At the moment, we have three German Shepherds—two of our own and a foster. Those giant paws running rapidly from one end of the yard to the other several times a day are tearing it up slowly. But that’s not the big problem…

Hindsight Is 20-20

I’m still working on training all three to relieve themselves in the far-back part of the yard, which is mostly brush and trees.  Not happening as quickly as we’d like.  After a few days, the yellow spots began to appear, followed by  big patches of dead grass and dirt.

About that same time, I noticed an ad for a product that neutralized the high nitrogen content and high ph in dog urine to prevent this problem. I hit the dog-supplies trail and purchased two products—one for the dogs and another to spray on the yellow spots and neutralize everything at the point of contact (which, of course, means I have to watch them while they’re in the yard to see where they go and run outside with the spray bottle, hoping I’ll remember the exact spot where the stream landed. Easier said than done.)  So, right now, it’s hard to tell if it’s working. We wish we’d started them on the edible prevention well before the sod went down.

It’s Not Too Late For YOU!

If you have dogs and you’re planning to install new sod, the easiest protection may be to simply train your dogs to do their business in one spot specially designed for them, filled with either river pebble or Astroturf for easy clean-up. But just in case,  you should know about the different kinds of urine neutralizers. There are products on the market for both dogs and lawns. Ingestible urine neutralizers are available as chewables or liquids/sprays for their food or water.  And you can choose from a number of lawn treatments on the market.  I’m off to do some research on repairing my lawn before the problem gets any worse. Meanwhile, our beloved dogs are enjoying the heck out of their new backyard “digs.”

Maybe not so much for those pigs flying, but if you’ve got one as a pet, there just might be a tax deduction on the way.

People have been trying to get tax deductions for their pets for years.  And with legislation introduced by Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, R-Mich, pet owners may be able to deduct up to $3,500 per year for pet supplies, medical and pet care expenses, if it gets through Congress.

It’s called the HAPPY Act, which stands for Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years, and you can learn more about it at http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h3501/show.

Sounds like a great idea to us!  Since we’re the only “kids” our parents have, we don’t see why they can’t get that tax credit.   They love us just like they would human kids–even more so, I think!  But until that happens, the only tax deductions you can currently get for your pets are for guide dogs, service dogs or animals directly related to your business.

With any luck, maybe when April 15th rolls around next year, we all can take advantage of this new bill.  Just think, our Mom and Dad would not only get the benefit of having us around providing constant love and affection, but they’d also get the tax benefit, as well.  It’s a win-win for everyone!

Customize Your Profile, and Then Buy Pets!
Are you a wolf, a cat, or a bird? Choose which animal you want to be and also pick a habitat. Then, check out all of the other human pets, and buy a few to take care of!

Search for Pets
You can find “human pets” near you, and become real life friends! Or, check out the random profile viewer and meet people from all over the world.

Besides online auctions, chats and blogs, games, discussion boards and classified ads, you can create similar interest groups known as “herds,” and discuss your hobbies with new friends. There’s an online market, so you can go shopping and find new items for your pets. You can even open up your own shop and earn virtual points from sales. We think they can take it even further!!

Let’s See How THEY Like It!

You know how much humans like to dress us up in ridiculous outfits they wouldn’t wear in public themselves? Well, Mittens and I think this Web site provides a great opportunity to turn the tables. After all, turn-about is fair play. You know how my Mom and Dad put me in dog sweaters every once in a while? I just suck it up and have fun with it, because it makes them happy. With this new site, you all have a chance to have your pet stroll the neighborhood streets au natural—naked, nude, like pets are supposed to be. Won’t that be fun!? America, get your cameras ready!

I love this site! Created for people who treat their pets like family (and that would definitely be me,) it features a health center and an encyclopedia of animals, where you can find out about hundreds of potential pets. There are also forums for all kinds of pets and some fun games.

Mostly, it’s about hooking up socially active pets and their people, encouraging inter-species connections, too. Just because you have a dog or a cat doesn’t mean you can’t “hang” with a fish or a rodent. You’re invited to create a free profile for your best friend, where you can share photos, videos  and information about favorite activities, favorite toys, even the energy level of your pet. The site covers dog breeds extensively, and you’ll be happy to know the many breeds of cats, horses, fish, birds, etc. are given equal time.

