Thursday, August 31, 2006

Gas Prices Make You Go Hmmm ...


This has nothing to do with pets -- although I did make a stop at Petco on Kirkwood Highway to see if Halloween costumes are out (they are) -- but I just paid $2.59 for a gallon of gas. On Saturday, I paid $2.81 on U.S. 40 in Bear.

It looks like there's a gas war going on on that section of Kirkwood Highway, but still, how do gas prices change so dramatically? And why are we so excited when we're paying $2.59? What happened to 89-cent-a-gallon gas or a $1.43?

The price of oil is hovering around $70 a barrel -- still high. It's not even Labor Day, so did the kids going back to school cut demand already? Anybody out there with an economics degree who can explain the factors that influence gas prices?

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

I'm Walking for the Animals; You Should, Too


Get off your butt, grab you dog and join the Delaware Humane Association's Walk for the Animals on Oct. 1 in Wilmington.

I'll be there, even though I don't have a dog right now, and I challenge all other pet lovers to join me. Maybe the folks at the humane association can hook me up with a dog for the day. (At left, is Romeo, a 2-year-old chow mix who's available for adoption right now, and is typical of the animals the humane association helps. His family could no longer keep him.)

The 1-mile fun walk begins with registration at 10:30 a.m. and the walk at 11:30 a.m. Humane association shelter dogs will lead the pack. It's cheap: $15 in advance; $25 the day of the event; $5 for kids 6-16 and free for kids 5 and younger. If you want to walk as a team, it's $60 for five to nine members; $120 for 10-24 members; and $330 for 25 or more.

The walk raises money for the humane association, so participants are asked to raise at least $50 in pledges. You can use the form on the group's Web site or have your family, friends and co-workers make secure online donations in your name at www.firstgiving.com/dehumane.

The folks at the humane association -- a nonprofit, no-kill animal shelter -- have been doing good work for almost 50 years. They don't get any tax money, so they depend on events like this to help fund their efforts throughout the year. More than 1,000 animals a year receive food, shelter, medical care and lots of love. It's our chance to give something back in return.

The challenge is on!

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

A Few Post-Emmy Wonderings


The Emmy Awards show Sunday night was actually entertaining, but a few questions stayed with me:

• What or whom was Farrah Fawcett looking at while Kate Jackson was talking? Where has Kate Jackson been all these years? And why can't more women her age get good roles?

• Was Kate Jackson's comment that she, Farrah and Jaclyn Smith were "reclaiming the brand," a slap at the "Charlie's Angels" movies starring Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu?

• Did Emmy winner Blythe Danner really not know who Bob Newhart is? She ended her acceptance speech by saying she needed to get off the stage before "that man drowned or suffocated." The show had a running gag that Newhart's life would be threatened if the show ran long.

• Is Helen Mirren the best combination of sophistication, humor and raunchiness in one celebrity? She let rip with an off-color line about not wanting to trip on her way up to the stage in what she later called her "stripper shoes" -- 6-inch plastic heels that she bought for $50 on Hollywood Boulevard. She won for her masterful performance in HBO's "Elizbeth I."

• How did Barry Manilow beat out Stephen Colbert, John Stewart, David Letterman and Hugh Jackman for best individual performance in a variety or music program? (And I have Barry Manilow albums at home!)

• How could you have an Emmys show without one single pet?

Monday, August 28, 2006

Tell Me Why We All Can't Get Along?



OK, I promise. After this, no pet videos from YouTube for a whole week!

Cats Do the Most Amazing Things -- Kind of



I will not post the YouTube video of the cat that keeps flushing the toilet. Some things aren't meant to be seen.

Saturday, August 26, 2006

Fighting Those Pet Odors


Everybody's had a good whiff of lingering wet dog. Or spent too much time around a cat bowl reeking of stale tuna.

Here's a potential neutralizer: Yankee Candle's Clean Scents Small Space Deodorizer ($3.99). Just remove the gel deodorizer from its bag and hang in the area that needs help -- a pet corner, a car, a mudroom, a kitchen feeding area. Replace every four weeks or as needed.

Clean Scents come in all of the great Yankee Candle scents -- we're trying Clean Cotton. (Sounds fresh.) Look for it near the checkout or order online. And the deodorizer includes a bittering agent to help prevent accidental swallowing by pets or kids.

