Dog Person or Cat Person? How to Tell.

Image by Riley

I have always considered myself to be a little of both. I really consider myself an animal person more than any specific species. I took the quiz linked below and not surprisingly am both with a tendency to all animals. Cat person, dog person, which are you?

Are there differences and similarities between the two? Can both factions get along? Are many of you like me and are more of crossover animal aficionados?

I took a straw poll and wanted people to comment on characteristics of dog and cat people so I could get a feel for what traits are associated with the different species. Here’s a sampling of what I found:

Dog People:
· Active
· Adventurous
· Animated
· Anthropomorphize
· Athletic
· Caring
· Charismatic
· Direct
· Down home personalities
· Energetic
· Faithful
· Focused
· Friendly
· Fun
· Generous
· Good
· Gregarious
· Happy
· Helpful
· Highly motivated
· Interact with their pets
· Kind
· Laugh more
· Leaders
· Like to talk to strangers
· Loyal
· More likely to be fit
· Obedient
· Opinionated
· Outgoing
· Pensive
· Persistent
· Rambunctious
· Sharers
· Smart
· Social
· Strong (Mind & Body)
· Talk to their dogs
· Talkers
· Team Player
· Thoughtful
· True
· Utilitarian
· Willing to work

Cat People:
· Admirer of Beauty
· Aloof
· Annoying
· Bad
· Busy outside the home
· Calm
· Caring
· Contemplative
· Critical
· Curious
· Dependent
· Discriminating
· Followers
· Graceful
· Hesitant
· Homebodies
· Independent
· Intelligent
· Intensely loyal
· Introspective
· Less likely to be fit
· Like Quiet
· Loners
· Loony
· More acquaintances versus friends
· Mysterious
· Needy
· Persnickety
· Picky
· Playful
· Reflective
· Reserved
· Sedentary
· Selfish
· Snobbish
· Snooty
· Snugglers
· Stand offish
· Stealthy
· Subtle
· Thoughtful
· Too busy to work with their pets
· Want self-sufficient pets
· Weird
· Whiners

Dog People and Cat People:
· Confused
· Intelligent
· Smarter than people with children



Most people generally think of cat people as introverts and dog people as extroverts. Cat people are thought to be readers, movie watchers and appreciate listening to music – classical usually follows the musical description. Dog people are more likely to be considered sporty, adventuresome and outdoorsy while their counterparts are indoor, homebodies. Cat people are more likely to “stay-cation” while dog folks are outdoor vacation types.

In my straw poll, cat people were seen as more selective about their friends with a small group of similar type people that were reliable and consistent. Dog people, on the other hand, had large numbers of friends and acquaintances that are considered close friends.

On a really amusing note, cat people were considered to be modest and not prone to drawing attention to themselves while dog people were far more boisterous and liked drawing attention to themselves and their deeds.

Some folks shared that cats are simpler than dogs. Once they are past the kitten stage where they want to play and interact, most of them are fairly self-sufficient. Cats sleep for a large portion of the day, usually are pretty good about using a litter box, and for the most part are a pet that most people don’t need to know you have.

Dogs, on the other hand, do require walking, outside bathroom breaks, training and especially the opportunity to interact with you on a regular basis. All of these can be very good for the dog and for you.

Regardless of your preference, you love your companion and appreciate them for all they offer you.

Links:
One Question Quiz
Dog or Cat Person Quiz
United Kennel Club
American Kennel Club
Cat Fanciers of America
Meet the Breeds
Custom Breed Banners
Meet the Breeds Blog
Pet Friendly Travel Blog

Firehouse Dogs - Dalmatians

When most people think about firefighting and dogs, the Dalmatian is the most recognized mascot.

The true origin of the Dalmatian is unknown, although it is believed to have originated in India. Paintings and figures of spotted dogs have been found in ruins as old as 5,000 years. Numerous written references to spotted dogs occur throughout history. The modern Dalmatian, notwithstanding his name however, was developed in Great Britain.

