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Month: July 2012

RORY STORIES: GUYS, DOGS + CATNAPS

sources 1, 2, 3

They say to let sleeping dogs lie. Why? Because they are so gosh darn cute of course — and partly because you have no idea what sort of mischief they are dreaming up as they snooze. The same saying can apply to men. Ever disturbed your guy from a catnap? Oh boy! (Sorry fellas, it’s true!)

I love coming home after working late at the office to discover my guy and my canine gal passed out on the couch together with the 11 o’clock news droning in the background. I only wish I had a photo to show you! Instead here’s a roundup of some handsome men napping with their handsome pooches. Swoon worthy, right? 

Do you ever come across your significant other or a family member taking naps with your dog? Any pictures to share? Feel free to post them here today! I’d love to see and shall do my best to snap a picture of my two snoozing too!

THE CANINE CATCH

We talk a lot about different dog collar styles. It can be a difficult decision to know exactly which  will best suit your pooch — stripes or polka dots, bold or neutral, funky or fabulous. But apart from knowing exactly what kind of fabric and look you like the most, it is important for pet parents to also keep in mind what sort of catch they prefer.

By catch I am of course referring to the collar clasp. Overall there are two main options to choose from: the very common plastic clasp (left) or the old-fashioned buckle style (right). The first is extremely easy to use — simply squeeze either side and the collar pops open. Voila! However, I often wonder about the durability of a plastic catch under extreme pressure. For everyday use is fine and dandy, but my internal worrier wonders how those catches stand up against a big dog pulling after a squirrel for example. (Of course, I know these clasps are indeed very strong…) The second option is usually metallic by design and is most definitely very strong and secure. The con? It can be a bit fiddly and more time consuming to open.

So I’m curious, which clasp option do you prefer? Do you use one kind more than the other? Is this something you think about when collar shopping for your pup?

By the way, how great are each of the above collars? Aren’t the colours stunning? The first is called ‘Prism‘ by Collars by Design and the other is called ‘Cassette‘ by Backbeat Leather.

‘RUFF’ READING

Photo by Brittany Venoit

Here at Pawsh, books are beloved almost as much as our lovely pets. We’ve gushed about funny books, heartfelt books, the importance of reading with children and of course always take great care in putting together our ‘Tails that Wag‘ reading lists each issue.

Today I would like to introduce you to Julie Davies, the coordinator of R.E.A.D, a program run through Ottawa Therapy Dogs to help little ones learn how to — you guessed it — read! She’s generously taken some time out of her busy schedule to talk to us about this wonderful reading initiative and how dogs can help improve literacy. R.E.A.D recently launched a brand new (and oh-so ‘pawsh!’) website and our dear  friend, Brittany Venoit, did the photos for it! Keep reading for some surprising facts about reading with dogs!

{by Julie Chambers} This month’s motto is “PAWSH pets always have their noses stuck in a good book!” and what better way to wrap up the month than by highlighting therapy dogs who help kids discover the joy of reading?

Ottawa Therapy Dogs offers their Reading Education Assistance Dogs® program at several local schools and libraries throughout the National Capital Region. This highly popular literacy initiative gives children who are struggling with reading the opportunity to bring their favourite book, curl up with a special therapy dog and read together.
As crazy as it might sound, dogs make great listeners by creating a relaxing, fun environment where kids can feel comfortable reading out loud to a nonjudgmental reading companion. Each dog is carefully evaluated for safety and temperament to ensure that they are suitable for a ‘career’ as a R.E.A.D. dog and handlers are specially trained to address reading challenges that arise by using their dog to take the pressure and stress off the child. (For example, “Spot doesn’t understand the word ‘watermelon.’ Can you sound it out for him again?”) The results are amazing, with reading levels often improving significantly in as little as 10 weeks through R.E.A.D.’s weekly school programs.
If you know a reluctant reader, you can sign them up for a R.E.A.D. session at one of this summer’s library programs! R.E.A.D. programs are always free, thanks to the amazing commitment of human (and canine!) volunteers from Ottawa Therapy Dogs, a local registered non-profit.
Check out R.E.A.D.’s new website – http://www.ireadwithdogs.ca – for more details about the program, upcoming events and to read rave reviews from teachers, parents and kids!
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Thank you Julie for sharing R.E.A.D insights! I certainly know I love to read with a pup curled up with me on the couch. Do you?

MORE LONDON BABY!

This London Bus pet bed design from The Stylish Dog Company is so sweet and pretty that I felt it deserved a post all of its own. Each one of these beautiful donut shaped bundles is made by hand while remaining machine washable. I am totally loving the fresh contemporary illustrations adorning this darling dog bed, especially the classic red phone booth!

Also remember these popular upcycled pet beds or this snug dog bed? There are so many options to choose from these days!