A Seeing Eye Dog and a Fur-free cat

This is Napoleon, my friend, a Seeing Eye Dog whose human is a missionary in Chile. You can read my interview with Napoleon at www.teamlesley.com- click on my picture next to the link to the K9Lives Club for Pampered Pets of All Species. Then open the sample club newsletter. The newsletter includes all kinds of information about service animals- horses, dogs, and a parrot! Members in my elite club receive a certificate of membership and a subscription to an informative e-newsletter that will be delivered to your email box monthly on around the 17th day of the month. A percentage of my club's revenues collected between October 17 and November 16, 2006 will be given to The Seeing Eye.
Respectfully Submitted,
Saxby

P.S. Today, at my veterinarian's office, I became introduced to a cat named Harry. He was a most amazing looking animal- totally lacking in fur! Apparently he was specially bred to be fur-free. What do you think of that?

World Series

My human must have lost her mind. She appears to believe that those little red-tufted loud-mouth red birds- cardinals- obtained some sort of victory over a group of tigers. She took the kids to a parade that was led by the famous Clydesdale horses pulling a carriage. At least they were real horses. The most sober passenger on top of the carriage was the dalmatian. (My kind of hero!) He was not dressed in red like one poor labrador in the crowd. Do the humans really believe that putting on a costume can turn them into an animal? I am talking about that Fred Bird, you know. But, we animals can't be expected to understand human behavior, right? Think about it- humans pick up the strangest things from the ground- today my human picked up pieces of red, white, and blue confetti at the parade. Usually I only notice her picking up after me. I am getting quite concerned for her sanity, really.
Respectfully Submitted,
Saxby

Compassion For Crocodiles

At last the cold has come and the trees are shaking down their crackling leaves. My fur is full and it pleases me to smell the wind or to tuck my sensitive black nose under my tail for warmth. But, when I hear about the plight of some 4,000 crocodiles in Thailand, I shudder and wonder how one beast is privileged and loved while others, deprived of freedom, must suffer the profound indignity of being moved from their watery home just to prevent fear among humans. Now, I know how to instill fear in humans by the use of my gruffest growel and loud, incessant barks! I especially engender respect from the adult males of the human species since I am more tolerant of and gentle towards the females. But, however fearsome a crocodile appears to be is no excuse for humans to render them unconscious through the use of electric shock treatment just to tie their snouts, legs, and tails so they can be dumped in boats and removed from their home. Imagine the psychological damage this must inflict among the younger crocodiles especially since it took an army of 60 humans to relocate the whole group! It took me ages to relinquish my unreasonable puppyish fear of the dumpster! It makes me deeply aware of the crocodilian pain. It is even more a source of anguish to read that these crocodiles are being kept for their skins and meat. What a dark future! Now, I don't mind giving up my fur to be spun into dog-wool so that a human can benefit from my warmth but I would bite anyone who attempted to remove my skin.
Respectfully Submitted,
Saxby

Let Sleeping Dogs and Tortoises Lie!

You've heard it said, no doubt, "Let sleeping dogs lie,"- good advice- especially for those shorter humans that seem so very attracted to our tails and eyes. (I've heard that their fascination is also aimed at cats) Well, the point is that sleep is important to us dogs as it is also, I imagine, for the pampered tortoises in Scotland. These pets are expected to sleep for a full 20 weeks- now, dogs and cats would protest such an expectation as absurd and impossible to fulfill. We need our appetites satisfied in order to get the full benefit of our rest! Well, the tortoise pets aren't just allowed to peacefully rumble round and round until their tails get tucked in just so before lying down blissfully for their naps. No! They must first suffer the indignity of a physical examination at a free clinic of the Edinburgh Royal School of Veterinary Studies according to BBC News today. I wonder what will happen to them if they are found to be infected with pneumonia or mouth ulcers.... As for being checked for anorexia, in my opinion, that should occur following the hibernation, not prior to it. I won't lose much sleep worrying about it, however. Respectfully Submitted - Saxby

What would you do if your human came home with a pet lion?

It will be sad for people who are used to driving along Interstate 44 near Springfield, Missouri, now because the Exotic Animal Paradise had to close. Sad for the people but what about the 450animals who have lived there since it opened in 1971 and now have to be sold? Todd C. Frankel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported, 10/13/2006, that it is expected that the lions will bring $2,500 at the auction and the zebras will bring $14,000 each. Would you want your human to come home with a new lion? What can they be thinking! Being a pampered pet is one thing, and a very important thing at that, but being an exotic pet might be a bit more challenging. I did some research and discovered what some exotic pets cost. Ostriches cost between $350-600. A male peacock costs between $85-200. A young male reindeer costs $325- watch out Rudolph! An olive baboon costs $1500 and a pot bellied pig costs between $50-175. Hmm, have you ever seen an animal with a wallet? Some human thinking is a bit peculiar to my mind. Anyone care to comment?
Thoughtfully Submitted,
Saxby

Oh, by the way, the K9Lives Pampered Pet Club For All Species invites you to join by going to http://teamlesley.com/k9LivesClub.htm (the address is case sensitive) AND the first edition of K9Lives Monthly will be emailed to all members in good standing on the 17th of each month beginning in October.