The Dalmatian weighs between 25 and 55 pounds and are between 19 and 23 inches tall. This is a physical breed with a strong muscular body that allows them to run great distances without tiring. Their white coat is short with black or liver (brown) spots.

Dalmatians are comfortable around horses and seem to have an affinity for keeping the horses calm. This was especially noticeable and was developed, as Dalmatians became a society dog and were trained to run alongside women’s carriages. It was during this period that they became known as Coach or Ladies dogs.

The position to the side and rear of a carriage where the Dalmatian would run became known as coaching. In the 1700’s Dalmatians were used to protect horses that pulled English stagecoaches. Two Dalmatians would run next to the horses as they pulled the coach and when other dogs tried to run out at the coach, the Dalmatians would chase the other dogs away.

Over the years, Dalmatians formed a bond with horses and this worked out to the horse owner’s advantage, as the dogs would ward off horse thieves. Coach drivers with a Dalmatian had the luxury of sleeping indoors as they knew their dogs would watch and protect the horses.

It was during this time that horse drawn fire fighting equipment was emerging and the Dalmatian was all ready well recognized for their carriage dog skills so it was a logical step to begin working with the fire services.

Fire horses spent hours waiting in the firehouse waiting for a call and then once on the scene of the fire were required to spend hours standing around. It became the job of the Dalmatian to be a stable mate and guardian to the firehouse horses, helping keep them calm.

The dogs would run with the horse teams to the fires and once there, would protect the equipment and the horses. These dogs are dedicated to their owners and the breed adapted easily to the new role of firehouse working dog.

As with most breeds, Dalmatians are not for everyone. These are high-energy dogs that require regular training and exercise. If you aren’t able to give a Dalmatian the time and effort required, you will be better served to find a different breed.



