All over the newspapers and news sites are pictures of Yasmin Nakhuda, holding onto the fake shearing coat Darwin was found in at the IKEA parking lot, upset and angry at Toronto Animal Services for taking her monkey away.

The coverage has focused on her legal argument, the legality of actions taken by Toronto Animal Services, specifics of the municipal code, etc. I absolutely understand that’s what lawyers need to do, argue the law to achieve a certain outcome.

But why is the best interest of the monkey not part of this discussion?

After all, she calls herself his mother. If Darwin was a human child, and seized by the Children’s Aid Society. The test by which the judge would evaluate Darwin’s future home and guardianship would be based on his best interest – not that of the ‘mother’.

The whole fan fair Nakhuda puts on has an Octo-mom bizzaro quality to it. Something smells really fishy here. She claims to love this animal and insists she is the most qualified and best guardian for Darwin simply because she is his ‘mother’. What really qualifies her care for Darwin? I argue she has failed that on a few counts already.

She used a regular pet store animal crate, created for animals without opposable thumb suggests she does not know what this monkey can do. He escaped!

She left the monkey in a car to go shopping at IKEA. That suggests she basically seem him as cargo to just leave in the car. And we all know IKEA designs their stores to keep you in for a long while. Honestly, I wouldn’t even do that to my dog. I would take him home, properly crate him if necessary, then go shopping.

She has a Santa Claus suit ready for him for Christmas and a bow tie for new years. To dress up an animal this way suggests Darwin is part accessory (think what Tinkerbell the Chihuahua is to Paris Hilton) and part entertainment.

She seems to simply WANT this monkey. She wants him for novelty. She plans to parade him in a Santa suit and watch him walk around the home, laugh and go “look at how cute he is!”.

I suspect she is fighting because she does love Darwin. But I argue it is not as a ‘mother’. She wants to keep him for her amusement and for HER wants, without regarding what is best for HIM. It is a completely selfish fight. Can she really fulfill all his needs as he matures and provide proper care? Would she be able to find a primate behaviouralist to help with their communications or behavioural problems? I suspect a real estate lower is probably not equipped to handle all of this. Like a 12 year old, she only sees the fun side of this.

Sure, us dog owners have an animal in our home too. And yes we have costumes for them as well. Some may say that’s no different. But it is very different. Cats and dogs became domesticated over thousands of years and are even now bred to have temperaments suited to be human companions. It is in their DNA to live and cooperate with humans.

There are plenty of professionals to service the needs and wants of these domesticated pets. Vets, trainers, groomers. A whole industry worth billions are here to service us. No such support is available to Nakhuda and Darwin.

Interestingly, Nakhuda rented a cottage in preparation for Darwin’s return in Kawartha Lakes where it is not illegal to own a monkey. Kawartha Lakes officials is now rushing to pass a bylaw to prohibit ownership of exotic animals. Apparently, also in preparation for Nakhuda and Darwin’s arrival.

30 supporters and the Nakhuda children held up signs outside Toronto Animal Services in protest today. They demanded TAS to “Free Darwin”. I whole heartily agree. Please keep Darwin free from Nakhuda’s captivity.

I’m proud of these booties!

Most dogs not accustomed to footwear (not sure how many are) will often flap and kick around in a manic trot like a drunken dressage horse (at least that’s how I imagine their drunken dance would be).

There are many youtube videos to prove that. Go ahead, open a new tab and search “Dog Booties” and see what you get. Some good giggles.

But are they necessary? They range from $12 to $50 a set depending on brand and type you buy. It would seem natural your dog would want some protection from the blistering winter weather and the icy roads.

Some would argue that their paws are just fine, no booties necessary. They are made to withstand the harsh winter elements. Just look at the Husky, St. Bernard, and other great shepherds. As cousins to the wolf, they are made to tolerate winter.

In fact, a Japanese university’s research shows the network of veins, arteries in a dog’s paw allows the pads to stay warm by warming the blood in the outgoing veins with the heat of the inflowing blood in the arteries. Not quite toasty but warm enough to prevent frostbites and other tissue damage caused by prolonged exposure to the cold. In humans however, our blood vessels constrict in the cold to prevent heat loss and directs the warmth to our core and essential organs.

Arguably, the smaller hot climate breeds (like the Chihuahua) might need a sweater, but majority of dogs’ paw are just fine in the cold.

