actively seeking homes and monetary donations and gifts of pet supplies for about 34 felines, most of which appear to be under age of four.

The cats, in better shape than you would expect to find in a hoarding situation of this magnitude. It has been reported that the homeowner reportedly lost his job and had his wife die over the past two years. The Cape Cod-style home has been foreclosed and has since been sold. Online city assessors records list the most recent owners as Steven and Robin Burns. The homeowner was present when the cats were removed Saturday.

By Monday morning, the group had arranged to place 14 of the nearly 50 cats: five each at Angelcat Haven in Plainville and Providence Animal Rescue, and four others at the Attleboro Friends of Cats shelter, Knight said.Volunteer Nancy Robinson said six outdoor cats will be spayed and neutered and then held in cages at the city animal shelter.

The cost of getting all these cats vetted is astronomical; None of them are spayed or neutered or have ever received shots. Monetary donations to help volunteers care for the cats can be mailed to: FAAS, P.O. Box 592, Attleboro, MA 02703. If you would like to donate cat food, litter, blankets, crates and gloves bring them down to the Attleboro Animal Shelter on Pond Street near the Seekonk line.

To adopt or foster one of the cats contact: Friends of Attleboro Animal Shelter at 508-944-3316 or e-mail AttleboroPets@hotmail.com.

Teen Tapes and Bounds Cat

In Philadelphia, a cruel teenager wrapped a cat in duct tape, put her in a shopping bag and left her in a neighbor's backyard.

The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said James Davis, 19, was arrested Saturday on animal-cruelty charges. Official George Bengal said Davis admitted to taping up the cat from neck to tail after he spotted her in his yard Sept. 21st. Davis left the cat in his yard for a couple of hours, then, because the animal kept screaming, tossed her into a neighbor's yard, where at least 12 hours passed before she was noticed and authorities were contacted, Bengal said.

The cat which was later referred to as Sticky was dehydrated and had to be sedated while the tape was cut off her fur. Animal-welfare workers continue to look for her owner. Release reports state the cat is doing well.

The teen faces up to two years in prison and a minimum $1,000 fine if convicted.

Kids Interacting with Dogs Safely

The American Humane Association is launching KIDS: Kids Interacting with Dogs Safely, a dog bite prevention program targeted to children younger than 7 years of age. The program teaches children to be considerate of dogs' feelings in order to prevent dog bites.

In my book, The Miss Fido Manners (Adams Media) I provide a guide to canine-child interaction. Parents can help by their children by teaching them to respect dog's boundaries and some basic rules.

1. Children need to understand that dogs do not always make good friends.
2. Teach children how important it is to be polite for safety's skae with dog owners and pets. Instruct them to always ask if a dog is firendly and then, if the owners give permission they can pet it.
3. Kids need to learn now to interact positively with dogs. "Show and tell" them how to greet dogs. Tell youngster to be calm around dogs, lower their voice and hold a steady hand so that the dog can sniff it. Show the child first and have her mimic your actions.
4. Tell kids they need to understand the secret language of dogs by reading their body language. Explain when you are happy, you smile. When you are sad, you cry. Without words, your body reacts and shows how you feel. This is true with dogs. A dog's body can demonstrate how he feels.
5. Explain that children should neither dry to comfort the fearful dog or challenge an angry one. Tell them to remain silent, look away from the animal and leave by walking away from the dog slowly.
6. Discuss how dogs don't like surprise. It is better not to disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or playing with her toys.
7. Ask children from running, screaming or playing on the ground in the presence of a dog
8. More so with boys than girls, tell them not to tease, throw things, play rought or wrestly with a dog.
9. Boys and girls should never sneak food to a dog.
10. Adult supervision is the key.


For for more information about dog training with kids, check out Carol Lea Benjamin's Dog Training for Kids ( Howell Books).







F

Dog Spelled Backwards

Recently, I wrote on Twitter if I am jewish is my dog jewish? If you are catholic or protestant does your dog follow your religion?