Friday, August 25, 2006

Some Real Fast-Looking Fish


A while back I wrote about painted glass tetras -- small fish with what look like different colors of racing stripes the length of their tops and/or bottoms. They're injected with dye -- lime green, hot pink, dayglow orange -- to give them that effect. The dye isn't harmful and it eventually fades.

almo saw the post and offered photos of his/her fish. "The first one is not very clear.. but.. ya get the idea. :)"

Very cool, almo.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Even Animals Have Problems with the Work Week



Anybody at your workplace mirror these two?

A Local Rescue for Rabbits


Did you know that Delaware is home to the Southeastern Pennsylvania-Delaware Chapter of the House Rabbit Society? The Newport shelter has 80 rabbits now, including Gina (left), says Joyce Kuhns, the group's lead educator. (The group is protective about its address because it fears people will abandon bunnies literally on its doorstep.)

Kuhns says many families who get a rabbit for their kids aren't aware the animals usually live for 10-12 years, way past the time many young caretakers are enamored with a bunnie's twitchy nose. Other surrenders come from people who move and don't realize the new apartment complex won't allow rabbits or other animals.

If you are interested in adopting a rabbit -- and realize that you'll be taking care of it long after your son or daughter has lost interest -- call 683-9009 to schedule an adoption appointment. All rabbits are spayed or neutered before adoption. Cost is $75 for one, $125 for two, or $165 fo three.

Look for a story about the rabbit society in the October issue of Delaware Pets.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Post-'Descent' Thoughts


My immediate reaction to "The Descent," the British horror movie, was that the thrills weren't that fresh and the gore was overindulged. But the more I think about this movie, the more I appreciate it.

Six female adventure junkies meet at a cabin in Appalachia as a way to help one forget a terrible accident. They think they're going spelunking in a well-mapped cave until one of the thrill-seekers changes course on her own. And, oh, what they find when she does.

The problem with all of the gore -- and what was the couple behind us thinking who brought their young kids? -- is that it detracts from the psychological part of the thriller. If you've seen "The Descent" in theaters, go to YouTube to see the British ending. (The American distributor asked for and got a different ending.) It ties together the psychological threads and makes for a much richer ending.

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

The New 'Lassie' Movie Trailer



How can you not love Lassie after that?

'Lassie' Comes Home -- to the Movies


I loved watching "Lassie" as a kid. No matter what trouble befell someone on the show, Lassie was smart enough to get them out of it. We always thought Timmy was lucky to have her.

I'm sure my sister and brothers also liked "Lassie" because we had collies on our Wisconsin farm. There was Nosey, aptly named, especially after she had a run-in with a porcupine and ended up with a dozen quills in her nose. My mom cut off the tips, they dried out and the ends eventually fell out. Nosey was appropriately skittish around wild animals after that.

We also had Fuzzy, part of one of Nosey's litters. She had the softest coat, and I fell asleep many evenings snuggled up with her on the floor of the living room.

Those memories came flooding back because of a new movie, "Lassie," set for release Sept. 1. In this version, set in 1938, the loyal collie must travel more than 1,000 miles from northern Scotland to Yorkshire to return to a young boy after being sold to a wealthy duke. The boy's father sold Lassie because he was out of work. Lassie being Lassie runs away, risks starvation, braves dangers, just so she can get back to the family (and the boy) who really loves her.

The movie stars Samantha Morton, Peter Dinklage and Peter O'Toole, and is rated PG for some mild, violent content (dog in danger) and language.

Friday, August 18, 2006

Um, How to Handle Cricket Feeding Time


Remember this, it's all described as natural.

Many owners of reptiles like to feed them crickets "coated" with vitamins. (This I didn't know, and I imagine it's not easy to accomplish.) The folks at Rolf C Hagen Corp. have come up with an effective solution: the Exo Terra Termite Hill ($20.99).

First, pour ultra fine powder supplement into the deepest part of the two-part hill. Add 10-20 crickets (it doesn't say how to keep them all in there at the same time), place the two pieces together and insert the plug. Hold firmly together and shake (can you say Shake 'N' Bake for crickets?) until all of the insects are coated. Place the hill in the terrarium, remove the plug and watch the reptiles enjoy themselves.

The result, says Exo Terra, is a termite hill that blends in with any habitat, and stimulates natural feeding behaviors in your pet reptiles, while giving you a natural-looking terrarium accessory. (I think it looks like a baked potato covered in paprika.) Ask for the feeder at your favorite pet store, and for more info, visit Exo Terra's Web site.

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Buddy, the Super Cool Surfing Dog


I've been looking all over for video I can post of Buddy, the surfing dog from California. The best I can do is this link to a CBS report.

