Clive

Don't quite know why this guy, Clive, tugs at my heartstrings so.  We don't need an interpreter to tell us that Clive is dying to go home with a wonderful owner. The Loving Arms Animal Rescue & Adoption services says, "CLIVE is an endearing mix of 'cheerful Beagle' and 'courageous Dachshund.' He has a relatively long low body and coat reminiscent of a Wirehaired Dachshund, we believe his lively and clever antics will touch your heart and make him a treasured companion" and he's up for adoption. Contact dogs@lovingpetadoptions.org.

Pudgy Pooches

In today's USA Weekend magazine, an article entitled "Fat Cats and Pudgy Pooches" said that many people have no idea if their dog is overweight. Nor do they know how much to feed their dog. Sometimes being overweight worsens other conditions such as diabetes and arthritis, just like in humans. Behavior problems such as pets with painful arthritis snapping at kids who play too rough can lead to the pet being taken to a shelter. The dog may be trying to communicate in the only way it knows how.

Vets in the article recommend these steps to keep your canine's weight in check:

• Visit a vet regularly
• Skip crash diets (even worse for dogs than humans)
• Buy low-cal treats (like those at www.naturalbark.com)
• Try keeping your dog in another room while you eat
• Feed your pet at specific times
• Premeasure and don't supersize

Of course, exercise is an excellent way to help keep those pounds from packing on both you and your 4-legged friend.

An All Natural Dog Biscuit

Another good friend, Betsy, offers an exciting dog product at www.naturalbark.com. She said, "If people use the coupon code "WhyDogs" they will receive a 10% discount on their order!" Check out their Website for more info. about Natural Bark Dog Biscuits.

Lilly the Dachshund

The other day I was watching my friend Sheila interact with her adorable 1-year-old dachshund Lilly. Lilly shot her owner one of those soulful pleading looks that seem to say so much and cocked her head to one side. I said, "What's she saying, Sheila." Sheila laughed. "If I could figure that out, I'd be rich."

I thought, yeah...we might all be rich or at least less frustrated if we could talk "Dog talk." Then it dawned on me that maybe there were some folks out there that knew how to interpret their dog's actions, grunts and doggie behavior.

Anyone got any ideas or stories out there to help folks like my friend Sheila?

BTW...the image above is from the non profit group, Save a Dog. His name is Max and he's up for adoption. www.savadog.org