Sunday, November 18, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
How my pack inspires me
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012
My new photo book
Click here to view this photo book larger
Photo Book Tip: Create an adventurous travel photo album at Shutterfly.com.
SHUTTERFLY asked me to remove this. Sorry.
If you want to see a picture of it, comment below and I'll post a photo of the actual photo book.
SHUTTERFLY asked me to remove this. Sorry.
If you want to see a picture of it, comment below and I'll post a photo of the actual photo book.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Remembering 9/11
I may be mistaken, but I am pretty sure this is the first time since "the" 9/11 that the anniversary has been on a Tuesday. Eleven years ago today, it was a Tuesday morning, warmer than today, but similar weather-wise other than the temperature. I remember there was hardly a cloud in the blue, blue sky as I set out on my daily dog walk with Hobie, then just under two years of age.
We had said goodbye to the elderly Timba in May of 2001, on Memorial Day, when she died not-so-peacefully under the Christmas tree in our back yard. After that, we named our yard Timba Memorial Park, in her honor. So, this was, and would be, my only few months alone with Hobie -- from May 2001 to November 2001 when we adopted Hector and ten years of fun ensued.
Hector, as I've repeated ad nauseum, was born on September 4, 2001, just a week before 9/11. On that awful day, I knew there was a litter of puppies and one would belong to us, but I hadn't seen them yet, and wouldn't know which one was ours until several days after 9/11.
That beautiful Tuesday was the same as any other day for me and Hobie. Gil slept in, and Hobie and I went for our 2-mile walk. I had been on Weight Watchers for a while and had lost around 25 pounds. I felt good. I loved walking with my dog, all over town. I was in great shape and felt fantastic most of the time. I had some chronic aches and pains (mostly migraines), but didn't have full-out fibromyalgia yet. When we got back from our walk, I made coffee and headed up to my desk in my office room to do my email and watch "Live With Regis and Kelly" -- having been a huge fan of Kelly Ripa since her days on "All My Children".
When I turned on the TV, at 8:45, a plane had just hit one of the World Trade Center towers, and it wasn't yet clear that it was deliberate. In fact, at first glance, I thought it was a small, single engine plane that had gone off-course and hit the building. Looking back, I now think, well that was dumb, dummy! Who the heck flies a small plane in the middle of downtown Manhattan? But I guess that's what denial does to you.
After watching for a few minutes, I realized this was something much more. I immediately called Michael at our office at the student travel company. "Turn on the TV!" I said, "It looks like a plane hit the World Trade Center." Michael replied, somberly, "Terrorists."
I went downstairs and turned on the big TV in the living room. That woke up Gil, asleep next door in our bedroom. He came out, groggily rubbing his eyes, "What's going on?" I pointed at the TV, "I don't know. A plane hit the World Trade Center." I still didn't want to believe what Michael said, but I remember the look on Gil's face; he knew it was bad, too.
We rushed in to the office, tearing ourselves away from the TV at home, to which we were glued. The entire day was spent at work, gathered around the various televisions we have in the building, a lot of us crying, way too much speculation (we only heard details as they unfolded).
I remember, it was a Tuesday. We had recently made the important decision to open up a west coast office for the travel company, and had brought six young men and women to Massachusetts for training. They arrived here on September 8th and 9th, the weekend before 9/11. Their first day of training was Monday, September 10th. By Tuesday afternoon, September 11th, it was clear that this event had changed the travel industry, at least temporarily, enough for us to abandon the idea of staffing a full office in California. However, nobody would be flying home for many days. We had a traveling group stranded in France because planes were grounded.
While I did not personally know anyone who died on 9/11 (the closest person would be a man who lived in our small town whom I knew of but did not know personally) this day impacted the travel industry in ways which we are still feeling today. Parents stopped putting their kids on airplanes, at first because of the acts of 9/11 itself, then because of the wars, then, the economy. I refer back to this day often, hearing myself begin sentences with "Since 9/11...." Yes, I will never forget, for my own selfish business reasons, but mainly for the thousands of people who died such horrible deaths that day, and the thousands of others who rescued, cleaned up, and put back to together our fine neighboring city of New York. I still cry every time I think about them and what they had to go through. The rescuers and responders are now, if still alive, suffering from health problems. We have not nearly stopped seeing the long-term effects of this event that is marred into our brains.
