More Fun Than You Can Shake a Stick At

My last post was about the new activities that pets can participate in. So, to continue with this theme of innovation, I would like to talk about some interesting new pet gadgets that will certainly spark your interest.

Switched.com had a list of 12 pet innovations that are worth a look. There were a couple from that list that caught my attention.

• Pet Chime Doggy Doorbell: This invention was made to prevent pets from barking or scratching when they want to go out. To get your attention, they push the paw shaped button and a chime is emitted from a wireless transmitter.


• POOP-FREEZE Spray: This product reminds me of the movie "Envy" in which the main character invents a spray that makes doggy droppings disappear. While this product doesn't do that, it does freeze the droppings to make them easy to clean up.


• Modern Cat Furniture: The Refined Feline website sells cat furniture that is made to look modern and stylish. Their slogan, "Eyesore no more," describes how their furniture is made to fit with your decor rather than look like a sore thumb in your living room.

These were just a few of my favorites. Go take a look for yourself and I'm sure you'll be amazed at what people have come up with for our pets.

(Picture courtesy of switched.com)

Ever Heard Of Doga?

Our world is full of new fads and animals are no exception to our need to update and be modern.

In the past few years, several new creations have emerged to help our furry friends feel better. Some are a little out there, some bring us closer to our pets and others really seem to make a difference.

There are three new players on the health and wellness scene that have really caught my attention, so I decided to do some more research:

• Doga: So, what exactly is Doga? It's doggy yoga! As reported in the Post-Gazette article, many owners say they see a difference in their dog's ability to relax, just as seen in humans. The scientific benefit hasn't been proven, however. This fad started in New York and has been moving throughout the country. Cats also have their version of kitty yoga so they too can feel the benefits. Pet yoga involves teaching your animals to put themselves into positions that better breathing, blood flow and relaxation.


• Acupuncture: Most people are familiar with the interesting process of putting needles in the body to release pressure and increase wellness. Now, animals can receive this treatment to ease their pain. In addition to acupuncture, pets can use other Chinese forms of healing such as herbs. Animal hospitals now offer these services. Deer Creek Animal Hospital in Littleton, CO even has two vets specially trained to focus in these areas of treatment.


• Pet Psychics: Psychics are always the targets of some skepticism as their trade is one that relies on things unseen. However, being able to talk to someone without a voice, like the dead or, say, a pet, has become quite desirable. We were first introduced to Sonya Fitzpatrick, a pet psychic, on her Animal Planet show. She would speak to pets and let owners know what they were thinking and what they wanted their humans to know. While not a huge craze, it has caught on for some.

Who knows what craze we love will become something we can share with our pets next.

(Picture courtesy of Dogadog.com)

Sit, Stay, Enjoy

Looking for some fur-filled movies to enjoy this weekend? I have some suggestions.

I wanted to list out some great animal movies that I've enjoyed since I was young, but I realized I need to limit myself to just dog movies this time since there are so many choices for animal movies.

• Milo and Otis: Obviously this movie wasn't done with a huge budget but it's endearing none the less. Dudley Moore narrates the entire movie and does all the voices. The story follows an adventurous kitten named Milo who finds himself drifting down a river with only his Pug puppy friend, Otis, to find him. Four out of five bones.
  
• Fluke: Kind of a strange premise for this movie. A man dies in a car accident and is reincarnated as a Golden Retriever puppy. He then goes on a mission to find his family and, once he does, tries to think of a way to tell them who he is. Three and a half out of five bones.


• Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey: Probably a movie we all watched as kids. This story follows an older Golden Retriever, an American Bulldog, and a Himalayan cat as they trek through the mountains to get home after mistakenly thinking their owners have forgotten them. Four out of five bones.
  
• 101 Dalmatians: A Disney classic that can't be beat. Pongo and Perdita go in search of their puppies after they're stolen by the evil Cruella De Vil. This movie has been done in both an animated version and a live-action remake in 1996. Four and a half out of five bones.
  
• I Am Legend: Something a little newer for the list. Not only is this movie an awesome sci-fi thrill ride, there is also a touching friendship between Robert Neville and Sam, a German Shepherd. This bond proves that dogs are man's best friend. Five out of five bones.

Enjoy a dog-filled weekend!

(Picture courtesy of pugs.nl)

Shake Your Tailfeathers...If You've Got Them

Oscar is a cockatoo. Oscar is naked. Oscar dances.

I first came across the story of Oscar while watching The Soup on E! Oscar lives at the Broward County Humane Society in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She came to the humane society about 12 years at which point she was diagnosed with only six months to live.

Oscar has beak and feather disease. This disease is a virus that is easily spread to other birds. They lose their feathers and are susceptible to infection which often leads to death in affected birds.

