"What are YOU doing this weekend?" (Photo by Veronica ML) Ah, the lazy days of summer are here. Wait -- "lazy?" We Americans are lazy enough already, according to this month’s American Journal of Medicine. That means it’s time to get out, get active, and to take advantage of some summertime activities! Nothing on your calendar? No problem! Ours is packed through the season. Here are just a few ideas for just this weekend: In major metropolitan areas, of course, there’s always something going on. If you’re anywhere near Chicago, this weekend is "Taste of Chicago," with free admission and filled with food and music. Speaking of music, everyone in Dallas is likely lined up for the "American Idol" auditions. If you missed registering in Texas, get your plane tickets now for one of the upcoming auditions in Los Angeles, Orlando, or Denver. Are there events geared toward those who want to get or stay fit this summer? Certainly! Remember the "Seinfeld" episode where Kramer swims in the East River because the pool is too constricting? It turns out there's a gaggle of like-minded New Yorkers who are swimming around Liberty Island today. If you can't make it, don’t worry; they have more events scheduled. Of course, you don’t have to live in the big city to find cool things to do. Wherever you are, you can still participate in "Take Your Dog to Work Day" (provided your employer approves, of course!), Some folks in Petaluma, California, however, will be skipping work with their pooches to visit the Sonoma-Marin Fair and enter the "World’s Ugliest Dog Contest." If the thought of big crowds and rats on leashes makes you want to just stay home -- or if you’re just saving all your energy for the Fourth of July weekend -- you can still get involved by watching other people push the limits of hockey, golf, or pure speed. Just don’t say you’re bored!

Directory categories: American Idol, Recreation in Manhattan, Chicago Travel Guides, Activities for Dogs, Sports

Archived under: American Idol, Animals, Boredom, Calendars, Chicago, Cities, Contests, Dogs, Eating, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Food and Drink, Health, Outdoors, Pets, Recreation and Travel, Regional, Seinfeld, Sports, Summer, Swimming, Tourist Attractions, Travel, Vacations

Post a comment (0) | Email this posting

Statue of FDR and his best friend Fala (Photo by Tony) With all the other important presidential and governmental issues Barack Obama has to tackle after Inauguration Day, it seems the country has the greatest vested interest in a decision of the heart that the whole Obama family will have to make: what kind of puppy will they get after they move into the White House? Heck, even the Vice President-Elect has heard the call of the canine and acquired a new German Shepherd puppy. First Pets are something of a national institution in the United States. There's even a Presidential Pets Museum, dedicated to the preservation of historical information and artifacts of all the animals (from alligators to wallabies) that have belonged to our Commanders-in-Chief -- nearly all of whom had a pet during some part of their term(s). A White House pet's actions can be worthy of a news watch, which is the case with the current Top Dog, Barney, who is a celebrity in his own right. Some pets were so popular that they are eternally depicted in memorial, as is the case with Fala, Franklin D. Roosevelt's beloved Scottish terrier. And Richard Nixon's Checkers has a grave located in a public pet cemetery on Long Island. The President-Elect's promise to his daughters, Sasha and Malia, spiked curiosity in what type of breed the new First Dog will be. Dutiful citizens have offered suggestions on how to combat Malia's pet dander allergies, and which types of dogs offer hypoallergenic or hairless qualities. But the Obamas are striving to set an example, do the responsible thing, and find their new family member in a shelter. After all, choosing what type of dog and personality it has is just as important to a happy family dynamic as its health and development. So we wait, with bated puppy breath, to hear word of the new furry addition to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. And as Bob Barker always reminded us, "Be sure to have your cat or dog spayed or neutered." Suggested Sites... The Daily Puppy - your daily fix for puppy pictures. ASPCA: Adopt - find your next pet through your local ASPCA. Wikipedia: List of United States Presidential Pets - a quick-reference guide to all the First Animals. National Geographic Channel: In the Womb: Dogs - using state-of-the-art visual effects and real-time 4-D ultrasound imagery, follow the fetal development of one wolf and three different dog breeds. FDR's "Fala Speech" - President Franklin Roosevelt defends his Scottie against GOP attacks.

