Collins, the publisher of Dogs – A Natural History by Jake Page, asked me to review this new book so I thought why not. Spending most of my life in Barnes and Noble I would simply add one more book to read to the pile on my desk, coffee table, kitchen counter, bedside table, in the car (you get the picture). We do not sell books on our Web site, I was not being paid by the publisher and I had never met Jake Page so I could never be accused of showing favoritism except that I love dogs.
The book jacket states that it is not a dog training book; however, this book gives a marvelous view of the history and the development of dogs. Even if you already think you know everything there is to know about dogs this book is a must read for how Mr Page describes his own family of dogs. His description of his 6 dogs makes you believe that you are a part of his dog family from Ding “oddly expressionless” reminding him of a Spielberg dinosaur to Curry (short for Coeur de Lion) who “sits erect, head high, and looks a bit like the Egyptian dog-god Anubis.” The wonderful photos in the book just add to the joy of reading about each dog.
I found the author’s writing about the history and transformation of the dog to be extremely informative, particularly the section on good breeding. Before his untimely death a few years ago, I was fortunate to have spent many hours talking to Dr George Padgett, one of the world’s most celebrated researchers, writers and lecturers on the entire subject of canine genetic diseases, discussing many of the subjects mentioned by Jake Page and this book gives a solid summary so the reader does not have to wade through pages of genetic studies. Appendix B, Canine Health Problems by Breed, was too simplistic in my view and I would rather have seen a note referring the reader to the Control of Canine Genetic Diseases by George Padgett, DVM or other similar books. That is a very personal view as canine genetics was made a fascinating subject by Dr Padgett and this Appendix only gives a basic summary.
Dogs – A Natural History is informative and enjoyable to read. It is the perfect gift for the pet lover as it is not just another book on how to train a dog but rather a series of insights about the history of the dog and how the dog is shaped by its own history.
Barnes and Noble, canine genetics, dogs, Dogs A Natural History, HarperCollins, Jake Page, The Pet Realty Network
Please take a moment to visit the Web site of The Humane Society of the United States, particularly the Executive Staff and Subject Experts. Sue and Panda’s mum, Stephanie Shain, is featured with a very nice Bio but where are they? After all, with the publicity she gets for her very fine articles, her radio and television appearances and her work against puppy mills I thought she would include Sue and Panda’s photos on the list of experts. Aren’t they much cuter than a lot of people dressed up in suits and ties? Never fear, I took over and decided to interview both of them at once, particularly as Sue is so cute and Panda is a much larger fellow than I am. So here goes, Monday at the Water Bowl with Sue and The Panda Bear
1. Sue, I never get very personal but from your photo you do not look 15 years young. Do you follow a special beauty regime that we should all know about or are you just naturally cute?
Thanks for noticing. I’m certainly naturally cute but I do have a few tricks. I try and eat a varied diet…this does take some effort as the cats’ litterboxes are kept behind a gate but I get in there for a snack as often as I can. I also exercise daily- I do this by charging to the front door whenever a person or dog or other creature happens by. I also protect my family from thunderstorms by running outside to bark up at the sky to scare those storm clouds away.
2. The Panda Bear, or if I may be so bold, particularly as you are a much larger fellow than I am, may I call you Panda? I understand that you adopted Sue and the household on the 13th February of this year and so far what has been your favorite experience at home?
Please do feel free to call me Panda. It’s hard to pick a favorite thing, I’ve really enjoyed learning about what a cat is, and going for very long walks in the morning ranks high on the list as well. But if I HAD to pick I think I’d say sleeping on the couch is the best. It’s big and very soft and I tested it out the moment I walked through the front door the first time. Sometimes I stretch out but I’m always happy to curl up small so people or the cats can share the space with me.
We help her in lots of ways. I, this is Sue speaking, went through three homes before finally coming home for good so I’m a good reminder to never give up hope, even when things appear bleak. Panda is a great ambassador for adoption. Although I’ll never let him know it since I’m top dog around here, he’s a very handsome guy and people stop us on the street to ask about what breed he is. Stephanie (we really see her as more of our equal, not so much our mom, she always whispers in our ears that we are her best friends) always beams when she says he’s a mixed breed and that he was adopted from our local shelter.