Links:
Paisley Dalmatians
Gone to the Dogs Blog

Dalmatian Club of America
UKC Dalmatian
Sparky the Firehouse Dog

Assistance Dogs

This is an article I wrote in the early 1990's, most information still applies so you may consider it "evergreen" in that regard.

~~~~~

Disability should not mean inability nor immobility!

To physically challenged people, living independently represents a dream of personal control and choices. Rather than focusing on limitations and dependency, their emphasis should be on quality of life and involvement to stress independence and activities based on self help.

One important way for the mobility challenged to gain control is through the use of assistance dogs. This includes the well recognized leader dogs for the blind; dogs who assist the hearing impaired; and dogs serving the physically challenged. These companions are literally physical extensions of their human partner. A way to achieve the "impossible dream."

Guide dogs for the blind are the eyes of their master. They work as a team and learn to overcome daily obstacles so the world opens up for the blind person.

Hearing dogs grant their owners new confidence and freedom. In this partnership, the dog uses its body to "signal" a variety of daily sounds inside and outside the home. Hearing dogs are trained to respond to everything including the morning alarm clock, a baby's cry, a telephone call, an intruder, a life-saving fire alarm, and other critical sounds. Hearing dogs signal all the sounds that most of take for granted. Dogs are trained to lead the person to the sound in all cases except the smoke detector. With the smoke alarm, the dog takes the person to the nearest exit. Training these dogs takes about four months.

The latest of the specialty trained assistance dogs is the service dog. These animals are trained to help physically challenged people. Service dogs become the arms and legs of their new companions. They retrieve and carry objects, pick them up and put them away, turn lights on and off, and assist their owner's to rise from a fall. Service dogs pull wheelchairs over all terrains, including difficult spots and curbs. Training time varies depending on the skills needed, but usually lasts between 6 - 12 months depending on the owner's needs.

Service dogs are trained to assist people in claiming their independence. It is their right to have a high quality of life regardless of physical or mental limitations. They should be free from barriers -- whether physical or judgmental. Service dogs can help develop that freedom.

Perhaps you have reached for something but could not reach it? The trained dog can retrieve it for you. Consider sitting in a wheelchair in front of, but below and just out of reach of an elevator button. The service dog can push that button for you. At the grocery store, the service dog can select and carry your purchases to the check out. Once at the check out the dog will place your goods on the counter and exchange money with the teller. In these and other situations, the dogs help people acquire mobility and independence.

Assistance dogs are not "pets" and not all dogs qualify as assistance dogs. Prospective assistance dogs are intelligent, quick, well socialized, willing to please and highly responsive. Dogs that are trained for service work are confident and controlled, but willing to submit. Bold, rammy dogs that are always charging to the front are not acceptable. The dogs should be teachable and not aggressive or domineering. They should be receptive to training and not fight the process every step of the way. Good health and ease of care, such as grooming, are also important.

Assistance dogs are put through rigorous screening, training and evaluation. Many dogs fail to qualify and others are dropped from the program at various points in the training process. Once the dogs are training, they are matched with their new partners and training the "team" begins. At the beginning of the relationship, the new owner is the only channel for all of the dog's pleasures and indeed, for everything in the dog's life. This may seem over controlling, but it protects both the dogs and the people. Most dogs are paid for through fundraising efforts and are placed free of charge to the recipients.

Unlike regular "pet-to-owner" relationships, the role of the assistance dog and the owner are reversed. This means that the dog becomes the main caregiver. The animal is responsible for the individual's safety and well-being. This unique relationship requires special formalities. These dogs are identified by a distinctive pack, scarf, collar or ID card or collar tag. When approaching an individual with a service dog, remember to always ask before you touch! Do not pet, feed or fuss over any animal that is working. A distraction could mean danger for the dog and his partner.

Dogs are also being integrated to assist those with disabilities in other ways. Therapists use them as "go betweens" to assist socially or mentally disturbed people who may be convalescing, elderly, autistic or mentally challenged. The dogs provide immediate outlets for affection and companionship while offering unconditional love.