I met our puppy, Hector, on Friday, the 14th of September. My co-worker and I were so upset that week and we needed to get out of the doom and gloom of the office for a while. We went to see the puppies. There were only a couple left who were not already spoken for. I chose Hector because of his beautiful markings. I had wanted a female, having heard that to have two male dogs together was a no-no. It wasn't true. I spent the best 10 years of my life with Hector. I associate 9/11 with my dog. He was not only born right before 9/11, he also died, ten years later right before 9/11. His life was sort of book-ended by the terrible day, and it's 10-year anniversary.
Here we are, a year later, and it is hard to believe 11 years has passed. Hobie is still going strong. We now have two more dogs. The travel industry has changed, but we are slowly seeing small improvements and we're going strong, too.
This is just a regular American, remembering 9/11. We will never, ever forget.
We had said goodbye to the elderly Timba in May of 2001, on Memorial Day, when she died not-so-peacefully under the Christmas tree in our back yard. After that, we named our yard Timba Memorial Park, in her honor. So, this was, and would be, my only few months alone with Hobie -- from May 2001 to November 2001 when we adopted Hector and ten years of fun ensued.
Hector, as I've repeated ad nauseum, was born on September 4, 2001, just a week before 9/11. On that awful day, I knew there was a litter of puppies and one would belong to us, but I hadn't seen them yet, and wouldn't know which one was ours until several days after 9/11.
That beautiful Tuesday was the same as any other day for me and Hobie. Gil slept in, and Hobie and I went for our 2-mile walk. I had been on Weight Watchers for a while and had lost around 25 pounds. I felt good. I loved walking with my dog, all over town. I was in great shape and felt fantastic most of the time. I had some chronic aches and pains (mostly migraines), but didn't have full-out fibromyalgia yet. When we got back from our walk, I made coffee and headed up to my desk in my office room to do my email and watch "Live With Regis and Kelly" -- having been a huge fan of Kelly Ripa since her days on "All My Children".
When I turned on the TV, at 8:45, a plane had just hit one of the World Trade Center towers, and it wasn't yet clear that it was deliberate. In fact, at first glance, I thought it was a small, single engine plane that had gone off-course and hit the building. Looking back, I now think, well that was dumb, dummy! Who the heck flies a small plane in the middle of downtown Manhattan? But I guess that's what denial does to you.
After watching for a few minutes, I realized this was something much more. I immediately called Michael at our office at the student travel company. "Turn on the TV!" I said, "It looks like a plane hit the World Trade Center." Michael replied, somberly, "Terrorists."
I went downstairs and turned on the big TV in the living room. That woke up Gil, asleep next door in our bedroom. He came out, groggily rubbing his eyes, "What's going on?" I pointed at the TV, "I don't know. A plane hit the World Trade Center." I still didn't want to believe what Michael said, but I remember the look on Gil's face; he knew it was bad, too.
We rushed in to the office, tearing ourselves away from the TV at home, to which we were glued. The entire day was spent at work, gathered around the various televisions we have in the building, a lot of us crying, way too much speculation (we only heard details as they unfolded).
I remember, it was a Tuesday. We had recently made the important decision to open up a west coast office for the travel company, and had brought six young men and women to Massachusetts for training. They arrived here on September 8th and 9th, the weekend before 9/11. Their first day of training was Monday, September 10th. By Tuesday afternoon, September 11th, it was clear that this event had changed the travel industry, at least temporarily, enough for us to abandon the idea of staffing a full office in California. However, nobody would be flying home for many days. We had a traveling group stranded in France because planes were grounded.
