One Time It's a Shame We Don't Live Elsewhere

The Dog Lovers Wine Club is one -- no, make it two, great ideas.

Carivintas Winery, a boutique winery in California with the slogan "Love My Dog, Love My Wine," blends its love of wine with its love of philanthropy. With every club membership - monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly - you get a premium crafted bottle of wine at your doorstep bearing the inspirational story of a real dog. Proceeds from the memberships help homeless animals in need. Win-win-win.

This month's wine - a 2004 Santa Barabara County Syrah - is named for Wheeler. The club rates the wines with an informal "Wine Hounds" rating. Wheeler gets 4.95 out of 5 bones. (Sounds pretty good.) You can even get your dog on a label.

Alas, none of this is to be for residents of Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland or New Jersey, or 26 other states. You have to live in a state in which it's legal to receive wine shipments. Know someone in New York or Ohio or Wisconsin who could accept orders for you?

You can check out the club's Web site for things you can receive at home, including very cool watercolor prints of dogs.

A Christmas Blessing for All Rescues

Yes, pet lovers, there is a Santa Claus. Actually, many who are filled with the Christmas spirit every day of the year.

For those who rescue animals, adopt them from groups or shelters, donate to sustain these efforts, or who keep all of these pet lovers in their thoughts, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

And say a special blessing for Gigi, and for Marlene Oetzel, the Lost and Found Dog Rescue, and all of those who work tirelessly to find these creatures forever homes.

Marlene sent me this e-mail about Gigi (left):

"This our little Gigi. She was rescued from a hoarder in Virginia who when she died, her husband put all the dogs in an outside pen with no shelter. Gigi and all the dogs lived in filth and pure muck. Gigi came to us with pneumonia and thankfully lived but it was really touch and go for almost a week. Gigi still does not like to go outside when it's raining. She now lives the life she deserves with her beloved parents in West Chester Pa. This is how we use donations ... to keep saving animals like Gigi."

Amen.

Frodo, the Burping Christmas Dog

Come back tomorrow for a more inspiring Christmas pet message.

In the meantime, enjoy - and laugh - at Frodo. Does your dog burp?

I Met My First Jug

Coming out of the post office this morning, I held the door for a woman with a puppy. It seemed to be a curious mix, so I asked her what it was.

"He's part Jack Russell terrier and part pug," she said as she picked him up. "He's a jug."

She told me about having to put down a dog and how her heart was broken. This 5-month-old puppy named Chase - she said she always has to chase him around the house - was helping to mend that heart.

Chase is a spark plug, with a great face and a very sweet and loving nature.

The Dog Breed Info Center has some more details about this hybrid, including breeders and rescue groups.

Do you have a jug? E-mail me a photo of you cutie to pets@delawareonline.com.

That's One Amazing Dog

You know him. Tillman, the skatingboarding dog made famous in the iPhone commercial.

I've put his video on my blog before. Still, he amazes me.

How can you teach a dog to do that? To be that nimble? So natural on wheels? So nonplussed by all of the people watching him?

What's the most amazing thing that your dog can do?

Cute Dog Afraid of Snow

Is your dog afraid of the snow?

Meet Sushi. Not afraid OF the snow. Just of falling IN it.

Something to make Monday morning a little easier to take.

A Puppy for Christmas, or Not?

Some animal advocates say, please, don't get or give a puppy for Christmas. There will be too much stress on the animal, too many things going on in the home to give the young pup the attention it deserves and, especially if it's a gift to a child, too many other things to grab that child's attention.

Far better to introduce a puppy - or any new creature - when families are in their more normal day-to-day rhythms. Good points all.

On the other side are usually those who run shelters or rescues. If a puppy or any animal is introduced into a family willing to accept the responsibility, what greater gift could there be than taking in and loving another living creature?

I side with the shelter/rescue advocates. They do a good job of screening applicants and if they think someone is trying to adopt just to "please" a child, it's an adoption that's not likely to happen. If you buy from a breeder or some other source, they have the right to say, "Let's wait until after the first of the year or until the spring" if they suspect your motives are good, but the timing isn't quite right.

If you are thinking about a pet as a Christmas gift, make sure you've thought this through and that your whole family is ready to embrace - and care for - this brand new member of the family.

Join a Week in Delaware Devoted to the Animals

In spring, Delaware will get a formal chance to honor the animals. Best Friends Network, which celebrates all animals and supports the bonds between humans and creatures, is planning Delaware Week for the Animals.

Patricia Haddock, the Mid-Atlantic Regional team leader for Best Friends, is working with Mary Ann D'Amato of Delaware Animal Care & Control and other animal advocates to schedule events from April 19-27 (more than a week, but who's counting?). Patricia wants to involve not only big pet and animal groups, but also teachers, scouts, businesses - anyone who cares about and loves animals.

There is so such to celebrate about animals - much like Sean Williams (above) is doing with his dog Sophie - but especially how they make us better human beings. For many of us, our daily defenses and emotional barricades are lowered just by being around animals. Have a pet or two (or more) at home and the unconditional love they provide can't help put lift your spirits, too.

To get involved with Delaware Week for the Animals, go to Best Friends Network or e-mail phhaddock@comcast.net. Join the celebration - and do what you can to build a better relationship between humans and the animals we love.

Watch this blog, too, for more details.

Do Cats Talk?

I'm not sure if they talk, but it's certain they communicate somehow. Look at how these two cock their heads when they "talking" to each other. There's recognition there - and plain old affection.

What do you think? Do animals "talk"?