Today, the bond between animals and humanity is more profound than ever imagined. This link is particularly true for the mobility challenged and their service dogs. The service animals enrich their lives and bring independence. Working dogs can restore lives as well as save them. This is powerful "medicine" for the soul as well as the body.

In the United States, approximately thirty five million people could be helped by the use of these dogs.

Dogs provide independence to people with a broad range of disabilities such as:

• Arteriosclerosis


• Arthritis


• Autism


• Bi-Lateral Acoustics Neurothrombosis


• Blood Disorders


• Cerebral Palsy


• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome


• Developmental Disabilities


• Rheumatoid Arthritis


• Down's Syndrome


• Epilepsy


• Hearing Impairment


• Kidney Disorders


• Lou Gehrig's Disease


• Lung Disorders


• Lupus


• Meniere's Syndrome


• Muscular Dystrophy


• Polio


• Deafness


• Spina Bifida


• Spinal Cord Injuries


• Stroke Victims

Dog Federation of Wisconsin - Breeder Red Alert

This came across my email this morning. You can learn more at their web site

BREEDERS RED ALERT— AUGUST 18, 2009
URGENT * URGENT * URGENT * URGENT * URGENT * URGENT * URGENT * URGENT * URGENT

DFOW has just been notified by a very credible source that between now and just after legislators go back into session floor periods (September 15, 2009), the Humane Society of the United States will be orchestrating a breeder bust.

If you have been listed in a breeder directory, have shown your dogs or have advertised a litter in any publication in the last nine years—you must be on your guard at all times. Do not allow anyone into your home without a search warrant. In the State of Wisconsin, Animal Control officers and HSUS do not have police powers. They must be accompanied by law enforcement (although some law enforcement officers are also animal control officers) with a search warrant in order to enter your premises. If HSUS is working in conjunction with law enforcement and there is a search warrant, you must cooperate. DO NOT SIGN OVER ANY OF YOUR DOGS if threatened. Do not believe those that state that the charges against you will be lessened if you sign over your dogs. Video tape the entire proceedings. If you are detained asking questions while a search is going on, have another individual available to video tape or photograph the proceedings. Ask for proof of identification. Get names and license plate numbers for those coming onto your property.

Some breeders have had to get special permits in order to have more than the arbitrary number of allowed animals in their community and have had to waive their constitutional rights in order to get those permits. If you are in this situation, you must contact a lawyer and find out what your rights are TODAY.

If animal control or law enforcement come to your door, walk out of your door and shut it behind you. Do not allow them to enter your home—you go out to them unless they have a search
warrant. Please read the article “What to do when animal control comes knocking”
http://www.dpca.org/BreedEd/when_animal_control_comes.htm for more details.

If anything seems amiss, make notes of dates and times, take names, get witness names, what they did, take photos, and keep a log of suspicious activities. We often hear fanciers state that “this issue will never affect me” when it comes to breeder licensing legislation. There have been at least 4 situations that have already happened in OUR STATE since the beginning of the year and breeder licensing requirements have not yet been passed into law. The orchestrated bust that we were warned about today could very well be targeted at any one of us.

You must protect yourself against false accusations. This is a very serious situation. If you truly
believe in preserving the future of your chosen breed or breeds, you must do everything in your
power to protect those breeds and their heritage. Insist on the preservation of your constitutional rights.

Dog Federation of Wisconsin
742 S. Indiana Ave.
West Bend, WI 53095

http://www.dfow.net/DFOWALERTS.htm

North Woods Pet Friendly

Seeing the world through a new pair of eyes is what traveling with your fur children (a.k.a. pets) is all about. Here are some “up north” destinations for maximum pet-friendliness.

If destinations limit pet size or require a stay in a smoking room, they are not on this list. If you know somewhere interesting that should be included or want to update folks on the places listed here, please let me know.


Crane Lake, Minnesota
Distance from Minneapolis: About 6 hours.

Where to Stay:
Voyagaire Lodge and Houseboats
Crane Lake, MN
800-882-6287
Host: Jim Janssen
Web Site: http://www.voyagaire.com
E-mail: info@voyagaire.com
Rates: Lake Home $175 – $1695 Houseboats starting at $385 per day. Houseboats accommodate multiple people easily. Currently there are no extra charges for pets.