Directory categories: Humane and Rescue Societies, Choosing a Dog, Pet Health

Archived under: Allergies, American History, Animals, Bob Barker, Cats, Dogs, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Pets

Post a comment (0) | Email this posting

(Photo by Amber MacPherson) Spring has sprung, and kitten-and-puppy season is on the horizon, so we interrupt our regular programming for this public service announcement: Don't forget to take your pets to the veterinarian. We won't advocate one method or convention over another, just the importance of considering Snowball and Rex when you think of your family's health. Make the necessary appointments and be sure your cat or dog is up to date on its vaccinations and booster shots. And unless you're a breeder, please consider having Fido or Prissy spayed or neutered. Especially in urban settings, feral pet populations are out of control, forcing rescue organizations and shelters to make unfortunate decisions. If you feel you should be more considerate of your pet's feelings, be sure to ask your vet about alternatives to declawing and products to ease the indignity of neutering. And don't be shy with questions about those vaccinations or your pet's dietary needs. After all, obesity in pets can be incredibly unhealthy and lead to much shorter life spans. We may not have the star power of some pet health advocates, but we support their efforts to help our furry loved ones live long, happy lives. So please be a responsible pet owner and remember those yearly veterinary exams and boosters. Skipping them would be a terrible faux paw. Suggested Sites... The Humane Society of the United States - official site for the animal protection organization. ASPCA - the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. SPAY-USA - a nationwide network and referral service for affordable spay/neuter services.

Directory categories: Pets, Spaying and Neutering, Veterinary Medicine, Pet Health, Humane and Rescue Societies

Archived under: Animal Rights, Animals, Biology, Cats, Dogs, Health, Pets

Post a comment (1) | Email this posting

Wonder Woman pup: Cruel or Cute? (Photo by Ray Caspio) This is a public service announcement from the Alliance of People Against Costuming Animals. ALPACA, a nonprofit organization, exists today only for a sole purpose: to promote the principle that animals are not ours to clothe, costume, egregiously consume, or use for self-indulgent entertainment. ALPACA would like to remind you to take proper care of your pet during the Halloween season. There are ever-increasing societal pressures to costume your kitty, and organizations actively working to brainwash the public to believe that canines enjoy being clothed or costumed. Nothing could be farther from the truth; just take one look into the eyes of some poor animal that has been stuffed into a sweater or a superhero outfit and you will understand. In fact, forcing your pet into a costume can be a highly traumatic experience for both of you, not unlike forcing a cat to take a pill. We urge you to take advantage of this holiday to protest the wardrobing of animals by picketing your local pet costume contest. You are strongly encouraged to display your pet (and yourself) in the apparel that nature gave you. Spread the message that animals do not need to wear anything: They come completely equipped with their own fur! Suggested Sites... Yahoo! Shopping: Pet Costumes - deck the dog with spooky clothing. Flickr: Halloween Pets - howlingly funny. I-Mockery: Pet Costumes - no, really -- this is a serious issue. Howl-o-ween Hop for Hounds - and now our contestants will compete in the howling contest.

Directory categories: Dog Costumes, Cat Costumes, Human Costumes, Pet Homepages, Animal Rights Organizations

Archived under: Animal Rights, Animals, Costumes, Halloween, In Character, Pets, Protests

Post a comment (4) | Email this posting

(Photo by Jared and Corin) A pat on the head, a ride in the car, a game of Frisbee -- it doesn't take much to make your dog happy. Yet, these days, why is it that man's best friend is such a marketing bonanza? From bow-wow bling and couture to doggie spas [PDF] and strollers, doting owners can buy things Rover never knew he needed. In fact, why not bring him on your next luxury vacation? Many hoteliers now offer packages to pamper you and your pooch. And while it's a common occurrence in Paris, some chi-chi restaurants in the U.S. now offer Fifi a place at the table, too. With all that, finding a suitable place to exercise your canine companion can be doggone discouraging. If you're lucky enough to be near a dog park, chances are it's pretty small and your faithful friend must be on a leash. Green belts for city dwellers may be a new sign of the times in urban planning. But one more sign we'd like to see would say "Dogs Allowed" in a place where our four-legged friends could trade in their jeweled tiaras to do what they love best: run around and play. Suggested Sites... Dog Fun Directory - find a leash-free dog park in your area. DogFriendly.com - dog travel guides, off-leash dog parks, outdoor dining, and dog-friendly events. Dog Park Etiquette - doggy dos and don'ts for a happy park experience for all. Establishing a Dog Park in Your Community - benefits and tips for starting a dog park from the American Kennel Club.

Directory categories: Dog Parks, Dog Sports and Activities, Traveling with Dogs, Training and Obedience, New Urbanism

Archived under: Animals, Dogs, Outdoors, Parks, Pets, Society and Culture

Post a comment (0) | Email this posting