Walk Fido: Walk Fido Elsewhere

For those of us who work with rescue organizations every day, there is a sad, sad phrase that is often uttered about the single most difficult type of dogs to find homes for: big black dogs. No matter how lovely the dog is, no matter how perfect the temperament, many potential adoptive families overlook big black dogs at shelters all across the country in favor of dogs that have more unique coloring (blue! red! orange with stripes! white with brown spots!). This issue is so close to our hearts (we have a little black pit bull after all!) that we've decided to feature a weekly roundup of local BBDs that need homes. Their photos and links to their profile on PetFinder will remain on our site until these dogs find a home.

October 12, 2009

What's It Take to Be a Downtown Dog Walker?

Ask Richard Guzman, City Editor for LA Downtown News. As part of his Downtown Challenge series, where he test-drives a variety of downtown jobs, Guzman tagged along with Walk Fido for some late afternoon/early evening walks. Walk Fido put him through his paces and in the end, Guzman proved he's got what it takes to be pack leader - the most important ingredient for downtown dog walking. Check it out.

And isn't it nice to see pit bulls in a positive light in the press? We're so proud of all the Walk Fido dogs that rounded out Guzman's training: Johnny, Titus, Honey, Rocco, Derby, Abby and the oh so kissy Max. We're especially pleased to show folks that pits and bostons and german shepherds and bull mastiffs and labs and wheaten terriers and dogs of all shapes, sizes and temperaments can get along and have fun, safe walks downtown.

*Photos by Gary Leonard for Downtown News

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Technorati Tags: downtown challenge, downtown dog walking, downtown la dog walking, downtown news, la downtown news, pack leader, richard guzman, richard guzman's downtown challenge

August 05, 2008

Animal Ownership - Where Do You Fit In?

David's latest contribution to Oh Audrey is up and it focuses on a few different ways you can neglect your dogs even if you are giving them constant care. Here's a sneak peek:

"In our busy lives, we need to remind ourselves that if we truly care for our animals, then we must be willing to learn about and address their needs from their perspective whenever possible. Taking the time to educate ourselves about our animals is part of the fun of spending our days with these creatures."

And one more for good measure:

"Dogs do not need yards to be happy. Dogs need walks, exercise and socialization with other dogs and people every day to be happy. Dogs need rules and leadership just like they would have from each other if we were not here with them. The wild is not an easy, always safe place to survive. The rules of nature are serious and those who don't work hard lose out. Most owners forget this and let their animals determine every aspect of their relationship."

Read the whole article on the ever-fabulous Oh Audrey site now.

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Technorati Tags: animal ownership, dog training, dog walking, dogs with yards, oh audrey, what kind of dog owner are you

Books

Marion Nestle: Pet Food Politics: The Chihuahua in the Coal Mine
Dipping a toe into pet food politics...
Michael Schaffer: One Nation Under Dog: Adventures in the New World of Prozac-Popping Puppies, Dog-Park Politics, and Organic Pet Food
It has arrived and we are checking it out. We weren't wild about some of the things Schaffer said recently on NPR (as in, it is often OK to let dogs hump other dogs at the dog park), but we're setting aside all judgements until we read it on our own. <
Nathan J. Winograd: Redemption: The Myth of Pet Overpopulation and the No Kill Revolution in America
We've read articles, and excerpts and blog posts. Now it's time to read the book. We're very late to the dance on this, but wanted to add it to the sidebar so you know we're digging in!
Patricia B. McConnell: The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs
"All dogs are brilliant at perceiving the slightest movement that we make, and they assume each tiny movement has meaning." We could not agree more and since McConnell's book begins with this line, we're compelled to read on. We'll let you know what we think when we're through & any insights along the way.
Nick Trout: Tell Me Where It Hurts: A Day of Humor, Healing, and Hope in My Life as an Animal Surgeon
Touching look at the difficult financial decisions vets & owners must make under duress. Equally heartwarming & heartbreaking.
Cesar Millan: Be the Pack Leader: Use Cesar's Way to Transform Your Dog . . . and Your Life
A great book that helps you extend the lessons learned in the first - this takes you way beyond the basics and gives you very clear steps on how to have the right kind of relationship with your dogs so you are the pack leader. (*****)
Cesar Millan: Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems
You've seen the show, now get the book. You must become pack leader. We require all staff members to read this book - to live it and to love it. We highly recommend it to all of our clients too. All the tools you need to understand your dog, their behavior and what can be done to correct it are all right here in this gift of a book. (*****)