A n i m a l    H o u s e   ~  The Dog House

We often hesitate to adopt a dog from the Humane Society because we figure we don't know what we're getting into adopting somebody else's used dog. We assume that if the dog is at the pound, there must be a reason. He chews up your smelly shoes, he pees on Aunt Molly when she comes to visit, he rummages through the trash...there must be something really wrong for the dog to be at the pound.  Read More . . .

Some say it started with the Taco Bell dog. A five-hundred-million dollar ad campaign featured a talking Chihuahua which continually repeated the slogan, "Yo quiero Taco Bell," which is Spanish for "I want Taco Bell." Then came the Legally Blond films and the unstoppable Bruiser. The topping on the cake was when Paris Hilton appeared on the cover of Seventeen magazine and later tried living The Simple Life on Fox TV with Tinkerbell, her pet Chihuahua.  Read More . . .

The placing of retired racing greyhounds into adoptive homes is the single most successful animal adoption effort in history. Greyhound racing is said to be a dying industry whose mainstay fans are aging rapidly, with inadequate numbers of younger fans taking their place. Only 16 states now have dog tracks, and many that do are having to supplement the attraction of dog racing with slot machines and simulcast horse races to entice customers. At least one track in Central Florida has offered discounts to college students to try and get more (and younger) customers.  Read More . . .

Pet Boxers, although low-maintenance, require your consistent attention, exercise, human interaction, consistent obedience training, and lots of love. You cannot leave them to their own design for too long or they get lonely, bored, and into trouble.

Being a big and strong dog as well as a highly intelligent one, Boxers need both physical and mental stimulations to keep them even-tempered and dignified while still keeping their impish spirit and fearless courage in tact.  Read More . . .

Many owners don't even realize the possible dangers that await their unsupervised dog. You should treat your dog as you would your toddler. You wouldn't let your 2-year-old play outside without any supervision, and you shouldn't let your dog do so either.

Most pet owners are unaware that if a dog consumes rotting garbage, he could go into shock and possibly even die.  Read More . . .

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?"—but then you'd relent, and roll me over for a belly-rub.  Read More . . .

With mixed feelings, I drove toward the nursing home that day. A part of me didn't want to go but another part wanted, maybe even needed, the experience. I knew it would be an emotional one. It always was. It was Christmas time and Tricky, my little rescue dog, lay on the front passenger seat beside me; he looked so handsome in his bright yellow PAT Dog (Pets As Therapy) coat and matching leash.  Read More . . .

"What is that noise? It sounds like whimpering." It wasn't the cats. They were all snoozing, draped over various pieces of furniture like molded fur wraps. I hit the mute button on the TV. There it was again, only louder. The sad whine sounded like a dog, but dogs weren't allowed in my apartment building.

"Oh, don't tell me some silly soul has purchased a puppy the week before Christmas," I groaned. "They'll only have to rehome it as soon as it's discovered. Some people just don't think."  Read More . . .