For these select few, the road to beauty was not an easy one. I am certain that these pooches spend MUCH more time primping than I do!
Some of my favorites during the grooming process:
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Chicago Hot Dogs
Thousands of gorgeous pups gathered at the Chicago Dog Show this past weekend, all with their eyes on the exclusive "Best in Show" title.
For these select few, the road to beauty was not an easy one. I am certain that these pooches spend MUCH more time primping than I do!
Some of my favorites during the grooming process:
For these select few, the road to beauty was not an easy one. I am certain that these pooches spend MUCH more time primping than I do!
Some of my favorites during the grooming process:
Honk if you hate puppy mills.
I honked- a lot!
Dog lovers gathered outside Northbrook Court this weekend to protest pet shops and puppy mills. If you're in the market for a new puppy, remember to check out your local animal shelter or breed rescue. Help break the puppy mill cycle by choosing to not buy from a pet shop.
Louise, an Irish Wolfhound, is a rescue puppy herself.
Dog lovers gathered outside Northbrook Court this weekend to protest pet shops and puppy mills. If you're in the market for a new puppy, remember to check out your local animal shelter or breed rescue. Help break the puppy mill cycle by choosing to not buy from a pet shop.
Louise, an Irish Wolfhound, is a rescue puppy herself.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
A Poodle by any other name would be just as cute!
Labradoodle (Labrador + Poodle)
Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel + Poodle)
Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever + Poodle)
Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel + Poodle)
Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever + Poodle)
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Dogs: 1, Puppy Mills: 0
The bad news: puppy mills are still operating.
The good news: the Illinois state legislature is considering legislation (S.B. 3594/H.B. 5772) that would require pet stores to disclose detailed information about the origin of their puppies.
Ever wonder where the puppies in pet shops come from? You're not alone. Most pet shops do not freely share this information, saying only that their animals are happy and healthy. However, for both health and humane reasons, it is crucial to know where your new pet is coming from. Otherwise, you could end up supporting a puppy mill.
There are two ways to help end puppy mills. The first is to stop buying dogs from pet shops. As demand wanes, so will the puppy mills. Instead, choose to adopt or buy from a responsible and reputable breeder. The second, if you live in Illinois, is to contact your state legislators and ask them to support S.B. 3594 or H.B. 5772. For more information, visit the Humane Society's website here.
These initiatives are not exclusive to Illinois. I urge you to research and support efforts to protect animals in your state!
The good news: the Illinois state legislature is considering legislation (S.B. 3594/H.B. 5772) that would require pet stores to disclose detailed information about the origin of their puppies.
Ever wonder where the puppies in pet shops come from? You're not alone. Most pet shops do not freely share this information, saying only that their animals are happy and healthy. However, for both health and humane reasons, it is crucial to know where your new pet is coming from. Otherwise, you could end up supporting a puppy mill.
There are two ways to help end puppy mills. The first is to stop buying dogs from pet shops. As demand wanes, so will the puppy mills. Instead, choose to adopt or buy from a responsible and reputable breeder. The second, if you live in Illinois, is to contact your state legislators and ask them to support S.B. 3594 or H.B. 5772. For more information, visit the Humane Society's website here.
These initiatives are not exclusive to Illinois. I urge you to research and support efforts to protect animals in your state!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Don't pity a shelter dog. Adopt One.
Some of my favorite commercials during the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show were from Pedigree, a company that not only sells pet food but is dedicated to finding loving homes for shelter dogs. The Pedigree Foundation's commercials promote adoption in a new light, depicting pound-puppies not as sad and pathetic, but as respectable and noble creatures in need of a good home. Even if you can't adopt, you can still help by volunteering or donating. For more information on the Pedigree Foundation's work, click here.
Meet Dottie, a Rat Terrier who was adopted from the Anti-Cruelty Society in 2008 and now lives a happy and healthy life in Logan Square. Dottie loves to cuddle and run in the park, and serves as the official mascot of her owner's theatre company, Holiday Theatre Company. Because her owners chose to adopt, Dottie got a second chance at life. I love a happy ending!
When looking for your next furry friend, remember to adopt!
Meet Dottie, a Rat Terrier who was adopted from the Anti-Cruelty Society in 2008 and now lives a happy and healthy life in Logan Square. Dottie loves to cuddle and run in the park, and serves as the official mascot of her owner's theatre company, Holiday Theatre Company. Because her owners chose to adopt, Dottie got a second chance at life. I love a happy ending!
When looking for your next furry friend, remember to adopt!