Buddy is an 8-year-old Jack Russell terrier who's been surfing the beaches from Ventura to Santa Barbara -- with a life jacket on -- since he was 2. He rides a body board, short board and, with his owner, a long board. And, get this, he has an agent.

If you surf with your dog at the Delaware beaches -- or anywhere else -- let me know. You might end up in Delaware Pets.

My Pet Book Series: Harry Potter


Harry Potter doesn't have anything to do with pets -- unless you count Harry's owl, Ron's rat and Hagrid's unusual creatures -- but it has plenty to do with intrigue among its followers. First, when will the final book be released to its eager readers? Who are the two characters that J.K. Rowling says she'll kill in book No. 7? And, most importantly, will Harry be one of those who dies?

Some theories:

* A few Web sites say Rowling's publisher will announce early next year that the final book will be released July 7, 2007, a ka 7/7/07. It fits Rowling's general schedule, and a summer release gives her young followers plenty of extra time to dig in.

* Lots of possibilities on the two characters who will be killed. Voldemort seems like a no-brainer (evil has to be the big loser in the finale). But who is the other one? Ginny? Harry would live, but he would know another crushing loss in his life -- losing his girlfriend after his parents, Sirius and Dumbledore. Good triumphing over evil must come with a price. Hagrid? He's the only adult close to Harry -- save Mr. and Mrs. Weasley -- who is still alive. Ron or Hermione? Maybe one of them would sacrifice his or her life to save Harry.

* And what about Harry? Authors Stephen King and John Irving, taking part in a charity reading with Rowling at New York's Radio City Music Hall, urged her not to kill off Harry. "My fingers are crossed for Harry," Irving said at a press conference in a report from Reuters News Service. King said he was confident that Rowling would be "fair" with Harry. For her part, Rowling said: "I can resolve the story now and it's fun in a way it wasn't before because finally I've reached my resolution, and I think some people will loathe it and some people will love it, but that's how it should be." A prediction: Harry will live. Good must win -- and not die -- during the final battle.

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Go to Sleep, Little Mercutio



No need for Ambien here. Just a squeeze from a friendly human hand. You cannot beat a cute, baby monkey video for awww factor.

Tragic News about Veterinarian

Sarah Dykstra sounded like a kind soul with a big heart. Sarah, who operated Eastern Shore Veterinary Hospital near Laurel, with her husband John Dykstra, a fellow veterinarian, died Monday morning from injuries she suffered Sunday afternoon after being hit by an SUV while jogging.

The Dykstras had operated their business for more than a decade, and the news of Sarah Dykstra's death was particularly difficult for office manager Kathy Robinson, who has worked for them for 13 years.

"I can't express how wonderful she was," Robinson told News Journal reporter Terri Sanginiti on Monday. Sarah was the mother of three children, ages 3, 5 and 10.

Her heart also was always open to animals of all kinds, Robinson said.

"We've got so many strays here that she couldn't put to sleep," she said. "If a stray was hurt, we'd keep it, no matter the expense. She just loved animals."

If you're inclined, a contribution to a local animal shelter would be a fitting way to remember someone who cared so much.

Monday, August 14, 2006

A Passion for Pugs


Saw this bumper sticker Sunday in the parking lot near Marshall's on Kirkwood Highway: "My pug is smarter than your honor roll student."

Can't add anything to that.

The photo at right shows you just how cute and intelligent-looking pugs are. This one was shot at a Pug Fest in Helena, Mont., and the two Mensa candidates are Moses (left) and Liam.

Saturday, August 12, 2006

Poignant Moments in 'World Trade Center'


It seems a bit disrepectful to say I was disappointed by "World Trade Center." Oliver Stone is one of America's most talented living directors, and I expected him to have something to say about one of our country's worst days. But he plays it straightforward -- a story about survival, albeit a most miraculous one of two Port Authority police officers buried under 20 feet of rubble as the towers collapsed.

Stone's most emotional and most poignant moments come near the end of the two-hour film. The family of one of the surviving officers is moving from one part of Bellevue Hospital to another. They pass through a hallway and stop. The camera stays on their disbelieving faces, then moves to the wall -- filled with homemade fliers seeking missing loved ones. The enormity of their loved one surviving, while hundreds and thousands haven't, is like a punch to their stomachs.

