Redemption for Michael Vick?

If you haven’t heard, President Obama called the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, Jeffrey Lurie, this week and praised him for giving Michael Vick a “second chance” by signing him after he spent time in jail for running an interstate dog fighting ring.

As an animal lover and advocate, I find myself conflicted with this praise.

On the one hand, I despise what Michael Vick represents on so many levels. Excess. Ego. Celebrity in America. As a Southwest Virginia native, I also had the added annoyance of hearing about Michael Vick constantly while he played for Virginia Tech (ugh!), so I am somewhat predisposed to dislike him anyways.

And as if I didn’t dislike him enough, Vick made sure to solidify my distaste for him with his dog fighting operation. Quite clearly I despise Vick's treatment of animals. I believe a human that can be cruel to an animal is likely capable of being just as cruel to another human being. So as a person, I believe Michael Vick is pretty low.

But on the other hand, he did his time and paid for his crime (at least according to the law), and now speaks out against animal cruelty. Part of me just wonders how sincere can he really be in his advocacy. It all seems to me that Vick is just trying to save his reputation and return to his former glory by making nice with animal rights advocates.

As a person who believes in redemption, I am pleased with President Obama’s faith in humanity and the possibility of redemption after such a fall. Also, having grown up with a father working in the judicial system and now a husband who works in corrections, I would like to believe that there can be rehabilitation for offenders, that they can truly have a second chance at life and become positive, contributing members of society. I find blogger Anne Althouse’s thoughts and perspective interesting:

“How inspiring is the return of Michael Vick? Will it hearten those who are attempting to return to society after serving time and make the rest of us more likely to welcome them back? Or will it make us more likely to think cynically that the rich and famous get special exceptions from the rules? Does Vick make the field look more level or less level?"

PETA President Ingrid Newkirk has deemed President Obama’s praise for vick as “appropriate,” stating that “We all want a president who can lift us up and move us forward when ugly things happen, but that cannot let us forget and remain watchful to avoid future abuses.”

I’d like to know, what do you think about Obama’s praise of Michael Vick?

A Four-Legged Bandit

This is truly one of the better stories I've heard lately (courtesy of the Bark Blog). A four-legged thief.

And the follow up story is equally as amusing. The thief returns to the store to apologize.

Wanted: Millie Moo

Last seen 2:30pm on grainy surveillance video in her kitchen prison cell terrorizing her bed and squeaky toys. It is estimated that at 2:31pm EST, Millie broke loose from her cell and is heavily armed with sharp puppy teeth and a full bladder. Suspect is considered armed and dangerous. It is believed her next target will be the living room carpet. 

If you have any information on Millie's wherabouts, authorities ask that you simply take her for a walk and return her to her crate.

Choosing Your Doggie's Daycare

Besides the obvious factors of price and location, there are lots of points to consider when looking for a doggie daycare. When we first brought Millie home, we weren’t even sure if daycare was really right for us, but in the end we decided that the benefits of doggie daycare far outweighed any negatives. 

First and foremost, we couldn’t be home during the work day to take care of Millie’s feeding, exercise, and potty break needs. And I couldn’t bear the thought of her sitting home lonely all day everyday. She is, after all, a very social pup who needs other pups and people present for her to develop into a well-adjusted dog. Doggie daycare lets Millie play her little heart out with the other daycare dogs, teaching her much needed social skills. It also lets her interact with people she’s not used to at home, which lessens any trust or separation anxiety, or adaptability issues - and, of course, it’s fun to have someone to play with all day! As a result of 8+ hours of play, she is also getting much needed exercise to help her stay trim and healthy. 

An added benefit of doggie daycare we have found is that at the end of the day, Millie isn’t as hyped up as the days when she is cooped up at home by herself all day. She comes home and is calmer and more relaxed, which helps us unwind too. 

Doggie daycare, we have found, is definitely a win-win. So here are just a few tips and things to consider if you’re on the hunt for a doggie daycare for your fur-kid:

• Do small and large breeds inter-mingle? If you have a small dog, it can be very unnerving to think of leaving her with a bunch of labs who might mistake her for a squeaky toy. If your small dog lives in a house with big dogs, it may not be something that you are worried about. On the flip side, if you have a big dog, does he play nice with others? Does he think he’s a small dog but plays at the capacity of a lab? If you are comfortable with the small and large breeds being kept together, consider how heavily the staff supervises playtime and other interactions.

• Do the dogs have their own space, or do they stay together in a pen/playroom? For you and your dog to reap some of the benefits of daycare, you will want them to be in a playgroup. Ask the daycare center if they group like-mannered dogs together. If your pup is a little wild and playful like Millie, you probably want her matched with more energetic dogs with similar temperaments.