Deep Thoughts by Bear Howenstine
"I care not for a man's religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it." -Abraham Lincoln
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The grace, the athleticism, the suspense...
and I'm not talking about the Winter Olympics!
Congratulations to Sadie- Best in Show at this year's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show!
Sadie, a Scottie, beat out six other Best of Group winners to claim the coveted title. Her competition included a Whippet, Toy Poodle, French Bulldog, Puli, Brittany, and Doberman Pinscher.
Visit the Westminster Kennel Club's website here to learn more about Sadie.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Sadie- Best in Show at this year's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show!
Sadie, a Scottie, beat out six other Best of Group winners to claim the coveted title. Her competition included a Whippet, Toy Poodle, French Bulldog, Puli, Brittany, and Doberman Pinscher.
Visit the Westminster Kennel Club's website here to learn more about Sadie.
Congratulations!
Lex was none too happy with the move to Hong Kong...
...and now spends his days facebooking, rather than romping, with his furry friends.
Lex is a 2-year-old Boxer/Pitbull mix. He loves to beg for treats, facebook and watch other pups on television, but dislikes Hong Kong.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
No, I did not eat your PB & J sandwich!
Frankie is a 4-year-old Puggle from Wicker Park. He enjoys peanut butter, playing fetch and wooing much larger dogs.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Puppies + Hipsters = Pupsters
Pupster [pup-ster] -noun
1. A canine characterized by a particularly strong sense of alienation from most established social activities and relationships.
2. A canine who possesses tastes, social attitudes, and opinions deemed cool by the cool.
Leila, a Boxer/Bulldog mix from University Village, enjoys horn-rimmed glasses, indie rock on iTunes and stealing and eating remote controls (30+ under her belt).
Roscoe, her brother, is a Rottweiler/Beagle mix. He's ready for a stroll through Bucktown!
1. A canine characterized by a particularly strong sense of alienation from most established social activities and relationships.
2. A canine who possesses tastes, social attitudes, and opinions deemed cool by the cool.
Leila, a Boxer/Bulldog mix from University Village, enjoys horn-rimmed glasses, indie rock on iTunes and stealing and eating remote controls (30+ under her belt).
Roscoe, her brother, is a Rottweiler/Beagle mix. He's ready for a stroll through Bucktown!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Get that dog a beer!
Kato, a 2-year-old Boxer from Lakeview, getting a little too comfortable while watching the Animal Planet!
Cocker Conundrum
You might be surprised to know that there are not one, but TWO types of Cocker Spaniels: American and English.
American Cocker Spaniels have round eyes and a rounded skull, and have a more pronounced stop (the indentation in the forehead just above eye level) and shorter muzzle than English Cocker Spaniels. English Cockers are a bit taller and heavier than the American breed, and tend to have less coat. However, it is often difficult to tell the difference between the two!
American Cocker Spaniels
English Cocker Spaniels
Murphy is an English Cocker Spaniel from Irvine, CA. Don't be fooled by his salt-and-pepper ears- this pup is only 4 years old (5 as of Friday)! Murphy is a tad shy, but loves to curl up and snuggle with his owners. His favorite pastimes include giving hugs, having his belly rubbed and taking flying leaps off of things (expecting you to catch him). Although Murphy puts on a brave face while barking at the mailman and kitties everyday, he is one big wimp!
Orange is a good color on you, Murphy!
American Cocker Spaniels have round eyes and a rounded skull, and have a more pronounced stop (the indentation in the forehead just above eye level) and shorter muzzle than English Cocker Spaniels. English Cockers are a bit taller and heavier than the American breed, and tend to have less coat. However, it is often difficult to tell the difference between the two!
American Cocker Spaniels
English Cocker Spaniels
Murphy is an English Cocker Spaniel from Irvine, CA. Don't be fooled by his salt-and-pepper ears- this pup is only 4 years old (5 as of Friday)! Murphy is a tad shy, but loves to curl up and snuggle with his owners. His favorite pastimes include giving hugs, having his belly rubbed and taking flying leaps off of things (expecting you to catch him). Although Murphy puts on a brave face while barking at the mailman and kitties everyday, he is one big wimp!
Orange is a good color on you, Murphy!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Deep Thoughts by Bear Howenstine
"To live long, eat like a cat, drink like a dog." -German Proverb
Bear is a 3-year-old Newfoundland from Lincoln Park. His favorite activities include: hanging with his brother Kevin (a feline!), giving kisses, chasing squirrels, romping at Wiggley Field and drooling.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Mark your calendars!
