Pets are like shoes. Better in pairs.

Kobi Levi is an outrageous art designer who specializes in shoes (warning: some are X-rated). He sculpts footwear into fabulous and crazy shapes, and may be the first person to design shoes for dog and cat lovers. Or just people who love weird shoes.

Check out his leather Dog shoe…

And the leather cat shoe, with the uber-designer name of Miao. They make paw prints when you walk, and I LOVE how the tail wraps around your ankle!!!

A funny thing happened last weekend at the Canine Carnival, the benefit for Bob’s House for Dogs in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Vendors were asked to donate a prize for the raffle, so we donated a beautiful little crystal, bone-shaped dog collar charm. (Note: the charm, by Diva Dog, is 1 inch wide.)

I am not sure why, but in entering for some of the other raffle prizes, my “employee” threw a ticket in our own basket. What are the odds? She won!

So now, we’re giving away the charm…AGAIN. All you have to do to enter to win is leave a comment to this post and tell me why you want it. Is it for your fabulous fido? Is it a gift for your mom’s precious pooch? Tell me how this cute little charm will be put to use and you could win it back from us!

Want to double your chances of winning? Just Follow Us on Twitter and send a tweet linking to this contest! You’ll be entered twice! (Include  @GoFetchGifts in your tweet so I know you tweeted.) This contest will be closed on Sunday, June 21st Monday, June 22nd at 6 pm and the winner will be announced shortly thereafter. Please, U.S. residents only.

And don’t forget, we are always holding our Most Fetching Dog and Cat contests. Our next contest is for Most Fetching Dog and it ends July 3rd!

I am now blogging at Pets.Ohio.com, part of the Akron Beacon-Journal web site. Today I blogged there about how my cat, Oscar, seems to be able to tell time!

You hear a lot of stories about cats being “sensitve” or “psychic,” but I never really thought about it until my cat seemingly displayed this power to me. Do you have any stories to share?

American Greetings is having the biggest pet photo contest on the internet! The Furry Faceoff Challenge is the ultimate showdown between dogs and cats. The winner will receive a grand prize worth $350, including a $250 gift certificate to Petsmart!

Enter your purr babies and tail waggers today, or look through the adorable entries and vote for your favorite. Contest runs through May 24.

This is way too cute not to share.  This is Charlie, Mr. Blue and Oscar, watching me eat Tuna Casserole.  I’m told they are trying to hypnotize me but I think they are hypnotized themselves!  Tuna….sweet, sweet tuna…

A few weeks ago, I asked people from across the country to tell me one reason why they have a pet. I got so many, that I broke them into dog responses and cat responses. A few responded with both dog AND cat reasons, so I saved them for this cat post.

These excerpts from cat lovers are some very beautiful stories that wonderfully illustrate the love and connection we feel with our fancy (and not so fancy) felines. Thank you to you all! Like before, I’ll start with my own.

1. When I moved out on my own for the first time, it didn’t take long before I longed for my very own pet. I visited a few shelters and at one, I saw a tiny little 11 month old tabby with big ears he couldn’t wait to grow into. He was in a glass cage and kept head butting the glass in front of me so hard, I was afraid he would hurt himself. I asked to see him and was told the shelter didn’t allow it for health reasons. But he seemed loving, so I adopted him.

For the first few days, he was the sweetest cat I had ever met. He cuddled all night long and watched me silently all day. When I took him to the vet, however, I was told that his neutering had left him with an infection and was given antibiotics. After his infection cleared, I met the true Charlie: a hellion. For the next three years he held me hostage. I was surprise attacked every day and learned to never dangle any body parts out from under the covers while sleeping. Once I even called an emergency number crying, “I don’t know what to do with this cat!!!” But, he was my cat. I refused to give up on him, or give him away, or deprive him of his killer claws. I taught him to cuddle again by feeding him treats while holding him. I scolded anyone who encouraged him to “play” with human hands and showed them how to hand him a toy instead.

Finally, after three years of captivity, Charlie started to mature and became easier to love. Now, at age, 14 and 14 pounds, he’s the perfect mix of heart-melting sweetness and joyful spunk. We’ve been through a lot together. He’s hung in there with me through six moves to seven new homes. He tolerates another cat and a dog even though he thinks he’s top cat. He greets me every time I come home and always follows me into the kitchen no matter how deep he had been sleeping. He’s my big, naughty, sweet sweet boy, and he’s the number one reason why I will always have a cat.

2. Sifu has two kitty condos: a high-rise 2 level condo in the living room and a one-level in the main bedroom. The latter is by my side of the bed and when I get up each morning, he enthusiastically jumps off and we exchange greetings, me with my “good morning” and him with his signature early–day meows. He then follows me into the bathroom prancing along the way, to keep me company as I get ready for the day. This is our daily routine and that’s why I have a cat.
Fresia Rodriguez – www.kingleyandposh.com

3. Last year my wife and I, who live on our ranch north of Austin, rescued a kitten who just had one front leg because the other had been mangled–probably by a coyote or hawk. We nursed him back to health and he has been a joy. He does not seem to know that he is “handicapped.” He catches mice, climbs trees, and even harasses the deer that feed in our yard. As an artist, things can be up and down. Anytime that I need an attitude adjustment in the positive direction, I just watch Miro for a while. If he can do it, so can I. That is why I have a three-legged cat.
Pablo Solomon – www.pablosolomon.com