The other comes in a hospital waiting room. A surviving officer's wife (the underrated and underappreciated Maria Bello) tries to buy a cup of coffee, but the vending machine isn't working. She tells another woman not to bother. They make small talk about who they're waiting for. The wife says her husband has been pulled from the rubble; the other woman says her son is an elevator operator at one of the towers. The mother recounts their last conversation. Her son was late for dinner because of work, and they argued. She regrets her last words with him being so angry. Maria Bello's character pats the woman's back, and the mother dissolves into tears, her body convulsing. One woman hugs the other and holds her up at the same time. The mother's grief is a nation's grief.

"World Trade Center" is a tribute to those who died Sept. 11, 2001, and to those who died and, especially to two men who survived, trying to help others. It is a good cry.

Maybe filmmakers won't be able to find anything new to reveal as the years continue to go by, because Americans watched all of those terrible hours unfold live on TV. We know the story. Stone's movie is well-meaning and respectful, but it is not powerful. It is good, just not great.

Friday, August 11, 2006

Pet Pedometer to Most Needy Case


Now, I have heard of anything. Deramaxx has come up with a pet pedometer, and we're offering our free copy to the pet owner who makes the best case that he or she needs it for their companion.

You just attach it your dog's or cat's or hamster's collar and track their steps each day. (Don't forget to check with your vet before you begin an exercise program.)

Post those stories about your overweight or under-exercised pet here (with a photo if you have one) or e-mail me at jfredel@delawareonline.com. I'll choose the best story and neediest pet, and mail you the pet ped. Or you can go to Deramaxx's Web site to get your own.

Thursday, August 10, 2006

How Many Dogs Does It Take to Change a Light Bulb?


A friend of mine e-mailed me this, and I'm sure it's an e-mail pass-along. Edited for length. Enjoy and show a thick skin (or coat) for those whose breeds get a mild tweaking.

How many dogs does it take to change a light bulb?

1. Golden retriever: The sun is shining, the day is young, we've got our whole lives ahead of us, and you're inside worrying about a stupid burned out bulb?
2. Border collie: Just one. And then I'll replace any wiring that's not up to code.
3. Dachshund: You know I can't reach that stupid lamp!
4. Rottweiler: Make me.
5. Boxer: Who cares? I can still play with my squeaky toys in the dark.
6. Lab: Oh, me, me!!!!! Pleeeeeeeeeze let me change the light bulb! Can I? Can I? Huh? Huh? Huh? Can I? Pleeeeeeeeeze, please, please, please!
7. German shepherd: I'll change it as soon as I've led these people from the dark, check to make sure I haven't missed any, and make just one more perimeter patrol to see that no one has tried to take advantage of the situation.
8. Jack Russell terrier: I'll just pop it in while I'm bouncing off the walls and furniture.
9. Old English sheep dog: Light bulb? I'm sorry, but I don't see a light bulb!
10. Cocker spaniel: Why change it? I can still pee on the carpet in the dark.

How many cats does it take to change alight bulb? Cats do not change light bulbs. People change light bulbs. So, the real question is: "How long will it be before I can expect some light, some dinner, and a massage?"

All of which proves, once again, that while dogs have masters, cats have staff!

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Phoebe Finds a Home; Petey Still Needs One

When Rep. Mike Castle toured the Delaware Humane Association last week, he -- and the reporters and photographers who trailed him -- met lots of animals available for adoption. Two of them stood out -- Phoebe, a tiny Italian pug, and great big Petey, a mastiff mix. (See Aug. 1 post for pictures.)

The humane association's Mary Ann D'Amato reports that Phoebe did, indeed, find a home. Good for her. But Petey's still waiting for the just right family. Check out the description of him in the latest issue of Delaware Pets:

"Strongman: AKA: Petey will be able to pull you out of any jam, no matter how big. This friendly easy-going guy will win your heart with his gentle ways. Petey is a 2-year-old mastiff mix."

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Wash Your Dog on Saturday and Help Greyhounds


If your dog needs a refreshing bath -- and whose doesn't during this heat wave? -- stop by the Doggie Wash on Saturday at Concord Pet in Hockessin. The 11 a.m.-3 p.m. event will raise money for the Northeast Chapter of Greyhound Adoption of Florida, which finds homes for retired greyhound racers.

If you've never seen just how gentle a greyhound can be, this is your perfect chance. Lisa Foutalbert, an adoption coordinator, says volunteers will have greyhounds there that members are fostering and others that they've adopted.

"We're always trying to raise awareness for these dogs," says Foutalbert, who will be the brave one clipping nails Saturday.