Stopping puppy mills is serious business. Stephanie works hard but she can’t stop them alone, she really needs kind-hearted people everywhere to learn about those horrible mills and be sure they never support them. We hope more people listen to her and decide to make adoption their first choice. But for those people who want to buy a dog, we hope they will visit www.PuppyBuyersGuide.org and find out how they can be sure they only ever deal with compassionate dog breeders. Steph has said that 2 to 4 million puppies are born in puppy mills every year. If people stopped buying the puppies from puppy mills, those places would go out of business and stop producing so many puppies.
4. This question if for both of you – if you could be anyone or any animal in the world, what person or animal would it be?
Sue - this is easy, I’d be a cat. And it’s NOT because cats are better (dog rule after all) but it’s because they can jump up on the counter or table and steal food. I really REALLY love food (I’m part Beagle) and many times I’ve seen those cats sneak up and snatch themselves a goodie. It’s not fair.
Panda - I really value my lounging time so I think I might pick an animal who lounges ALL the time - like a sloth.
5. Sue, did you have to teach Panda any rules or tricks when he was adopted?
Yes, but he’s a quick study. I dropped by the shelter to meet Panda before he came home so he knew before he arrived that I was the boss. The only really important rules to know are that I get my food first and if I want a drink of water he should move out of the way for me. He’s easy going so he doesn’t mine stepping aside for me.
6. Panda, what irritates you? 
That more people don’t adopt animals from shelters. When I was in the shelter I met a lot of really great dogs, most of whom where there because their people decided they just didn’t have time to take care of a dog anymore. The staff at the shelter were very kind and took good care of us, but all of us dogs really, really just wanted to find a home. I was there for almost two months and I couldn’t believe that more people didn’t come to meet me and my shelter mates. I heard the cats talking when I walked by their room and they felt the same way. It makes me really sad and mad that more people don’t even consider going to a shelter for their next animal companion.
8. Sue and Panda – How would you get more pets adopted? Are you thinking about adopting more to your household and if so which of you would decide who gets to join you?
We’d keep doing what we are doing….going out in the world and interacting with people and letting our family talk about the shelters we were adopted from and what great animals there are there who need new homes. We really believe that if more people just gave the shelter a chance - even if they only agreed to visit once - that they would see how many terrific pets there are there. We like websites that enable people to look at animals in shelters near them….it’s a good way for people to see how awesome these animals in need really are.
We aren’t looking to adopt anyone else right now. We also live with three cats and two guinea pigs and although it’s REALLY hard, Stephanie tries to keep things like veterinary and food bills in mind when she wants to bring another animal home.
9. If you could give one present to each other what would it be?
Panda - If it was a magic gift I’d make Sue young again. I love her and I wish she could play really rough with me. If it’s a real gift, I’d give her food (any kind, she’s not picky at all) because Sue loves food more than anything.
Sue - I’d give Panda a dog park with a REALLY tall fence. He gets very excited when he sees other dogs and can jump the fences in our yard and at the dog park so he’s not allowed to be there off his leash.
10. Any advice for all the great dogs in Shelters across the
Have faith! Try not to get too depressed and worried. Sue and I are both perfect examples of dogs who didn’t think we would ever find a home that would keep us forever and ever no matter what, but we did. Your new family or mom or dad or best friend will come.
Thank you so much, Sue and Panda, for taking the time to be interviewed. Recently The Humane Society of Naples
Dog to Dog Interviews, Monday at The Water Bowl, Pimms, Sue, The Humane Society of the United States, The Panda Bear
Michael Vick has now apologized to Arthur Blank, the Atlanta Falcons, Bobby Petrino, Roger Goodell, fans, children, and pretty much everyone in the Universe but he did not seem to mention the poor animals that he tortured, victimized, destroyed and heaven knows what else during his six plus years of participating in and bankrolling dog fights. And then to blame it on his “immaturity” and that he has not grown up as yet. He was old enough to accept a $130 million contract from the Falcons, take money from lucrative endorsement deals and act like a self important person, both on and off the field, and figured out how to make Arthur Blank and Roger Goodell believe him. “Immature” is not the word to describe Vick unless you are the lawyer that gave him the ideas for his apology. So many words spring to mind to describe someone that tortures and destroys animals but Vick is not worth the breath to mention them.
