THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.

TODAY:  Mostly sunny, dry and seasonal.  "C"

SUNDAY:  Cold and snowy. "F"


“Santa Baby, forgot to mention one little thing… a ring… I don’t mean on the phone…” 

That is my FAVORITE line in the Eartha Kitt classic “Santa Baby.”  You can NEVER go wrong giving bling as a gift.  Repeat to all my male readers:  You can NEVER go wrong giving bling as a gift. 

I know what everyone is thinking:  Even with my life rapidly changing as my April due date approaches, surely the thing I want most for Christmas is fur.  (I don’t mean in a coat, Santa Baby.)  But you’re WRONG. 

Of course I want a dog.  Make that dogs… plural.  And all in good time we will have them.  But I would never ask for, and most certainly never receive, a dog for Christmas.

In the coming weeks you will hear on local news stations and read newspaper articles about the dangers of giving pets as presents.  The ridiculous flip side of this is you will probably also hear commercials from pet stores telling you how wonderful it would be if Suzie or Johnny found a puppy under the tree this Christmas.

This SHOULD be a practical, no-brainer kind of decision.  But for some people they really think they’re giving the best gift ever by putting a red ribbon around the neck of an adorable puppy and handing it off. 

For some practical advice if you’re even THINKING this is a good idea for a friend or family member, read this. 

Well, I guess Kevin is REALLY off the hook this year.  I’ve just told everyone that giving a puppy as a Christmas gift is even a worse idea than giving a replica of The Christmas Story “Leg Lamp.”  So, no dog for me under the tree.  And since I already have more bling than I can handle with my beautiful wedding ring, well…  But come to think of it I never mentioned that THESE were silly or frivolous.
---Jennifer Fischer


OK, I better make a note of this. On 11/29/08, Jennifer said she has enough bling. I'm so glad Tiffany's has a wonderful return policy.

Time now for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines the past week.

Stray dogs are in danger in Iraq.

The Humane Society is suing retailers and designers over their claims of fake fur.

Controversial film about a German shepherd is released on DVD.

John Travolta brings out his inner dog in the the new Disney film, "Bolt."

Uno is one busy beagle.

Enjoy your retirement, Shiloh!

Want to adopt a dog? Try Kenosha.

And here's a Thanksgiving message from the SPCA: 


  

Give Thanks for the Animals
Dear Friends, Dogs and cats live simplistically. They expect little and own nothing. They give generously without even knowing it. Sharing time with these amazing companions repeatedly reminds us of how simple, yet enjoyable, life can be. With another year about to come to an end, and the inherent craziness that seems to come with the holiday season, this is a good time to learn from and cherish dogs and cats. This Thanksgiving we hope you will reach into your heart and remember the kindness animals impart and return their love by donating to help protect animals everywhere. Please, give back to the animals who give us all so much love, comfort and joy. This year, SPCA International saved many dogs and cats who made a real difference in peoples’ lives. Bandaid was befriended by a soldier in Iraq whose job it was to counsel fellow soldiers struggling with the emotional challenges of war. “I think Bandaid has counseled more than 100 soldiers – and in some ways she has done it more effectively than me,” the soldier explained. “Men and women wrapped their arms around her and got the comfort they needed. What Bandaid did was so simple and invaluable.” SPCA International has one wish for the New Year and that is to be able to continue to help all animals. Through our programs we can save animals and at the same time, help people by ensuring that these special bonds are allowed to continue. Give today to make something wonderful happen. The joy in knowing that you helped change the life of animals and people is giving at its best. It is a genuine gift that will never wear out or be forgotten. End the year thankful for the difference you have made. Thank you for all you do for animals everywhere. Everyone here at SPCA International wishes you and your loved ones a wonderful, joyful Thanksgiving. Sincerely, JD Winston Executive Director SPCA International P.S. Spread the word! Please forward this email to your family and freinds.

That's it for this week. To close this week's Barking Lot, back by popular demand, Rowlf at the piano with a very special guest.

THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.

TODAY:  Mostly Cloudy and cold, but dry.  "D"

SUNDAY:  Sunny with normal temperatures for this time of year, finally. "C"

A few years back I worked with a young lady who, after having a trying day, would stop at the local pet store to admire the puppies and occasionally play with one of them.  I don’t have that kind of willpower.  If went to a pet store or the Humane Society you can be guaranteed one thing:  I WILL come home with a warm ball of fur.  Nope…  I just can’t window shop at the Humane Society. (That’s the main reason I stopped volunteering there!) 

