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Celebrate your dog -- or cat or frog . . .
There's a day for all your household -- and barnyard -- friends
Stuart Derdeyn
The Province
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Happy National Dog Day, readers. That's right, today was declared NDD back in 2006 by the folks at the Animal Miracle Foundation.
The goal of the day is to try to galvanize public opinion about the number of dogs who require rescue from abandonment or abusive situations and aid in medical treatment, as well as recognize them for their selfless devotion to family members, law enforcement and -- a big deal since 9/11 -- detecting bombs and other instruments of terrorism.
According to the website at www.animalmiraclefoundation.org, in the first year of NDD approximately 12,056 dogs across the U.S. were saved. The '07 goal is 15,000. While we don't have figures that accurate for Canada, Italy, England or Australia's NDD, it's a good bet that we'll do our canine companions a good turn, too.
No dog? Then skip over today, National Puppy Day (March 23) and National Mutt Day (Dec. 2) and mark the following dates on your calendar:
- National Cat Day, Oct. 29
- National Horse Protection Day, March 1
- National Wildlife Day, Sept. 4
- National Frog Day, April 1.
OK, I made the last one up, but I've had amphibians on the brain big time since spotting my first frog in a decade in the pond at the entrance to Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park earlier this week.
In ancient times, before the changes to the environment made things that go "ribbit" in the night vanish from sight, children used to chase the numerous frogs and toads around the ponds at Stanley Park, Jericho Beach and Little Mountain. Then local populations slid into rapid decline, and they aren't on their way back up. But it was really awesome seeing the little greenie floating in the sun and lollygagging around.
My guess is he'll be bird food soon.
Garbage food
Speaking of food, a good deal of unwanted nibbles for nosy noshers is turning up in local parks and on sidewalks as the impasse between city hall and city workers continues and garbage removal is limited.
On a recent saunter around the usually pristine Little Mountain Park parking lot, Stella Kowoofski got into a spilled bag of chocolate M&Ms and I almost didn't notice in time. Chocolate, for those of you who don't know, is like arsenic for dogs; potentially deadly at worst, almost certain to cause illness at best. Fortunately, nothing "went down," but by walk's end, fried chicken bones, used safes (GROSS!) and a dead crow all had to be avoided.
Toss in extra-long grass -- which is quite nice, actually -- and even more risks could be lurking there, unseen by you.
Be careful, not sorry.
NEW IKEA COLLECTION
All those who shop at Ikea know that the Swedish furniture giant has had a line of pet-friendly furnishings available for a while. However, a new Ikea "pets and people collection" launched this month with some pretty chi-chi items.
Among my personal faves is the Bästis Krona cat and dog bed. designed by Monica Mulder and Amelia Chong. This new resting spot boasts a raised headrest and comes in a variety of colour combos that could grace a nicely decorated room without causing a clash-tastrophe.
That said, I doubt my beasties would see such an item as a suitable alternative to the sofa and chair they aren't supposed to sleep on.
I can't recommend the "dog toy shoe," however. Anything that encourages behaviour that is bad ain't good. I mean, how is the dog supposed to know that its "doggy" version isn't the same as your Prada "toy." Not a good idea.
sderdeyn@png.canwest.com
© The Vancouver Province 2007