It is likely your entire trip will be spent touring the waterways in one of 33 houseboats that allow pets. You will have an in service prior to striking out on your own on the proper operation of the houseboat. The houseboats offer a fantastic opportunity to let your dogs be dogs while enjoying the solitude of the border country.

During the winter, this area is known as “The Nation’s Icebox” and is located near International Falls. When summer arrives, though, there are magnificent things to behold. Voyageurs National Park is a 219,000-acre water-based park. So much of this park is covered with water that no roads lead to its interior. During open water season your best travel bets are by floatplane, canoe, kayak, motorboat, sailboat or houseboat. There are some excellent hiking trails on the Kabetogama Peninsula, but the only access on the United States side is via air or water ferry.


Duluth, Minnesota
Distance from Minneapolis: About 2.5 hours.

Where to Stay:
Historic Willard Munger Inn
7408 Grand Ave. - Duluth, Minnesota
Telephone (218) 624-4814
Toll Free: (800) 982-2453
Web Site http://www.mungerinn.com
Email: munger@mungerinn.com
Host: Will Munger
Nightly Rates: $45 - $200

This is a very pet friendly destination with a pet exercise area and numerous trails that lead right from your front door. There are 23 smoke-free rooms ranging from economy, whirlpool studios, kitchen studios and fireplace suites. The Inn also manages the adjoining 70-site Indian Point Campground located on the Western Waterfront Trail, where you can enjoy hiking, make a campfire, or take a short canoe paddle on the river during the summer and fall seasons. Enjoy the new courtyard with rock garden, fire ring and complimentary grills.

Your hosts want to help you experience Duluth’s Urban Wilderness. As a guest, you will receive a continental breakfast served around a wood-burning stove in the cedar lounge. There are complimentary, quality mountain bicycles provided with your room and for a small extra charge you could rent canoes and kayaks.

The Munger Inn is located at the end of the Willard Munger State Bicycle Trail and the Western Waterfront Trail, just one mile from the foot of Spirit Mountain Ski Area, across from the Lake Superior Regional Zoo. They are 4 miles from the Canal Park area. In addition to the West Waterfront Trail and Munger Trails, there are a number of other
excellent bicycling /mountain biking / hiking / cross country ski and birding trails within close proximity to the Munger Inn.


Grand Marais, Minnesota
Distance from Minneapolis: About 5 hours.

Grand Marais is located between the shores of Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountain range. This area offers wonderful outdoor adventures where you will discover a pristine natural harbor, an incredible selection of hiking and mountain biking trails, well groomed cross-country ski and snowmobile trails, a multitude of streams and waterfalls, and spectacular scenic vistas. You can also experience an eclectic mix of creative crafts, inspirational art and historic souvenirs. This small harbor village has many cafes, coffeehouses, diners, taverns, restaurants, museums, galleries and specialty shops all within walking distance of each other. Here’s a tidbit about Grand Marais: The Kadunce River northeast of Grand Marais was once known as the Diarrhea River. Drinking its water was not a good idea.

Where to Stay:

Gunflint Lodge
143 South Gunflint Lake
Grand Marais, MN 55604
800.328.3325
www.gunflint.com
http://gunflintlodge.blogspot.com/
Hosts: Robert, Miranda and Zach Kerfoot. Bruce and Sue Kerfoot. (Retired)
Rates Start at: $99
Pet Fees: $20/night/pet

Gunflint Lodge is located in the wilderness of northern Minnesota. Established in 1927, they have created a tradition of providing every accommodation to make your vacation as adventurous or relaxing as you wish. The atmosphere pervades wilderness elegance and comfort. Your hosts strive to make your every wish and desire possible while providing excellent attention to detail.

Gunflint Lodge also offers a Dog Lover’s Weekend in Afternoon dog socials will give you a chance to meet other pets. They set up an agility course for the entire weekend (for a K9 Olympics, north woods style). Pet fees are waived during this special weekend. First reservations received get a complimentary upgrade to a premier cabin with a spa. Dog Lover’s Weekend rates start at $395.


Minocqua/Lake Tomahawk, Wisconsin
Distance From Minneapolis: About 5 Hours

Where to Stay:
Loon Call Cottage
Lake Tomahawk, Wisconsin
Contact Telephone Numbers: (760) 399-6308 or (715) 356-3301 in the summer.
Web Site: http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com/stories/LoonCallCottage.htm
E-Mail: sp1944@aol.com
Host: Sue Parker
Nightly Rates: $150 per night with a two-night minimum. Additional non-pet rooms are available at the main house, price available on request.

This private getaway offers a beautiful cabin on a 6-acre island in Lake Tomahawk, part of the Minocqua Lake Chain. The cottage has one bedroom, which is very comfortable for two to three people (if you don’t mind sleeping on a sofa) and has all the amenities. Hot and cold running water, heat, electricity, complete kitchen, all dishes, utensils and bedding. All you need are your personal items and food. The cottage has a fireplace and a generous supply of firewood. It is classic "North Woods" with lots of knotty pine and a deck to relax on as well as a gas grill. The only access (other than by water) is via the footbridge, so the only vehicle traffic on the island is golf cart. The island is extremely quiet and is the perfect location to get away from it all.