On the other hand, I absolutely love looking at cute pet photos that friends and family share.  I even enjoy pet photos of “strangers.”  The things I look forward to most in Kevin’s Photos Of The Week are the pet photos towards the end, and I am always hoping there will be at least one dog shot.  I can get my “fuzzball fix” and not have to worry about my heart breaking as I walk away from a puppy’s whimpers that I am convinced are dog-speak for “Please take me home and love me.” 

I’m sure everyone reading this blog has received at least one chain email of adorable photos of puppies (and kittens) in unbelievably sweet poses, the kind that make you actually “Awww…” out loud.  And I’m sure that at least 75% of you have passed that email on to at least one other animal lover you know.  I’d bet you a bag of kibble that your friend passed it on to at least one other friend, and on and on and on.  Suddenly a whole group of people are cyber-linked by a photo of a fat fuzzy puppy chewing on a toy or being cuddled in a blanket.  And for a brief moment every one of those people has a smile on their face because of that simple “forward.” 

If just an email of dog photos can spread faster than you can say “Lassie” then imagine how Ustream.com’s PuppyCam swept the nation!  What started as a private way for a couple to keep watch on their litter of puppies while they were away turned into a phenomenon that no one expected.  Of course I’ve received forwarded emails about this, as everyone knows I would love watching puppies romp in their kennel.  I expect this to continue to grow in popularity.  After all, who couldn’t use a five minute break of puppy play along with their morning coffee?

Read the entire article, including a link to the PuppyCam, here.  ENJOY!
---Jennifer Fischer


Thank you, darling wife of mine. Oh my goodness. It's that time, time for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines. And since Jennifer and I were gone last Saturday, we've got TWO WEEK'S worth of dog news to catch up on. Let's unleash what we've uncovered, shall we? As we often say, the news isn't always good.

Of course, the big news was the revelation that Petland, the largest chain of puppy-selling pet stores in America has been supporting dastardly puppy mills. The Humane Society of America made the stunning annoucement after an 8-month long investigation.

In Chicago, they're calling it, "an absence of shame." The Chicago Tribune writes, "The Englewood basement was cramped, chaotic. Fifty people -- parents, kids, a pregnant woman -- huddled around a bloody 10-foot-by-10-foot ring, cheering two pit bulls trained to kill.Barbaric to most, this medieval blood sport remains a routine source of shameless entertainment in large swaths of the city." Here's the paper's story on dogfighting.

Michael Vick put family pets in rings with pit bulls, and thought it was "funny" when dogs died.

But aren't pit bulls a great family dog?

Goodbye Gus.

In Baghdad, the mascot of the ABC News Bureau is shot.

Here's an update on a previous Barking Lot. States are considering banning pets in laps while driving. It's only a matter of time before someone in Madison proposes this stupid idea.

In Vegas, there's debate over a proposed pet sterilization ordinance.

A chihuahua is caught in a legal tug of war between a Playboy bunny and her ex.

Could this.....

 


...... be the service dog of the future?

How many dogs do you know that have honorary degrees?

Rio knows when her owner needs rest, or a trip to the hospital.

Everyone's writing or talking about Barack Obama and the dog he's going to get for the White House. This columnist must know my wife. She's suggesting Obama get one right away. Contrast that view with this writer who's urging Obama to forget the whole deal. And even the allergists are offering opinions. Whatever Obama chooses, that dog is bound to be a celebrity.

Who is Cesar Millan? He is the advice guru for pets.

Sorry, Jennifer. There's a catch to this one.

And these babies are still walking around Franklin...







The solution? Dogs, of course.

Is that it?

Are we finally done?

Whew!

That's a lot of dog stories. And not a single one bitten by a man.

Thanks for checking in to The Barking Lot. We do appreciate it. This week, we close with part of the soundtrack from the Disney movie, "Bolt," that opens in theaters this weekend. Miley Cyrus and John Travolta, voices from the movie, team up on this duet.

THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.

TODAY:  Rain, snow showers, windy, and cold.  "F"

SUNDAY:  Flurries, cloudy, cold.  "F"


It is amazing how many human-like qualities dogs can have.  Dog owners often talk about their dog’s personality.  Have you ever heard a dog snore?  My Basenji was as loud as a person, no question!  I don’t think I have to explain “dog breath.”  Puppy breath is another subject entirely…  I love the sweet smell of a new puppy’s breath.  But once it changes to ADULT dog breath, there is obviously no going back!  Of course there are occasional bouts of gassiness that dogs can suffer from, just like their owners.  Never a pleasant scent.