This sounds sad, but when you see Oscar, despite looking like roasted chicken, you see how happy she is with her family at the humane society. She talks, sings and even does a Mick Jagger impression. Take a look at this youtube.com video:

For Your Viewing Pleasure

When Animal Planet was first offered without an additional subscription in our cable package, I did nothing but watch the newly acquired channel. I loved "Emergency Vets," "Animal Face-Off" and "K-9 to 5," just to name a few.

Then, the programming seemed to shift focus to documentary-type shows. It was a while before I ever watched that channel again. Recently, however, I happened across Animal Planet again only to discover that they have several new shows that are quite enjoyable.

• It's Me or The Dog: Dog trainer Victoria Stilwell visits homes where dog owners have sent out an S.O.S. She helps them learn why their dogs are misbehaving and then helps them retrain their pet into a picture of perfection.


• Groomer Has It: Hosted by Jai Rodriguez from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, this show is a competition between groomers to test their knowledge and aptitude for the profession.


• Petfinder: This show is focused on finding the right pet for the different needs of potential owners. The families get "Teachers' Pets" so they can, in a sense, test drive what it would be like own the pet they think they want. This show is based off of Petfinder.com.

These are just a few of the new options that Animal Planet is offering now as new programming. Hopefully, if you're looking for some fur-themed shows, you can find something to entertain you. Enjoy!

(Picture courtesy of wikipedia.com)

"For Your Cast of Characters"

I love it when commercials make me laugh. I love it even more when the ad involves cats.

Tidy Cats has recently created a collection of commercials that pretty much made my night last night (Yes, my night was THAT boring). But, my lack of social engagements aside, I think they did a great job on these commercials.

The whole collection cat be found on the "Tidy Cats Presents" portion of the website. I'd recommend clicking through all of the available videos and enjoying the quirkiness of each one. My favorite, however, would have to be "Outfits."

"Charades" was the one that got me interested in pursuing these commercials. After searching youtube.com, I realized that Tidy Cats has a history of clever commercials involving talking cats. In comparison, I'd say the newer ones are better since the ad I saw last night caught my attention and stuck in my head.

I hope you enjoy these commercials as much as I did. As for me, I need to run to the store...to buy some litter...Tidy Cats litter...

(Picture courtesy of TidyCats.com)

Lesson Learned

Two nights ago, I tried to plug my phone in to charge it. No go...

Upon closer inspection, I found that my cat had chewed through the wire. I tried to reconnect the wire, but only got blue sparks.

So, I went to the mall and went to the T-Mobile store. I explained my problem to the clerk and he pulled out his own phone. He showed me where his cat had chewed his phone. The back was covered in teeth marks.

This made me wonder cats chew. Everyone knows that dogs chew things, but you expect cats to just eat your plants not to do serious damage.

On WIKIhow.com, I found that cords seem to be a cat's number one choice for things to chew on. A piece of wire to a cat is an extremely desirable toy.

A useful resource for cheap and easy ways to kitty proof your cords, check out stretcher.com.

Finally, I found information that went beyond cord chewing to other chewing problems with cats at about. com.

Hopefully, if you're having problems with your cat chewing, some of these resources will offer some advice.

(Picture courtesy of jupiterimages.com)

Roll Over...With Laughter

For those of us who watch America's Funniest Home Videos just to see the funny clips of pets and who read "Garfield" religiously for cat humor, we now have a new source of entertainment.

Purina is holding a Pet Comedy Challenge where commedians base their entire repertoire of jokes on pets. To view the videos of the final eight in the competition, visit the Pet Comedy Challenge's website.

The winner will get $10,000 and will be determined from votes cast online at the website I mentioned above. Two of the current finalists are from Denver, so perhaps our fellow Coloradans need some support.

Here is a brief overview of the competition I found on Youtube.com:

Can't Adopt? Get Involved!

My last post highlighted some ways you can find animals in search of homes in Colorado. I've decided to continue talking about the Larimer County Humane Society, specifically their upcoming funraiser.

On Saturday, May 10th, the Larimer County Humane Society will be holding it's 18th Annual Fire Hydrant 5. It's $25 a person to enter the 5K race or the 3K walk/fun run. Your pooch is also welcome to participate for another $5. All the money raised goes to the Humane Society. There are prizes available for those who win races and for the people who raise the most money by collecting donations.

As part of the Fire Hydrant 5, there will be a Pet Fair. The Pet Fair is a fun way for the family to have fun with their dogs. There will be Fido Photos, paw painting, a flyball demonstration, and more.

If you don't want to participate but would still like to help, volunteers are needed for the event for a number of positions. The Coloradoan did a quick run-down of what the Humane Society is looking for as far as volunteers.

For more information about this event or to register, visit the Larimer County Humane Society website.

(Photo courtesy of LarimerHumane.org)