Pet Travel Packing List and Tips

* Crate/Kennel/Carrier
* Leash and Collar (Flexi-Leash is good to take along too.)
* ID Tags (We include on with local information too.)
* Food and Water (Bottled water works well too.)
* Food and water bowls.
* Blanket or other bedding.
* Pooper Scooper, baggies and kitty litter if your cat is traveling along.
* Favorite toy.
* Grooming supplies
* Pet First Aid Kit
* Petastic or similar carpet cleaner, just in case there is an accident.
* Call and confirm that pets are still allowed where you plan to stay.
* Ask about restrictions and fees so you are prepared.
* Get a ground floor room for easier access to the “bathroom.”
* Keep your dog on a leash in public areas.
* Don’t let your dog swim in the hotel pool.
* Don’t leave your dog loose and unsupervised in the hotel room.


Helpful Links:
http://www.petswelcome.com/ Pets Welcome
http://www.bringfido.com Bring Fido
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com/stories/LoonCallCottage.htm Loon Call Cottage (Image)
http://www.gunflint.com Gun Flint Lodge
http://www.mungerinn.com Munger Inn
http://www.voyagaire.com Voyagaire Houseboats and Lodge

Michael Vick, Roger Goodell and the NFL

Michael Vick, former quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, unlawfully participated in, and organized, savage fights between dogs, torturing and killing those dogs who performed less than victoriously. His unconscionable and unforgivable behavior should not be rewarded with resuming his career and making millions. I am boycotting the NFL and all related money makers for the entire season and I'm certain I'm not alone in feeling this way.

What Roger Goodell would like you to think is that Vick is returning with no delay. Vick is going to be allowed to practice, workout and attend team meetings. If someone picks him up, and some team probably will, he could play in his new team's final two preseason games. Goodell apparently wants all the folks that line the NFL's pockets to feel that Vick has been punished enough and the NFL isn't going to punish him more.

Vick will be "mentored" by Tony Dungy while Goodell oversees Vick's progress. Some of the parameters include no drug or alcohol use, no possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapon and no owning dogs.

Hey, here's a thought, in addition to not condoning dog fighting and other blood sports, let's see the NFL add things things to take a hard line on: abusing women, drunk driving, vehicular manslaughter while drunk driving, weapons possession. There are so many more, but perhaps they can start with these.

How does the slow reentry into the NFL really look? To me, I see the public relations and spin doctors hard at work here. The new season is beginning and the NFL probably doesn't want their fan base thinking about the overpaid hoodlums, led into the arena by a convicted felon that kills his dogs. How does the NFL solve that? Keep Vick away until the fans get to see the new players and start getting that warm, fuzzy feeling from their weekly addiction.

The NFL has given the league permission to hire Vick. The question now is which team will take him? How does a football team make adding Vick to their roster look like a positive thing for the community?

If you would like to share your thoughts with Roger Goodell, here is his contact information.

Roger Goodell
Commissioner, National Football League
280 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017

It should be interesting to watch this story unfold. If you have thoughts about Michael Vick's return to professional sports, please share them here.

Additional Information:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/01/080128-vick-dogfighting.html

Avoid Feeding These Foods for Your Dog or Cat

Lots of people are looking for ways to feed something other than commercial pet food to their dogs and cats. Your dogs and cats can enjoy a variety of protein, carbohydrates, fruits and veggies, but be aware that some food can be toxic to your pet.

Here is a brief list of "Do Not Feed" items that you'll want to pay close attention to:

• Alcoholic beverages (This should be a no-brainer)


• Artificial sweeteners (NutraSweet, SweetN'Low, sorbitol, xylitol and similar items)


• Avocado


• Candy


• Chocolate (all varieties and forms)


• Coffee (all varieties and forms)


• Fatty foods


• Garlic


• Grapes


• Raisins


• Macadamia nuts


• Moldy or spoiled foods


• Mushrooms


• Onions and onion powder


• Salt


• Seeds (any type -- watch under the bird feeder too)


• Yeast dough

If you have any question about whether a food source is okay for your pet, contact your veterinarian (DVM) or call the pet poison control line at the ASPCA 888.426.4435

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