While I did not personally know anyone who died on 9/11 (the closest person would be a man who lived in our small town whom I knew of but did not know personally) this day impacted the travel industry in ways which we are still feeling today. Parents stopped putting their kids on airplanes, at first because of the acts of 9/11 itself, then because of the wars, then, the economy. I refer back to this day often, hearing myself begin sentences with "Since 9/11...." Yes, I will never forget, for my own selfish business reasons, but mainly for the thousands of people who died such horrible deaths that day, and the thousands of others who rescued, cleaned up, and put back to together our fine neighboring city of New York. I still cry every time I think about them and what they had to go through. The rescuers and responders are now, if still alive, suffering from health problems. We have not nearly stopped seeing the long-term effects of this event that is marred into our brains.
I met our puppy, Hector, on Friday, the 14th of September. My co-worker and I were so upset that week and we needed to get out of the doom and gloom of the office for a while. We went to see the puppies. There were only a couple left who were not already spoken for. I chose Hector because of his beautiful markings. I had wanted a female, having heard that to have two male dogs together was a no-no. It wasn't true. I spent the best 10 years of my life with Hector. I associate 9/11 with my dog. He was not only born right before 9/11, he also died, ten years later right before 9/11. His life was sort of book-ended by the terrible day, and it's 10-year anniversary.
Here we are, a year later, and it is hard to believe 11 years has passed. Hobie is still going strong. We now have two more dogs. The travel industry has changed, but we are slowly seeing small improvements and we're going strong, too.
This is just a regular American, remembering 9/11. We will never, ever forget.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
"Paw It Forward" to Give Jobs to Individuals with Special Needs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
If the goal is reached, the pet treat company will use the investment to hire three individuals through its partner, Aditus, Inc., an organization that provides community-based employment and other services to Intellectually Disabled Individuals.
“Paw It Forward” to Give Jobs to Individuals with Special Needs
The Barkers Dozen seeks crowdsourced funding to hire three special needs individuals.
Aug. 9, 2012 — CHICOPEE, Mass. — The Barkers Dozen, an organic and eco-friendly dog treat company based here, launched “Paw It Forward”, a 30-day campaign to raise $10,000 in crowdsourced funding, in efforts to give a steady paycheck and vital career skills to three special needs individuals.
If the goal is reached, the pet treat company will use the investment to hire three individuals through its partner, Aditus, Inc., an organization that provides community-based employment and other services to Intellectually Disabled Individuals.
Social responsibility and giving back to its community is central to The Barkers Dozen’s mission. It has partnered with Aditus to bake and package its treats since 2011, and currently, all treats made by The Barkers Dozen are handmade by Aditus participants.
“Seeing the joy on one employee’s face when he got to open his first bank account, or another’s excitement when she bought her favorite recliner to watch television, are experiences that I can’t even begin to explain,” said President/CEO and Founder of The Barkers Dozen, Shawn Sherry. “Now it’s up to everyone to help me make this happen for more individuals in our community who want to be out there working, if they could only be given a chance!”
With the new employees’ help, the company will also be able to create three new flavors of organic dog treats. After the Paw It Forward campaign closes, The Barkers Dozen will collaborate with Paw It Forward investors to determine the three future varieties.
In addition, those who make a pledge to support the Paw It Forward project will receive a gift based on their level of support – from 50% off any order, to a year of free organic dog treats from The Barkers Dozen.
The Barkers Dozen is managing the Paw It Forward project through Indiegogo.com, a social crowdsourcing website. The campaign runs through Sept. 9, 2012, and is accessible here: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/201673?a=1021062.
Available in select pet boutiques, upscale retailers and grocery stores — as well as online through The Barkers Dozen Virtual Bakery and Online Store — the current lineup of organic pet treats includes: Barkers Family Chicken Treats, Barkers Carrot Treats, Barkers Dozen Barkscotti, Peanut Butter Cups, Peanut Butter Treats, Cookie Cakes and The Big Dipper. Also available are a variety of Sampler and Seasonal Gift Boxes, and custom-made cookie jars and gift baskets.
