Moscow Cat Theatre

A less serious topic for a change, has anyone seen the show, Moscow Cat Theatre? I laughed when I saw the advertisment in the paper. Cats performing? I would love to see that. I will admit that I do like cats but all the cats I knew were never smart enough to do tricks.

Moscow Cat Theatre http://www.moscowcatstheatre.com/

35 cats! 1 dog! and 5 clowns! Death defying Balancing Acts! Dancing! Acrobatics! The only entertainment of its kind in the world-features non-stop action by a group of talented felines performing original and astounding acrobatic feats, integrated into a non-verbal, colorful and fun-filled family show. Making its U.S. debut, in NY City, with American audiences 3 years ago, MOSCOW CATS THEATRE has been embraced by the media and fans alike. With appearances on Good Morning America, Good Day New York, Inside Edition, Montel Williams, and Regis and Kelly Show. The Russian cats have been the talk of the country.

Docking Tails

I love my tail but Springer Spaniels usually have their tails docked. In my opinion, it is unnecessary mutilation! Snoop has injured his front paw twice but not his tail. Does this mean he should have his leg amputated? Of course not! Yes, injuries happen and sometimes they are serious and require amputation but it is not necessary to do preventative amputation. Why are some dogs allowed to keep their tails and others are not. What is the difference between a Springer Spaniel and a Labrador Retriever? I believe it is cosmetic surgery and thankfully the current trend is to ban the practice. There are bans in many countries but not Canada or the United States. I have heard that Canada has decided against banning the practice unless the United States bans it because of the border would make it hard to enforce. I would love to see a ban. Recently there was a story about a Rottie X that had his ears brutally cropped. It makes me cringe at the horror he must have gone through. I send my thoughts on a speedy recovery and that he finds a wonderful home.

Story in the Globe and Mail on docking and cropping:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070517.wxldogs17/BNStory/lifeMain/home

Anti-docking Alliance http://anti-dockingalliance.co.uk

WSAVA Position on Tail Docking http://www.wsava.org/Taildock.htm

Advocates for Animals http://www.advocatesforanimals.org/pdf/Whythetail-dockingofdogsshouldbeprohibited.pdf

The other side of the debate although I'm still not convinced.

Council of Docked Tails http://www.cdb.org/index.htm

http://qtpawzpoodles.tripod.com/taildocking.html

Free to a Good Home

This is my second home. I was put up for adoption in August of 2006. I was listed in the paper as free to a good home. My ad stated I was a purebred Springer Spaniel and good with children. I'm not sure if my age was listed but I was 2-year old and unspayed. I didn't realize it at the time but being advertised as being free is not a good idea. See the article http://www.animalaidsw.org/free.html or http://www.petrescue.com/library/free-pet.htm They list the worst case scenarios: I could have ended up in a puppy mill, an experimental lab or given to abusive owners. My life could have turned out so differently. I shudder at the thought of the alternatives. Thankfully I was given to a person who was a responsible pet owner where I'm a pampered pooch. I have lots of love, plenty of open space to run, and great friends to play with. I am having a great time.

For those that are thinking of giving away your pet. Visit this website: How can we help you keep your Pet? http://www.wonderpuppy.net/canwehelp/1rehome.php

Question for Stanley Coren

I enjoyed reading Stanley Coren's book, "Why does my dog act that way". I recommend it for any dog lover. My question for Stanley is, "Is there a difference between female and male dogs?", the proverbial "Men are from Mars, Woman are from Venus" debate.

Spay or Neuter Your Dogs & Cats!

I strongly believe in the necessity of spay and neutering pet dogs and cats. Please do this to prevent unwanted animals. Thousands of animals are being euthanized every year because owners are not spaying or neutering their pets.

Please donate to SpayCentral Toronto. It is a charity that is working to open GTA's first low-cost, non-profit spay/neuter clinic.