Humans seem to be becoming more sensitive of us animals

I am fairly certain that my human will continue to care for me for my entire life but, that is not apparently so for chimpanzees who have retired from careers in laboratories where humans use them for scientific research. The United States legislature was forced to become involved and pass the CHIMP Act of 1998 for "Chimpanzee Health Improvement, Maintenance, and Protection." Today Judy Bergeron, of www.2theadvocate.com, reported on a marvelous retirement facility for chimpanzees that is located on 200 acres of wooded land in Keithville, Louisiana. The Chimp Haven residents have regular meals, recreational opportunities, and even painting classes. Although the humans who work for the chimpanzees seem to be very respectful, they are sponsoring a photo contest for other humans next Saturday. I just hope that the photographers are as careful as Elena Comens, the Weston, Florida, portrait photographer who was featured in today's MiamiHerald.com. Reporter, Jennifer Mooney Piedra, wrote about how Ms. Comens even provides bones for her canine subjects to place them at ease prior to doing the photo shoot. It's about time that the humans among us became more sensitive to our needs, don't you agree?

Do you have zoonoses?

I am sure that I do not have zoonoses. I am perfectly healthy and, besides, I have had all of my shots. But, Amy Ellis Nutt's article with the Newhouse News Service today says that our humans need to watch out that they don't get a zoonoses from one of us. Apparently pampered pets can carry diseases that humans can catch. Ms. Nutt says that rodent pets carry up to 50 zoonoses; primate pets carry up to 28 zoonoses, and reptiles carry 16. I'm glad that she did not mention canines or felines. Apparently it is the exotic varieties that are causing the most fear among human authorities in the United States. In addition to the millions of exotic pets that are legally imported to the United States each year, many more are smuggled in. I suppose that is the reason for all the rules about traveling with pets. Did you know that if your human wants to take you on an airplane trip even without leaving the country, first you have to get a cerificate of health from your veterinarian who will probably advise your human to withhold food from you for 12 hours before the trip. How would your human like it if the roles were reversed? I am signing this with my very own mark so you know it is my opinion.
Sincerely, Saxby

Would your human buy a "hypo-allergenic" cat?

I want you to meet Mrs. Brown, the sharp-toothed, rear-clawed feline member of my extended family who visits from time to time when her human entertains others who suffer from allergies to cats. I assure you that she does not appreciate having to be uprooted from her wonderful home and dragged over here where she is restricted to a suite of rooms on the second floor and prevented from socializing with me. However, I believe that even Mrs. Brown would prefer her temporary discomfort to the fate predestined for some of her species as described by Elisabeth Rosenthal in the International Herald Tribune today (10/5/2006). A biotechnology company in San Diego, Allerca, is taking orders for specially bred cats who lack the ability to make Fel d 1, the protein that causes most human cat allergies. At least Allerca cares about the altered cats because they make sure that the humans who procure them will be the sort who will definitely pamper! The company charges $4,000 for the service and it requires advanced orders in the U.S. of between 12 and 15 months. Would your human buy a genetically manipulated cat? Do you think this is right? Let me hear from pets everywhere on this very important ethical matter that could impact all of us if we ignore it.

Who is the most talented animal in films?

How many of you pets would like to be in a movie? Today several newspapers around the U.S. reported that one talent agency, Hollywood Paws, is being sued because one of its dog clients didn't get any auditions. Do you think that's fair? They do special training in media skills for pets and they require their dog actors to be certified as good citizens by the American Kennel Clubs. Who do you think the best animal film star of all times is? I'm hoping to hear from lots of pampered pets of all species and kinds. Don't forget to put your picture on your comment. Thanks awfully! -- Saxby

Seeking Travel Tips for Dogs by Dogs

Hi Friends,
Life is looking better and better for all of us American dogs! Statistics prove it. Since 2003 the number of pet friendly hotels in the United States has increased by 28% according to the AAA of Texas and an amazing 70 million US households include at least one of us pets. See what I mean! Have any of you dog readers had the chance to visit the K-9 Bark Park at the Reno airport? Apparently it is very well designed to give us all the necessary amenities without inconveniencing our humans in the least. If you've been there, how about posting a short description of your experience. Also, does anybody know a good Bed & Biscuit that they could recommend to travelers? Be specific about what you liked and where it is! Thanks.
Looking to enrich the world for Pampered Pets everywhere, Signing off-- Saxby