###
About The Barkers Dozen:
With the goal of providing Homemade Organic Pet Treats that everyone could afford, The Barkers Dozen was founded in 2009. In the midst of the 2008 pet food scare, company founders Shawn Sherry and Anthony Newman saw an opportunity to start an organic dog treat business where customers could feel safe and secure about what they fed to that loyal member of their family.
The Barkers Dozen treats use the highest-quality, human-grade organic ingredients and are made in a variety of shapes and sizes to satisfy any furry friend. The gourmet dog treats are made on demand and in small batches to ensure the freshest product possible for customers, without artificial preservatives. Feeling a responsibility to the world in which we all live, its packaging is renewable or recyclable.
In 2011, Sherry assumed sole ownership of The Barkers Dozen, following a year of historic growth. Later that year, continuing its belief in social responsibility, The Barkers Dozen began utilizing staff from the Aditus group, a non-profit which helps those with special needs to be able to enter the work force. In addition, The Barkers Dozen donates a portion of its profits from every sale to two animal shelters in its local market.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Black Cat Appreciation Day, August 17th
In honor of Black Cat Appreciation Day, here are just a few of the black cats we've known and loved. Especially Mr. Kitty, our "favorite" if there can be such a thing.
Black cats are often overlooked in shelters and rescues (so are black dogs), and have been given a bad rap with all that "crossing your path" baloney.
Give a black cat a chance! If you're thinking of adopting, don't skip over them at the shelter. If you see a black cat cross YOUR path, maybe, just maybe it's a sign of good luck.
Here are our black beauties:
Black cats are often overlooked in shelters and rescues (so are black dogs), and have been given a bad rap with all that "crossing your path" baloney.
Give a black cat a chance! If you're thinking of adopting, don't skip over them at the shelter. If you see a black cat cross YOUR path, maybe, just maybe it's a sign of good luck.
Here are our black beauties:
Mr. Kitty (ok, yeah, he was allowed on the table!)
Mr. Kitty, we loved you so, and still do
Love Kitty at Long View Farm
Love Kitty at Long View Farm
The famous "Ratsky" Princeton, Mass. On top of my Ford Galaxie 500 oh yeah
Slippers (aka Hendrix), Framingham, Mass.
Slippers on my childhood bed at my parents' house
Tux, the Electric Bullet, our latest blackie
Bullet poses for what will become the cover of my book MTAITW
A more recent pic of Tux/Bullet
Saturday, August 4, 2012
1944 WWII memorabilia for Vol 2 of "More Than Anything in the World"
Teaser/spoiler! Here are some of the cool documents and keepsakes my parents kept from 1944. These scans will be part of Volume 2 of their journal "More Than Anything In The World" which should be available soon on Amazon, B&N and for Kindle and Nook shortly thereafter. The journal/memoir is being self-published by yours truly via amazon.com's "createspace" self-publishing module. Volume 2 will consist of letters written by my parents during 1944 and the beginning of 1945.
Volume 1 is already available on amazon.com, B&N and for Kindle and Nook if you haven't read it yet.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=more+than+anything+in+the+world+k.s.+mueller
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/more-than-anything-in-the-world-k-s--mueller?keyword=more+than+anything+in+the+world+k.s.+mueller&store=allproducts
Where Volume 1 was romantic and heart-rending, Volume 2 deals more with WWII and some very cool stuff happens such as my parents getting the chance to live together in San Antonio, Texas after many months of separation. Unbeknownst to them at the time, my dad would be deployed to Europe at the very end of 1944, so those months in San Antonio turned out to be precious time spent together which would be followed by over a year of separation.
My father was fortunate to not be in a combat position; he worked in an intelligence outfit instead and was a stenographer and typist. The outfit moves through England, France, Belgium, and finally Germany, where they ended up staying for several months after the war ended. In fact, they were the only outfit to have that assignment in Germany, much to my parents' disappointment -- everyone else got to go home, except for the 15th Army.