BUT… have you ever taken a bubble bath or a long steamy shower and come out smelling worse than when you went in?  Impossible!  So how is it that Fido can be out in the rain for five minutes and come in smelling like he just visited the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District???!!!  Well, a scientific answer is offered by www.howtogetridofstuff.com:   

Why do wet dogs smell so much worse than dry ones?

The essence is that the wet dog hair emits the following volatile compounds: dimethyl trisulfide, phenol, p-cresol, mushroom (1-octen-3-ol), fruity (2-nonanone), floral (â-damascenone), and earthy smelling (2,3-diethyl-5-methylpyrazine) odors, and branched or complex aldehydes (2, and 3-methyl butanal, isobutanal, 2E-octenal, acetaldehyde, benzaldehyde, phenylacetaldehyde, 2E-nonanal).

There are many odoriferous compounds which individually do not have odors associated with "dog smell." However, in combination, these compounds produce the typical "dog smell" that many people describe as unpleasant. There is a complex pattern of changes in the volatile compounds associated with wetting of brushed dog hair.

This pattern appears to manifest as "wet dog" odor. While some amount of change in odor would be expected due to the different partition coefficients when water is added to the hair, the variety of differences indicates a probable chemical or biochemical reaction on the hair. Simply put, wet dog hair stinks because of the chemical reaction of the dog hair to water.

OK, so now we know WHY Rex reeks.  How can we change what Mother Nature blessed us with?  There are a few options.  The Dog Channel maintains that doggies dryers  are the answer.  Is your Daschund all dried out but your room has that lingering eau de soggy doggy?  The Farmer’s Almanac suggests a simple home remedy. 

So, what if you live in a climate as dry as Arizona and still have a stinky Schnauzer?  The problem could certainly be more than a damp coat.  You may have to investigate and try a few options before you find the perfect solution.

Mickey, the Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier that lives up the street from me, gets her paws dried off with warm towels when the weather turns foul this time of year.  Perhaps that is an option you can explore as well.  After all, Kevin gave the dog-walking forecast for this weekend a big, fat “F” for both days.  Try to have a nice stroll with your Shih Tzu, a pleasant walk with your Weimaraner, a lovely trot with your Terrier.  Just take your umbrella!
---Jennifer Fischer


Thanks, Jennifer!  Time now for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines the past week. As I've mentioned in the past, unfortunately, the news isn't always good. There are mean, cruel people in the world who abuse and even kill innocent pets. Thank goodness they're caught, and punished.

Yes, there are real attack dogs in politics.

Now for some really good news. What a feeling, the joy of freedom!

Dogs and turkeys, oh my!

If you have a sick child or know someone who does, please read this.

Here's one campaign promise Barack Obama better keep.

Another week, another naughty dog.

And you thought the election was over!

And we close this week with video of Barney, President Bush's dog, and what happens when a reporter (liberal perhaps?) gets too close...

THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.

TODAY:  Sunny, dry all day, but cooler than Friday. "B"

SUNDAY:  Cloudy and cool with showers by mid-afternoon. "C"


Last week I needed to take a break from the Barking Lot because I was getting ready to host a Halloween party for friends and family.  Kevin was kind enough to fill in for me for the entire blog.  I desperately wanted to write more about Ratchet so now is my chance.

Actually I didn’t want to write much more about RATCHET, per se.  I wanted to write about all the cold-hearted, animal-bashing, anti-soldier, anti-war, “give peace a chance” commenters on the Save Ratchet blogs.

As you know, Ratchet is home safe and sound in Minnesota, waiting for Specialist Gwen Beberg to return there as well.  The reunion is sure to be a tear-filled and tail-wagging series of happy yelps and lots of licks.  I wish them all the best.

Baghdad Pups, sponsored by SPCA International, is the group responsible for bringing Ratchet home.  Ratchet is not their first success story and will hardly be their last.

Reading just a few comments from people was enough to make my blood boil.  (Hmmm…  probably all warm, compassionate lefties that Kevin talks about!)  Here are two:

“Nice ending but....

It's amazing to see the energy and expense dedicated to this once stray animal. How many children in Iraq are living off the garbage piles and are still overlooked?????”

Plenty of people, from “regular citizens” to major celebrities, are finding ways to help the orphans of war.  No one is saying that children should be forgotten!

“Waste of Funds

"If you really want to make a difference, adopt a starving child from Iraq. The money SPENT on the flight, fuel, etc. to bring a PUPPY to the U.S of all things??? Come on man...”

Echoing my own feelings, many people wrote in to “defend” all the trouble taken to reunite Ratchet and Gwen.  Not to mention the fact that expenses were covered by private donations and Northwest Airlines donating the commercial flights!

