Month: January 2011

It’s one year ago today that my cat Socrates went to heaven.  I can’t believe that he’s been gone that long.  The sadness absolutely never goes away, but I have so many good memories that they have helped to ease the pain if only a little.  Sebastian and Tara really miss him as Socrates was the one who provided the entertainment for all of us.  Socrates never passed up an opportunity to have fun!  He loved to play with furry toys, nap in a sunbeam, sit on top of the refrigerator and climb to the top of the kitchen cabinets.  It wasn’t unusual for him to hop in the shower the minute I turned off the water so that he could take a drink.  He loved flowers and paper and would eat them if they were left anywhere in the house unattended.  He spent every day sitting on the windowsill watching the activity at the bird feeders in the yard.  Thankfully he didn’t mind being photographed [and was very photogenic!] so I have many pictures of him that I’m now going to organize into a photo book.  I miss you my little furry angel!

On a cold winter day like this it’s fun to think of being outside and relaxing in the warm weather with our pets.  I have a “Countdown to Spring” board in my office at work and as of today, there are 59 more days until Spring!  As I write this it’s snowing outside and we’re expecting 3″-6″ by tomorrow morning!  Boo hiss!!  The blog image is from the Lehigh Valley Kennel Club Dog Show in September. 

It’s the middle of winter and oh so cold here in Pennsylvania.  It’s very important that we think about our pets and their comfort at this time of year.  Keeping dogs and cats warm goes a long way in keeping them healthy.  Older pets are especially bothered by the cold, especially if they have ailments like arthritis.  Here are a few cold weather tips to help keep our pets cozy this winter:
– Keep pets indoors!
– If you are thinking of getting a new pet, consider breeds that adapt well to the climate where you live.  Short-haired pets like the Chihuahua in the blog image get cold faster.  I’ve seen them shivering in the summer!
– Buy your pet a cute sweater for those outdoor walks and romps in the yard.  Consider booties to protect their feet, too.
– Keep pet bedding at least 3″ off the floor to avoid drafts
– Add a hot water bottle or snuggle disk to your pet’s bed to keep him warmer
– Feed your dog a little more in winter because he burns extra calories trying to keep warm
– Give your pet lots of hugs and kisses and reserve a spot for him on the couch with you when you’re watching TV! 

What other things do you do to help keep your pets warm in winter?

One of the best things about The National Dog Show held each year in  November is that it’s a benched show.  A benched show requires that the dogs remain in their assigned benching area all day [instead of leaving after they’re finished in the ring] when they aren’t being judged to allow visitors to meet and learn about the breeds.  It’s a great opportunity to talk to the owners/handlers/breeders and meet the dogs up close and personal.  The kids obviously love it – especially when they are able to pet the dogs.  Heck, the dogs love all of the extra attention, too! 

 

This is Chanel, the #6 dog in the country in 2010 and the #1 Hound with 26 Best in Show wins and 110 Hound Group wins, including Westminster!  Chanel is a Whippet and is shown in this image with handler Lori Wilson at the Burlington County Kennel Club Dog Show last summer.  Chanel is continuing her winning ways in 2011 with recent Best in Show wins in Massachusetts and California.  Congratulations Chanel & Lori!  Watch for them on the green carpet at Westminster next month!