Sunday, February 22, 2015

Can Old Dogs Teach Us New Tricks?

How many times have we pondered whether or not an old dog can actually learn new tricks?  Well, how about dogs teaching humans new tricks?  Hmmm, what do you think we could learn from them?  Here are a few doggie life lessons to make us think and hopefully focus on the simple things in life – the parts of life that have endless value.  Take a break from the busyness of everyday life and see if dogs can, in fact, teach us a few new tricks.

 
If dogs were teachers, we would probably learn the really important stuff like...
*  When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
*  Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
*  Enjoy the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face (don't worry about your hair getting messed up)  .
*  When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience (being obedient might take a lot of practice for some of us).
*  Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
*  Take naps (my personal favorite).
*  Stretch before rising.
*  Run, romp, and play daily.
*  Avoid biting when a simple growl will do (something often easier said than done).
*  On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass (only if someone is there to help me get back up).
*  On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
*  When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body (just be sure no one else is around to witness this scary sight).
*  No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout… run right back and make friends (another example of something easier said than done).
*  Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
*  Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough (learning to stop when we've had enough may take some time to master).
*  Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you’re not.
*  If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
*  When someone is having a bad day; be silent, sit close by, and be a true companion (no training needed...this is something we can all do but probably don't do nearly enough).


 
So let's try to learn from our very wise, four-legged friends and practice showing them all the love and patience they share with us every day of our lives.  Our pets truly deserve the same respect and unconditional love as all living beings do.  They are not status symbols...they have huge open hearts and, if we open our hearts as well, our lives are FURever changed for the better!

 
Ready to open your heart and home to a new dog, cat, puppy, or kitten?  Check out all the cuddly cuteness waiting for you at Pet Pal by going to http://www.petpalanimalshelter.com.  There you'll find the animals currently available for adoption as well as information about upcoming events, different ways to donate, and volunteer opportunities. 

 
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.  Please post any questions or suggestions you might have for me in the comments section or via email to chrisnorm74@gmail.com.  I welcome and greatly appreciate any feedback you want to share. 

 
Happy tails to you until we meet again! 

Monday, February 9, 2015

Furever Love For Valentine's Day

Feeling lonely this Valentine's Day?  Hoping this will finally be the year that special someone sweeps you off your feet and you'll go riding off into the sunset together towards your "happily ever after"?  Well, just in case that doesn't happen...here's a little something to make you smile anyway. 

 
Did you know that one in five people prefer to spend Valentine’s Day with their pet over their significant other?  Here are ten reasons why a dog makes a better date this Valentine’s Day:

 
1.  Dogs don’t talk!  I could go into further detail, but I think we can all agree this is a good thing!

2.  If you worry your dog will destroy your home 4 seconds after you leave for the evening, you can put him in a crate.  The authorities frown upon this sort of thing when it comes to dates!

3.  Dog slobber is cute...date slobber is sooooo not cute!  

4.  You don’t have to share your dessert with a dog (and probably shouldn’t).  This is ideal because dessert is the best part of Valentine’s Day and all that sweet stuff makes dogs sick.  So you get your box of chocolates all to yourself!  YUM!   

5.  For the not-so-romantic folks out there, a dog won’t look hopefully, then desperately, and finally disappointedly into your eyes when the evening doesn’t end in a romantic marriage proposal!  

6.  When a dog follows you around, it’s just too cute.  Nothing is better than being adored by a loyal dog; however, if a date follows you around … we call that stalking!

7.  Dogs don’t care if you're “presentable” or not.  You don’t have to buy expensive clothes and accessories to hang out with your dog.  Just head out on a walk, toss a ball around, give a good long belly rub and you’ve won their hearts forever!  

8.  You'll never have to come up with a way to gently but firmly “get rid” of a dog.  Why would anyone want to get rid of a dog?  Dogs are funny, goofy, and even help out by cleaning food right off the kitchen floor for you when you drop it.  Dates seem to think that kind of thing is below them!  

9.  Pup snuggles are the best!  OK, so snuggles from a human can be pretty good too but, when a pup nuzzles his way up along side you on the couch, you’ll stay in that same position for hours just so you don’t disturb the little guy's comfort!

10.  Did I mention dogs don’t talk?

 
No pet of your own to be your Valentine?  Maybe it's time to consider adopting one.  Who knows, Cupid may have a perfect love match waiting for you at Pet Pal Animal Shelter!  Just keep in mind that bringing an animal into your home and caring for it properly is kind of like getting married...it's a lifelong commitment and everyone involved needs to be on board with it.  Surprising your loved one with a puppy or kitten might seem like a great Valentine's Day gift, but returning the animal to the shelter because things didn't work out isn't so romantic.

 
Not quite ready to jump into the commitment of a long-term relationship but still wanting to share the love?  Well look no further for your new B.F.F. this Valentine's Day!  Send a Valentine to an animal at Pet Pal Animal Shelter:

 
1.  Make a donation of $50 to any animal at Pet Pal and they will display a Red Heart with the animal's picture, and your love message in the shelter for the month of February. 

2.  Upon adoption, your Doggie Valentine will receive a Bag of Science Diet Food, leash & collar,  and an earth rated poo bag dispenser filled with lavender scented poo bags by St. Petersbark .  Cats get a bag of Science Diet Food and World's Best Cat Litter.

3.  You will receive a Valentine in the mail from your animal.

 
Our pets are our best friends. They love us unconditionally, lend us an ear, protect us from harm, and are true companions.  A great time to show how much we love them is on Valentine’s Day.  So give your pets an extra big hug this Valentines Day and show them just how special they really are! 

 
Have a warm and furry Valentine's Day! 

 
Happy tails to you until we meet again!