Michelle Sampson's Blog – May 2009 Archive (10)

Just before walking into a Starbucks, a woman ties her Hound Mix to a newspaper machine outside the store. She grabs a coffee, pays for it and walks out. Total time: about 5 minutes.The dog is gone without a trace. She never sees him again. Unfortunately, this is not a made-up scenario to highlight a growing problem. "This happens frequently," notes Linda Fields, a journalist who founded FindFido.com, a nonprofit pet locater site, where people can post pictures and notices of lost… Continue

The old saying, a dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's, likely comes from the observation that a canine will ceaselessly lick his wounds until they heal—or until a veterinarian fits him with a plastic lampshade. Reflecting on the adage, I instantly remember a relevant fact: a dog's mouth is filthy. Suppose your dog has been eating fecal material, taste testing a dead animal, licking your shoe or simply chewing on a stick that has been decomposing on the ground - your dog could have a slew of… Continue

There are many terms used to describe ways in which animals can help rehabilitate and heal people with special needs. These include 'pet therapy,' 'pet facilitated therapy,' or 'animal-assisted therapy.' Pets can help people with a variety of mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. Fish, birds, pocket pets, rabbits, cats, dogs, and horses have all been employed in pet therapy.



What qualities do companion animals have that make them so therapeutic?



Warm and… Continue

I know the housing market is a mess, the foreclosure rate is out of control. But what if I told you that you could snag an amazing custom-designed Spanish-style mansion complete with arched windows, terra cotta tile floors and custom-trim work for just under 10K?



Think it's too good to be true? Well, for you, it probably is, but that's just what you can get for your favorite four-legged friend.



Dog mansions have become the… Continue

It starts when you spot a single grey hair in the mirror...Then suddenly you turn around and your belly's gotten bigger, your joints hurt, you can't quite get up as easily, and that new young perky Pug at the park referred to you as Old Yeller. And then she barked louder because she thought you couldn't hear her.



Aging happens to everyone. And unfortunately for your pup, there's no quick fix of plastic surgery, high-priced wrinkle cream, hair dye, Porsche purchases or dating someone… Continue

You could spend the big bucks spoiling your special Pup at a decadent doggy spa for one super-luxurious afternoon of puppy pampering alongside doggy celebs like Tinkerbell Hilton, Daisy Simpson and Bit Bit Spears - or you could invest in a few key home spa essentials for your pooch and have 'spa day' any day of the week.



I have everything you need to create the dog spa experience at home. Not only can you save a little money, but it's… Continue

I like to consider myself a bit of a "Tour Guide" for pet adoption. I can tell you pretty much any and everything about most of the Animal Rescue Groups in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. I have made it my mission to have as much information as possible, so I can help save lives and educate the locals on the resources available to them.



Ok class pay very close attention...today I will be focusing on "Sarasota County Animal Services" or the POUND as some of you like… Continue

You and your pup are hitting the open road. The wind is flying through your hair and his fur, adventure and the smell of doggy biscuits are in the air, and you're ready for anything - well, anything except for your curious canine suddenly running through the car, jumping on your lap, hitting the steering wheel and lunging towards a tempting driver-side squirrel (or sexy… Continue

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Okay, we know that if we were really well adjusted, mature individuals we'd be happy to spend time alone - enjoying our own company and thoughts...but after about ten minutes of alone time we quickly realize that our thoughts are mostly that we want company.



Let's face it, we're social animals and so are our pups. But while most people can entertain… Continue

After a long, hot day there's nothing better than throwing back a few cold beers with some good friends. And if you ever thought about toasting a brew with your very best friend - I say go ahead and let your pooch get his drink on!



Okay, before you start emptying a Michelob Ultra into your pup's bowl - remember that human beers are not safe for dogs. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that your pooch has to be left out of the party!



Phoenix-based husband, wife, and… Continue