On the way to France from England, the ship carrying the men was torpedoed, and sank. Everyone on the ship survived except for a couple of men. I have had the fantastic experience of "meeting" one of my father's comrades (now 89 years old) who was one of the very last soldiers to jump ship as the hull disappeared beneath the waters of the English Channel. This guy searched for my dad for nearly 70 years, and finally "found him" (me) thanks to the internet. We've struck up a great pen-pal relationship and have enjoyed getting to know each other and reminiscing about my dad and other things. How cool is that? We have not talked by phone because he lost over 60% of his hearing when the ship was torpedoed and has a very hard time talking on the phone. Which is all right with me, because I am "so not a phone person". It works out great for both of us!
I am beyond grateful to my mother for never throwing anything away! Here are some scans of some treasured memorabilia from 1944 that will be viewable in Volume 2 of MTAITW:
Volume 1 is already available on amazon.com, B&N and for Kindle and Nook if you haven't read it yet.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=more+than+anything+in+the+world+k.s.+mueller
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/more-than-anything-in-the-world-k-s--mueller?keyword=more+than+anything+in+the+world+k.s.+mueller&store=allproducts
Where Volume 1 was romantic and heart-rending, Volume 2 deals more with WWII and some very cool stuff happens such as my parents getting the chance to live together in San Antonio, Texas after many months of separation. Unbeknownst to them at the time, my dad would be deployed to Europe at the very end of 1944, so those months in San Antonio turned out to be precious time spent together which would be followed by over a year of separation.
My father was fortunate to not be in a combat position; he worked in an intelligence outfit instead and was a stenographer and typist. The outfit moves through England, France, Belgium, and finally Germany, where they ended up staying for several months after the war ended. In fact, they were the only outfit to have that assignment in Germany, much to my parents' disappointment -- everyone else got to go home, except for the 15th Army.
On the way to France from England, the ship carrying the men was torpedoed, and sank. Everyone on the ship survived except for a couple of men. I have had the fantastic experience of "meeting" one of my father's comrades (now 89 years old) who was one of the very last soldiers to jump ship as the hull disappeared beneath the waters of the English Channel. This guy searched for my dad for nearly 70 years, and finally "found him" (me) thanks to the internet. We've struck up a great pen-pal relationship and have enjoyed getting to know each other and reminiscing about my dad and other things. How cool is that? We have not talked by phone because he lost over 60% of his hearing when the ship was torpedoed and has a very hard time talking on the phone. Which is all right with me, because I am "so not a phone person". It works out great for both of us!
I am beyond grateful to my mother for never throwing anything away! Here are some scans of some treasured memorabilia from 1944 that will be viewable in Volume 2 of MTAITW:
Hula girl stationery used by my mother's cousin Bob who was stationed in Hawaii
Dependency benefits form
Birth announcement of one of my cousins
V-mail from my father announcing his mailing address to be used while he is overseas
Announcement of death of my great aunt, Elsie Walsh
Western Union telegram announcing the passing of Elsie Walsh.
Sent to my parents while they were in San Antonio, Texas
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
The first of August
August 1st has special meaning in our little five-mile world. We opened the doors of Passports, the student travel company on August 1st, 1992 -- 20 years ago today. It is still hard to believe, I was only 32 years old at the time and now I'm in my 50s. What?! I had Timba the dog, who went to work with me every day, long before "Take Your Dog To Work Day", the internet, and Dog Whisperer. Hobie and Hector were not even a twinkle in their daddy's eyes yet, and I never would have guessed what significance DOGS would have in my future.
We had 6 cats at the time, having just left Long View with however many feline friends (out of the 20+ who lived there) we could stuff into a large crate in the back of my Subaru station wagon (which believe me, is NOT easy). My three cats Love Kitty, Filkin and Charlie made the trek all the way BACK to our rented house in Spencer, along with three Long View cats: our beloved Mr. Kitty, Louise (who was a feral cat and should never have come with us!), and dear, sweet Maggie. We now own that house, but don't live in it anymore. So much has changed... things I never dreamed of have happened, some good, some not so good. Life.