4. A cat or a husband? As a lonely widow, which should I choose? When the cat meows, I can pretend not to understand. The cat’s dinner comes prepared, in a bag. No clothes to wash for a cat. When I go out, the cat stays home, takes a nap, and doesn’t complain. He is always there when I return and greets me at the door. The cat knows what my day was like, and does not ask. He does not complain about how bad his day was. No mother-in-law or former cat kids to deal with. I can count on his purr when I stroke his fur. The husband list? Don’t ask me. I have chosen Sterling to live with me.
Marta Felber – www.SterlingTheCat.com

5. I have a very special cat that entertains me daily by explicitly letting me know “who is who” as guests step into my home. This seems only natural to have a “communicating cat” due to my being an animal communicator. He has a talent for sorting out the genuinely nice folks, who are the “givers,” and the people who are the “takers.” He does this by greeting them at the door, checking them out and then coming to me and either purring or meowing loudly. The purrs are for the folks who are “OK” and the meows are for the one’s who are “NOT.” He also leads me out of a room when the “NOT” person is in the same room by meowing and rubbing up against me and showing me how to leave an area. Being a very talented judge of character, he is spot on 100% of the time. During the day he loves to grab a helium balloon by the long ribbon with his mouth and carry it about and play with it. At night he quietly collects toys and brings them onto my bed as gifts so I wake up in the morning with small cat toys around me. The caring and love that this brings to my life is exactly why I will always have a cat.
Paula Brown – www.animalhearttalk.com

6. I’m a freelancer and work from home except when I have meetings and events to attend, and I often lose track of time as I get absorbed in my projects.

My fat and fluffy female cat, Molly, is dumber than dust about everything, other than time and her food. Bear in mind, that she of course has her crunchy food and fresh water 24 hours a day.

Every day at exactly 2:00PM she will come and find me, stare at me and give me her loudest scream to remind me that it’s her snack time and I’m to immediately stop what I’m doing, go to the kitchen and give her her special treats. Then, at exactly 7:00PM, she does the same thing to let me know it’s time for her to be given her canned wet food for dinner. Her internal clock is amazing! Without her, I’d never know the time. And that’s why I have a cat!
Candice Sabatini – www.BeautyNewsNYC.com

7. My cat Fred is actually a dog. He follows me around the house, he follows in front and my husband and I make up songs to sing about him. Every morning when I wake up to go to the gym he wakes up too because he knows it is time to play. He follows me to the bathroom and looks for things to kill. He follows me to the front door and attacks my shoe laces as I put on my sneakers. Then when I get home, he follows me into my office and wedges his 12.9lb fluffy striped self into my in box. He keeps me company all day as I work away running my sales training company, and he is the best business partner I have ever had. AND that is why I have a ridiculous cat named Fred.
Carolyn Ziel – www.essentialselling.com

8. I work as a freelance journalist, a job that many consider to be a lonely profession. My cat, Mr. Earl Gray, lies in a sunny spot on my desk keeping me company. I have to be careful not to rattle the pile of papers that he sometimes sleeps on.
Michele C. Hollow – Tattoos, Microchips, and ID Tags Keep Dogs Safe

9. I was sitting by my fireplace working on a drawing one day when I realized the only sounds in the room were the soft breaths of my dog and quiet purr of my cat. It was perfection. That’s why I love having a dog and a cat.
Arlene Lord – www.mosaikdesign.com

10. When life gets me down, the recession makes me worry, I gain weight, whatever is going on in my life I can count on Sophie and Lulu to love me no matter what. Sophie is my beautiful tuxedo kitty and Lulu is my ever loving and happy black lab/border collie mix. Lulu can be counted on for company wherever I go (the license plates are dogscar) and Sophie can always be counted on for a nice morning cuddle before the day begins. This is why I have a cat and a dog!
Mary Ann Mayer – www.mtwashingtonbb.com

11. We got Mr. Grimsby just over a year ago from a local no-kill animal shelter. Before we got to the shelter, I told my husband that we’d either have to get a cat who didn’t like feline company or we’d have to get two cats to keep each other amused. He adamantly refused to get two cats. Unfortunately, Mr. Grimsby doesn’t like men very much either – that’s why he’s my cat only.
Phyllis Harber-Murphy CAP – www.morethan925.com

12. Bubba is my little knight in shining armor. When the world gets too tough, and the kids don’t listen and my husband is mad at me, one thing is always constant, my cat.

He cuddles with me even when I don’t want to cuddle (he doesn’t take no for an answer), and it always makes me feel better. He even has a way of telling me off when I’m out of line. That’s why I have a cat.
Rudy Santamaria

13. At first, I only knew I was being followed from carport to apartment building. After a couple of times, I did more than stop and turn around, only to see nothing; I rapidly moved forward and hid behind a wall, then turned to catch my stalker. A calico was first curious about me and then nervous – eager to flee from me. Soon I persuaded her inside and began a journey of learning that stalking was not the only habitual neurosis of a calico; these are nervous cats, a veterinarian told me, when I noticed she was biting out her own hair in the months before my divorce. Thirteen years later, she’s laying beside me when she’s not following me; she’s a teddy bear who appreciates love and has finally let go of her fear of feet (she used to box any which came too close). She is a best friend who licks me when I cry as if I am her kitten, and that is why I have my cat.
Angela J. Sisson – www.scnguide.com

14. I have four adopted cats and two adopted dogs. Both species seem to have picked up traits from each other. The cats will come running when they are called like dogs, the dogs will walk on the top edge of the sofa and groom themselves. My rescued Malti-poo dog Heidi is the last to have joined our group and came to us as a young, lost soul, She has picked up and seemed to improvise upon the cats’ use of their forearms to grab objects. She uses this newly found gift to grab people’s hands in order to guide them to pet her. My cat Omar, has witnessed that Heidi’s trick works in getting her lots of attention and he in turn has copied this move in his own fashion.

