Happy Holidays

We would like to wish you a fabulous New Year!

This photo was taken at the Roseville Pet Express and was a fundraiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

I just wanted a tree

I've been up at "OMG its EARLY" two weekends in a row and I've started to wonder what went so wrong.

A while back I took Marley to her favorite park and we saw signs on all the trees in the small dog section; the trees were all going to be removed.  The trees were a big draw for us and I became concerned so I contacted the number on the flyer and did not receive a response.  I eventually contacted the park district to inquire about the tree removal and replacements.  

I was a bit unsettled by the response from the park district and I started to do some research about our park.  I learned the park was one of the first in the region (in 1990) and it was considered quite revolutionary.  At that time the park district signed an agreement with the founding members.  That agreement created the dog park association; which maintains the dog park. Today, park design tends to include amenities such as a dog park in the planing stage of a new park. 

Trees in the park were a major draw for me and I started to evaluate the park and amenities and compare Marley's favorite park with others in the region.  I became very upset when I realized how other dog parks are managed and maintained.  At this point it would have been smart had I picked out a new favorite park; instead I turned into Norma Rae. 

The dog park members rallied and we attended park district meetings and we expressed our distress with the lack of basic amenities in the dog park and at times unhealthy conditions.  The park listened to our concerns and after much debate agreed to work on a dog park master plan that would revitalize our park. The park offered to split the cost of renovating the park with the dog park association.

We have a lot of money that needs to be raised for the park to begin construction and in the last few months we have changed our approach.  We will be holding fundraisers every month until we have enough to begin construction.

Last week we staffed a gift wrapping booth at Pet Express.  

This week we held our 1st Annual Calendar Photo Shoot.  It was a huge success. Good Day Sacramento did a brief story on our event.   The photos were taken by Micheal Hall, who graciously donated his time.  Coffee was donated by Starbucks.  Donuts were donated by Richard's donuts, Raley's and BelAir and Safeway.  Goodie bags were donated by Incredible Pets. 

If you are in the area we welcome your attendance at an event.  I would also recommend you to check how your favorite dog park is maintained and if there is a dog park society in charge of maintenance I would encourage you to make a donation. 

As I was setting up yesterday in the frost covered lawn, I realized I still don't know when the removed trees will be replaced. 

The Case of the Black Box

I've always wondered how dogs interpret television.  I know they perceive the flickering of lights and they hear the sounds.  I've had cats who would chase images they saw within the black box; however, it never appeared like they were actually viewing a show.

I've asked friends and it seems a bit mixed.  Some people know for sure their dog watches, while others have indicated their dog doesn't even notice the black box.

Marley has usually responded to sounds of barking or knocking, otherwise she ignored the black box.

Until recently, it was a cold night and we were having quiet time.  I glanced at Marley and noticed she was relaxed in her bed and it appeared like she was watching the show.  I totally dismissed it as a figment of my imagination.

After the show was over she came got up and started barking at me (not typical behavior), I offered to let her out and I offered cuddles.  She continued until I started another episode of Dr Who.  As soon as she noticed it was starting she jumped into her bed and started watching. Who knew she was such a big fan?

I'm totally curious as to what about this show caused her to react in that manner.  Was she really watching?  Did she get the concept?  Oh no, is she on her way to becoming a couch potato?