“Sooo Sorry for you people

Wow, What a shame that our species have no compassion for other living creatures! I'm so glad that a soldier found compassion in a poor animal that was suffering and brought it home! Come on America, get with the program. What is happening to our species!”

I agree!  Unless we have served our country, we have no right to talk about what is a waste of resources to help our soldiers.

“It's not just about the puppy

This story deals with the difficult situations our soldiers have to deal with in Iraq and the silver lining this soldier in particular was able to find. Maybe Ratchet will help Gwen adapt back to everyday life in Minnesota. Maybe not only a puppy was saved, but also a soldier's sanity.”

I fully agree with that comment.  Often, our soldiers are not getting all the help they need when returning from duty. 

Other comments included the feelings that if these soldiers want a pet so badly why don’t they adopt one here in the states when they return home?  HELLO!!! Not the point!!!  The pets the soldiers bond with overseas help get them through daily hell and horror that we can’t even begin to imagine.  Dreaming of the day they can come home and head to their local pet shelter is NOT what we are talking about.

When Ratchet and Gwen’s plight gained international attention, M.A.R.S. Safe Haven posted a petition for Clemency for Ratchet on the Care2 petition site.  Their goal was to collect 10,000 on-line signatures.  By the time Ratchet made his way to the states, a total of 69,870 signatures had been posted!

Nearly 70,000 soldier-supporting, animal-loving people signed a petition to bring home ONE DOG for ONE SOLDIER.  Now, who are the true WARM AND COMPASSIONATE ones???
---Jennifer Fischer

Thank you, Jennifer! I knew there were lots of good reasons I married you!

My turn now as we present DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made

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headlines the past week.

These military dogs are cool, especially under fire.

It's Halloween, so BOOOO! to this woman.

We've blogged about this in the past. Yes, the economy's sour, but you can't overlook the pets.  The latest impact is in Taiwan. But it's nice to see that the economy hasn't completely gone to the dogs.  No siree.

A brave terrier risks its life to save some kittens. See more.

Then, you've got this naughty dog.

Could your dog (or cat) have a compulsive disorder?

Sure could use Zyp in my neighborhood.

And, THE BEST DOG STORY OF THE WEEK!


That's it for this week. Thanks for stopping by! We close with today's feature from the MJS, "Toying with your pets."

THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.

TODAY:  Cold, windy, damp. "D"

SUNDAY:  Another windy, cold day with falling temperatures. "D"

My wife, Jennifer, who normally writes the opening section of The Barking Lot, has the week off and will return next Saturday. She has entrusted me with doing the job (I’m not sure that’s the best way to put it when talking about a dog blog) so let’s get into it.

Suppose you suspect one of your teenagers is doing drugs. What would you do? What should you do? Let’s check what the experts suggest.

There are all kinds of tips and brochures available stressing steps that can be taken. Find out as much as you can. Tell your teen you’re wise to what’s happening.  Remain calm and express in clear terms how you feel about it and why you’re concerned.

Of course, you want to determine if, indeed, your teen is up to something. You could come right out and ask, but that would probably result in a quick denial.  You could make the teen take a drug test. You could search the teen’s room and belongings. You could interrogate friends. Or you could bring in a trained, drug-sniffing dog for $200/hour.

In New Jersey, concerned parents call the company, “Sniff Dogs,” that advertises discreet drug detection that is proactive and prudent:

“Sniff Dogs is a confidential drug detection service for residential and commercial premises. Sniff Dogs are trained to locate the odor of drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, Xanax and ecstasy), so those with concerns about the presence of drugs can deal appropriately with the situation—whatever the findings.”

Why stop there? Why not hire a private investigator to tail your kid? Have the local police pay a visit to your house.

This is a bit much. Whatever happened to parents exhibiting parenting? If a child starts to experiment, sitting down and talking face to face and then taking appropriate measures seems to be what a parent’s job is all about, along with proper supervision and monitoring activities and the kind of friends a son or daughter chooses.

Proper parenting should never be replaced, or lead to a family situation turned into a “Law and Order” episode. I’m sure those dogs do a terrific job of pinpointing any problems. But that’s Mom and Dad’s job, not some company’s.

Here's more on this issue from CNN  and ABC.

Time once again for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines this week.

They're calling it a "Walter Reed" hospital for dogs.

What do dogs do when they get out of the military?

Voters will decide in Massachusetts whether to get rid of dog racing.

In case you missed last Sunday's USA WEEKEND, answers to those burning questions: Does my dog need a sex change? Why, oh why won't my dog sleep with me?

