MONTHLY HOWL
MAY 3, 2000
Woof everyone and hello! This time I would like to share with all of you this interesting newsletter my mistress received from the Bow Wow Meow, reprinted with permission. I hope you enjoy it!
LIFE THROUGH A DOG'S EYES
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We think this little gem should replace the ubiquitous Desiderata posters for feel-good wisdom. There is evidently much we can learn from a canine mindset.
IF A DOG WERE YOUR TEACHER, you would learn . . .
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience. Let others know when they've invaded your territory. Take naps and stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you. Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do. On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body. No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout, just run right back and make friends. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough. Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
BRITNEY'S SHOPPING COMPANION
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There must be something in the air on the West Coast in the States. We've mentioned before Portia De Rossi's penchant for taking her Maltese, Bean, along shopping with her (and to trendy little cafes to boot). Now it seems Britney Spears is joining the trend. She was recently seen, resplendent in pink, accompanied by her Yorkie pooch, Mitzi, while testing her credit card capacity in LA. LA is starting to sound more like gay Paris with its relaxed attitude to dogs in public spaces, but maybe the open-door policy for pooches is reserved for the Hollywood elite.
DOUBLE THE FUN - NAMING PAIRS
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We briefly mentioned last month the Pairs Name Search, a hugely popular feature of the bowwow.com.au Web site which lists a raft of great names for pairs. To access this, just go the Web site and click on Pairs name search. The choices are great for inspiration, and you can go with a theme. Priscilla and Elvis, for example, for a couple of sleek, black-haired cats (this, of course, is the pre-peroxide Priscilla of the 60s). And for those of you who also remember Amos and Andy from a similar era, that is always an option. Or what about, Harley and Davidson for the revhead in you. Check out this facility for lots more, with inspiration from the world of movies, music, famous lovers, cartoons and more.
http://www.bowwow.com.au/lettersearch/index.asp
A FRENCH TAKE ON FELINES
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Since we are in inspirational mode, we thought a literary homage to cats might be a nice inclusion in this month's newsletter. The following is by Theophile Gautier, and is called 'La Menagerie Intime', from Nerys Hughes, Favourite Cat Stories.
"It is no easy task to win the friendship of a cat. He is a philosopher, sedate, tranquil, a creature of habit, a lover of decency and order. He does not bestow his regard lightly, and, though he may consent to be your companion, he will never be your slave. Even in his most affectionate moods he preserves his freedom, and refuses a servile obedience. But once you gain his confidence, he is a friend for life. He shares your hours of work, of solitude, of melancholy. He spends whole evenings on your knee, purring and dozing, content with your silence, and spurning for your sake the society of his kind."
BEST BEHAVIOUR
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Like the notorious child known throughout the school for his or her playing up, no one wants to have a pet which annoys other household members or visitors. Here are some tips from Bark Busters by Sylvia Wilson for remedying common behavioural problems.
Biting your ankles or clothing:
Use a throw chain (a leash-like chain made of metal links) for this complaint. Wait for your dog to grab your clothes or ankles, and then stay standing still and throw the chain, saying "Bah". Praise your dog, saying "Good Boy" or "Good Girl" the minute it stops biting, says Sylvia.
Barking
To control barking beyond good guard dog habits, try and catch your dog in the act. Sneak up and throw your throw chain near the dog's feet or bounce the chain off a fence or noisy material and say "Bah". Again, praise your dog, the minute it stops the unwanted behaviour.
Jumping up
This action starts when the dog is a puppy, so it is important to get in early. Make sure you stand still, put your hands behind your back and bend your knees to push the dog away, saying "Bah". Praise your dog as soon as it drops to the ground.
Best Regards,
The Bow Wow Team
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http://www.bowwow.com.au/
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Copyright 2000 by Bow Wow Meow Pty. Ltd. May be reproduced for non-commercial purposes as long as attribution is given.
While Bow Wow uses its best efforts in collecting and preparing information for this newsletter, Bow Wow does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions.
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That's it! See you next time!
Your Faithful Friend, Brownie
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