One can only hope that Judge Hudson on the 10th December in the sentencing hearing looks beyond the Michael Vick and Billy Martin circus to the years of animal abuse that Vick and his friends participated in and gives Vick the sentence he deserves for his crime without worrying if the man will ever play in the NFL again. And, of course, the state of Virginia, the IRS and the NFL are waiting in the wings for the guilty Michael Vick.
Arthur Blank, Atlanta Falcons, dog fighting, guilty, immature, Judge Hudson, Michael Vick, NFL
It has just been announced by Billy Martin, the lead attorney of Michael Vick’s defense team, that Michael Vick has pleaded guilty to the federal charges of dog fighting and the associated charges and has also taken full responsibility. The Judge has not made public the details of the plea agreement but has stated that Michael Vick will plead guilty in front of the court on Monday, the 27th August at 10.30 AM.
Please do not think that Michael Vick has had a change of heart about dog fighting and has written a very large check to The Humane Society of the United States or various animal charities. He is still the same person that along with a group of his “friends” (the friends that could not race to the courthouse fast enough to put in their own plea agreements) organized dog fights, tortured and executed dogs and gambled on dog fighting. Basically Vick saw his “friends”, known and unknown, line up against him. And we have not yet heard from Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner, who could suspend Vick from the NFL indefinitely and Arthur Blank, the owner of the Atlanta Falcons, who could cut him from the Atlanta Falcons. One can only imagine the telephone calls between Goodell and Blank at the moment, particularly as they appeared to be sitting on the fence until Vick’s “friends” decided to get into court and arrange their plea agreements before Vick knew what was happening.
Michael Vick had a $130 million contract, thousands of adoring fans and more sports endorsements than most players. In my opinion there is no reason to feel sorry for the man – he had everything that most people could even dream of but he did not have good judgment, compassion for animals and true friends, things that money can not buy. Vick should remember that his incarceration is more merciful that the fate of the dogs he allegedly helped torture and kill. It is now time to take action against dog fighting and other forms of animal cruelty as the Vick case is only one example of animal cruelty.
This is a developing story as the NFLand the Atlanta Falcons will eventually make statements and, of course, there is Michael Vick’s court appearance next week when the Judge will make his own decision about Michael Vick.
Arthur Blank, Atlanta Falcons, dog fighting, guilty, Michael Vick, NFL, Roger Goodell
Michael Vick may not be concerned with the fate of the dogs on his property and in all the dog fighting crimes across the country but he is probably starting to look at the money that is “fleeing” quite quickly from his highly paid endorsements. Finally Nike gets the picture and announced that it was suspending Vick’s endorsement deal without pay as well as halting sales of Vick named shoes and other products in its stores. Also, Reebok followed by stopping sales of Vick’s jersey. And now Donruss, one of the four major trading card companies, has decided to pull Vick’s card from any future releases as well as Upper Deck removing all Michael Vick autographed memorabilia from its online store and will remove Vick’s trading card from its packs.
And talk about changing minds and “fleeing” from Michael Vick, this morning Michael Vick’s co-defendant, Tony Taylor, appeared in federal court to change his plea to GUILTY. Taylor entered his plea to conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activites and conspiring to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture. Taylor also confirmed the indictment’s claim that he helped purchase pit bulls and killed at least two dogs that fared poorly in fights.
According to The Atlanta Journal Constitution today Michael Vick said in a radio interview today that he is remorseful for the negativity his situation has brought to Atlanta and to team owner Arthur Blank and would like to play for the Falcons again. Talk about fleeing – Arthur Blank is probably “fleeing” to his legal team and hoping never to see Vick in a Falcon’s uniform again.
It is what these over paid and over rated NFL players say from the Clinton Portis, Jonathan Vilma and now Deion Sanders of the world– no apologies for the abuse they have caused to the dogs, no statements telling others not to participate, particularly young fans but statements such as Vick made this morning saying “I’ve learned a lot through this situation. I know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.” One can only hope that it is a train carrying NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Arthur Blank, Russell Simmons, Senators Byrd and Kerry and the millions of pet lovers in the world.
