Archive for March, 2010
Let’s face it: we all prefer a bed that has comfortable padding, extra pillows, and warm blankets to a cot and a sleeping bag, and dogs are much the same. No dog wants to sleep on a cold hardwood floor when they could be relaxing in style on a designer dog bed. There isn’t a specific characteristic that identifies one dog bed as being ‘designer’ over another, but in general, the designer label is taken to mean luxurious. Designer dog beds often have extra padding, and might include pillows or other objects. In addition, these designer dog beds are often crafted in the image of human beds, sofas, or even lounges. Tired pups are guaranteed to wake up more rested and stir less when sleeping in a designer dog bed that meets their needs for comfort. There’s nothing worse than a restless dog at night!
You can find designer dog beds at most of the same places that sell standard dog beds. Despite having the moniker of “designer”, most designer dog beds aren’t all that much more expensive than a regular dog bed.
One of the most important things to purchase when you’re welcoming a new puppy into your home is a dog crate. The dog crate acts as not only a place where your puppy can sleep, but a place where they can feel safe in a foreign location. When buying a dog crate, first make sure it’s big enough to last through at least the first year of the dog’s life. It’s not uncommon for puppies to double in size in the first year. You will also want to buy blankets or dog crate pads so that your puppy stays warm and comforted.
Whatever kind of dog crate you decide to buy, you will want to ensure that it is fully closed and locked when the puppy is in it. If one of the clasps is loose for example, your puppy could press against the crate door and catch their foot in it.
There have been several sightings of wild coyotes in Central Park NY these past few weeks. Early morning joggers, families and even dog walkers have seen at least one, and the suspicion is that there are probably several living in the park. Although in the middle of a major city, Central Park is quite large and supports much wild life, including raccoons which probably makes the coyotes very happy! I think there is no need to worry, all of our land originally started as wild habitat and so far these coyotes have not made any trouble for anyone. I say let them be, if they can fend for themselves without hurting anyone, so be it. After all, they don’t have a nice cozy dog bed to come home to at the end of the day, give them a break.
What is it about snow that brings out that puppy spirit? Jumping and digging, sliding and burrowing, all of it is massive fun for the good- hearted soul of a dog. The winter doldrums become obsolete after a good snowfall and what better pastime than trying to catch a snowball in the mouth? We all could learn how to take things in stride and find joy in the storm, bracing in the cold white stuff. It makes the indoor warmth with hot chocolate, (or a snuggly dog bed), that much more enjoyable. All too soon, spring will be here!