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is next Monday, February 15 and Tuesday, February 16. Click here for information on television coverage.
Three new breeds join the lineup this year: the Irish Red and White Setter, the Norwegian Buhund, and the Pyrenean Shepherd. Welcome!
Stump, a Sussex Spaniel, was last year's winner.
Three new breeds join the lineup this year: the Irish Red and White Setter, the Norwegian Buhund, and the Pyrenean Shepherd. Welcome!
Stump, a Sussex Spaniel, was last year's winner.
Friday, February 5, 2010
My inspiration...
Corey Matthew Bye
1994-2008
Corey became part of our family in the fall of 1995. He was adopted from the Irvine Animal Shelter, where his big brown eyes and bright smile stood out from the rest. We were surprised that the adorable Cocker Spaniel/Golden Retriever mix had not been claimed by his previous owner, and fell in love with the happy, skinny pup right away.
Any dog would have been a handful for my family--whose previous experience with animals consisted of a few goldfish and hamsters--but Corey proved to be a challenge. Like all young dogs, he liked to scratch, bark, bolt through the house and run away. His biggest vice: food. In addition to napping and receiving belly rubs, counter-surfing was one of Corey's favorite activities. He would do anything for a morsel of bagel, even if our fingers were in the way. It didn't take long for our scrawny pound-puppy to plump up!
Despite Corey's naughty behavior (certainly a reflection of his owners' inability to scold such a sweetheart), he always managed to put a smile on my face and melt my heart. He was there, tail wagging, to greet me as I walked through the door, and was there to comfort me when I was sad or upset. More than anything he could make me laugh, whether prancing through the house in sneakers (put there by me and my sister, of course!) or on the sidelines of my soccer games, supporting the team in a Lasers jersey. Though he mellowed as the years went by, his love for food never did. It always took a couple slices of bread to lure Corey home after taking himself for a walk in the greenbelt!
What my first (and only) dog taught me is best summed up by John Grogan in his book Marley and Me:
Despite our shortcomings, Corey was there for my family, knowing that we would be there for him. Corey was diagnosed with cancer in 2007, and after several rounds of chemotherapy passed away in the spring of 2008.
I think about Corey everyday, and miss his sweet, goofy personality. I will certainly own more animals throughout my life, but will never forget my first dog.
1994-2008
Corey became part of our family in the fall of 1995. He was adopted from the Irvine Animal Shelter, where his big brown eyes and bright smile stood out from the rest. We were surprised that the adorable Cocker Spaniel/Golden Retriever mix had not been claimed by his previous owner, and fell in love with the happy, skinny pup right away.
Any dog would have been a handful for my family--whose previous experience with animals consisted of a few goldfish and hamsters--but Corey proved to be a challenge. Like all young dogs, he liked to scratch, bark, bolt through the house and run away. His biggest vice: food. In addition to napping and receiving belly rubs, counter-surfing was one of Corey's favorite activities. He would do anything for a morsel of bagel, even if our fingers were in the way. It didn't take long for our scrawny pound-puppy to plump up!
Despite Corey's naughty behavior (certainly a reflection of his owners' inability to scold such a sweetheart), he always managed to put a smile on my face and melt my heart. He was there, tail wagging, to greet me as I walked through the door, and was there to comfort me when I was sad or upset. More than anything he could make me laugh, whether prancing through the house in sneakers (put there by me and my sister, of course!) or on the sidelines of my soccer games, supporting the team in a Lasers jersey. Though he mellowed as the years went by, his love for food never did. It always took a couple slices of bread to lure Corey home after taking himself for a walk in the greenbelt!
What my first (and only) dog taught me is best summed up by John Grogan in his book Marley and Me:
A dog judges others not by their color or creed or class but by who they are inside. A dog doesn't care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his. It was really quite simple, and yet we humans, so much wiser and more sophisticated, have always had trouble figuring out what really counts and what does not.
Despite our shortcomings, Corey was there for my family, knowing that we would be there for him. Corey was diagnosed with cancer in 2007, and after several rounds of chemotherapy passed away in the spring of 2008.
I think about Corey everyday, and miss his sweet, goofy personality. I will certainly own more animals throughout my life, but will never forget my first dog.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Welcome to my Dog Blog!
If you know even a little about me, you know that I love animals...especially dogs. Big or small, purebred or mutt, fluffy or bald- I love them all! I moved to Chicago a couple of years ago and found the city teeming with adorable pooches; so why not document them? I hope you find my blog to be a good source of all things dog-related in the Windy City (with occasional contributions from my furry friends in California). Enjoy!
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