My New Dog Book

Ok, I am so excited. I finally finished my new book, German Shepherds Revealed. I wrote this book because I love German Shepherds and it is based on my experiences with my German Shepherds Berry and Wanda (plus all the rescue German Shepherds we've had in our lives). If you have a German Shepherd or are thinking of getting one, please check it out - click here or go to www.GermanShepherdsRevealed.com.

'til next time

Margaret

New Dog Book

I think this book sounds great!

Life From a Dog’s Point of View: Unique Book Chronicles a Photographer’s Remarkable Relationship with his Dog

Americans are in love with dogs. The current runaway success of John Grogan’s Marley and Me demonstrates how much Americans love anything “dog-related.” Unfortunately, many abandoned dogs and other pets languish in animal shelters, waiting for an owner who may not ever come for them. In fact, there are literally millions of animals who need homes. People sometimes forget about these animals and how much they can add to our lives.

(PRWEB) April 6, 2006 -- Americans are in love with dogs. The current runaway success of John Grogan’s Marley and Me demonstrates how much Americans love anything “dog-related.” Unfortunately, many abandoned dogs and other pets languish in animal shelters, waiting for an owner who may not ever come for them. In fact, there are literally millions of animals who need homes. People sometimes forget about these animals and how much they can add to our lives.

Reiji Kanemoto’s life changed forever when he brought home Rufus, an elderly golden retriever that was abandoned by its owners. A professional photographer for over twenty years, Kanemoto quickly realized that Rufus could provide him with a unique point of view from a dog’s perspective. Rufus became a “Dog Photographer” by allowing Kanemoto to harness a real camera to his body.

“The idea was a simple one,” says Kanemoto. “Put a camera around my dog’s neck and start shooting pictures from his point of view. It was a lot of fun and really opened my eyes as a photographer. It also turned into a journey of companionship and unforgettable memories that I will always carry with me.”

The result is a unique book of photographs, taken from Rufus’ point of view, as he and Kanemoto snapped pictures of anything of interest all over Los Angeles. The book, My Name is Rufus, I Am a Photographer: A Dog’s True Story (StudioTanimoto, 2006), is unlike anything else on the market today, mostly because the dog himself took the photographs.

The book tells Rufus’ story in pictures and is at turns funny, fascinating, touching and hopelessly charming. Providing a rare view of the world from a dog’s perspective, the book chronicles trips to dog shows, dog parks, dog beaches, and even a pet café. You also get to see how other dogs reacted to Rufus’ camera and you even get a sense of his predilection for the ladies.

“Rufus was a ladies’ dog,” says Kanemoto. “Whenever we went for walks, he would always greet the girls passing by, and they would make a fuss over him. I think he knew he was a good-looking dog.”

The book serves as Kanemoto’s tribute to his beloved dog and also as a photo journal of the unbreakable bond between the photographer and his dog. While the photos are taken in the spirit of fun, the story also has a serious underlying theme between the lines.

His experience with Rufus profoundly affected Kanemoto’s life and his outlook on the many abandoned dogs living in shelters all over the country. “The one thing he taught me was kindness,” says Kanemoto. “He made me realize there are so many abandoned pets like him, living in kennels waiting for their guardians to come back."

As a result of his inseparable relationship with Rufus, Kanemoto has dedicated himself to try to help stray and abandoned pets. “Some of these pets find new people to care for them, but most don’t,” says Kanemoto. “I hope to continue adopting these animals, and try to find others who can as well.”

Because of his love and appreciation for Rufus, Kanemoto will be donating a portion of the book sales to the Golden Retriever Foundation, who foster the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of displaced Golden Retrievers.

After five wonderful years with Kanemoto, Rufus unfortunately passed away due to natural causes. Kanemoto has adopted Murphy, a stray dog that is part Black Labrador and part Great Dane. It is his hope that Murphy will someday be able to carry on Rufus’ work.

For a review copy of the book or to set up an interview with Reiji Kanemoto for a story, please contact Jay Wilke at 727-443-7115, ext. 223

Pamper Your Dog With a Fancy Dog Bed

Many dog owners admit their dogs share their beds at night. But where does your dog take his daytime nap?

Pet Stores are providing answers with a slew of dog beds in bolster, pillow and unbelievably fancier styles.

According to dog experts, you should choose a dog bed based on how your dog sleeps rather than your home's decor. If your dog sleeps curled up, round pillows, lounge-styles or bolster beds are good choices. On the other hand if your dog sleeps sprawled out, a rectangular pillow, larger bolster or couch-style bed is the best dog bed to choose. Whichever dog bed is best, you'll have several styles to choose from. And you will sleep well knowing you can choose comfort without sacrificing fashion.

The best selling dog bed style right now is the bolster bed style.

Bolster (bumper) beds are comfortable for dogs to snuggle in because they’re built like a nest. These dog beds are not only comfortable, but are also machine washable.

Some bolster dog beds have removable, washable pillow bottoms, and some are entirely washable. This is a great advantage if your dog drools or sheds.

Another best-seller is the micro-velvet donut bed that looks just like leather or suede. This dog bed looks “at home” in traditional or contemporary settings.

If you (or your dogs) prefer a pillow style dog bed in your home, you can find several options.

At Calling All Dogs, a Bejeweled Canopy Pet Bed will tell everyone that your dog is pampered. It has a microsuede cover and can be washed.

While some pillow beds lie on the floor, others come with a matching base, making them look like fancy dog day beds.

For small dogs, there are many selections of dog beds. Typically the smaller the dog the bigger the pampering.

Smaller dogs can fancy dog beds designed to look like couches, chaise lounges or tented huts. You also can choose from styles that resemble beds, canopy beds and even a mahogany sleigh bed.

Considering dogs sleep up to 15 hours a day, a nice dog bed is a good investment.

by Margaret Svete

SpoilYourDog.com

Gourmet Dog Treat Recipes

If you’re looking to bake something absolutely ‘doggie-licious’ for your dog, these recipes received two paws up from my gang. Berry’s personal favorite is the "Canine Carrot Cake". Gourmet Dog Treat Recipes

Dog Power

I saw this the other day and found it very interesting:

- Dogs make individuals more attractive to date and/or marry: 71 percent of females are more inclined to date or marry someone with a dog. 59 percent of males agree.
- While more than half of both women and men find their dogs more affectionate than their partner, slightly more women find their dogs more affectionate (59 percent) than do men (51 percent).
- Women (48 percent) are much more likely than men (28 percent) to find their dogs cuter than their partners.
- 45 percent of men and 59 percent of women responded that their dog makes them a lot happier person.
- Women are significantly more likely than men (76 percent to 54 percent) to insist their significant other go to a medical professional for treatment of an allergy rather than getting rid of their dog.
- Almost a third of both men and women (31 percent) have taken their dog shopping, to the hair salon, or along with them on other errands.
- 30 percent of respondents would consider having a funeral for their dog. Women were slightly more likely at 33 percent, compared to men at 23 percent.
Source: Shopzilla. Respondents: 1,228 from Dec. 9 to Dec. 12, 2005.

Dog Poop

I know its a gross topic, but part of having a dog involves cleaning up and dealing with dog poop. We've devoted several pages to dog poop solutions at:

http://www.spoilyourdog.com/dog-poop-solutions.html