I can never be in a bad mood for too long because I will have a little dog jump up next to me wag, stare at me earnestly, take her tiny paw and firmly guide my hand to her body, while my other hand is being held by a cat. This is why I have rescued dogs and cats.
Audrey – www.hopeforpaws.org

15. When I’m working late at the computer and it’s getting dark, my orange tabby meows incessantly until I get up to feed him. As I look at the clock and realize I’ve been working for 12 hours, I realize my cat’s mission in life is to help me lead a more balanced life.
Brenda Avadian, MA – TheCaregiversVoice.com

16. When I come home from a long day at work and start up the long staircase, it’s downright refreshing to see her little face looking around the corner to greet me. She leads me into the bedroom, where her brush is, and her soothing purr helps to put the day behind me. That’s why I have a cat.
Monica M. C. Tombers – www.JustSoJewelry.com

17. I own my cats (or they own me) because there is no more genuine love than a pet’s love. They love you unconditionally. It doesn’t matter if you have morning breath, put on 20 pounds or didn’t get dressed that day. They still love you – no matter what. And my cats are my ultimate companions – curling up with me in bed, laying on my desk while I work, trotting behind me in the kitchen waiting on “treats.” Having a pet makes me a better person, without a doubt and they enhance my life exponentially.
Cindy Houston Hazen CPC- Certified Personnel Consultant

18. I have that most unique of all pets – a considerate cat! No early morning yowling to be fed, no pawing. My girl Misha waits until I turn onto my back, which I do as I wake up, before she comes in to sit quietly by me, snuggling with me into my pillow. When I work, she does not plop onto the papers or book I am looking at, she walks carefully around it, perhaps lying close by with her head on a corner. When I work on my computer, she lets her paw hang over the edge onto my hand, ‘mousing’ along with me. And at night, she comes to put me to bed, always jumping up onto the right side of my bed, then jumping over me onto her pillow at my side – this leap I call her ‘pussy blessing’ for me, as it is a habit since she first did it as a year old kitten. She stays by my side until I place my book away, turn out the lights, and fall almost into sleep. Then she heads for her bed in the living room, there to wait until I awake for the next day. My dear, loving, considerate cat! I wake up to her sweet love, and am put to sleep by it – never alone. That’s why I have a cat!
Cynthia Colby

19. Every night at 10 PM, Monk and Mingus get on the steps and start meowing. It doesn’t matter if I’m watching TV with my wife or working on my new novel on the laptop, these two want to play “the food game.” As soon as I get up, they run upstairs, Mingus jumps in the bathtub, Monk gets on the vanity and they wait for me. I have to toss pieces of dry food into the tub while Mingus races around trying to get them. Monk insists on being fed by hand; I can put the bowl down in front of him but he won’t eat any other way. They’re gorgeous little black animals and they have so much fun playing, what can I do? That’s why I have two cats.
Ian Randall Wilson, author of Great Things Are Coming – www.hollyridgepress.com

20. I have had a dog and/or cat in the house with me for as long as I can remember with very short breaks – while I was at University or shortly after one dog had passed and another entered my life.

I have three children and we have had 1-2 dogs and 1-2 cats in the house for my 15 years of marriage. When we live with other creatures it teaches us tolerance and respect and how to live with different natures. I believe it’s important to care for animals and it helps us understand that all beings have needs, that humans are not the only great animals. Somehow I feel it humbles us to share our lives with a variety of Mother Nature’s creatures. They are some of our greatest teachers and I have learned a lot about my self and animal behavior by observing animals. I love the way they love. That’s why I love living with pets.
Suzanne Ballantyne – www.simplepractice.net

BONUS – One more reason to adopt a dog (actually, three more reasons):

Zak has a dog door, and he loves to entice you to go outside and play with him. He has a toy box outside. He’ll grab a toy and then peak his head through the doggie door with the toy inside his mouth to try and persuade you to go out and play keep away.

And then there is the Captain Jack Sparrow impersonation. Zak will come into the kitchen, put his two front paws on the counter and beg you to throw a cookie for him. He’ll chase after the cookie all the while he is throwing his front paws in the air, head turning from side to side, and dancing like some contortionist from a circus! That is why I have a Samoyed.

Zak gets two walks a day. We walk about two miles so both of us get our exercise in. Since having Zak, I’ve lost 12 pounds and I haven’t felt this great in years! That is why I have a Samoyed.
Ashley Oakes, Zany Zak Dog Collars

Last week, I asked people of all ages, from all over the country and of all different industries, to explain just one small reason why they have a dog. I had so much fun reading the replies. The stories are funny, touching, poignant, and everything in between. Here are all the answers in no particular order (starting with my own). A cats version of this post is coming soon. Enjoy!