Concord Pet is at 697 Yorklyn Road. All breeds are welcome, but Foutalbert says if you bring a Labradoodle, expect it to take a little longer. She says that breed is the toughest wash she and other volunteers have had.

"We squirted that dog for 10 minutes and went to shampoo it, and it still wasn't wet," she says.

Donation is $12 ($2 discount coupon available at www.adoptagrey.org/). Nails clipped for $5. All proceeds directly benefit Greyhound rescue and adoption. For more info: 234-8689.

Monday, August 07, 2006

A Kitten with Attitude



Don't let this kitten's size fool you. He or she means business when it comes to food.

Sunday, August 06, 2006

Fast-Selling Fish Has a Racing Stripe


One of the hottest-selling fish at Fishman Aquarium Center on Concord Pike is the painted glass tetra. The fish is injected with dye that gives it a thin racing stripe the length of its top and a bit on the bottom. The cool colors -- lime green, hot pink, orange, yellow -- aren't harmful to the fish, a store manager told me, and they do fade.

The tetras are $3.99 each, or three for $9.99.

Saturday, August 05, 2006

Favorite New CD of Pets Everywhere


We're partial to Donald Fagen's "Morph the Cat." (I stand corrected, Mike. Originally released in March, but there's a new push on for the album now.) It's Fagen's first solo album in 13 years; he's half of Steely Dan's duo. Amazon.com reviewer Lloyd Sachs writes: "The grandly allusive 'Morph,' named after what Fagen describes as a 'vast, ghostly cat-thing' that hovers in the Manhattan sky, reflects with no loss of irony or oblique meaning on the angst and sense of loss felt in the post-9/11 world."

It's filled with plenty of Fagen's unique blend of jazz, soul and funk.

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Max and Maggie -- A Popular Pair

I stumbled across this online -- the most popular dog names for males and females.

MALE
1. Max
2. Jake (our neighbors have a pug named Jake)
3. Buddy (President Clinton's dog)
4. Bailey
5. Sam
6. Rocky
7. Buster
8. Casey
9. Cody
10. Duke (a name that's stood the test of time)
11. Charlie
12. Jack
13. Harley
14. Rusty
15. Toby
16. Murphy
17. Shelby
18. Sparky
19. Barney (President Bush's dog)
20. Winston

FEMALE
1. Maggie
2. Molly
3. Lady (another one that's a classic)
4. Sadie
5. Lucy
6. Daisy
7. Ginger
8. Abby
9. Sasha
10. Sandy
11. Dakota (an up-and-comer)
12. Katie
13. Annie
14. Chelsea
15. Princess (another classic)
16. Missy
17. Sophie
18. Bo
19. Coco
20. Tasha

Anything surprise you on either list? Anything surprise you because it's not there?

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Phoebe and Petey Need New Homes



One of the benefits of a congressman touring an animal shelter is the extra attention it brings to the pets who need adoption. Rep. Mike Castle, R-Del., stopped by the Delaware Humane Association on Tuesday to talk about federal animal-related legislation and to tour the shelter on A Street in Wilmington. "We're not here to adopt a dog today," Castle said of he and his wife Jane, although he added they love to pet-sit dogs for friends. (Later, we thought we did spot Jane Castle seriously considering one dog.)

During the tour, Executive Director Kevin Usilton tried to hook me up with Phoebe (second photo above by Suchat Pederson) a 1-year-old Italian pug -- part Italian greyhound, part pug -- who is up for adoption. Usilton says Phoebe is a little skittish and is being kept in a crate away from the other dogs. She's not great on a leash, so volunteers are walking her each day to get her accustomed to that, but she is 16 pounds of utter sweetness. Just licked my face and my hands, and loved affection. She's a snuggler and would be great for any family. The humane association's Mary Ann D'Amato says Phoebe was surrendered by her previous owners because she would not stay in the yard and they were worried for her safety. D'Amato says she received one application today on Phoebe, so act fast if your heart is tugged.

The other dog that made a big impression was Petey -- my late dog was named Petey, too -- a 100-pound American bulldog mix who is less than 2 years old and neutered. "He's a gentle giant," says volunteer Gail Gallagher. (He's resting on the floor with Gallagher in the top photo by Pederson.) She says he's great with other dogs, but doesn't like cats. There's a family out there that would be perfect for Petey.

If you are interested in either dog, call the humane association at 571-0111. It's at 701 A St. in Wilmington.