This is Gracie Lou, aka Chunk-Chunk…

So all our kitty kin out there are staring at this post title and thinking “WHAT IS JAIME THINKING??”

I’ts not MY opinion, it’s the opinion of writer and New York Times Bestselling Author Bradley Trevor Greive, with photos by Rachael Hale. In “Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats,” Greive actually makes some seriously funny observations about both of our favorite types of companions – cats and dogs. With pictures that jump off the page at you, and plenty of dog and cat quotes to choose from, this book was definitely well-written, but didn’t sell me on dogs being better…:) It even says on my About Page, and has for the last 18 months, I could NEVER choose between the two, which is why ThoughtsFurPaws covers both.

Anyways, according to the press release put forth by the publishing company, Andrews McMeel Publishing, the controversy is expected over the book title and theme. Basically Greive is saying this: “dogs are social, cats are sociopaths.” (Note here: I can’t say that Theodore isn’t a sociopath some nights when he has too much nip, or when he gets the zooms in the  backyard and climbs up tree after tree when its really windy with his ears peeled back against his head and running around the yard at speeds a leopard couldn’t compete with…)

Also from the press release about the book:

“Dogs and cats. Friends or foes? The conflict between the species, like the conflict between their owners, has continued for centuries. … Greive finally puts the debate to rest…BTG (the author) writes from the perspective of one who knows – and tells. But be advised that his delightful discourse is no diatribe. He is prodog, not anticat.”

Okay, so I’ll give him that much…it’s not that the book itself is anticat, it’s just all prodog!

BTG elaborates on these singular perpectives as well:

- Dogs match up to people. People must match up to cats.

- Dogs teach us patience. Cats test our patience.

- The bottom line is this: Dogs want love. Cats want fish!

The book definitely has some more comedic moments like this that made me literally lol, I won’t deny it. Some of the chapters are called, “Cat People and Dog People: A Study in Contrasts,” “Cats Are Not Without Their Charms,” and “The Best and Worst Thing About Dogs.”  And it’s a lovely hard-covered, full-colored beauty bound for my coffee table for sure.

I recommend you guys all check it out if only for the laughs and the AWESOME pictures. There are some SERIOUSLY funny gems of cat and dog wisdom in this book.

“Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats” is the official Pet Product of the Week! Go out and read it!

It’s not often that you hear about a car dealership having an event that benefits animals, or a car dealership whose employees are dedicated to the animal welfare cause. But that’s exactly what Ganley Volkswagen/Subaru of Bedford is, and will be doing this Saturday. They are hosting the second annual “Feed the VW Bug, Adopt a Kitten or Dog” event on Saturday November 14. Hoping to fill a VW Bug with donations of treats, blankets, toys, and other supplies that shelters need, the profits from the Cleveland pet rescue event will benefit the Cleveland Animal Protective League.

It’s sure to be a day filled with fun and games, as there is a raffle for prizes, and guests are invited to test drive the new 2010 VW and Subaru lineups. For every car sold, $50 will be donated to the APL! How cool is that?

Also, expect to see special appearances by the Browns mascot Brownie, and many former Browns players, including Mike Pagel and Herman Arvie, who will be signing autographs. Red Bull will be there as well as Sirius Radio. It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind event! PETCO is donating treats and coupons for the “Doggie Bags” that will be handed out,too.

Last year’s profits from the event went to the ASPCA, and it was a shining success. Ganley, and its General Manager, Michael Friedman, a huge pet lover, hope to make this year’s event even bigger and better for the Cleveland APL. Faye Birns, another Ganley employee and animal welfare advocate, said the dealership plans to continue to support animal welfare causes throughout the year with different events.

“A lot of our employees adopted pets during the ASPCA event,” she said, “and we will continue to support the shelters throughout the year with other charity events.”

Join the fun and support the Cleveland pet rescue cause from 1 – 4 p.m. at the dealership located at 250 Broadway in Bedford, Ohio.

** Where ever you live, I hope you will help me spread the word about this wonderful event by either Tweeting this post or re-posting it on your site. I think this is a GREAT step forward by a car dealership! Go Ganley:)

For more info and the GM’s take on the event, check out this video:

http://ganleyman.com/Pages/Page.cfm?pageid=147579&pagetype=26&featureid=-1

Hi everyone,

Sorry I haven’t been posting this week – I came down with a nasty flu virus and was extremely sick. I’m feeling a little better today though so I wanted to share something with all of you.

This is a picture of my sister’s two Basset Hounds. The one on the left is Franklin – who she adopted, and the one on the right is the newest foster- Bo. Enjoy!

Franklin in his EzyDog jacket

We received an EzyDog coat for one of our family’s Basset Hounds last week, and it is the most adorable doggie jacket I have ever seen. It’s camoflauge colored with reflectors on both sides. We got it for Franklin (the rescue foster Basset who turned into a permanent member of the household), since he is still so skinny and loves to spend time outside.