1. My dog has come to know that if the couch isn’t covered with a sheet, he is to find somewhere else to sleep. One Sunday, I spent most of the day working on the computer while doing the laundry, so the couch cover was being washed. He had been laying on the floor while I worked.

Eventually, my dog got up and stared at the couch, hoping for a softer napping spot. I found something to cover the couch with and invited him up while still standing next to the computer. He didn’t accept the invitation to lay there alone. It wasn’t until I decided to take a break from the computer and sit on the couch with him that he then enthusiastically jumped up, laying his head in my lap. That’s why I have a dog.

Leigh Peterson, GoFetchGifts.com

2. Oni still thinks she’s a puppy, a long cry from what the now-70 lb, 7 year old lab retriever mix really is. One day my husband was giving her a bath, which she dreads, and when she came out of the bathroom, she looked so defeated. After she dried off a bit, she searched for a place she could go to sleep and nurse her wounds. She found our cat’s bed and by the grace of god, squeezed her huge body into the tiny, (eventually squashed) bed. It was a truly sad sight but adorable nonetheless. Once she was dry, she was back to her regular gleeful self. That’s why I have a dog.

Fresia Rodriguez, www.kingleyandposh.com (plus sized fashion)

3. Sophie, our rescue dog, helps me to help our community. On Friday mornings we are volunteer visitors at our local nursing home. Seeing people’s eyes light up as she walks into their rooms, tail wagging, makes me feel great. The healing touch of dogs has to be seen to be believed: there are some residents who wouldn’t speak to anyone until we started visiting, but now love to talk to Sophie – that’s why I have a dog.

Tamsin Fox-Davies, London based marketer – www.enthusemarketing.com

4. My kids are grown, and the house is quiet most of the time now. Except for Harley, our Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix dog, who loves to talk when he gets excited.  He brings his rope or his plastic bottle in and howls at me to play with him. I pull the bottle or rope out of mouth, throw it somewhere and he runs an gets it, then plays tug of war growling until he lets me have it and I throw it again.  Then he collapses with me and puts his head on my lap.  It would be really quiet and lonely here without him. That’s why I have a dog.

Melody Brooke, relationship coach – www.ohwowthischangeseverything.com

5. My children grew up.  That is why I have three dogs.

Shirley VanScoyk, http://domesticepisodes.blogspot.com

6. My daughter was having some personal challenges, as preteens often do.  A friend of mine suggested I get her a dog.  I told my friend, “no way,” as I had shortly before put Tank down.  I swore I was done with dogs because I was so brokenhearted.  My daughter went to a week-long sleep-away camp during the summer.  The night before she left, we were having a family dinner, and I teasingly said, “Don’t be surprised if there’s a little puppy here when you get home.”  Her eyes lit up, but her father’s didn’t.  I said, “I’m just kidding.”

During that week, I was working in my front yard and a lost dog appeared.  I coaxed him to come to me.  He had his tags on, I walked Bongo home, but no one was home. When I “found” the “owner,” I jokingly said, “Bongo is so sweet, I might keep him.”  The owner said, “If you want him, you can keep him.”  (The owner had recently divorced and traveled professionally, so she wanted to find Bongo a better home.)  I did a little husband arm-twisting.  When my daughter got home from camp, there was a big sign on the door “Welcome Home, Love Bongo.”  Puzzled, she opened the door.  The smile has never left her — nor my — face.  And that’s we have a dog.

Sheryl Kurland, www.everlastingmatrimony.com

7. No matter how bad a day I have at work when my four Golden Retrievers meet me at the door when I come home I can’t help but smile.  The rest of the day is off to a much better start.  That’s why I have a dog.

Sue Lockinger, AZ Retriver Rescue: www.azrr.org

8. When I walk into the house after an absolutely wretched day and our three dogs greet me at the door with such enthusiasm and love my bad mood melts away and I can enjoy the rest of my day.  That’s why I have dogs.

Sonja, www.silverriverjewelry.com

9. During tax season, I come home after a 14-hour day with aching feet, eyes bloodshot from staring at the computer screen, and my suit pants feel too tight.  Then I see my dog, Wally, waiting patiently at the front window.  As soon as he spies my car pulling up, he locks in on me, unwavering, willing me to the front door so he can run between my legs and greet me with his happy wiggly dance.  No matter how stressed or miserable I may be, how eager I am to get my shoes off and sweatpants on, I can’t help but smile and laugh when he greets me like that.  This is why I have a dog (the best dog in the world).

Leigh Dowdle, 28, Baltimore, MD

10. When Mr. Green Jeans came into our lives he was a sickly little 9 day old puppy rescued from a puppy mill.  We were foster parents with a rescue group and had a number of pups the summer of 2005.  Nursing Green through his medical issues affected everyone in our family and all those that know us.

Mr. Green Jeans is a miracle puppy.  Not expected to live through Christmas of 2005 but he is still with us today. He has scared us with his medical issues, he has made us cry with sadness and joy, he has made us laugh at so many things.  Most of all Mr. Green has proven to all that know him how rewarding volunteering is.  That is one reason I have a dog

Sue Lockinger, Author, The Puppy Who Refused To Die – www.florianvalentine.com

11. Being in bed is probably Remy’s favorite time of the day.  It is his own special cuddle time.  In the morning, after the alarm goes off and I put in my contact lenses, he climbs into my lap to be petted and massaged.  He knows he only has a few minutes for love before I have to get dressed and takes full advantage of his special moments.  In the evening, he waits patiently at the foot of the bed as I remove my contact lenses, then repeats the process of getting in my lap for his before-bed attention.  After a few minutes, he knows it is time to lay down and go to sleep.  It is a wonderful way to both open and close a day.  That is why I have a dog.

