No Tricks for Food!~

We have a deal, Mr. Wilson and I; I don't beg when he's eating, and he doesn't beg when I am. It works well, this system I have devised, there is no table side drama, no reprimands, no hurt feelings and no overweight Mr. Wilsons!

Another thing that I do at feeding time is to prepare the meal for the little guy, and even though it's just some dry kibbles, a little hot water and a teaspoon of wet food I make a big deal out of it. When the feast is ready, i walk it over to the feeding place, which is always in the same place and wait for Mr. Wilson to sit. I then place the dish on his tray, and within a few seconds release him from "sit" and let him have at it.

I do not believe in making my pets do tricks for their food. They do not have to perform for cookies. They have jobs to do, nobody gets a free ride, but tricks? I think it's barbaric.

The cats have an easy job, they just have to look pretty and cuddle every now and then. Mr. Wilson has it a little harder, He is the guardian of our property, and is also my partner when we go on our neighborhood watch. To the casual observer it would appear that the tall man walking the little dog is just that, man and dog going for a walk. But if you look closely, and listen well you will find that we are far more than just casual walkers; we are scanning the horizon for crooks, and making sure everything is in place, and keeping wild animals in the woods where they belong!

It's a tough job, and Mr. Wilson does it well. There is no need for him to grovel at my feet at dinnertime.That is his time, and I let him have it. And we all sleep better when we're fed and happy!

I'm Walking the Dog...

I love walking a dog who listens. It gives me time to think, and somebody to hear the thoughts I've been thinking, other than myself. Perhaps what makes dogs such wonderful companions is their abilty to listen without offering opinions of their own. They are silent sentinals - their emotional reactions to the world we share need to be interperted by us, thus making us more in tune with our surroundings, the people we carry in our hearts and the animals at the end of our leashes. Talk is cheap, and nobody knows that better than a dog. They don't worry about idle chatter; their time on earth is relatively short, so they fill their moments with quiet reflection and comfort the people on the other end of the leash with their silent tranquility.

Until another dog crosses their vision, and all bets are off!

Liking Humans

People who like animals more than people worry me. Animals are great, there is no doubt about that, they seldom let you down, are generally good spirited folks, are cute and cuddly, or stoic and watchful. Can't say enough about them, they really are great. But they don't speak. They don't have the ability to communicate with us on an equal level. They  are easily controlled.

People on the other hand present endless challenges, and infinite possibilities. It's work maintaining a relationship with other people, and the work includes far more giving and compromise than a relationship with an animal. It's easy to be in control when dealing with a dog, or a cat, not so much with another person.

And while I'm on my soapbox, when is the last time you heard about a random pet rescuing and fostering a human? Sure there's seeing eye dogs, and search and rescue dogs, but I've yet to have one fix me my dinner. Except of course, my cats, who have been known to deliver a random snake, bird or rodent to my door as some kind of primitive gift. The gesture is always appreciated, but I always get the feathers stuck in my throat when I try and eat the birds.

Whenever I watch YouTube videos about animal rescues I can't help focusing on the people doing the rescuing rather than the animals being rescued. The people are the real heroes, and I find myself drawn to them, and find that they are more inspiring than the people who have abused and neglected the animals who need rescue are repulsive.

I guess I'm just proud to be part of the human race.

Honest Mike's People Training Tips

Hello all, it's time for the first installment of Honest Mike's People Training Tips! Today's segment touches on a touchy subject; Dogs and people on a leash.

First things first:

1 Walking your dog with a leash attached. 

It is important to teach your dog how to behave while tethered to you. Zak George is a real dog trainer, as opposed to Honest Mike who just thinks he knows everything, so I suggest you follow the link and train yourself how to act when you furry little friend is attached to you.

Now that you have learned how to walk with your dog on a leash, it's time for the next step. And here's where Honest Mike will undoubtedly ruffle some feathers:

2. Walking with your dog without a leash.

Let me be clear, I love my dogs and want nothing but the best for them. Occasionally I let them off the leash, but only in places that I believe are safe to do so. Is everyplace safe? No. There are distractions and danger everywhere. But I know that the dogs in my life are truly alive when allowed to run free. We share a bond stronger than nylon or chains, and in the appropriate place the freedom that I allow makes our bond even stronger. Little gives me more satisfaction than watching my dogs running wild, and then making the choice to come back to me.

The dogs run, and explore, and dig things up, and feel what it is like to be wild and free, but with the comfort of their protector close by. By establishing proper pack order, and creating an invisible bond between us their ancestral roots and impulses are allowed freedom of expression, and they are better dogs for it.

3. Bringing them home.

Walks are great, but coming home is even better. Allowing your dog freedom of choice, even if just for a few moments will establish you as a good, fair and competent leader in the dog's mind. He needs to trust you without doubt, and be willing to spend his entire life under your command.

To the dog, you are everything. You are the world, the sun and the stars. You owe it the the living, breathing, thinking and feeling being who is devoted to you to be the best leader possible. Taking time to establish the bond, and knowing when to let go will make the time you have together something to cherish. Their time with us is short. Make the best of it for both of you.

Pawprint Press

Michaiah and Abigail Kojoian are two local kids whom I have never met that have taken the time to create The Pawprint Press. I was Pet Supplies Plus getting food and stuff tor Lunabelle, Victorie Mae and Mr. Wilson and saw some copies of the newsletter, had a minute so I thumbed through, not knowing quite what to expect.

There were pictures and stories of homeless pets for adoption at the Cranston Animal Shelter, some tips on keeping fleas, tics and mosquitoes at bay and a nice story about an animal rescue written by Michaiah. The stories that accompanied the pets for adoption were great, as was everything about the newsletter.

Have you ever been taked by surprize by a well of emotion while in a public place? Well, I have, and it happenned right there while I waited my turn in line. It wasn't the homeless animals that got to me, rather it was the two kids whose faces are a mystery to me who took the time to visit the shelter and create from nothing a newsletter that exists soley for the purpose of finding these animals a home.

Some people say the youth of today is lost, spends all day playing with their devices and have lost their soul. I say BALONEY! The evidence of a generation of people who have the heart and soul needed to keep our world a beautiful place for the next is right in front of us if we choose to acknowledge it.  If these two kids are any indication our world will continue to be inhabited by kindness and grace, and I'm happy that I found out about them, and hope to someday tell them how awesome they are in person!