A meeting is scheduled next week on plans for dog exercise areas in the Milwaukee County Parks.

A warning from the DNR for waterfowl-retrieving dogs.

What a jerk!

Here's a great story: a blind dog gets his own seeing eye-dog.

And all week long, we've been reporting on the status of Ratchet.The dog made international headlines when Spc. Gwen Beberg of Minnesota tried to get the Iraqi stray out of the country before her return to the United States. The Army barred the trip, but commanders relented after support came in from relatives, Minnesota's congressional delegation and about 65,000 online petition signers. Ratchet is now in Minneapolis with Beberg's parents. As one person put it so well writing to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, "With all the bad things going on, it is heart warming to see something SOOOO right. I signed the petition, and cried when I heard Ratchet was coming home !!"

We close this week's Barking Lot with a message from SPCA International:

Dear Friends, Thanks to all your support, Ratchet is home safe and sound in Minneapolis, MN. Ratchet is Spc. Gwen Beberg’s dog who gained worldwide attention after being forcibly held in Iraq by the military. Thanks to your financial support and the public outcry, SPCA International succeeded and flew Ratchet out of Iraq on October 19. After arriving at Dulles International Airport on October 20, Ratchet was given a full examination by veterinarian, Dr. Chris Carskaddan. Carskaddan gave Ratchet a clean bill of health, explaining that all the Operation Baghdad Pups dogs he has seen have been in exceptional health and appear very well cared for by U.S troops serving in Iraq. On October 22, Ratchet flew to his final destination in Minneapolis to be with Gwen's parents. The Operation Baghdad Pups waiting list still includes 40 animals, 16 of which (14 dogs and 2 cats) must be rescued from Iraq before their soldiers redeploy home for the holidays. Without more financial support for Operation Baghdad Pups, U.S. soldiers’ dogs and cats may perish on the cruel streets of Iraq. SPCA International is requesting public donations in support of U.S. troops and their animals be made here. Hundreds of U.S. soldiers in the Middle East befriend animals in the war zone to help cope with the hardships and terror they face every day. These dogs and cats become their lifeline - saving many from deep depression and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The military refuses to help or formally recognize the lifeline these animals give to our mentally wounded. You can help by becoming a sustaining Operation Baghdad Pups partner – sign up to be a monthly donor today! Spread the word and tell your friends about Operation Baghdad Pups. Together, we can make a difference! Gratefully, SPCA International Team www.SPCA.com

THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.

TODAY:  Sunny and dry all day, but cool. "B"

SUNDAY:  Warmer, sunny, dry. High temps in the mid-60's. "B+"

In our family, we always took our pets to the vet for their regular vaccinations and check-ups, in addition to the many times we took them for an illness or injury.  It was just part of being a responsible pet owner.  We also felt that spaying our two dogs and neutering our cat was part of responsible ownership.  Quite honestly if either of our dogs had puppies there is no way we could have parted with those chubby, warm balls of fuzz.  As for our male cat, well…  we all know one significant reason for neutering.  Who wants to replace drapes and furniture on a regular basis?

Every pet owner I know has had their dog “fixed.”  It seems to just come with the territory when you get a new puppy or kitten:  first shots, possible de-clawing for the cat, and “the big snip.”  However, it is obviously a CHOICE to have this done.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers the following stance. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is in agreement, and offers reasons why you should spay or neuter your pet. 

For pet owners who are wondering what they should do, the HSUS gives facts and myths about this process.

California has been known to draft some pretty nutty legislation.  So it came as no surprise when a bill was proposed to mandate the spaying and neutering of pets, with a few exceptions.  The bill was NOT passed, but instead the current law was changed to impose stiffer penalties on existing fines. 

Personally, I have a real problem with any legislation that takes away such a simple freedom as the choice to spay or neuter your family pet.  I completely support spaying and neutering for the very reasons HSUS and ASPCA do.  However, if a pet owner is truly opposed to the procedure (and is not just saying “I can’t afford it” because there are always programs to help people overcome this obstacle) I feel the owner should be able to make that choice.  I wonder what California will try to legislate next…  how many times a day a dog can bark?
---Jennifer Fischer


Nice touch, Jennifer, tying in Culinary no-no…….I always knew you were awfully sharp. And you’re becoming a tough act to follow. Onward we go, with DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines the past week.

The Barking Lot is on Ratchet Watch. The Iraqi dog adopted by a U.S. soldier could ship out for America Sunday.

An international team of scientists has discovered what they believe is the world's first known dog.

