Monday jumpstart: Good reads with the morning cawfee
By David S. Greene
December 7, 2009
Hey, I’m glad to be new to the Pet Connection blogging team. If you have something newsworthy you think needs a pointer, let me know.
Don’t forget it’s Dr. Marty Monday on “The Cooper Lawrence Show” tonight — first Monday of every month. The show is on 115 radio stations from coast-to-coast, and Dr. Becker will be on at 9 p.m. ET. Between Cooper and Dr. Becker, you’re in for some of what Dr. B calls “edutainmanent.” Click the link to listen online or find one of those stations.
Stuff we’re reading elsewhere:
What if your happy little Samantha is really a Stanley? Pet Connection BFF Dr. Patty Khuly writes in her Daily Vet blog about the not as rare as you might think confusion of gender in pets (the pets aren’t confused, we are). … and don’t miss her column in Veterinary Practice News on the war for veterinary hearts and minds, AVMA vs. HSVMA.… more on the HSUS front, Nathan Winograd offers his own take on the recent fund-raising pitch involving Fay (not Faye) that Gina wrote about last week. … The Toronto Star has a ton of letters to the editor regarding the mess at Toronto Humane.
Dogster reports on a controversy over a working dog in Clearwater, Fla. This isn’t the kind of working dog that you typically think of, though. Cody has his own T-shirt, nametag, and never asks for a break to smoke. However, along with not having a social security number and possibly being underage, Cody ran afoul of Florida authorities. It’s so hard to find good help nowadays. Read more, here. …
Sick Vick returned to Atlanta with his new team, and the AP says he “teared up” at the “support.” Those who didn’t support the dog-killing dirtbag were spit on. “That is a direct attack on his character,” said Vick fan Robert Green. Yes, it is. And your point is? …
YesBiscuit! is supporting an initiative in South Carolina, sponsored by the Animal Protection League of SC, to focus on the Black Pearls. For those that aren’t familiar with the term, a Black Pearl is the term used for a black dog at a shelter, as they are statistically more likely not to be adopted in shelters, and in many cases, to be killed. Check it out. … And for some holiday action, visit Full Cry for a look at a horse-and-hound parade in Middleburg, VA …
For now, I’ll wrap with this: It’s time to start thinking about what you want on your wall/fridge/barn door for a 2010 calendar. Might we suggest guinea pigs? The Guinea Pig Connection has some ideas for you. Four of them, in fact.
Nice Monday morning wrap-up, David. Welcome to the team!
Comment by Kim Thornton — December 7, 2009 @ 9:03 am
Firstly—Welcome!
Re: Vick
When my best friend’s mom called Pepsi (an Eagles Sponsor) to let them know she would no longer be buying any Pepsi product while they were still a sponsor she gave them an interesting suggestion when they were less than sympathetic (or even concerned)
She said “well why don’t you try putting pictures of his DEAD DOGS on your cans as collectables and see how well you do then” Click.
I love her. It didn’t help, but man it must have felt good to say.
Comment by Original Lori — December 7, 2009 @ 9:12 am
Hi David. Nice story about Cody - how can packaged goods be considered contaminated because of this sweet dog? I suggest people sneezing, coughing, spreading germs, and especially not washing their hands brings more contamination than the presence of a dog drool.
Comment by Snoopys Friend — December 7, 2009 @ 9:54 am
I have to say, the photo of that dog is too much. Those eyes!
Comment by AD — December 7, 2009 @ 11:36 am
Thanks, all, for the warm welcome! It’s a bit intimidating to join such a well-established gang as petconnection. I’ve been a follower for years, with only the very rare comment on the blog. Be gentle with me while I get up to speed.
The Cody story was just too incredible to exclude. I loved that he had his own t-shirt and nametag! Bet he never called out sick.
As for Sick Vick, well, let’s just say I’m in full agreement with Original Lori’s mom.
Comment by David S. Greene — December 7, 2009 @ 12:20 pm
Welcome, David!
Can I add my own plug for a calendar? The French Bulldog Village’s “Les Vieux” calendar features senior French Bulldogs ten years of age or older.
Order yours here -
http://www.cafepress.ca/fbvillage.415199429
Every single penny of profit benefits French Bulldog Village’s rescue, re home and adoption efforts for French Bulldogs and Frenchie mixes, many of whom are special needs.
And I am not at ALL prejudiced about how cute the calendar dogs are, even if one of them happens to be Tessa (and that’s Dread Pirate Lola featured for January).
Comment by FrogDogz — December 7, 2009 @ 12:47 pm
Hi, David—welcome! Just wanted to write in with thanks for including Full Cry’s post with the Middleburg hounds’ Christmas parade on your list of stops this morning. We appreciate it and hope folks will also take time to visit our affiliate, http://www.houndwelfarefund.org, too, while they’re thinking about hounds and the holidays.
We look forward to reading more of your news round-ups!
Comment by Glenye Oakford — December 7, 2009 @ 2:54 pm
I’m a little confused why you included Dr. Patty’s article in your roundup. It’s well over a year old!
Comment by donna — December 9, 2009 @ 5:14 am
My bad. I saw that article mentioned on Twitter, read it, and suggested it to David. Didn’t notice the “best by” date. And didn’t remember I’d read it a year earlier!
Comment by Gina Spadafori — December 9, 2009 @ 7:27 am
Note to self: check dates. Thanks for the heads up, Donna!
Comment by David S. Greene — December 9, 2009 @ 8:37 am