The anniversary continues! Three years ago today, I brought home two cats (by this time we had been living two years with NO cats, the last of the above-mentioned, Maggie, had died in the summer of 2007). On August 1, 2009, I brought home Cali (aka Lady Kitty) and Tux (aka Bullet). They are not from the same litter, but both were motherless, abandoned kittens that a friend raised but could not keep. A third kitten, Newman (aka Hairball) would come three weeks later after a flea infestation was brought under control -- he also was from a separate mother. So, three kittens joined our family, all at once, basically, and guess what? There were no problems at all. Everyone got along just fine.
We find ourselves here, on the 20th anniversary of Passports, and the third anniversary of the cats joining our pack, contemplating adopting a third dog. This would be something we've never done before. Cooper (that's his name) is Charlie Brown's brother and littermate. Cooper's leg has something wrong with it, and may need to be either operated on, or amputated. We await that news today, on this important anniversary. It will not make any difference if he has 3 legs, or 4 -- that will not enter into our decision to adopt. I must admit, I'm already getting a tad attached to the little bugger.
Headquarters of Passports Educational Travel
We had 6 cats at the time, having just left Long View with however many feline friends (out of the 20+ who lived there) we could stuff into a large crate in the back of my Subaru station wagon (which believe me, is NOT easy). My three cats Love Kitty, Filkin and Charlie made the trek all the way BACK to our rented house in Spencer, along with three Long View cats: our beloved Mr. Kitty, Louise (who was a feral cat and should never have come with us!), and dear, sweet Maggie. We now own that house, but don't live in it anymore. So much has changed... things I never dreamed of have happened, some good, some not so good. Life.
Filkin
Maggie
Mr. Kitty
Love Kitty (black), and her daughter, Filkin (tabby)
Charlie the cat (tabby) and Mr. Kitty (black)
Timba and Charlie the cat
The anniversary continues! Three years ago today, I brought home two cats (by this time we had been living two years with NO cats, the last of the above-mentioned, Maggie, had died in the summer of 2007). On August 1, 2009, I brought home Cali (aka Lady Kitty) and Tux (aka Bullet). They are not from the same litter, but both were motherless, abandoned kittens that a friend raised but could not keep. A third kitten, Newman (aka Hairball) would come three weeks later after a flea infestation was brought under control -- he also was from a separate mother. So, three kittens joined our family, all at once, basically, and guess what? There were no problems at all. Everyone got along just fine.
Cali and Tux, in their crate, August 1, 2009
Newman, with a close shave, August 26, 2009
We find ourselves here, on the 20th anniversary of Passports, and the third anniversary of the cats joining our pack, contemplating adopting a third dog. This would be something we've never done before. Cooper (that's his name) is Charlie Brown's brother and littermate. Cooper's leg has something wrong with it, and may need to be either operated on, or amputated. We await that news today, on this important anniversary. It will not make any difference if he has 3 legs, or 4 -- that will not enter into our decision to adopt. I must admit, I'm already getting a tad attached to the little bugger.
Cooper, on top of his litter mates... Charlie Brown is to his immediate left just beside his head.
Cooper, July 29, 2012 -- with 4 legs
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Shutterfly's Long Live Summer Photo Contest
Shutterfly, the photo-printing web site, is in the midst of a 5-week-long photo contest called the Long Live Summer Photo Contest. The program launched on July 9th and runs for 5 weeks until the week of August 6th, so there's still time for you to enter and potentially win! Check out the link below for more info.
