"Dog-phin" in the harbor

Got this video from a friend and thought I'd share it.

If only people could get along so well.

Ode to the pig lady

I used to have a neighbor who had a pet pig. He was a big pig, too, not a cute little "Babe" type pig. He would laze around the back yard secure in the knowledge that he would never end up on somebody's plate alongside some fried eggs or sweet potatoes.

One day my sister and brother-in-law were at my house and I mentioned something about the pig lady. That's what we affectionately called the neighbor with the big pig, and the moniker just rolled off my tongue like ... well ... bacon drippings.

My sister knew all about the pig lady, but my brother-in-law was horrified. "Shame on you," he said, "You shouldn't talk about your neighbor that way." He was even more aghast when my sister and I started to laugh, and my sister came to my defense. "No, SHE is not a pig, but she has one for a pet."

Alas, the pig lady moved away, so I can't get any more mileage out of her name.

Bowling for puppies

No, it's not what you think. You won't be bowling to WIN puppies, but you will be bowling to HELP puppies (and other animals, too) at the upcoming Puppy Bowl at AMF Lanes on Cortez Road.

All proceeds will benefit Safe Haven Animal Rescue of Florida. I'm proud to say that my Ella was the first rescued dog adopted out by Safe Haven, so they have a special place in my heart.

The Puppy Bowl will be 6-10 p.m. Aug. 21 at AMF, 4208 Cortez Road. Cost is $40 a person, and that includes shoe rental, two hours of bowling, food and one drink at the bar. There will be door prizes and a 50/50 drawing, too.

This is a fundraiser that promises to be a lot of fun, so I hope to see you there!

To bark or not to bark?

So ... you think your dog is the next Eddie, the lovable pooch on "Frasier." Or maybe even the next "Lassie" - brave, smart and able to turn on the charm when the director yells, "Action!"

Well, here's your chance to see if your pooch has star quality.

The FSU/Asolo Conservatory is looking for a doggie diva or Shakespeare hound to play the part of Crab the Dog in an upcoming production of "The Two Gentlemen of Verona." (And he or she won't have to memorize any Elizabethan dialog!)

Greg Leaming, director of FSU/Asolo Conservatory and also this production, says, "We're looking for older dogs with a wizened and deadpan sense of humor. They should be docile and responsive to commands. Some knowledge of tricks is a plus, but all dogs will be considered. Any interesting dog can and should audition; my thoughts on the right dog can we swayed by a really good audition!"

So here's the 411 on the auditions:

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 18
Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts
            5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
To schedule an audition:
             Call (941) 359-5700, option 1, ext. 3636 or
             e-mail Debi.Schalch@conservatory.fsu.edu
Deadline: Sept. 13
Rehearsals begin: Oct. 28
Production runs: Nov. 2-21

Leaming reminds "stage parents" that their dog must have proof of vaccination and be sociable, and be leashed during the auditions. Conservatory students will be on hand to assist people and their pets, making sure there is plenty of fresh water and doggie treats on hand (or paw).

Here's a good deal for you

There was a story on Saturday's Business page in the Herald about a local woman who is suing Petland, accusing them of selling dogs bred in “puppy mills” but marketing them as coming from reputable breeders.

My heart goes out to this woman, who obviously loves the little Boston terrier she got there. That little dog, Jasmine, is lucky to have been taken home by a caring soul who is doing everything she can to make her healthy so she can have a good life.

Buying animals from a pet store - any pet store - is risky business, indeed. Luckily, there IS an alternative: adoption.

There are hundreds of wonderful pets just waiting at shelters and in foster homes for somebody to love them. And for people who really want a specific kind of dog, there are breed rescue groups, too. Just Google, for example, "beagle rescue groups" and you can find one in your area.

Fostered pets are an especially good deal. Volunteers with rescue groups take dogs (and cats, too) home with them to be loved, socialized and perhaps trained until a "forever home" is found for them. These "foster parents" can tell you all about the animal they have sheltered: whether it gets along with other animals, whether is likes to sleep on the bed, whether it has a food intolerance. To find foster animals, contact one of the local rescue groups. And you can find the groups through any of the local shelters.

Another good reason for adopting: the pet comes spayed or neutured, vaccinated, and usually microchipped. And all those services are included in the adoption fee.

If you're looking for a pet and choose not to go to a pet store, please consider adopting. The animal you save will love you just the same.

Dogs really CAN talk

Have you ever seen a dog with a waggly tail and thought: "Oh, what a friendly puppy"? That wagging tail may not be sending the same message you're receiving. A wagging tail that's stiff and upright and one that is relaxed and sweeping are saying two entirely different things.

A friend of mine sent me a video that I think everyone should see, especially parents and their children. Called "Zoom Room Guide to Dog Body Language," it will show you postures that demonstrate the difference between nervousness and alertness, relaxation and stress, and fear and worry. It will also show the danger signs that can help people keep themselves, their children and their pets safe.

It's from Zoom Room Dog Agility and you can see it on YouTube or the Zoom Room website. Check it out. It may just be the best 5 minutes you can spend online today besides Bradenton.com. Here's the link:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=00_9JPltXHI 

www.zoomroomonline.com/dog-training-videos.html