I am worried about our small dog world. Today, I overheard a confrontation involving a friend of mine. It was over one of the sensitive issues, oversized dogs. Apparently this gentleman was reprimanded because he had a puppy lab that appeared to be over the weight limit. I am quite sure that it was, but he also had a smaller mature dog that hardly moves, threatens no one and is uncomfortable in the larger dog park. The puppy lab is exuberant but I have never seen it threaten or harm any other dog. The gentleman left as I was entering, so I do not know his feelings, but I can imagine.
Now, rules are rules, right? Well in out little dog world, apparently not. A few minutes after that gentleman left, a lady arrived with two dogs one that had to be at least 50-60 lbs. No one complained, no snide comments issued. The difference? The lady is well known in our park, the dog is old and moves slowly. The owner of the dog in the offensive case was male, the owner of the dog in the ok case was female.
If we look beyond this, by a strict weight test, we have several small in stature, but shall we say rotund dogs that surely over the limit- but no complaints.
Yes, we have rules, but can't common sense apply? I hope this generates much discussion. And while we are at it, how about those other "offenses". My particular favorite is the seemingly increasing number of people that visit the park to socialize and completely ignore the piles of poop their precious pooches are generating. Then there is my other pet peeve- humping. I realize that most of the male dogs are neutered, but several dogs exhibit this behavior which can be both sexual and dominance related. I have heard laughter among some when they see this, but in many cases I consider this unacceptable aggressive behavior- often ignored by the owners. I have never seen a dog and owner asked to leave due to pooping or humping. Maybe it is about time. Just a thought.
Mocha and Poppi
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Well, DUH!! :)
Dogs Have Bigger Brains Than Cats!
The constant battle of dogs vs. cats continues!
It has been found that dogs have larger brains than cats since they are more sociable creatures. According to a study from Oxford University, highly social species of mammals need more brain power than solitary animals.
It found that the brains of monkeys grew the most over time, followed by horses, dolphins, camels and dogs. The brains of the more solitary mammals, such as cats, deer and rhino, grew much more slowly during the same period.
According to the study done, it may be that the cooperation needed for group living can be challenging and over time some mammals have evolved larger brains to be able to socialize better.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Heart-warming news!!!
Husky reunited with family after 5 years apart
http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?S=13559697
Now safe and sound, Nike's story serves as a great reminder of the importance of properly identifying your pets.
TUCSON, AZ (KOLD) - This week at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, Zuleica Sanz was reunited with her beloved Siberian Husky, Nike, after losing him 5 years ago.
Sanz had given up hope of ever finding her then-puppy again.
Thanks to Nike's microchip, he found his way back home again after arriving just days ago at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona as a stray.
Despite their years of separation, Nike and Sanz recognized each other instantly in a reunion that unfolded with hugs, smiles, a wagging tail, and cheers all around. Where Nike has been this entire time is a mystery only he knows.
"He looks exactly the same," explained owner Sanz. "Just bigger."
While hugging an ecstatic Nike, Sanz explained that the family still had pictures of their puppy proudly displayed on the refrigerator at home. Although they held on to memories of their furry family member, they never expected the phone call explaining that Nike had been found over 5 years later.
Within minutes, the Sanz's rushed to the Humane Society and Nike went home with the family. With some surprises in store, Nike came home to an expanded family, with a new Chihuahua and Shih Tzu sibling to welcome him back.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Rest in Peace Target
I cannot even imagine this family's pain and anger.....
11/15/10
Target, Afghanistan War Dog, KILLED; Pound Mistakenly Euthanizes Canine Hero
FLORENCE, Ariz. — A dog named Target that lived through explosions in war-torn Afghanistan couldn't survive a brief stay at an Arizona animal shelter.
An unidentified employee at the Pinal County facility was placed on administrative leave after euthanizing the female shepherd mix by mistake, county Animal Care and Control officials said Monday.
"When it comes to euthanizing an animal, there are some clear-cut procedures to follow," Ruth Stalter, the county animal control director, said in a statement. "Based on my preliminary investigation, our employee did not follow those procedures."
Sgt. Terry Young, the owner of the dog, told The Arizona Republic, "I just can't believe that something like this would happen to such a good dog."
Target frightened a suicide bomber inside a military base and potentially saved dozens of soldiers' lives, Young said.
He said the dog was treated like royalty from then on at the base at Dand Patan, near the Pakistan border.
Young brought Target to the San Tan Valley area southeast of Phoenix in August, when he returned home from his tour of duty.
The dog escaped from the family's back yard Friday. Young put out online notices and contacted TV stations that did reports on the missing hero dog.
A neighbor found Target wandering later Friday, put her in his back yard and called the pound. The dog did not have a microchip or tag.
On Friday night, Young found Target's picture on a website used by Pinal County's dog catchers to help owners track lost pets. Young figured the shelter was closed for the night and weekend.
He showed up at the shelter in Casa Grande to claim his dog on Monday, only to find out she was dead.
County officials say the employee mistakenly took the dog out of its pen Monday morning and euthanized it.
The Republic said Young and his family will get Target's cremated remains.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Useful Dog
The Jack Russell terrier is a small terrier that has its origins in fox hunting. Originating from the dogs bred and used by Reverend John Russell in the early 19th century, it is a high energy breed which relies on a high level of exercise and stimulation. Jack Russells have appeared multiple times in film, television and print with several historical dogs of note.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Brownie gets married !!
What a beautiful bride. Oh, wait a minute, do you think it is a halloween costume?
Let there be light(s)
As we all know it is getting dark early in Tucson. I believe the original plan for our park was to install lights similar to those in the larger dog parks, but we see no signs of progress in that regard. For those who work, it means less time, if any, at the dog park during these months. Anyone have any ideas on how we can rectify this?
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