That said, booties may still be necessary. Not for the cold, but how we humans deal with the cold. The salt, dirt, and other coloured chemical rocks we throw on the ground to melt the ice on our roads can be toxic and dangerous to our dogs. Constant exposure can burn the skin of the paw pads and jagged rock salts can get stuck on the feet, making it very uncomfortable to walk in (think constant sharp pebble stuck between your toes).

So depending on where you live and the paths you usually take your dog on, booties might be worth considering.

Don’t worry, the crazy horse kicks you get from a new set of dog booties will pass. Your dog will get used to them and may even prefer them when winter walks become more enjoyable.

Do videotape that first try-on though. Great laughs for all.

Image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lululemonathletica/3121100638/

The pug is a lap dog. Studies have shown that there is a lap dog gene that programs your dog to flop onto your lap the second you sit down on the couch.

Of course when that was the case when I decided to shift my meditation practice for the day on the couch to the couch. My fat pug jumped right on, flopped down, and breathed out a big satisfying sigh. I closed my eyes and began my meditation.

You might think that would be a bother but his presence was actually very soothing. He kept my legs warm and after a few minutes I noticed even our breathing was synced. Maybe I am reading too much into the experience but I felt connected with my dog in this experience. We are present, connected and just feeling the calmness and contentment of being in the present, breathing in and out.

We were hanging out and bonding, just one living being with another.

After the meditation ended, I looked down, petted his head and he looked up at me serenely for a few seconds, and just got up and hopped off the couch. It was as if he was affirming our meditation session is over, and now he is going to go on with the rest of his day (whatever..plans he might have).

We meditate together on a regular basis now, and it is something he looks forward to as well now too. If he thinks meditation is going to happen and I turn on the tv instead, I get the confused and “WTF?” look.

Dog are unburdened by the mind trappings we live with as humans (you know, the ego stuff). They are who they are, always honest and authentic, and living in the moment. They are and can be our spiritual guides if we let them.

Just sit with your dog, and breath.

HOW TO MEDITATE WITH YOUR DOG:

1. Sit where you will be comfortable and where your dog can join you
2. Settle yourself into a comfortable position
3. Have your dog join you on your lap or next to you
4. Place your hand on your dog to calm and settle him/her
5. Take notice of your dog’s breath
6. Mimic our dog’s breathing for a few breaths
7. Close your eyes, and breath
8. Take notice of the rise and fall of your chest throughout the meditation

Do this for as long as you feel comfortable. Most people start with a minute, and gradually extend the time. Personally I’ve used guided meditation tracks or calming music as well. Those details I leave for you to discover.

More resources: http://www.cesarsway.com/docare/health/The-Benefits-of-Meditating-with-Your-Dog

There’s even a book on it: http://www.amazon.ca/How-Meditate-Your-Dog-Introduction/dp/0975263110

I will however, point out my favourite and most interesting finds from this year’s Winter Woofstock. It is as expected, smaller and with less fan fair than the summer extravaganza, but there are some of what we found.

The ‘where have you been all my life’ find: Babies and Beasts

So handsome! Coat by Babies and Beasts

Every winter and spring, the search for a coat that is practical and fits the Baron is not a challenge, just not possible. The generic coats at your local Petsmart and other retailers are made for ‘regular’ proportion dogs. Pugs, Bulldogs, Frenchies, and other odd sized dogs are literally left out in the cold because nothing fits them!

Krystine of Babies and Beast makes clothing and coats for dogs that simply makes sense. The winter coats are comprised of two pieces, one over the back and then attaches to another that is on the underside and along the chest. That second piece is removable and can be replaced as it is the most likely place to wear away. And the materials are made to last, keep dry, and stay warm. How awesome is that?

And, great designs! Stylish tweet, classic Canadian knits, and waterproof nylon. Take a look! I’ll be placing my order once I take my pug’s measurements.

http://www.babiesandbeasts.com/

Why didn’t I think of this? Pupelupe

And let go! Just hangs on! Tada!

Pupelupe aka Poopy-Loop. At first glance it looks like one of those promo items you order from the catelogue and just slap your logo on for a conference or boring ol’ AGM meeting. But at closer look and a quick demo by the folks at Pupelupe, it is a the 3^rd hand I’ve been looking for on my dog walks.

