November/December 06

12.23.06

A dog's-eye view of New Year's Eve

It’s almost time to ring in another year (or another four dog years, depending on your perspective). Having already been through four of these celebrations myself, I’m going to let my fur down and tell you how all this stroke-of-midnight business strikes me.

Where I live here in New Jersey, the "New Year’ always begins precisely when that funny ball comes down in this place called Times Square. But in thinking about it (and we dogs do a lot more thinking than you might think), it occurred to me that out in Oklahoma where I originally came from, it’s still the same old year for another hour. And I’ve heard that out in places like California, people and their pets have to wait for three more hours until they can begin blowing those funny horns and yelling "Happy New Year!"

I also would like to offer a wish: that every dog and cat in the land can eat as well as I do, with Pet Promise in every bowl.

I could tell you more, but it's time to chew on one of the "bones" I got as a present. Talk later. Happy 2007!

posted by Bumby at 8:30 pm

12.6.06

That cold, wet nose: a sign of the season?

The dog days of last summer are long gone, and things are starting to chill out here. Sometimes it's kind of confusing; the sun beam on the rug is bright and hot, but when I step a paw outside, it's colder than my nose. (Also, who is this Jack Frost guy anyway?)

Here are some things I've learned and some winter mistakes I made last year.

First, the mistakes: Don't roll in the grass when it's covered with snow; don't lick your nose right before going out in the cold air; don't eat too much snow, and, the number one winter-time mistake I made: don't jump into a snowdrift if you don't know how deep it is. (That was an incident I really don't want to talk about).

For the most part, we dogs like to be where it's snug and warm. Sure, there are some large and hardy breeds that do well in cold weather, but don't confuse your poodle with a husky.

I think I look very sporty in blue and kinda like the fake fur collar on this.

The one nice thing I can say about this coat is that is says "good dog" on it. This comes out of the closet on snow days.

Here are a few wintertime tips from me to all you dog parents out there.

• Make sure your best buddy doesn't lap up any antifreeze. I've been told it tastes like a treat to dogs and cats, but even a tiny bit can make us really sick.
• Give us a snug place to sleep off the floor and away from drafts. (My favorite place to nap, aside from the couch, is on Leilani cat's hammock bed, provided it's not otherwise in use).
• If it's really cold and windy outside, it's not a bad idea for us to wear a sweater or coat when taking our walks. (See my winter fashion look above.)
• We don't particularly like to get snow, ice, slush and rock salt caked in the fur on our paws. So be sure and dry them whenever we return from walking on a snowy day. You might even think about adding some doggie boots to our winter wardrobe. (Personally, I have trouble walking with boots on, but I hear some dogs consider them the canine-comfort counterpart of the cat's pajamas.)
• Believe it or not, dogs and cats can get frostbite and hypothermia just like people can. So if you think their skin looks funny (reddish, white or gray) after being out in cold weather, call your veterinarian right away.

I could tell you more, but I hear a package of Pet Promise jerky treats being opened. Talk later.

posted by Bumby at 4:45 pm

11.16.06

A dog's-eye view of Thanksgiving

For the most part, dogs live in the moment. We find our good times in each day; every walk, playtime, visit with my friends, is an exciting event. (Ever wonder why your dog is just as happy to see you if you've been gone for five minutes or five hours?) Even though we don't reflect too much on the past, or worry about the future, we are thankful for every happy day and the friends we share our homes with.

With that in mind, I, Bumby, would like to give thanks for:
big, soft couch pillows to take my afternoon nap on; my collection of squeaky toys; a window that's low enough for me to look out of; my dog friends, who always stop at my house when they're on a walk to see if I can come out and play; my favorite meal - Pet Promise chicken and brown rice formula; being part of the Pet Promise team, and my person, who really cares about me.

1. Temptation: Food on the table, kitchen counters and the garbage can are a special temptation to us during Thanksgiving. We do try hard to resist, but after smelling that turkey roasting all day...
2. Keep turkey bones out of our reach: Turkey bones are a big danger to us dogs. They can cause all sorts of problems, so be sure to take out the trash before you fall asleep on the couch.
3. Turkey skin, gravy and other fatty foods can make us really sick: Don't confuse your dog with the trash can. A high-fat meal can cause problems for us. If you don't want your best friend to have big-time tummy troubles (possibly including a serious condition called pancreatitis), be very cautious about what 'people foods' you give us to eat during Thanksgiving.

I could tell you more, but I think it's time for a nap after all this thinking.

posted by Bumby at 2:15 pm