I was first introduced to the idea of eating dogs when I was 21 years old. I received a brochure, probably from PETA, because the images were graphic and repulsive and was filled with dramatic wording and gruesome stories. I wasn’t very worldly at the time, but felt it must be an example of extreme differences in our cultural practices. I don’t agree with interfering in other countries cultures, but at the same time, I believe in basic rights and humane treatment of animals. After reading this following article, I learned that it is illegal to eat dogs. Even the countries that have these inhumane practices, have citizens, like Lee Won-bok, who find this just as appalling as we do. I was relieved for the sake of those animals who didn’t have the luck to be born in America.

The article from LA Times about this animal rights activist.

The 100th birthday of Bluey, a famous Australian cattle dog born on June 7, 1910, will be celebrated next year by people living in Rochester, a country town 130 miles (209 kilometers) north of Melbourne, Victoria.

Bluey worked among sheep and cattle for 20 years, and survived until Nov. 14, 1939, when he was put down. He had lived for 29 years, five months and seven days, on a diet of kangaroos and emus. He was the world’s oldest dog, a record that has never been beaten.

John Harley, top dog of the Rochester Historical and Pioneer Society, said that William Hall, of Rochester, was Bluey’s first owner. When William Hall died, his son Les looked after the dog. On the other hand, Wikipedia says Bluey’s owner was named Esma Hall.

It should also be noted that Esma Hall lived to the age of 103. However rumours that she was fed on a diet of kangaroo and emu herself are unsubstantiated.

It is very important to research dog breeds before you include a new dog in your family. I tried this quiz. It was suprisingly accurate for me. Try it. It chose Bichons, Standard Poodles, and Toy Poodles as my top three. Very true! I love those breeds and had lived with a Std Poodle for almost 15 years.

Socialization is a process of providing a pet with opportunities of pleasant experiences with a variety of people, places, and things.

A sensitive period for socialization in puppies occurs between 6 and 12 weeks. During this time puppies are not afraid of much. Socialization happens easily at this time. This period is limited by the puppy’s increasing fear of the unfamiliar.

Expose your puppy to new things in brief sessions. These experiences should be positive. If your puppy or the other person or animal becomes aggressive, distressed, or fearful, stop the session and remove the puppy. By stopping the activity, you have retained control of the situation. These must be positive and pleasant for the puppy. Discipline is not neccessary, it will only make the puppy more fearful or aggressive.

The Obama’s have decided on a Portuguese Water Dog from a rescue group. Here are some Park Hill Pooch’s Porti clients.

To see the article.

 

 

To Calculate Your Dog’s Age:
The old formula for obtaining the age of your dog was to multiply every year of a dog’s life by seven human years. But that’s not accurate. A dog is full grown at twelve months, which would be age eighteen in human terms. From this point on, to calculate the true age of your dog, figure that every dog year is the equivalent of five human years. Thus a ten-year-old dog is sixty-three years of age in human terms.
~excerpt from Fun Facts About Dogs

 

This would be pretty acturate for medium size dog. But, size does matter: smaller dogs live longer than larger dogs. So, consider the life expectancy of that breed. Maybe, 7yrs for big and 3 or 4yrs for little. 

Click here for a neat conversion chart.

We may say rrrf-ruff, arf-arf, or bow-wow. But, how do other countries speak dog? 

• Arabic: Haw-haw
  

  Whatcha say Sam?!

• Chinese: Wang-wang
• French: Whou-whou or Vaf-vaf
• German: Vow-vow
• Italian: Bau-bau
• Japanese: Won-won or Kyan-kyan
• Norwegian: Voff-voff or Vov-vov
• Russian: Gav-gav or Guf-guf
• Spanish: Guau-guau

West Highland White Terrier or “Westie” is a relatively recent breed. They were derived from white Cairn Terrier puppies in Scottland. These white puppies were bred to develop the West Highland variation. The Westie is basically a White Cairn Terrier - and an extremely popular breed.

 

- excerpt from Planet Dog a doglopedia