Dr. Robin Goldblum
North Wales, Pa

12. When I get home from work every day my dog’s entire body wags and she won’t stop until she can curl up in my lap with her head on my knee. That’s why I have a dog.

Emily Maddox, 23, Knoxville, TN

13. When I found out I could hear non-verbal communication when working with disabled children, my dogs became my teachers. Once they knew that I could actually hear their thoughts, they became relentless in sending me their demands, usually for cookies or body rubs, sometimes for trips to the beach.

When I lost a dear friend, they stayed by my side, kissing away my tears and trying to cheer me up. One of my dogs, Jakey, loves to put a blanket on his head and have you poke him so he can try and bite your hand where you poked him. When I am sad, he will flip a blanket up in the air until it is on his head and he will stand very still, waiting for me to start poking him. He knows it will cheer me up.  And that’s why I have dogs. You can’t be sad around them for long.

Terri Jay, Psychic Messenger – www.TerriJay.com

14. My toy poodle, Spirit, is the mayor of my town. At seven pounds with long curly hair, he looks like a stuffed animal.  He’s full of spirit, happy and extremely friendly. When we take his daily walk, or should I say when we make his rounds, he drags me over to greet each and every person we pass, from neighbor to road worker. He’s charmed people of every ilk.

Sydney Barbara Metrick, PhD, www.ChickenSoupCounseling.com

15. Sadie, my dog only needs me to love her, feed her, walk her, physically be near her and of course the occasional treat and she is happy.  She doesn’t need money, a car, a cell phone, and new clothes or give me attitude.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my kids.  My dog however always shows me love and appreciation even when I do nothing but sit near her.  That’s why I have a pet!

Collette H. Aurand, CB

16. I didn’t adopt my dog Bear from the shelter for the reason that I love him so much now. We got him because our son Shane wanted him. After a few days, Shane didn’t care but my husband and I fell in love with Bear and he with us. He is a black and red mostly Chow, who is people friendly. Most people love to pet him because he is fluffy and soft.

The reason that I love Bear is that he takes me for my walk every morning, and he’s happy to see me no matter what. Unlike my teenager, Bear doesn’t talk back to me, and sometimes gives me kisses.  He keeps me in good shape mentally and physically. That’s why I love my dog.

Jill Nussinow, MS, RD – www.theveggiequeen.com

17. When I read that women should do aerobic exercise every day, I decided to take a daily hike in the park near our house.  My dog revels in this new daily ritual and keeps me on track.  He has even pushed me to go faster (I run whenever he’s in heel posution) and I have lost 10 pounds.

He doesn’t reprimand me for years of walks that could have been this blissful.  He’s just grateful every morning for the chance to see the forest. That’s why I have a dog.

Grisha, www.ahimsadogtraining.com

18. Life can be very complicated.  As an entrepreneur I spend most of my days and sometimes nights trying to please other people.  No matter what I do I can only get so much joy from this, as people aren’t always happy.  But every time I look up from an exhausting phone call, or close my computer after losing all my work, my little dogs Barney and Louis are all over me.  Kissing me to pieces, bringing ALL their stuffed animals in and just ready to LOVE me, and that melts my heart every single time.  That’s why I have TWO dogs.

Bridget Loves Livingston, www.barneysbling.com

19. Sometimes you want, no, need to spend time with someone who doesn’t talk back, and that’s why I have a dog.

Lisa Hanock-Jasie, mom to Hugo – www.thecitizeNY.com

20. The reason I have a dog named Odie; every time there is a thunder storm he runs to cuddle like a child.  It puts life into perspective.  Odie is my baby and gets in less trouble than my child.

Lisa, www.care4hire.com

21. A dog is a dependable source of security for many kids today. Coming home from school, the latch-key kid will open the door to the wagging tail of a faithful friend, instead of the stillness of an empty house.

A dog can help reduce stress in parents too. When I was miserable and no one wanted to be near me, when even I didn’t want to be near me, my dog would snuggle his head against my arm. As I laid my hand on his head, I could feel the tension drain from my body. Dogs are like emotional sponges. They absorb bad emotions, and give back undying loyalty, affection and love.   That is why I have a dog.

Joe Sindoni, Author, “50 Reasons Not To Have Kids…And What To Do If You Have Them Anyway” – www.50reasons.com

22. When a human has gas we all make a face, give the how rude look, or with our children, husband or friend we even scold them: “say excuse me, my goodness!” But Betty, my Boston,  farts and farts and farts…whether in her sleep, walking across the floor, running to play catch, or sitting on my lap. Every time, I just look at her and laugh until my sides ache. A good laugh a day heals all.  That’s why I have a dog.

Christina Selter, Founder/Pet Travel Safety Expert – www.BarkBuckleUp.com

23. Rocky, my three year old puggle and I met just before New Year’s Day.  I was considering adopting him from a family. I asked the family for a three day test drive and they obliged.  The first memorable thing he did was run away.  The second thing he did was throw up in the car.  The third thing he did was go potty in my apartment.  I thought I had a Marley situation on my hands.