There's an update in the settlement involving pet food manufacturers.

Should you have to pay to take your pet to a dog park?

Could your arthritis medicine work on dogs?

And it turns out that young male puppies are real gentlemen.

That's it for this week's edition of the ever popular Barking Lot. We close with final words from Josh Hutcherson...

In this past Saturday’s edition of The Barking Lot, Jennifer and I conveyed the story of the U.S. Army’s intentions to execute a U.S. soldier’s dog named Ratchet.

Efforts are now underway to save the Iraqi dog as representatives from Operation Baghdad Pups head for the Middle East.

So, let me get this straight. Our country sits by and does nothing to stop the avalanche of illegal aliens pouring across our borders, many of whom commit violent crimes, but is adamant about killing one of our brave soldier’s adopted dogs?????

You can sign an online petition asking that Ratchet be saved.

TO NEW READERS: The Barking Lot is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...co-written by my wife and yours truly. Jennifer provides the opening blog and then I bring you DOGS IN THE NEWS.


THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.

TODAY:  “A” all day and this evening.

SUNDAY:  Ditto. A picture perfect dog-walking weekend is in store.


My favorite neighbor dog Mickey is a beautiful, sweet-tempered Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier.  If I see her out for a walk with her dad George, I run out to pet her and get my fix of licks and tail wags.  I think Mickey is one of the happiest, healthiest dogs I have ever known.  I swear that dog actually SMILES.

Mickey is about four years old and has all the spark of a puppy.  She has a soft, shiny coat; bright eyes; perky disposition and I’ve never noticed any odor about her, be it “dog coat smell or doggy breath.”  George and his wife treat this dog like gold… the same way we will treat our dog when we get one.  (While Dad takes her for a walk in the winter, Mom is home warming towels in the dryer to wipe her chilled, damp paws.  Every day.)

Kevin and I have discussed feeding practices many times.  He’s all for the occasional scrap of human goodies:  a toss of a pizza scrap, a morsel of meat, etc.  I’ve seen what too many table scraps and treats can do to dogs:  my Sugar was terribly overweight because our family literally killed her with kindness.  Unfortunately pet health wasn’t as big an issue 25 years ago and we didn’t really know any better.  Kevin’s theory is she must have lived a happy and content life… if she really enjoyed that piece of occasional pizza was that really so wrong?  Did it knock of a day in her short life?  Maybe.  But if she was one day less on this earth, she was one day happier.

I have seen Kevin give Leia, our Yellow Lab dog-in-law, several bits of treats from the snack table on holidays.  (Of course her family does it too so we are not going against their wishes.)  Kevin helped let her out this past week while his brother and sister-in-law were on vacation.  I bought her a new squeak toy.  I can only imagine what he slipped her in everyone’s absence!

Back to Mickey, our neighbor dog.  Mickey is fed nothing but 100% human food.  Her mom cooks for her daily.  Poached chicken, ground beef, rice, and an occasional piece of steak.  She loves her vegetables too, especially green beans.  Her diet has been fully sanctioned by her vet, a vet George has used for many years for many dogs.  She gets commercial “treats” with vitamin supplements but other than that she and her mom and dad could share the same plate.

George has made the decision to feed Mickey a human food diet because of all the frightening recalls of dog food.  He is not about to see anything bad happen to their beloved dog.  Kevin and I both agree with this theory and plan on feeding our future dog this way.  We can’t imagine the heartbreak of having a pet poisoned by the very food we thought would be appropriate.

We know that MANY dog owners and dog health professionals disagree with us.  Obviously we would do our research and consult our vet before we’d make our dog bacon and eggs for breakfast.

The Whole Dog Journal offers subscription options but some articles are available in their entirety on-line.  This article reviews many alternatives to feeding Fido his usual canned Alpo.

There is as much debate over feeding your dog a human food diet as there is over its owners being vegetarians vs. omnivores.  For the Future Fischer dog, a human diet is as guaranteed as Mr. and Mrs. Fischer never touching tofu.
---Jennifer Fischer


Thanks, Jennifer! Time now for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made all kinds of headlines this past week, and did they ever. We always begin with the more serious stories.

Did this woman go too far? I certainly think so.

A U.S. soldier's dog could be executed.

A warning has been issued about a rabid Iraqi dog here in the U.S.

A Texas woman uses the Internet to track down the adult child of a man killed while saving dogs from a freeway.

We love stories like this one, about another very special dog.

This church welcomes dogs.

Politics and pooches in a sibling rivalry.

There's a Rin TinTin-Hollywood controversy brewing.

