Dog Shows - Like to watch but....................

I have to admit that I did watch the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show but .......................

I like to watch this show to see all of the different breeds but then I realize that this whole event is contrary to what I believe in. There are so many dogs out there that need homes that are combos of all sorts of breeds - I call them "love children" - (I have one - Kanji - a combo of Shitzu and Cockapoo,  who is a wonderful "accident" between neighbor dogs, not  designer breed (see Kanji's puppy picture).

Dog Shows support the concept that pure bred dogs are the way to go and that the more exotic the better. Although I am sure that these dogs come from loving homes and are treated like family,  they perpetuate a culture of "perfect" dogs - with qualities not necessarily healthy or good for the animal.  Also people fall in love with some of the breeds that are not necessarily  meant to be house pets - those that need lots of exercise and activity - those meant to be "working" dogs - not house pets. When this happens you end up with not only an unhappy family but an unhappy dog.

So watch the show and be happy for those dogs but when thinking of getting a dog - go the rescue route - you'll be happy you did.

That's my vent for the day.

Top Ten Reasons Why to Shop Local

Been gone for awhile - trying to keep my head above water - considering there isn't any snow - otherwise I would be trying to dig out of a snow drift like last year. Actually I would prefer to have last year back. This has been a really weird Winter - some people are thrilled there hasn't been any snow - I'm not, my dogs are not and neither is my business. I do better when it snows - people are home - but out and about often walking the streets of my town - therefore business goes up - selling winter coats, sweaters, boots and wax for the dogs. Needless to say that has not happened this year. My dogs love to jump and play in the snow - rain just doesn't cut it - they sniff the air and go back into the house - refusing to walk when raindrops are falling on their head. Kanji loves to try and catch snowballs - trying to catch raindrops on his tongue is not his game of choice. AND I still have a ton of Winter inventory left - that's not your fault - I blame that on Mother Nature but there are other things you can do to help in general.

All this leads me to the real reason I am writing today after such a long absence

Shop Local & Help your Local Economy & Neighborhood Shops:

Here are the Top Ten Reasons to Shop Local - I "stole" these from the Cambridge Local First Organization. (We are trying to start a similar organization in Brookline)


1. More Money stays in the local economy when you buy from a locally owned business

2.Most new jobs are created by small to mid-sized, locally owned businesses

3.Supporting the unique businesses that only exist in (place name of your town here...) helps make our city such a great place to live and work

4. Locally owned businesses are key supporters of local arts,education and social non-profits

5. Small businesses develop lasting relationships with customers, providing exceptional levels of customer service

6. Independent companies compete to provide the most diverse set of products and services

7. Locally produced material reduces the transportation costs and the impact on the environment

8. Community based businesses contribute to stability in neighborhoods and help provide for public safety

9. People's sense of community identity is tied to memories of things that are unique in their home towns, many of which are locally owned businesses

10. Local business owners buy from other local businesses, bank in local banks, eat in local restaurants, support local charities and keep our local economy strong

Thanks for listening (reading really) - Now go forth and SHOP LOCAL - My dogs and I would really appreciate it (and so would my Town, fellow shops & our local charities