Although humans have had, worked and used dogs for over 10,000 years, folklore about dogs has not been seriously researched until recently. In Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the dog is seldom mentioned and when it is, the reference is usually negative. But in ancient Greece, Rome, Persia and China, there is much folklore and superstition surrounding dogs who were written about and/or participated in religious rituals. Moreover, these are the regions where some of the earliest and most sophisticated dog breeding took place, kennel masters were praised and dog were considered companions as well as warriors too.

Over the years but especially in the modern world, views about our dogs have changed. Now, dogs play such a vital role in some people's lives and are considered part of the famly and in many cases, a life-line to the outside world. It is this attitude that has many dog-owning church-goers questioning doctrines teaching that animals do not have souls and do not go to heaven. Many people who love and feel a spiritual connection with their dogs, cats, and other pets complain that compassion for animals is treated as unimportant by the religious community. They complain that spiritual support is lacking during times of pet illness and pet loss.

However, pet owners do have opportunities to have their pets blessed at least once year. This weekend, pet blessings are happening around the world, on or near October 4th for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. There are many of the stories that surround the life of St. Francis deal with his love for animals. The two most significant involve him speaking to birds about how they have been blessed God and the other describes him making peace between a wolf and the village he terrorized for food. He is a favorite saint because he preached to man and beast the universal ability and duty of all creatures to praise God and the duty of men to protect and enjoy nature as both the stewards of God's creation and as creatures ourselves.

In order to celebrate his universally message, manhattan pet owners can go to uptown to the Episcopal St. John the Divine at 1047 Amserdam Avenue or downtown to catholic St. Anthony of Padua Church on 154 Sullivan Street to have their animal blessed.

I am jewish but I am going to take this opportunity to get my pets blessed.

I believe HE is everywhere.

Are You A Cat or Dog Person?

The Cat Fanciers’ Association® (CFA) is asking cat owners to cast their vote to pronounce cats America’s most favored pet in the MeetTheBreeds.com pet preference poll. Preliminary results indicate that dogs are leading the pack with 74%, while cats have 26% of the vote.

Pam DelaBar, President & CEO of the CFA is calling on approximately 88.3 million cat owners in the United States to wake up from their cat nap and vote. “Cat owners outnumber dogs by nearly 13 million among the pet-owning public,” said DelaBar. “What better way to share your love for your feline by casting your vote and giving cats the respect they deserve.”

Both dog and cat lovers have begun to voice their choices. One cat owners remarked that most cats are indoor, don’t have to be walked and don’t bark! While a dog-loving voter, on the other hand, argued that “Dogs never judge, are always happy to see you, give unconditional love, help the blind to walk and aid others with disabilities live productive lives.”

Pet owners can cast their vote online at http://www.meetthebreeds.com/ before October 6, 2009 and let us know what you think makes a dog or cat the preferred pet and download free virtual Dogs are #1” and “Cats are #1” stickers for your Web site, blog or social media pages. Check back on the site after October 14 for the announcement of the winning pet.

Sponsored by PetPartners, Inc. a leading pet healthcare provider, Meet the Breeds will be held October 17 & 18, 2009 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. The event will showcase 160 AKC registered dog breeds and 41 CFA registered cat breeds in booths individually decorated to depict each breed’s country of origin, historical purpose/function, and attributes as a family pet. This family-friendly event is an opportunity for potential pet owners to interact with responsible breeders and play with dogs and cats while educating themselves about responsible pet ownership and choosing the right pet for their lifestyle.

Event hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18. Tickets allow admittance for one day and can be purchased at http://www.meetthebreeds.com/.

An Evening of Imagery and Dialogue

Goodbye, a provocative short film about the effect of technology on our most important relationships, is scheduled for a private screening by the Metropolitan Dog Club on Thursday, October 15th at the Metropolitan Republican Club at 122 East 83rd Street between Lexington and Park Avenues. Members and guests of the dog club are invited to attend an evening composed of the screening followed by an open discussion about the way our lives and our dogs' lives have changed in the 21st century.