The most popular names for dogs?

And it's an age old question. Do dogs look like.......their owners?


That's it for this week. Thanks for visiting. We close with music and lyrics from Eric Stoltz.

I recently found a video about DogTown’s Dog Care Manager, Michelle Besmehn, and her work with Vivian, a dog rescued during Hurricane Katrina.  The people directly touched by Katrina will never forget the tragedies they’ve suffered.  The rest of us (dry, cozy and relatively unaffected) need occasional reminders that there are lives that will never be the same in the aftermath of that destruction.  And while I would never place a canine life ahead of a human life in order of importance, every reader knows how I feel about the dogs that enrich our lives.

Finding this touching video helped me discover other updated rescue and success stories about Hurricane Katrina dogs.

Thanks to Furever Friends, the Humane Society of the U.S., and the Louisiana SPCA, the Coffee family was reunited with Tippy, their dog they had to leave behind during their relocation ordeal after the hurricane.

Three years after his owners fled the destruction of Katrina, Bourbon is the tail-wagging success story of the Washington D.C. Animal Rescue League.  Ron and Jessica Simon are his new owners and he looks quite happy!

I love stories of families reunited with pets in any circumstance.  Learning about rescue efforts after natural disasters is particularly heart-warming to me.  For some individuals or families, their pet is all they have, and that pet truly means the world to them.  So my personal thanks goes out to all the rescue efforts of those many wonderful organizations.
---Jennifer Fischer



Thanks again, Jennifer!

Don't go anywhere. It's time for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made the headlines this past week.

Just like human news, the stories aren't always good. Sad news out of Beaver Dam.

Lesson for lost dogs: Find a travel agency.

How about the guy who dove in to save a dog from a shark attack!

Jennifer wrote about Katrina rescue dogs today. In Texas, cadaver dogs to the rescue.

And in case you missed it in last Sunday's USA WEEKEND, military dogs are often heroes, too.

That's it for this week. Remember, Halloween is just around the corner. Still looking for a doggie costume? In Florida, Wiggles Dog Wigs is offering this get-up  that I'm sure you'll recognize, you betcha!

Want to make sure Halloween is a HOWLING success for all the members of your family?  Then remember Fido would like a little Trick-Or-Treating too!  Your four-legged friend probably won’t be wagging his tail at the thought of dressing up in a costume but face it, you can’t resist.    When you find what you think is the pawfect costume to suit your Poodle’s personality, remember these tips. 

 

 



If you’re going to go through all the trouble of dressing up your Dachshund, why not go all the way and throw a party for the neighborhood dogs?  It’s not as complicated as you might think if you follow the advice from our friends at Animal Planet.

Even though we don’t have a dog yet, I am on the email list for PawPrints Across Your Heart in Greendale Village.  This link will take you to their newsletter where you can read about their upcoming annual Halloween Costume Contest on October 19^th.  In the past they have had a game of “bobbing for hot dogs” in beef-flavored water for the dogs to enjoy.  I think that is a wonderful idea that you could incorporate into your own Halloween party.

All responsible dog owners know that chocolate is one of the biggest no-no’s for canines.  That doesn’t mean you can’t offer special, seasonal treats to your dog and your guest dogs at the party.  You know they would love to tear in to a party platter from Doctors Foster and Smith. 

Of course, Halloween isn’t complete without a scare.  Tell Fido you’ve decided to adopt a pair of kittens next week.
---Jennifer Fischer


Thanks, Jennifer. Always a nice job!

Must be my turn. Yes, indeed, Barking Lot fans, it is time. It is time. It is time for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines...................that made..........headlines the past week. And we've got a whole big bowl full of stories, so let's get right to them.

As I've written in the past, not every dog item is warm, fuzzy and fluffy. In Sheboygan, a woman lied about a dog, and that got her into trouble.

Staying in Sheboygan, that's where a seminar was held this week on how to recognize the problem of dogfighting and prosecute offenders.

In Muwkonago, there's a push to allow therapy dogs in parks for special events.

In Brookfield, there was more talk about restricting the number of household pets.

A new book is out this week that tells the true story of Izzy. Izzy is a very good dog.

Would your dog ever cheat on you?

And how about this photo gallery. Excuse me............but.............I...........couldn't help..........noticing......... that...........your dog..............is ............really.............big.

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Another Barking Lot is in the books, and since Jennifer has already started the holiday theme, we close with his special public service annoucement:

This Halloween, be kind to your pet.

TO NEW READERS: The Barking Lot is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...co-written by my wife and yours truly. Jennifer provides the opening blog and then I bring you DOGS IN THE NEWS.


THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.

TODAY:  “A” all day and this evening.

SUNDAY:  Ditto. A picture perfect dog-walking weekend is in store.


Everyone plays the dreaming game “If I ever won the lottery…”  For me the list includes charitable donations, paying off our home, a European cruise, and purchasing a second home in Arizona to escape the terrible Wisconsin winters.  After those are accomplished I have only half-jokingly said that I would seek out the best Hollywood plastic surgeon and come home with a new body.  Then common sense takes over and I nix the nip-and-tuck plan.

In recent research for The Barking Lot I noticed topics on animal welfare websites discussing cosmetic surgery for dogs.  I must admit it isn’t something I’ve given too much thought to in the past.  As I have mentioned before I am NOT a card-carrying member of PETA.  I am proud to be a carnivore and feel we are at the top of the food chain for a reason.

I have always said that I would never choose to crop my dog’s ears or dock its tail.  I feel that nature made the dog a certain way and I would not want to alter that.  I do understand that show dogs have this done quite often to conform to breed standards.  And for as many dog shows as I watch I really don’t sit there and think, “They never should have docked that Soft Coated Wheaton’s tail!”

Since my dog Sugar was half Basenji hound, she displayed every Basenji physical characteristic including curly “pig tail” and perky ears.  She also did not bark.  She could, but only on occasion would she let out a soft chortle.  Skippy, on the other hand, was a rambunctious Springer Spaniel who would, literally, bark at leaves blowing down the street in the fall.  Were there times we all wished she would suffer a bout of extended laryngitis?  Of course.  Would we ever consider having her surgically “debarked?”  Never.

Most people are familiar with tail docking and ear cropping, and some are familiar with debarking.  But how VAIN are you if you need cosmetic surgery for your DOG???

May I suggest any money you would spend on this surgery, you put towards some psychotherapy for yourself?
---Jennifer Fischer


Thanks again, Jennifer. My turn. Time now for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines the past week.

We've had some pretty serious weather the past few weeks. Federal law requires that state and local governments help animals during an emergency or natural disaster.

No muskrat love in Kaukauna.

It works for Superman and Batman. Can a cape turn your dog into a superhero?

In today's Journal Sentinel Cue section, kids and pets.

A star is born......in a shelter.

And  here's a great story about the heroics of Buddy, including video.

Finally, let’s dip into the e-mailbag and see what’s on the minds of Barking Lot readers, shall we?


Dear Kevin:

You seem to collaborate well with Jennifer every week on your dog blog. I find that amazing. My wife and I could never do anything like that. We’d be at each other's throats into the first paragraph. What’s your secret?

Frying pan head


Dear Frying pan head:

There’s really no secret. It was either let Jennifer write a dog blog or have her mother over every weekend.


Dear Kevin:

We have to be totally honest. We can’t stand The Barking Lot. Frankly, it gives us the creeps. How about a blog about cats?

Felix and Sylvester


Dear Felix and Sylvester:

Sorry you feel that way. To answer your question, no way. Dogs are much cooler than cats.


Kevin:

Let me get right to the point. What is your problem?

Your wife seems so nice. And you won’t get her a dog! What is wrong with you? Do you hate dogs or something?

Have a heart


Dear Have a heart:

It’s not that I hate dogs. It’s that my wife loves them more than she loves me.


Mr. Fischer:

I have another bone to pick with you. You may recall I wrote some time ago when you had a video of Rowlf from the Muppets on your blog, singing “Egg Suckin’ Dog” in a barn with Johnny Cash.  I found that to be very unfair because Rowlf has such awesome talent.

You responded with another Rowlf video, this time butchering a Gilbert and Sullivan opera.

How dare you portray Rowlf in this manner. He is a caring, kind, deeply sensitive and sentimental animal. You’re just plain mean.

Rowlf fan


Dear Rowlf fan:

After conducting some research, I indeed owe you an apology. Rowlf is, in fact, quite sentimental. I am very sorry.

I have said many times that I would gladly take an exact duplicate of my Basenji-mix Sugar.  She was such an outstanding dog that if I could wave a magic wand and have her from puppy to old age all over again, I would do it in a heartbeat. 

I truly hope that someday I will have a dog that has the same wonderful qualities as Sugar did.  I want a dog that is gentle, loving, and fun to be around.  I want a dog whose behavioral qualities include not jumping, minimal barking and who wouldn’t harm the fleas on its back.

I loved Sugar with all my heart.  But I would not consider CLONING her to have her in my life again.  Oh, I could give all sorts of b