Especially touching is Rainbow Bridge–a place on the site where people can memorialize the pets they’ve loved and lost. The page includes the beautiful work of an unknown author who wrote comforting words about where our deceased pets go and the extraordinary moment when we’re reunited with them.

And, of course, there’s a blog–Cindy’s Blog. She’s a former surgical veterinarian technician and education specialist for the Humane Society. Covering everything from ear mites to raising chickens as pets to heartwarming orangutan/dog relationships, Cindy gives great tips for caretakers of precious pets.

Why not head over there and browse awhile? I think you’ll be amazed, not just at the variety of pets people share their homes with, but the deep, enduring love at the heart of those relationships.

Which Teams Have Cat Mascots?

The tournament starts with 64 teams, and 13 of those teams wear some kind of cat on their T-shirts and hats and stuff. That’s about 20% off all the teams in the tournament! Understandably, cats are pretty popular when you’re looking for a mascot that’s fierce, determined, persistent, competitive and, of course, lovable like me.  Here’s a list of the tournament teams that have combat-ready catalysts for team spirit:

University of Kentucky Wildcats

University of Missouri Tigers

Kansas State University Wildcats

University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions

Clemson University Tigers

University of  Houston Cougars

A

University of Northern Iowa Panthers

A

A

Villanova University Wildcats

University of Vermont Catamounts

University of Ohio Bobcats

University of Pittsburgh Panthers

North Texas State University Bobcats

Brigham Young University Cougars

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGO, CATS, GO!

Let’s Dig Deeper!

We wonder what they mean by “more open.” Would any of our wonderful cat lovers care to speculate? We have lots of “cat people” in our circle of friends and, if they’re neurotic, they hide it pretty well. We’ve also known a dog lover or two who might need to spend some time in the “Chock Full ‘o Nuts” hotel, and they’re still terrific people. We’re waiting for a study to determine whether cats are more neurotic than dogs. Is your pet neurotic? Do tell!

The Ultimate Dog Bed!

Also on the radar screen this week is our new favorite bed and breakfast! The world’s biggest beagles host overnight guests at the Dog Bark Park Inn. Dog Bark Park is home to Toby and Sweet Willy. Toby is a 12-foot tall beagle statue, and guests enter the body of the beagle from a private 2nd story deck. Some of the dog’s decorative furnishings are carvings by Dog Bark Park chainsaw artists Dennis & Frances. Inside and up another level to the head of the dog is a loft room with additional sleeping space plus a cozy alcove in the muzzle. Hmmm. It must be hard to find dog collars that big. Oddly, their Web site doesn’t say whether dogs are welcome. We’re going to assume that they are, which is as it should be. Watch this video to find out more!

Invisible Fence Brand owners Phillip and Kathie Vroman, in conjunction with the their parent company, say their passion is animals, and they are giving back to the communities across the country that have always been good to their business.  Mittens and I applaud them for finding such a wonderful way to give back.

The masks are intended to work with a variety of pets and can be used in smoke-inhalation cases, ice rescues and other times when pets need an air supply. The masks come in sets of three, each one a different size to accommodate most all pets. Human masks have been tried on pets before, and they just don’t work over a dog’s nose and mouth.

Firefighters, especially the ones who have pets of their own, are thrilled to have the equipment, and we’re thrilled for them! Four paws up for the Vromans!

We’re going to need some help from you, too! If you’ve got a neat pet adoption story or a fostering story, we’d love to hear about it. Just click here to tell us your story and send us photos. We love getting those photos! Also, if there’s anything about pets you’d like us to cover, please let us know. Like your very own pets, we’re here for you! I think that’s all the poop for now! Don’t be surprised if we become your #1 favorite pet blog ever!

We’d like to leave you with a cute video we found on YouTube.  It’s not us, but it does show you the fun relationship we have.  (Our Mom and Dad want you to know our fenced-in yard is a lot nicer, with lots of thick, soft, green grass.) You’ll probably enjoy the video, because there’s nothing cuter than a dog and a kitten playing together. Until next time!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMAX & Mittens