The film, set against a New York City backdrop, follows a day-in-the-life of an average New Yorker, severely reliant upon her tools of technology. The narration of the film unites the everyday images on the screen with a new sense of understanding and purpose for what it means to create, have and sustain meaningful relationships with daily distractions. Goodbye will speak to New Yorkers, dog owners and others, reminding us all what it should mean to connect.

According to the filmmaker, Jeff Baron, “Technology has exploded in the past twenty years. It happened so quickly that we have not yet taken the time to step back and survey how being constantly connected---text, email, Facebook and Twitter---with hundreds of people affects our closest relationships with those we actually live with and see.”

Moreover, dog owners can relate to the relationship between female character and her canine companion. “The connection women have with dogs is biological, chemical, emotional and more,” states best-selling author and dog trainer, Sarah Wilson. “It is profound and unique; nourishing and complex,” she says.

After the film, a panel of experts will discuss how the our lives and the lives of dogs' lived changed in the 21st century. Wine and Hors d'Oeuvres served and included in the price of admission. To learn more about this event, visit www.metropolitandogclub.com.

Time for a Pet Move

Now that Matt is working in New York City, we decided that we need a change of venue. Really, we just need a fresh start in an apartment that we can decorate together. We need an apartment that will really just belong to both us.

While I love living on Broome Street with all of its advantages: Prada, Chanel, the Apple Store, Dean & DeLuca, Whole Foods, etc. And all of my Chinese and Senior Italian friends, we are really tired of the tourists, the traffic and dirt. Must I not forgot San Genaro. Two weeks of living Hell on Earth. With urine, vomit and rat infested street in which food is left out. Don't let me get started.
We need to move because we need more room. The solution is to pack it all up and move way uptown to a bigger apartment at a reasonable price. And that is why I decided to look on the Upper West in the 150's and 160's.

After a quick trip to my storage facility to reorganize and deliver boxes, we stopped for lunch at Charlie's Southern Fried Chicken at 151 at 8th Avenue for some down home gluttonous gourmet. We convenienced ourselves we need strenth before viewing apartments! We ate fried chicken, mac & cheese, sweet potatoes, ribs, collard greens, green beans and more. There was even food to bring home for dinner. After sitting down to feast, I controlled myself so that I did not eat so much food that I couldn't look at apartments.

After a massive lunce, we hooked up with a real estate agent to view apartments. We primarily looked at building one block east or west of Broadway. Matt and I were happy to see clean street, nice folks and large, pet friendly apartments. Before meeting with the broker, I reviewed a booklet that I wrote in 2002 about finding and relocating to a new home.

Below please find a few tips for looking for a new apartment or home with pets:

1. Discuss your pet(s) at your first meeting with a real estate professional. Tell your agent about its breed, size and personality.

2. Avoid realtors who encourage you to be dishonest about your pet. Work with professionals who want to help you find the best home for you and your animal.

3. Seek-out animal appropriate locations-buildings with service elevators, large hallways and a friendly staff, residential communities with sidewalks.

4. Think about your animal's needs. Make sure that your new residence is big enough. For cats, choose a home with a large lighted window For Dogs, pick a place with a yard nearby park or dog run.

5. Before moving, visit the neighborhood to seek out other pet owners. Ask if your new residence and neighborhood are animal-friendly.

6. Investigate all animal-related costs. Many apartments buildings, condos, co-ops and gated communities require tenants/owners to pay a nonrefundable bond for their animals. Ask if there are monthly pet maintenance fees.

7. Learn about building rules, as well as local and state regulations-including the number of pets allowed per unite. Check with the building and local health department for updated information.

8. Let neighbors knows that you have a pet. Tell them you have moved in with a dog or cat and that your animal might need a few days of adjustment before settling in. Ask them to tell you if they hear excessive meowing or barking. Thank them for understanding.

9. Don't let your pet become a nuisance. At the first sign of a problem, consult a professional dog trainer or animal behavior counselor. Ger a referral from your vet, local shelter or Yellow pages or web.

10. If your building requires a board interview, prepare your pet. Make sure your animal is looking and feeling its best. Schedule a grooming appointment so your pet can make a proper impression. Consult an obedience trainer a few weeks in advance to help you prepare your dog for a sit/stay interview.