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Written by: DJ Geribo

Category: Our Own Doggone'd Thoughts

Here in the northeastern United States, we traditionally experience cold weather this time of year that prompts us to bundle up, dressing in layers. While we can protect ourselves from the cold, our dogs aren’t as fortunate, unless we pay attention and provide for them. Two of my dogs are Pomeranians and actually enjoy the cooler weather with their double-coats. But I have noticed, when walking in the winter months, that if ice gets between their toes, soon they are limping. I’ll usually pick them up, wipe off their feet, and carry them until we reach drier ground.

Don’t let the fur coats fool you – our furry friends can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia just like we do. And the puppies, kittens, elderly, and smaller-sized animals are more susceptible to cold-related injuries and suffering.

Our other dog is a Miniature Pinscher and she does not like the cold at all. We usually put a coat on her when we go for a walk and she is much happier wearing a sweater around the house. But all of our dogs are only outside for a short time, just long enough to do their business, and then they are ready to come back inside. We do have an area set up inside the house where they know they can potty if we are in the throes of a Nor’easter.

Although some people have large dogs for protection and leave them outside day and night, provide a sheltered area where they can go to get away from the elements if they want. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that they are still closely related to wolves. Centuries of domestication and living indoors have changed their constitution and they need protection from severe weather if outdoors.

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Written by: DJ Geribo

Category: In the Press

Just about the only thing that astonishes me about humans is their ability to inflict pain on innocent animals. (I am also astonished at their ability to inflict pain on their fellow humans as well, but that’s another story). The latest is the story about the Florida man who is collecting the neighborhood animals and skinning them. That’s right, skinning them, meaning taking their skin off of their bodies and doing who knows what with them (I’m guessing he’s selling their skins to foreign countries that use skins to cover a variety of trinkets).

The animal skins he has been collecting are none other than our household pets, cats and dogs. The pets we spend our days and nights with, who look to us for protection and who likewise protect us. Who snuggle, cuddle, and fall asleep on our laps (that is, the ones who fit on our laps). In other words, our family members.

You’ll excuse me for not telling you more of the story but I could not bring myself to read more about this monster. It brought back memories of Jeffrey Dahmer and other serial murderers who dismember their victims and feel no emotion for their heinous crimes. I’ve read that they often start by torturing small animals when they are young. Now according to this monster’s father, he liked animals when he was a boy. Really? How did he show his love for them and what happened to them? It often amazes me how little the parents of serial murderers/torturers know about their children as I’ve heard again and again that ‘he was a good boy’.

The punishment should fit the crime and in this case the monster who killed and tortured all those animals should be skinned and thrown in a pile to rot.

Anyone have any better ideas?

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Written by: DJ Geribo

Category: Our Own Doggone'd Thoughts

Most Saturdays I try to watch a program called "Born to Explore". I really enjoy it and am envious of the host, Richard Wiese, who travels to countries around the world learning about different cultures and people. This past Saturday's show he was in Kenya where he spent a portion of his time visiting the Kankfeld Conservancy where farmers are learning to co-exist with wildlife.

Instead of killing the local Cheetahs, who the farmers fear will kill their livestock, they are using dogs, who bond with the livestock (goats, sheep, etc) from birth and whose job it is to protect the herd. Their barking and agressiveness toward the Cheetahs is enough to frighten the Cheetahs away. And now instead of killing the Cheetahs they are being saved. It is a win-win situation.

I am always impressed by the number of jobs dogs take on to help and protect their human caretakers. All for a little food, shelter, and love.