It was hilarious to see Frank in this jacket: he did NOT want to take it off. Once we put it on him, he totally strutted his stuff around the house and around the neighborhood on the walk, it was SO funny. He never wants to take the jacket off and even insists on wearing it in the house now! Neighbors were stopping to ask me where I got the jacket as here in Cleveland, inclement weather often is a hurdle for dog owners who want to walk their beloved pooches in sub-zero temperatures.

The EzyDog Outdoor Coat is windproof, waterproof, fleece-lined and extremely

Reflector View on EzyDog jacket

warm. It acts as a barrier in bad weather, keeping your four-legged adventurer warm and comfortable.

It comes with a Neoprene stretch panel that produces a secure custom fit and two quick-release side buckles with cam-locks to make fitting very simple. It also features two top zippered pouches to help carry essentials like doo-doo bags, etc.

According to a press release from the company, “Our company has been very successful with our leashes and collars,” said John Hatcher, Owner of EzyDog. “So we decided to expand our line and include coats so that dogs who like to be outdoors can keep them playing all year round.”

The coat is available in six different designs and seven sizes so you are bound to find the perfect fit for your dog. To order an EzyDog jacket for your pooch, visit www.ezydog.com. 

ThoughtsFurPaws definitely gives the EzyDog jacket four paws up (sixteen paws up if you count the other foster Bassets who got a chance to try it on). This is a great investment that will long-last the seasons and protect your dog from the cold. It would also make a great pet-lover gift for the holidays.

Next step — booties for walking in the snow…:) (I’ll let you know how that one goes!)

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~ 

As many of you may recall from the good news shared last week, Ohio officials have cleared the way for supporters to gather signatures for a proposed Ohio ban on auctions of dogs (officially called the Ohio Dog Auctions Act)!  We are incredibly grateful to the over 4,000 supporters (includes many hobby/show breeders) across 27 Ohio counties (and beyond) who assisted us in meeting this very critical milestone in our campaign!   

WHERE WE ARE RIGHT NOW… 

A unanimous 4-0 vote last Tuesday from the state Ballot Board means we may now proceed to ‘Phase 2′ of our signature drive; collecting a minimum of 120,700 valid signatures from registered Ohio voters by December 14, 2009. The signatures are necessary to put the proposed law before the Legislature in January 2010.  If our lawmakers don’t act within 90 days, our team will move to ‘Phase 3′; gathering another 120,700 valid signatures to put the Ohio Dog Auction Act on the 2010 ballot. 

WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR ‘PART 2′… 

Phase 2 of our signature drive will require us to move fast and smart in collecting 120,700 signatures!  To ensure this signature drive is successful and meets the requirements mandated by the Secretary of State, three important steps must take place:

> The total number of signatures collected for our Petition must equal at least three percent (3%) of the total vote cast for the office of governor during the 2006 gubernatorial election,

> Signatures must be collected from at least 44 of the 88 counties in Ohio, and 

> From each of these 44 counties, the number of signatures must be equal to at least one and five tenths percent (1.5%) of the total vote cast for the office of governor in that county during the 2006 gubernatorial election.

Because so many people across Ohio and beyond feel passionately in supporting an ban on dog auctions, we are confident we can meet this goal!  All we need is dedicated folks to collect signatures from each of the 88 counties and our Committee will handle the rest!

WHERE WE NEED YOUR HELP!   

We are reaching out to groups and individuals from across Ohio (and beyond) asking for their assistance to help us gather signatures by December 14, 2009!  THIS INCLUDES YOU! 

Helping to collect signatures is very quick and easy – you only need to be a resident of Ohio.  To assist you in this effort, we have created a Circulator Packet which contains the following:

1. Informational Flyer.  This document can be given to interested parties wishing to learn more about the Ohio Dog Auction Act and our campaign.

2. Circulator Instructions.  This document contains easy-to-follow instructions for collecting signatures. 

3. Petition (Ohio Dog Auction Act).

It is important to note that supporters who signed our Petition during ‘Phase 1′ of our signature drive may also sign as ‘Part 2′! 

****If you or someone you know is ready and able to gather signatures, please contact Mary O’Connor-Shaver at info@banohiodogauctions.com to have a Circulator Packet mailed to you. ****  

NOW IS THE TIME TO SERVE AS A STRONG VOICE FOR THE DOGS! 

The next Ohio Dog Auction is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 31.  Over 300 dogs are expected to be placed on the block, including many from the state of Pennsylvania where public dog auctions are illegal.  Now is the time to send a strong message to our state legislators that dog auctions are an embarrassment to Ohio and its humane minded citizens, and voters and taxpayers are committed to supporting a 2010 ballot initiative to ban these events from our community!

Again, we greatly appreciate all your dedication and support for the dogs!

P.S.    If you are interested in purchasing any of our low cost ‘Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions’ gear (t-shirts, car magnets, lawn signs, banners, etc.), please let us know in your message to Mary.
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