http://bit.ly/sweepS
This week's photo theme is Water Fun. Just upload your favorite photo and caption for this week's theme (and the next, and the next!), and you'll get a gift from Shutterfly just for entering. You can enter at any point during the 5-week sweepstakes period., and you win a prize just for submitting a photo. Prizes are as follows:
https://rc.socialpromotionexpert.com/2012/fb/shutterfly/official-rules/SF-9590dfda51db3a402b32393f354f394a/FB.html
Photo themes as follows:
Week 3 (July 23) Water Fun
Week 4 (July 30) Sports & Activities
Week 5 (Aug 6) Parties & Celebrations
http://bit.ly/sweepS
This week's photo theme is Water Fun. Just upload your favorite photo and caption for this week's theme (and the next, and the next!), and you'll get a gift from Shutterfly just for entering. You can enter at any point during the 5-week sweepstakes period., and you win a prize just for submitting a photo. Prizes are as follows:
- Instant win prize for submitting a photo
- Weekly prizes (contestants can enter one time per week)
- Weekly featured photos: up to 5 weekly entries will be selected from the gallery and featured on Shutterfly's Facebook fan page. Each will be awarded a $500 gift card on Shutterfly and a copy of the new Lonely Planet travel photography book.
- Grand prize is a trip for 4 to the Bahamas for 4 nights, and a family photo shoot
https://rc.socialpromotionexpert.com/2012/fb/shutterfly/official-rules/SF-9590dfda51db3a402b32393f354f394a/FB.html
Photo themes as follows:
Week 3 (July 23) Water Fun
Week 4 (July 30) Sports & Activities
Week 5 (Aug 6) Parties & Celebrations
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Rainy Day Activities for You and Your Pet
It's May 8th, and in Worcester County, the forecast is for showers, more showers, and moving on to even more showers. What's a responsible pet parent to do? Especially for those high-energy dogs and indoor/outdoor cats?
In observance of National Pet Week, keep in mind that responsible pet parenting isn't only about picking up poop, obeying leash laws, having a fenced-in yard, identification tags and other responsibilities. It's also your responsibility to keep your pet active and balanced, even when it's raining cats and dogs.
Most dog parents know, even in bad weather, you've still gotta walk the dog! Put on some bright-colored rain gear and get outside and walk! It's good for you AND your pet. If you have rain gear for your dog, put it on him or her too, or just let them get wet, most of them don't mind. And then be sure to towel dry or maybe even use a blow dryer on a low setting for your pup when you get home.
Some dogs (especially hound breeds) don't particularly like the rain. Not to worry! There are plenty of indoor activities you can use to burn off that puppy energy or high energy adult dog. If you have a long hallway or a clear area in a basement or other large room without breakables, toss a tennis ball or a squeaky toy lightly and low and have your pup retrieve the ball or toy. Teach your hound to sit and drop the item in front of you or into your hands. Use a clicker and a lot of "good dog!"s for positive reinforcement.
Something to chew on: chewing is natural for all dogs -- they have to chew just like they have to breathe, eat and drink water. So, give them something appropriate to chew on, or they'll find grandma's antique table or your leather furniture to be a great substitute! Rawhide chews are acceptable to some people, others frown on them. Nylabone products are good, but some dogs don't like them. Always supervise your canine pal while chewing anything. Throw away the chewy product when it starts to show too much wear and tear, or if your buddy is swallowing or attempting to swallow pieces of the toy.
What about those cats? Thankfully, cats do enjoy sleeping indoors, a LOT. If your cat enjoys both the indoors and the outdoors, he or she will make the decision whether or not they want to go outside in the rain. Some will actually go out, contrary to the myth that cats don't like rain! Others will take one step, shake their feet and high-tail it back into the house in a "what was I thinking?" maneuver guaranteed to make you bust out laughing.
As with dogs, give your kitty a toy to play with and engage in some indoor playtime with your cat. Those feather toys that are held on one end by the human and almost look like a fishing pole are a great diversion for a bored cat. Squeaky mouse toys that have motorized wheels that can zoom across a room at high speeds are another fun item. Just like dogs, cats love to chase a ball, but don't expect them to retrieve! And of course, the all-important catnip toys are sure to have your feline friend nice and relaxed after play time.
A rainy day is a great opportunity to come up with some creative ideas for fun indoor activities for you and your pet. Or, for the more adventurous, bring your canine pal outside and frolick uninhibited in the peace and quiet of a deserted dog park or walking area. Above all, have fun and don't mind a few little raindrops! Your healthy pet will thank you.
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