Arthur Blank, Atlanta Falcons, dog fighting, Michael Vick, Nike, Reebok, Roger Goodell, Tony Taylor
Less than 24 hours ago the NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell ordered Michael Vick not to report to the Atlanta Falcons training camp this Thursday pending the completion of a NFL review of his recent indictment by a federal grand jury for allegedly participating in the heinous crime of dog fighting. Why Vick was not suspended indefinitely or for good is impossible to figure out. Vick has apologized to Arthur Blank, the owner of the Atlanta Falcons, i.e. the man that writes his paycheck, but there has been no apology from Vick for the way in which he and his cohorts treated defenseless animals.
Now today Arthur Blank holds a press conference with Rich McKay, the General Manager and Bobby Petrino, the new Head Coach by his side. Pure Public Relations! They mentioned they were ready to suspend Vick for 4 games but the NFL stepped in and told Vick not to report to training camp. The NFL saved the Falcons from making any decisions. What was so sad and pathetic about this group of 3 Falcons was that they talked about how their hearts went out to Michael Vick and what he must be going through and how he must sort out his life and concentrate on his legal problems and putting his life together, how they would address replacing a quarterback during training camp (yes, they were probably saying that Vick will not be back) and the effect on Vick’s teammates, the coaches, the NFL and the fans. All they seemed to be concerned about was the Atlanta Falcon’s bottom line, i.e, the money. What about the crime of Dog Fighting and all the poor animals that suffered and died because of Michael Vick, either being involved in person or conspiring with the thugs that roamed Vick’s house and organized dog fights in Virgina and other States. Forget your 2007 Season, Mr Blank and do something for the animals. Donations to Animal Shelters would be more appropriate than giving your millions to the overpaid NFL players that take part or condone dog fighting.
Arthur Blank, Atlanta Falcons, Bobby Petrino, dog fighting, Michael Vick, NFL, Rich McKay, Roger GoodellYesterday in the Real Estate section of The Chicago Tribune Mary Umberger wrote an article emphasizing that to stand apart from their competition Real Estate Agents must promote themselves in this challenging Real Estate market. It was great publicity for The Pet Realty Network’s Members Linda Lamb and Lindsey Marcus to be featured in The Chicago Tribune. Would they have been featured without The Pet Realty Network? Possibly, but the Network certainly helped and hopefully real estate leads will follow now and in the future from fellow pet lovers.
As Mary Umberger states affinity marketing is not new but as 10.7 million people moved with their pets last year it is certainly a niche market worth looking at and, of course, it is ideal for the Pet Loving Real Estate Agent. What better way to connect with a client than to have a common interest of pets?
The Pet Realty Network is the perfect way for a Real Estate professional to market as dogs, cats and horses in particular are found in over 69 million United States homes from the CEOs of Fortune 500 companies to the mega homes of celebrities to the Baby Boomers, Generation X, Empty Nesters and everyone in between that loves pets. The pet connection is an easy way to get noticed. Remember the quote from President Harry Truman, “When you want a friend in Washington, get a dog” and the saying is a great reminder for Real Estate professionals when it comes to marketing – your dog is always there for you and can be a great help (of course, the same goes for cats, horses, etc). We thank The Chicago Tribune and Mary Umberger for it is wonderful to be noticed by a national publication after only 5 months since The Pet Realty Network’s launch.
cats, Chicago Tribune, dogs, horses, Mary Umberger, niche marketing, Pet Realty Network, real estate professionals
It was just announced that Nike has suspended the release of the latest signature shoe, Air Zoom Vick V. Nike spokesman Dean Stoyer confirmed that Nike has not terminated the relationship with Michael Vick as they believe he should be afforded the same legal rights as any citizen. This is right and as it should be. However, Mr Stoyer did not comment further about the long term relationship with Michael Vick which, of course, could be a polite way of saying that Vick’s shoes will not run off the shelves and do they want the face of Nike to be an indicted so-so quarterback that does not seem to be making it to any play offs but appears to be spending a bit of time watching dogs killing each other.
