Pretty Pooches
Of course the most accessorized New Yorkers in the movie world, have the perfect pet accessories. Those who’ve seen the new “Sex and the City” movie, may have noticed that the ladies have pups that match their personalities.
Charlotte, played by Kristin Davis, has a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and two Parson Russell Terriers. The spaniel is known for its elegance and versatility, according to an American Kennel Club press release, and the terriers are high energy. Samantha, played by Kim Catrall, rescues a Yorkshire Terrier, a toy breed, and Miranda, played by Cynthia Nixon, has a Border Collie, which is a breed known for its intelligence.
Dogs as accessories are nothing new, and some make great accessories, but American Kennel Club representatives want to make sure people aren’t prompted to adopt those particular breeds without first making sure the dogs will work in their households.
I have to agree since I have dogs and a child. There are so many factors to consider and obviously dogs are so much more than accessories, though I have been known to carry George around as if he were one.
The important thing is to make sure the dog fits with you and your family. Then you can pick out matching outfits.
- Staff Writer, Dawn Marks
An incredible pets resource
Our animals might be the only thing people talk about more than their kids.
There’s always so much to share – funny things they do, their health, their habits and how much they brighten our lives. NewsOK.com has created a place for all of us pet people: www.NewsOK.com/pets.
The Web page is part of our Know It series, a look at topics that affect our lives. All of our Know It pages include a wealth of information, including stories, videos and links to hundreds of helpful Web sites. The Pets page includes fun features like:
* Episodes of the Pet Show podcast, a weekly broadcast featuring guests from all parts of the animal world.
* The Dog House blog, powered by staff writers Carrie Coppernoll, Dawn Marks and Bryan Dean, who provide news, advice, health and training tips, and everything from the serious to the silly.
* The Part of the Family blog, written by Melissa Hayer, assistant news research editor, and Matt Strasen, staff photographer. Join the Web site discussion board, too – do you consider your pet a part of the family?
So stop by the site and enter the pet world. We hope you’ll find plenty more to talk about.
– Staff Writers, Carrie Coppernoll and Dawn Marks
Pet games
There is a new trend in video games that targets the pet lover. Here is the latest pet themed video game to hit the market. It’s certainly not the only one out there. Nintendo had a big hit in 2005 with Nintendogs. Released on the hand-held Nintendo DS, the game allowed players to use a touch screen to feed, train, pet, walk and wash their dogs. You can even use the system’s built-in microphone to record voice commands for your virtual pooch. Nintendo has been a leader for decades in seeking out different markets for video games. They don’t rely only on the hard core gamers attracted to traditional games like first-person shooters, sports simulators and fantasy-themed strategy games. The new Nintendo Wii is a good example of this strategy of seeking new game players, and Nintendogs and other pet-themed games feed into it. Here is a list of other games for pet lovers.
- Staff Writer Bryan Dean
Your dog hates you
I’m not a big fan of the idea of playing dress up with your dog. But I can tolerate it. This on the other hand…
- Staff Writer Bryan Dean
Pet Show – One smart puppy
Listen to Pet Show! This week we had some very special guests: our dogs. OK, so our dogs weren’t actually on the show, but their smarts were. We discussed the infamous doggie IQ testand how well our dogs performed. The test challenges dogs to behave, hunt for treats and solve problems. Long story short: our dogs are pretty smart. But like all parents, you know the test doesn’t measure TRUE intelligence – our dogs are all geniuses in our minds. Of course.
Aside from that fun, Staff Writer Dawn Marks had some great Tail Tips about summer fruit. As we enjoy more delicious seasonal fruit, we have to make sure to keep it out of reach of our pets. Here’s an advisory from the ASPCA about what to be weary of.
Staff Writer Bryan Dean gave us some excellent pet news this week:
- - An Indiana couple wants to legalize owning skunks as pets. We think the idea stinks.
- - A massive snail migration caused a traffic pileup in Germany.
- - Elvis the parrotis terrorising Wilsden, England, and residents are fed up.
- Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Man’s best clone?
Depending on your feelings about the ethics of cloning, this may or may not sound like a perfect solution if you are one of many pet lovers. However, this dream come true is not cheap. Bidding for the auction will start at $100.000. The regulations even require proof of $250,000 in cash or assets before bidders are allowed to enter.
Scientists can create clones from dogs that are alive or dead, provided that tissue samples were taken before the pet died or within the first five days after its death and frozen in liquid nitrogen. One drawback to pet owners will be that although dogs are guaranteed to look exactly the same, they are not guaranteed to behave the same. Nevertheless, BioArts hopes to target pet owners who will see cloning as the next best thing.
-Staff Writer Monica Albert
Pet Show – 10,000 animals don’t know what him ‘em
Karen Brady, president of Volunteers for Animal Welfare, visited our Pet Show team Friday afternoon to talk about a big milestone for her group. They’ve spayed or neutered 10,000 animals from the metro area. Congrats, VAW! Also listen in for some great tips to make your garden pet-friendly.
Here are links to our news stories for the day:
- - Check out the Pack Your Trunk Party goodbye event for the elephants at the Oklahoma City Zoo.
- - Gay penguins in Germany are allowed to stay together.
- - The most shocking news of all: pets make us happy.
- Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