On New Year’s Day, the third and final day of the test drive, I received devastating news that a family member had unexpectedly and tragically passed away.  As I sat there in shock and sobbing, Rocky, who is rowdy by nature gently climbed into my lap, put his paws on my chest and rested his head on my shoulder as if he was hugging me.  He then made the 7 hour drive home with me to be close to family.  I called his previous owners on the ride home and tearfully told them he was my “fate dog,” my rock.  I thought about changing his name to something less cliché, but Rock seemed to make so much sense now.   More than a year later, we are still together.  He makes me smile every single day and that is why I have a dog.

Courtney Quattrini, Public Relations Account Mgr in NY – www.traverscollins.com

24. My dog loves to chase squirrels. In all his 13 years he has never caught one but that doesn’t stop him from trying. Today he moves a bit slower but somehow that inexhaustible enthusiasm he has for chasing squirrels is still there and whenever a squirrel comes around he finds the energy of his former puppy years if only for a minute.  After that jaunt he always runs back to me with excitement, tail wagging to exclaim “Did you see what I just did?! Wasn’t that awesome?!”. That pure joy of life and boundless enthusiasm for the little things is why I have a dog. Well, why I have a Coneydog.

Rachael Lyon – meet Mr. Coney – http://www.dogster.com/dogs/17559

25. As a freelance, work from home writer/illustrator, I can attest that working from home does something strange to your ability to interact socially. Sometimes, hungry for human contact, you can become over-friendly with the Comcast guy (“hey! I made some cookies! Wanna sit and chat?”); at other times, you can become a bit of a hermit (“I can’t open the door for the UPS man; I haven’t even showered or dressed yet, even though it’s 4pm!”.) In short, you can become a bit of a weirdo.

When I got my pug, Porkchop, he immediately and happily fit into that void. Not only is he a wonderful sounding board for any witty comments I might make during the day, but if I have to run errands he’s always happy to see me when I get home. He loves to sit by my feet while I draw or write, and loves me unconditionally. I guess that’s why I have a pug!

Jessie O, Head Spy – www.cakespy.com

26. I first met Mia when she was just a few weeks old.  She found her way to my farm with nothing but the will to survive and the hope that I would give her a chance at life.

Since that day long ago I have watched Mia offer that same hope and healing to all the other animals I have rescued through the years. That is why my dog is my Hero!

Kristie Jones, www.BlackDogRescueRanch.com

27. He is a perfect mirror, hearing not only my words but feeling the energy that belie them.  As a result, I am able to see myself more clearly and make adjustments without the need to explain or the fear of being judged.  For example, after getting lost in the Bronx for the third time and getting ripped off, I looked over to him in the passenger seat and said, “I need to do this; everything is OK” and then screamed at the top of my lungs.  I looked back to him with a smile and saw an expression of understanding.  That’s why I have a dog.

Michele Risa, www.BeyondBodyMindSpirit.com

28. My dog is my Zen Master. She teaches me to relax, go with the flow, play, exercise myself, and itch myself when I need to – no matter who is watching.

Dianne Sikel, www.Life-Love-Money.com

29. My Doberman and I are a rare pair. On the outside I’m a petite, disarming female, someone who is taken lightly by passerby’s. Donovan is tall, dark and intimidating. Women, children and men alike will often  cross the street when they spot him approaching. On the inside I can be a passionate disciplinarian, strong in my ways. I take life seriously at times, forgetting to embrace its simple pleasures. Donovan’s sole existence revolves around life’s simple pleasures. A scratch behind the ears, a seat in the sun, or a walk to the park, is all it takes to make his tail wag and ears retreat. He slows me down and constantly reminds me to live in the moment. That is why I have a pet.

Jennifer Maloney, Spark Group PR & Publicity – www.sparkgroup.ca

30. I have dogs because they are honest. They only play games with toys, not with my heart. Honest to God, when I was undergoing chemo for breast cancer six years ago, one of my dogs would throw up with me. Now THAT is love. My dogs let me know when they are pissed off, and when they are over it. Their behavior reveals they know when they’ve done wrong. They don’t point paws at each other. When I come home from work, they are besides themselves with joy. And every day they teach me what is important in life…

Love unconditionally, play with abandon, nap when you need to, and drink plenty of water. Those lessons are why I have dogs.

Jerilyn Willin, Career Coach – www.jwillinconsulting.com

31. Duncan is the third dog we’ve adopted from the Weimeraner Rescue.  It’s the most fabulous feeling to take home an uprooted dog and show him a new loving environment. But the best part for me is discovering each dog’s already established personality and quirks.

Within minutes of entering our home, Duncan ran to a tennis ball that my kids had left lying on the floor.  He then proceeded to roll the ball to us with his jaw.  My husband and I looked at each other as if to say, “Did he really just roll the ball to us?”  So we rolled it back and watched as Duncan rolled the ball to us over and over again.  Since then, we’ve discovered all sorts of wonderful tricks that Duncan can do including lying on his back and lifting the ball out of his mouth with his paws and then dropping it back in.  He brings so much laughter and joy into our lives, and that’s why we have a dog.