The Pupelupe basically attaches to your leash handle and offers to hold on to the yucky poop bag for you while you walk.  When you reach a trash or bio bin, just flip and drop the poopy bag in!  Easy peasy. Simply put, it keeps your free hand, free.

So excited to try this out! http://pupelupe.com/

Why is this happening? Dog blessing

Rev Dr. Joseph singing, telling jokes and blessing dogs

I really like to know who came up with this one. It’s not bad, not good, just..whaa?? Reverend Dr. John Joseph Mastandrea was on the main stage with what seems more like Joseph’s amazing technicolour dream coat singing and blessing dogs.

It is kind of cute, yet odd. Don’t believe me? It’s on the schedule! http://www.winterwoofstock.com/eventsandcontests.htm#a14

I knew this was going to happen!  Sniff Out Deals

With the success and boom of Groupon, LivingSocial, TeamBuy, someone will come up with one just for dog folks. Well here it is! Sniff Out Deals! Interested? Well get in early, sign up for their photo contest and collect points to go towards your purchases!

http://www.sniffoutdeals.com/

Want to see more?

Click on an image below and open up the gallery!

Look at the freedom (and pulling ahead opportunity) this leash offers.

Retractable leashes are popular and most of the time they come in lengths longer than the allowable amount as stated in the City of Toronto By laws.

They just seem to make so much sense! Easy handle, no dangling leash to gather up in your hands, and longer led that allows the dog to wander just that extra few feet to feel free.

I am totally guilty of that. I have a retractable leash. And on those lazy mornings when I just need to get the dog out for a quick walk, do the business, and get to work. It is so convenient to be able to stand half awake and let the dog roam as far as the leash can go. A 6 foot leash just does not offer enough free roaming radius to find the sweet spots to go on.

Yah, that is nice to have. But what’s not nice, is possible decapitation.

Maybe not that extreme. But if that leash, gets wrapped around something..and the dog goes off on a squirrel chase…ouch. Ok, maybe not decapitation because the leash is not a..secret James Bond villan weapon wire designed for quick silent kills. It can do sever harm like cuts and burns when it touches the skin when it pulls or retracts quickly. Just check out this consumer’s report.

For dogs with distraction issues, tendencies to bolt and scurry, the risks listed in that report are very real. In fact, many trainers right out bans the use of retractable leashes full out in their training and tells clients not to use them for walks. Beyond the safety issue, retractable leashes just does not allow you to correct in training or handle your dog as close as you need for proper training.

How does that retractable leash now look hanging by the door now?

Don’t feel bad. Or scared for that matter. For well trained, obedient dogs it can be used. Keep in mind the safety tips offer with the product and use common sense. The convenience it offers can make the morning tolerable.  Just to be safe, read some safety tips here.

Just like how I cave to sleep in that extra half hour and not go for a run, I will likely use the retractable leash the next morning. But possible cuts, burns, and the image of decapitation never fails to come to mind when I pick up the leash.

Play nice kids!

We love Dr. Sophia Yin and her educational cartoons.

This is a timely one for dog park etiquette.  People tend to forget that dogs needs to be supervised properly just like kids.  And we see this problem all the time.  The dog dad on his phone constantly (honestly for an hour, you can’t look up once?), or the overly doting dog mother scared of any dog approaching her fluffy princess, end up with an antsy and antisocial dog reflecting the mom’s over protectiveness.

There needs to be a balance and Dr. Sophia Yin did a great job here giving some key tips on proper dog play and interaction at the park.  Do check out her website for other great training information.

The weather will be cooling soon and going to the dog park will be a lot more fun.  But let’s all play by the same rules ok?

Source: nationalgeographic.com

Forget tomato juice, expensive pet store skunk wash!  Here’s an easy formula for a fast-acting and effective de-skunking wash.

You will be able to find pretty much all of the ingredients in the home.  The last thing you want to do when you have a skunked dog is to have to drive out and hunt for a wash.

This mix does create a big fizz fast so work quickly.  Best to have your dog in the tub and mix the ingredients right near where you intend to wash the dog.  The mix’s power is the oxygen – neutralizing the yucky, yucky smell.

