o7 In the whole world there is but one thing that money can not buy,
to wit 'the wag of a dog's tail.f7 '
-- Josh Billings, 1865
Few things have as much effect on a household as a family pet. Even
bickering siblings unite in their love for a four-legged friend.
Childhood memories often center on the loving companionship of a dog or
cat. My mother stills talks about Skippy and the way he walked her to and
from school every day. Even when Skippy was old and unable to make the
long trip to the school, he would faithfully wait for her by the railroad
tracks on her path home. She tears up every time she tells the story.
Apparently, I have inherited the same gene. I could barely pull myself
together after seeing "My Dog Skip" in the movie theater last winter. I
made the kids sit with me through the credits at the end of the film,
just so I could pull myself back together. Thankfully, there were a few
other sappy moms in the audience who went through as many tissues as I
did.
With sentiments like that, no wonder we are willing to go the distance
for our pampered pooches and cuddly kittens. Whether they are ladies or
tramps, we all love to spoil our pets.
I recently received a catalog in the mail called "In the Company of
Dogs." It is produced by Petopia and has the most amazing selection of
pet accessories. Just flipping through the pages was major entertainment.
In addition to the predictable selection of pet goodies were items such
as "muttluks" (booties for dogs), a "little wizzer" fountain (yes, you
know what it does), pet "pearl" collars, treat-of-the-month clubs, velvet
pooch pouches, matching owner/doggie sweaters, and my personal favorite
-- a bejeweled doggie tiara for the belle of the ball (as in fetch).
If you want an extra smile today, check out
http://inthecompanyofdogs.com.
Other excesses available for your pet include custom doghouses.
Contractor Allen Mowrer builds custom doggie domains, or should I say
chateaux, chalets and castles. One of Allen's works of art resides in our
neighborhood. This custom doghouse is three (doggie) stories high, has
air-conditioning, limestone floors, working windows, a "formal" entrance
and a large back door for easy access. I don't think anyone would mind
being in this doghouse.
I wanted to meet the dog of the house and see what kind of pooch had
the good fortune to live in such a manor. When I met Ted, I found out the
house is the least of the blessings heaped on this lucky dog. Ted, who