Cindy Lieberman, www.cindylieberman.blogspot.com

32. Beast is big and black and when someone comes to the door the hair raises on his back and he barks like crazy.  When he squeezes out the front door he’ll run up and bark in a jogger’s face or he’ll terrorize the mailman until he’s threatened with Mace.  But when my 5-year-old daughter pulls his ears and tail, he’ll lie down so that she can lie on top of him.  That’s why I have a dog.

Andrea Askowitz, Author, My Miserable, Lonely, Lesbian Pregnancy -www.andreaaskowitz.com

33. Early every morning the woods behind our house begs to be explored.  The birds songs are calling and the colorful shoots of Spring are beckoning.  But alas, I’m too tired for that this morning.  Besides I’m far too busy today to make time for a walk in the woods.  But Aurora nudges her snout under my arm, looks up at me with excited eyes, and wags her tail in anticipation.  I can’t let her down. Besides she’ll never leave me alone all day if I don’t take her.  So I get the leash and my running shoes and we’re off.  The woods don’t disappoint. Aurora bounds ahead, chasing squirrels and spurring me on.  40 minutes later we’re back where we started, energized, connected with nature and vibrantly alive! That’s why I have a dog.

Victoria Loveland-Coen, www.ManifestYourGood.com

34. My Shetland Sheepdog Casey is the only dog I know who understands weekends. Every weekday morning Casey and I take a walk at 6am, but on the weekends he sleeps as late as I do. Never once has he woken me up on a Saturday or a Sunday … I think he is starting to now understand how to relax on vacation too! That’s why I have a dog.

Jacqui Pini, Museum Way Pearls

35. I’m an online gamer and I’m often up late playing after my wife has gone to bed.  Gwen is usually upstairs sleeping at the foot of the bed at that time of the night.  Sometimes I’ll want to snack while I’m playing and I’ll get myself some chips.  Usually within 2 minutes of sitting back down at my desk with the chips Gwen is at my elbow looking at me as if to say “You’re going to share, right?”  I swear she has some sort of chip alarm system.  That’s why I have a dog.

Chris Scully

36. I’ve always been a big believer that everyone is responsible for their own feelings, e.g., you can’t feel guilty, sad, hurt, etc., if you don’t allow yourself to.  Still, it took Frisco, my first dog, to really make me recognize this dynamic.  I mean, here’s this outrageously good looking blonde cocker spaniel with those big brown eyes looking up at me as I’m scoffing down some Chinese food — almost as if he was trying to make me feel guilty for not sharing any with him. And then, I realize Frisco didn’t have the capability to make me feel guilty — to intentionally set out to give me a guilt trip — and that any feelings of guilt I was experiencing weren’t coming from him — they were coming from within me.

From that moment on, words, expressions and actions that normally would have given me feelings of guilt no longer had the same effect and conversation, interactions, relationships — and my own mood — tended to be of a much healthier and positive nature. All because of the lesson that Frisco taught me!  He’s been gone for a number of years now and I have other canine buddies.  Why?  Because they continually teach me to be a better and healthier person.

Dan Gersten, www.fur-ever-friends.com/DanGersten.html

38. I work night shift and when I come home, I have to care for 17 pets. When I finally get to crawl under the covers, my dachshund leans against my torso on the right with his little head on my shoulder, the chihuahua-terrier leans on the hip and thigh on the right, the chihuahua cuddles himself into my left side and the cocker spaniel keeps my feet warm – I am covered in love and body warmth – that’s why I have pets!

Dee Finch – www.Peoplefood4Dogs.com

39. Every morning when my puppy Porter wakes up, he looks up at me with sleepy eyes and then starts stretching. This doggie yoga session goes on for about 5, sometimes 10 minutes. It’s really funny to watch. Now, whenever I’m in yoga class all I can do is think of his little body in downward dog with this floppy ears touching the floor, and I smile.  And that’s why I have a dog.

Becky – www.denhaus.com (stylish dog crates)

40. After a long day’s work there’s nothing more satisfying that plopping down on the couch, getting under the duvet with our two dogs and cuddling in together to keep warm. This is our own little pack: my husband, me and the two dogs! This is why I have dogs.

Lorna Paxton – www.happytailsspa.com

Today Mr. Blue got mail! Delicious, healthy dog treats from The Baker’s Dog that we won by naming a champion Airedale’s litter.

The package came priority mail and Mr. Blue’s face is on the bag! We won three pounds of treats and I got to choose three different flavors for Mr. Blue: Crunchy Lamb & Rice, Crunchy Chicken Parmesan, and Chewy Peanut Butter & Honey. They smell so delicious that I might try one myself when no one is looking…and based on the ingredients, I think that’s OK.

My cat was intrigued, and Mr. Blue could hardly wait. And when I opened the box, surprise! Not only did I get the three bags I was expecting, but Co-Owner Paul Reynolds also included an “I <3 My Dogs” sticker, some Chicken Flavor Shamrocks, and a Beef Flavored People Pop! I’m going to have to teach Mr. Blue some new tricks so I can reward him more!

You can see below he offered his paw for a treat. Because we do the “nothing in life is free” training with him (which has helped with his dominance trait), he knows he has to be a good boy before he gets ANY treats.

Thank you Baker’s Dog! If we ever get to Myrtle Beach we’re stopping in!

For many zoo animals, less heat equals more activity

Many people forget about the zoo during the winter months. But this is actually the best time to see the animals frolic and play, and most zoos are open almost every day of the year!

