Can you kiss your dog's lips?

Can you kiss your dog's lips? No - because they don't have lips. They have flews.

Have you heard that a dog's mouth is cleaner than your mouth? I say that all the time. I just discovered that it's an urban legend. It may not be true, but now I know that dog bacteria is species specific so you are less likely to catch something from your dog then your human friends. Yes, I know where my dog's mouth has been. Ewwwww! That's probably more than you an say for your human friends. So go ahead and kiss your dog. After all, they love us unconditionally. Don't we owe them the same loyalty? :[)

The Spiritual Lives of Dogs

Are dogs spiritual? Evidence says yes they are. The dog on the left looks like he's praying doesn't he? "Oh doggy universe, please provide enough toys and chewy bones for all of dogkind, especially my best friends, Abbey and Captain. rrrruff and amen."

Seriously, dogs are more open than people are. In that way they are like children. They don't have a belief system that holds them back. We can learn much from our dogs. Spend some time on their level. Get down on the floor and play with them and see things from their perspective. It's not all butts and snouts. Well... yeah... it is. :-)

Movie Night

The weather outside is frightful but inside it's so doggonelightful. What a great night for a movie and snacks with your "kids." Ready the DVD player (or Netflix) with your dog's favorite movie. My little guys like "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" or "12 Dogs for Christmas," but "101 Dalmations" will do in a pinch. Pop up some plain pupcorn and settle into your favorite chair or couch. By then everyone will have joined you. It's important to spend quality time with your family. Oh yeah...you can invite humans to join you too. :-)

Lawn Ornaments

Do you know someone who has a dog, but the only time it's ever out is when it's chained to a fence or a post? I wish people would understand that dogs are domesticated animals who need to live with and be loved by people. If you "own" a dog, he needs to be part of your family. If you always leave him out in the yard he will become a "bad" dog who will not be cooperative. This is because dogs, like people, get depressed when they do not get enough love and attention. So if you are really too busy to own a dog don't make your dog a "lawn ornament." Get a snake. They don't need to be fed every day and they don't need attention. You could go away for a couple of weeks and no one will care.

Is Your Dog Ready for Winter?

On Tuesday I read an article in the Wall Street Journal entitled "Ready for the Dog Days of Winter?" by Gwendolyn Bounds. Did you know that certain small breeds (i.e., Chihuahua, Dachshund, Boston Terrier, Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, Miniature Pincher and the Xolo (hairless Mexican dog)) are more at risk because of their size and inability to keep body heat. Elderly and ailing dogs also need extra layers to keep in body heat. I have Toy Yorkshire Terriers. They love to wear sweatshirts in the winter. Like "people" fashion, the spring line of dog fashion is out now and it's a good time to find discounted winter items for your buddy.

Also, watch out for rock salt and ice melt products, even the ones especially made for use with dogs. Follow the directions to spread thinly. Some dogs are like goats...they will eat almost anything. If you dog looks fatigued, is trembling, vomiting or has diarrhea call your vet or the animal poison line at 888-426-4435.

You know how sometimes when you walk your dog on snow and ice they start limping. That's because their paws are cold. Don't forget to wipe off their paws after a walk to remove the rock salt so they don't ingest it. Our dogs, like our children, depend on us to take care of them. :-)

Socializing your dog

People enjoy getting together with friends and so do our dogs. If your dog needs to learn how to get along with other dogs (and/or people) and make new friends one of the best ways to accomplish this is to take him/her to PETCO. Gather up leash and pup and head to your local PETCO where you will usually find other dog owners doing the same. They have designated doggie stations where you can "pick up" items needed to bag gifts your pup leaves behind while walking down the aisles. It's such a perfect setting. You can walk/train/socialize, bond with your dog and shop in one place. What could be better. Make it a regular outing. You might even make a new friend, I did. :-)

Captain Reporting for Work

This is my puppy, Captain. He's a terrier mix, maybe part Border Collie. His first birthday was January 4, 2011. He's about four months old in this photo. He probably weighs about 45-50 pounds. I know this because I cannot lift him into the laundry tub anymore. He is a beautiful dog and works for a living by herding the other dogs. There are many breeds of worker dogs. To be a good pet they need to have a job. If you have a "herder" who has nothing to herd, he will herd you. I think he'll enjoy herding goats. :-)

Going for a Car Ride

I have early childhood memories of mom and dad throwing us kids in the car when we were small and couldn't sleep. We would drive around for awhile till we fell asleep; then mom and dad would would carry us into the house and put us to bed. Recently, I realized that I could do the same thing with my dogs. Dogs love to ride in the car! If your pup is very active and you are looking for a distraction, a car ride is perfect. By the time you get home your dog is calm and may even be ready for a nap. One good hint about the car, however, clean out the kid's lollipops before you put the dog in. :-)

Here's an idea that will train your dog, and endear you to him at the same time. Picture a very wet Utah day (i.e., rain, snow, hail, sleet, general moisture). Your dog comes through his doggy door; he's very wet. Put his towel in your clothes dryer for a few minutes. Now you have a toasty, warm towel to offer him, an invigorating massage and your loving attention. What could be better?! Dogs are creatures of habit; chances are after you have shown up for him this way after awhile he will come looking for you and his warm towel. This is a great way to bond with your buddy. Win - win!!

Love is simple

A dog's love is so uncomplicated. You feed him. He loves you. You throw him his ball. He loves you. He loves that you let him curl up in your lap to nap, even if he's a Mastiff. He looks at you like you are his whole world because you are.

I am so looking forward to the Spring and the renewal of life, not to mention the warm weather. On the left is a photo of my old front yard in South Ogden. It was a beautiful Summer day. Guest, Lucy, is in my lap reading with me. On my left is a recurring guest, Sophie (a chocolate poodle). On my right is guest and sister of my dog Captain. I think it's Scooter, but it could be Brownie (they look so much alike). She was also there that day. Immediately on my left is Sky, my blue Pomeranian. I also refer to him as the "Old Man." He's my eldest dog, and turned 10 around the time of this photo. I just realized that my little Yorkie, Kenya, is curled up behind the chair napping. She's gold and blue. Can you find her? This is what we do after all the sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, playing, cuddling, bathing, nail clipping, brushing and pre-napping. Looks cozy? It is. :-)

The Move to Ogden

We officially moved to Ogden on November 1, 2010 and set up shop. As you can see we are now relaxing and settling into our new digs. This is a wonderful new location on one and a third acres. There are 14 goats living next door and we hear bleating all day long, but it is reassuring. We are in the country! Come see for yourself. Call Abby's Dog House 801-814-7900. Alway remember YOU put the wag in our dog's tail.