• How much time do the dogs spend indoors vs. outdoors? Do they get walks or are they let out into a pen outside?

• What certifications does the daycare have? Make sure the staff is trained in canine first aid. Find out what industry association memberships they have and check reviews to find out what other customers have to say. 

• What happens if you are late to pick up your pup? Do they charge late pick-up fees? Does your dog have to stay the night? Do they have extended hours or special arrangements for those times you’re stuck at the office?

• What kinds of extras does the daycare offer? These may or may not be important to you, but some can be very convenient (or just downright fun):
• Grooming
• Boarding (And if so, are staff on premises 24 hours a day?)
• Training
• Food / Medication (Will they administer medications as needed or give them lunch or snacks as needed?)
• Report Cards (How’s your pup doing at school?)
• Webcam (Can you check in on her during the day? Will they send you a picture or a text a pix message at work?)

• Visit the daycare. Take your pup. What’s her reaction? What’s your gut reaction? It’s normal for your dog to be anxious at first, but does she relax at all when you are there? How does she interact with the staff? How do they interact with her?  

Hipster Puppies

Apparently Millie's sister Penny is a little bit hipster. And so are these little guys.

 

Seven Dog Night

This Christmas we got to hang out with the entire family! Here are just a few fun photos from our wonderful whirlwind Christmas spent with the grandparents, parents, brothers, and sisters!

The Christmas crew: Millie (far left) with brother Wally, sisters Brie & Penny, and Mama Delaney.

Is it just me or does Banjo look like the odd dog out in this picture? From left of circle to right: Brie, Wally, Penny, Spike, Banjo, Delaney & Millie get a Christmas treat

Munchkin Makeover

Millie went to get gorgeous today. She had a whole day at the spa (if only she knew how valuable and rare such an occasion was in my eyes). She goes to a great salon called Dogma who consistently does a fantastic job. Check out her before and after photos and see for yourself what a pretty little girl we have!

Millie the Mangy Mutt

Millie the Show Dog

A Christmas Present from Millie

Millie woke up on her first Christmas to a blanket of snow and a houseful of her brothers and sisters. Not too shabby for her first Christmas. And she didn't forget Mom and Dad either. She left us a lovely surprise "present" under the tree. I guess since Santa Paws already visited, she wasn't worried about that whole naughty or nice thing anymore.

Dogs' Letters to Santa

I've recently fallen in love with "Dogs' Letters to Santa" by Bill Adler. I saw this while waiting in line at Barnes & Noble and just couldn't resist. Here are a few excerpts:

Banjo & Millie's Christmas Wishlist

Banjo and Millie have a list a mile long for Santa Paws this year. Here are just a few items they're hoping to find under the tree this year (and ok, maybe Mom too)...

Toys, Wonderful Toys

OK, OK, so the toys aren't so much for Banjo. He will have his moment when we get to treats!

Fuzzy Wuzzy Balls are a top item for Millie! They say they are great for large breeds, but Millie doesn't know she's not a large breed.

What could be cuter than a Baby Dragon by Go Dog?

Ok, ok, so it might be me that loves this Cuddly Woolie Squirrel.

Playing Dress Up
From collars to coats and boots, Banjo and Millie want to look nice and keep warm this Christmas!

With all of the snow, it sure would be nice to keep the little paws warm and dry with these Barkn Boots. And Mom likes these too so we don't have muddy paw prints all over the house!

Banjo loves getting dressed up for the holidays. He would look dashing in this Reindog Hoodie.

Banjo could use a little extra warmth when it's cold out! And while Millie may have her own thick, fur coat, she would sure look beautiful in this green Climate Changer Fleece Jacket!

Millie loves the turquoise collar by Wagwear. Alright, I'm busted. It's me that likes the turquoise collar.




  





Naptime
This is Banjo's favorite time of day. And a time of day that Millie's not too good at yet.

Though this may be too small for Banjo, Millie would love this handwoven little snuggle den.

Banjo loves curling up in Millie's tiny bed, so this cozy Heated Wellness Sleeper bed for Banjo is perfect. Also good for his slightly arthritic joints.






When Banjo and Millie are on the go, they love to have something familiar to snuggle up with. These Vintage Organic Blankets are just what they need. Olivine Fine Plaid for Millie and Glacier Houndstooth for the hound!

Banjo never needs help going to sleep. But little Mildred sure does! This Sleepytime Tonic might be a little more for Mom than for Millie.