Now, there is Arthur Blank, the owner of the Atlanta Falcons, and the Atlanta Falcon organization. He is presently “exploring his options” and that he is working “diligently” on getting the right people involved in the situation. One can only assume he means his lawyers and unfortunately, Mr Blank, the dogs did not have the luxury of “exploring” their options before they were thrown in the ring. One can only assume your organization, your coaches, your fans and even the Board of Directors and shareholders of Home Depot, with their reputations tied to yours and your favorite money pit Michael Vick, are anxiously awaiting for you to speak.
Arthur Blank, Atlanta Falcons, dog fighting, Home Depot, Michael Vick, Nike
Ask Arthur Blank, the owner of the Atlanta Falcons, Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner and Philip Knight, founder of Nike and most likely the answers will all be similar – put the face of Michael Vick on your franchise, the NFL or a pair of training shoes – and watch your investment be indicted. Of course, there are more people on the Vick gravy train that will stand to lose millions more but look what the dogs lost. It is sickening to hear from the NFL that Vick is a “first time offender” in relation to these horrific dog fighting crimes. Most of the dogs were most likely fighting and being mauled to death for the “first time” and do the various forms of torture used on these poor animals mean that the perpetuators may be “first time” offenders as they commited these horrific acts. It proves that money does not buy compassion, class or good judgment. Vick seems to shift the responsibility for most bad things in his life to someone else.
It is reported by ESPN this morning that the NFL has agreed to let Michael Vick play for now – could this possible be construed as protecting your investment for as long as possible? The argument that Vick is innocent until proven guilty is absolutely correct but do we have to see his $130 million grinning face everywhere we look. It looks as if the Big Boys have just wasted millions of dollars on someone that says he did not know what was going on in a house he owned and then cuts the price in half to sell the house in one day. The property market is not that bad!
Supposedly Mr Blank will make a statement about Michael Vick by the end of this week and hopefully before then the NFL commissioner will issue a statement as well. Probably the NFL and the Atlanta Falcons are busy with their respective law firms attempting to extricate themselves from the Vick situation.
First a definitive statement about the horrors of dog fighting, then training for NFL players about dog fighting crimes with community service in shelters and then some nice checks to animal welfare organizations around the country would be a place to start. In case the NFL, Atlanta Falcons and Nike need a use for their marketing dollars.
Arthur Blank, Atlanta Falcons, dog fighting, marketing dollars, Michael Vic, NFL, Nike, Roger Goodell
Michael Vick, the suppose to be so great quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury. In order to read the actual indictment you must keep turning away from the pages that list the atrocities commited and can only wonder why a man that has money, fame, the adulation of some NFL fans would need to become involved in something so barbaric and cruel that the words of the indictment scream at you from the pages. But you must read the indictment so as to understand why Dog Fighting must be stopped even though it is already against the law in 50 States.
The irony of the situation is that the Atlanta Falcons organization issued a statement last evening using words such as “troubled’, “disappointed” and “disturbed”. It sounds as if they did not get their first draft choice, not talking about Michael Vick and dog fighting.
Where is Arthur Blank, the owner of the Atlanta Falcons? Why is he silent? And where is a statement from Nike that uses Michael Vick to endorse his Nike Zoom Vick shoes? How long before the NFL, Arthur Blank, Nike and others come to their senses and get rid of Michael Vick? They may be forced to as if Vick is convicted of both portions of the conspiracy charge he could face six years in prison and a $350,000 fine according to a statement by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. And hopefully, Vick will have to use some of his $130 million contract to defend himself unless, of course, Arthur Blank, does the right thing and gets rid of him and his contract is not worth so much anymore.
The Humane Society of the United States has worked for many years to stop dog fighting and to make the public aware of the horrors of dog fighting. Wayne Pacelle, the President and CEO of the HSUS, states that “now that Michael Vick has been indicted, the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell should not hesitate to take appropriate disciplinary action under its internal guidelines.” It does not take a rocket scientist to realize that Michael Vick has brought dishonor to the NFL and the Atlanta Falcons so the words “troubled” and “disturbed” should be replaced by “life time ban”. And then start looking for others in the NFL that perpetuate this heinous crime of dog fighting.
Arthur Blank, Atlanta Falcons, dog fighting, Michael Vick, Nike, Roger Goodell, The Humane Society of the United States