It’s no surprise that we often grab our loved ones on a hot summer day and stroll around the zoo, only to be disappointed when the animals just lay there, sleeping under a rock or a tree, or never come out at all. They are hot; their energy is zapped! They are doing their version of laying in front of the fan watching tv, just trying to stay cool.

Go out during a brisk snow or a light rain, and you’re bound to see some action! The first great experience I had at the zoo was during a rain. The lions came right up to the fence. The polar bears were running, sliding and playing. The monkeys were wrestling each other.

Visit the Association of Zoos and Aquariums website to find an accredited zoo near you today…while it’s cold!

Happy Inauguration Day!  In honor of President Obama and his dog-to-be, this post lists the 25 presidents who had dogs.

George Washington
had 10 Hounds (Fox and/or Basset): Mopsey, Taster, Cloe, Tipler, Forester, Captain, Lady Rover, Vulcan, Sweetlips and Searcher

Thomas Jefferson
had a sheep dog and is the President who instituted the first dog license.

James Monroe
had a Spaniel possibly named Buddy.

Abraham Lincoln

Had at least 2 dogs called Fido and Jip.

Ulysses S Grant
brought a Newfoundland dog named Faithful to the White House. Faithful belonged to Jesse Grant, the son of President Grant.

Rutherford Hayes
had an English Mastiff called Duke, two German Shepherd dogs named Hector and Nellie and a Greyhound called Grim.

Grover Cleveland-was believed to have owned a Poodle.

Benjamin Harrison-had a dog called Dash.
Theodore Roosevelt
had a Pitbull Terrier (Pete), a Chesapeake Retriever (Sailor Boy), a Terrier (Jack), a mutt (Skip) and a Spaniel called Manchu.

Woodrow Wilson
did not own a dog whilst he was President, but met and shook the paw of Stubby, a Pit Bull and the most decorated war dog in US history.  Wilson famously said: “If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience.”

Warren Harding
had an Airedale called Laddie Boy and a Bulldog called Oh Boy. Laddie Boy who had his own chair to sit on at cabinet meetings.

Calvin Coolidge
had at least 12 dogs (and a raccoon):
Terrier (Peter Pan)
Airedale (Laddie Buck/Paul Pry)
2 White Collies (Oshkosh/Rob Roy and Prudence Primm)
Shetland Sheepdog (Calamity Jane)
2 Chows (Tiny Tim and Blackberry)
Brown Collie (Ruby Rough)
Yellow Collie (Bessie)
Bulldog (Boston Beans)
German Shepherd (King Kole)
Retriever (Palo Alto)

Herbert Hoover
had at least 9 dogs
2 German Shepherds (King Tut and Pat)
2 Fox Terriers (Big Ben and Sonnie)
Scotch Collie (Glen)
Eskimo Dog (Yukon)
Wolfhound (Patrick)
Setter (Eaglehurst Gillette)
Elkhound (Weejie)

Franklin D. Roosevelt
had at least 7 dogs:
German Shepherd (Major)
2 Scotch Terriers (Meggie and Fala)
Llewellyn Setter (Winks)
English Sheepdog (Tiny)
Great Dane (President)
Mastiff (Blaze)
Fala was star of an MGM Hollywood movie about the typical day of a dog in the White House. Fala also became an honorary army private. He received this honor by contributing one dollar to the war effort setting a trend for the rest of the US. Fala is depicted in the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.

Harry Truman
had Spaniel called Feller and an Irish Setter named Mike. President Truman is attributed with the following quotes: “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog,” and “Children and dogs are as necessary to the welfare of the country as Wall Street and the railroads.” Unfortunately he didn’t keep Feller or Mike in the White House for long.

Dwight D. Eisenhower
had a Weimaraner named Heidi.

President John F. Kennedy
had the following dogs:
Welsh Terrier – Charlie and Pushinka
German Shepherd – Clipper
Irish Cocker Spaniel – Shannon
Irish Wolfhound – Wolf
Terrier – White Tips, Blackie and Streaker
?-Butterfuly and too many more pets to name!John F. Kennedy was the first president to request that his dogs meet the presidential helicopter when the president arrived at the White House.

Lyndon B. Johnson
had 7 dogs:
mutt – (Yuki)
5 Beagles – Beagle, Little Beagle, Him and Her and J. Edgar
White Collie – (Blanco)

Richard Nixon
had 4 dogs
Spaniel (Checkers)
Irish Setter (King Timahoe)
Terrier (Pasha)
Poodle (Vicky)

Gerald Ford
had a Golden Retriever called Liberty.

Jimmy Carter
his daughter Amy had a mutt named Grits for a short time.

Ronald Reagan
had two dogs, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel called Rex and a Bouvier des Flandres called Lucky, pictured here. Lucky was eventually sent to live in California leaving just Rex, the little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at the White House.

George H W Bush
had a Springer Spaniel called Millie and her puppy named Ranger. “Millie”, the Springer Spaniel, has been the subject of a book which has sold more copies than the autobiography of George Bush himself.

Bill Clinton
had a chocolate Labrador called Buddy

President George W Bush
President George W Bush’s dogs include a Scottish terrier named Barney and an English springer spaniel named Spot. Spot was son to Millie, George H.W. Bush’s dog, when George H.W. Bush was President.