Ingredients:

1 quart (2 cups) of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide

1/4 cup of Baking Soda

1 Teaspoon Liquid Soap

Directions:

Mix the ingredients and apply it onto the skunked pet immediately.

Rinse thoroughly with water

Smell the difference? Aaaah.

Give it a go!

Dr. Sophia Yin's great poster guide

No Thanks!!

I love the “As Seen on TV” store.  I went there just to try out the Slap-Chop, just to see if Vince was right about “slapping my troubles away” (I suppose he thought he could that in Miami…You know what I am talking about).

Today I dragged my friend in to see what’s new and we came across the Potty Patch.  This is not new.  I’ve seen similar indoor fake grass with a tray to let dogs go indoor at various pet stores and pet shows.  While many possible conveniences come to mind, especially these days, cold January winters, the Potty Patch is like nearly all the products in that store – you don’t need it.

I am going to list some of the perceived conveniences that comes to mind and knock them down for you:

My work day is long and this way my dog can go when they need – FALSE

Most grown adult dogs are capable of holding for an 8 to 10 hour period and that is generally enough time for once before work and after work for most people.  If your work and commute hours keep you out of the home for more than 12 hours at a time, consider hiring a dog walker – your dog will get their ‘business’ done and get their daily exercise.  I imagine by the time you get home from a 12-hr day, a long walk with an over energetic dog (which most are when they haven’t seen you for the whole day), will be pretty low on the list.

My dog keeps going on the carpet, sofa, anywhere in the home! This will give them a place to do their business – FALSE

Another reason listed in their promo video.  Why would your dog go on a limited patch of grass when they’ve already made the rest of your house their toilet? If your dog keeps eliminating around the house, having a simulated patch of grass will not solve the problem. This is a behavioural issue that needs to be addressed. Buy specialized pet crap cleaner, a black light, put on some gloves and get to work.  Anywhere your dog has gone will now be scent marked as toilet in their minds.  Clean, clean, clean and go back to potty training basics.  Consult a trainer as well.  Some will even do home visits to help set you up for success and create the right environment redirect this behaviour.

If your dog suddenly starts having frequent accidents in the home and you are considering giving this fake grass try, there might be some sort medical reason for these new accidents.  Could be an infection in the bladder or urinary track.  Check with your vet.

This can help potty train my puppy – FALSE

Eh, use the puppy pads.  It is more hygienic and versatile.  And do you really want to be washing a tray of pee everyday?  It will be, everyday.  I can’t imagine anyone wanting to leave a tray of pee out for more than 24 hours.

In their promo video, a lady said “We love Spot, but he is just too hard to train.”  I’d say ‘You gave up lady! How’d you potty train that kid of yours sitting right next to Spot?”  In truth, a fake patch of grass doesn’t do anything to help.  Potty training is not that difficult, just a real pain in the ass (especially if you live in a condo, and I have potty trained a puppy in the dead of winter).

Consult a trainer or some online resources on potty training.  When feeding and watering are properly timed, you will be able to predict when your puppy has to ‘go’ as they age.  That way, you can make sure your puppy gets out when they need to.  Start early, be consistent and diligent in those first few months of puppy-hood, and I guarantee you will have a happy and housebroken puppy in no time.

Here’s a great video by Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer, on puppy pad training

Great for winter! Won’t need to go outside? – FALSE!

Unnecessary

I absolutely understand! We live in Canada, winter happens. Don’t get me wrong.  I hate shoving my feet into the chunky boots and throw on the parka and then brave the cold so my dog can do his business.  But it doesn’t have to be that painful.

This is a training issue.  It really only sucks for those dogs that need a bit of walk in order to go.  When you train your dog to eliminate at a designated area, all you need to do is to take them there.  Some owners even train their dogs to go on command (if you want to take this route, pick your command words carefully! Don’t ever want it to pop up in regular conversation).  Create a routine of designated go spots and/or command words, and you will shorten your exposure to the cold.   Personally, I’d rather put on a parka and pair of boots and brave the cold for 5 mins than to have a tray of pee and a lump of poo on the Potty Patch to clean.  Oh dear, a mental image of that tray spilling…gross!

I am sure this product will be of use to some people.  It is not absolutely devoid of merits.  If you have found this product (or a similar one) to be fantastic and irreplaceable in your life, please do share!   The conveniences above are the common reasons people would consider something like this, and I just believe there are better options.