Bathtime (yuck!)
Though bathtime isn't much fun, these items make it a little more tolerable!

Happy Tails Spa "Dry Dog Instant Clean" is Millie's first choice. It's a win-win: Millie avoids a bath, and Mom is happy that Millie no longer stinks!

Apparently a bar of soap is the most efficient way to bathe your dog... This Soap on a Rope from Cain & Abel has aloe and oatmeal to soothe dry skin in this cold, dry winter air!

Short-haired dogs like Banjo probably don't need a bathrobe (nor would a male dog feel too masculine wearing one...) but Millie with her long fur could benefit from this Terry Cloth Bathrobe!













Banjo's Favorite: Snack Time!
These are just a few of Banjo's Christmas wishes this year! However, per usual, any treat will do!

Kung Fu Fido isn't just for Banjo. Millie wants to keep in touch with her Chinese roots with these Fido Fortune Cookies.

Zuke's Mini Naturals are Millie's favorite treats, and at just 2 calories each, you can give so many and not have to worry about overfeeding!

These Pack-a-Bowls are perfect for two dogs who love to travel! In fact, they'd be perfect for a Christmas visit to the grandparents this weekend!










Don't Forget Mom & Dad
Mom & Dad haven't been too naughty this year, so Banjo & Millie have put together a Christmas wishlist for them too!

Mom particularly likes the Cisco Bike Basket so she can bring Millie along for rides!

The Croozer Mini Dog Bike Trailer is just big enough for both Banjo and Millie to ride along. This one is perhaps safer for Dad to drive.

"It's all fun and games until someone ends up in a cone." Enough said.

Vote for Banjo!

Vote for Banjo for Modern Dog of the week!

Bitter Apple is Delicious

Though Millie has made great strides in learning what is and what is not acceptable to chew, there are still certain things she just doesn't seem to grasp (or perhaps just doesn't care). You may have seen my earlier post where Millie has ripped the underside of the couch to shreds so that she can curl up in her little fort. We figured the best fix might be reattaching the fabric with a staple gun but in the meantime,we thought maybe a little duct tape would hold it together, spritzed with some of Grannick's Bitter Apple Spray to deter her from chewing on the duct tape. Though I have heard Bitter Apple works for many people, I'm afraid Millie actually likes the taste. She wouldn't leave the couch (or duct tape) alone once we sprayed it with Bitter Apple. To be fair, she wouldn't leave it alone before the Bitter Apple either. So perhaps destroying the couch is just too important to Millie to let a little Bitter Apple stand in her way, or perhaps Bitter Apple really is just icing on the cake.

How smart is your dog?

I find this post from Hyperbole and a Half hilarious! Might try the IQ tests with Banjo and Millie.

What Millie did today while we were out...

I'm glad she's able to entertain herself.

Millie Performs a (Naughty) Magic Trick

Millie has always loved hanging out under the couch. But she took it to a whole new level tonight. As I laid here on the cold, rainy, dreary day, I felt a sudden kicking in my back. Keep in mind, I'm lying on a couch, so in theory, there couldn't really be anything there that I could feel through the cushions and couch frame... But Millie has learned a new magic trick. She so delicately tore the fabric under the couch and climbed inside. So you can't find her anywhere. Millie: 1, Mom & Dad: 0.

Millie Destroys the Couch from Banjo and Millie on Vimeo.

Millie's First Snow

Millie had her first encounter with snow this morning, and I think she liked it! We walked out the front door and she saw the ground covered in white and you could just see the curiosity on her little face. So she plowed through the frozen monkey grass, realizing as soon as her feet hit the snow that it was COLD. It stuck to her fur immediately and she tried to run from it. When she realized there was no running from it, she laid down in the snow and embraced it, and tried to eat some. There's nothing like watching a puppy experience something for the first time.

GardenFest of Lights for Fidos!

When my husband and I were first dating, we went to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden for their GardenFest of lights, where they essentially decorate the entire garden in millions of beautiful Christmas lights. It's become something that I really look forward to at Christmas now every year. So this year when I learned of their "GardenFest of Fidos," I was super excited to get Banjo and Millie dressed up and ready to strut their stuff at the Garden.

So Banjo in his Santa suit, and Millie in her reindeer outfit, we all took off on a unseasonably warm evening to check out the display of lights. It was really an evening out for the two pups. They strutted their stuff all over, stopping for all the oohs and ahhs and tummy rubs. Banjo just cruised, while Millie made friends with every last person that walked within a 50 yard radius of us. We had such a great time at the GardenFest of Lights for Fidos! Can't wait for next year!