Blog Review: Vick Dog Blog

I wanted to take a moment to review another dog blog. I immediately found the Vick Dog Blog, which chronicles the life and events of the fighting dogs from Michael Vick's dog fighting circuit.

Although the subject is very serious, I was so pleased to find that someone was taking the time to explain what happened to those dogs. Obviously the Michael Vick dog fighting case created a huge media storm, but very little attention was paid to what actually happened to the dogs once they were rescued. Most of the dogs have attended some sort of obedience or behavioral school. All of them are socialized with other dogs and people, and one is even a therapy dog.

I also liked how the blog was "written" by 11 survivor dogs. It may seem a little corny, yet it adds a personal and emotional touch to a very serious topic. Although the writing is certainly conversational, it borders on too informal.

The posts also include photos, external links and even videos. One post had a series of photos with though bubbles so it looked like a comic strip. I also liked the photos of each of the "dog writers." Once again, this adds a personal touch to the entire blog.

I would suggest the writers start mixing up some of the posts by writing as humans or maybe even writing about other cases of dog abuse that was not the Michael Vick one.

Overall though I thought the blog was really interesting and it gave me some ideas for my own blog--like adding some more photos of dogs and perhaps adding a blog post about dog abuse.

Dogs Are Not Good College Roommates

I love spring on Ohio University's campus. Summer is in the air and everyone is in a better mood now that they can shake off the winter blues and cold weather. I also hate spring on this campus. It seems like everyone suddenly feels the need to get a puppy and parade it around on anywhere people might be able to "ooo" and "aww".

I understand that pull to get a dog when the nice weather starts. What's a better way to greet spring with a dog where you can run around, play catch or just lounge in the grass. .

But the novelty of owning a puppy can quickly fade, especially when you have to walk it, clean up after it, feed it, brush it, take it to the vet, and attempt to give the same love and affection it gives you.

When I see these puppies happily rolling around in flower beds, something tugs at my heart. Usually, that something is sadness and even pity. What happens to that little yorkie or dalmation when its owner moves out of his or her house at the end of the school year? Can it come along or is it shuffled to someone else's house or worse yet, given up to a shelter?

Owning a dog in college is selfish and ultimately hurts the relationship between canine and owner.

Perhaps I'm being too pessimistic and that dog will lead a happy life, but I think there are much better alternatives for college kids wanting to scratch that puppy itch.

Why not volunteer at a local animal shelter? These facilities can always use extra hands to take the dogs out to play  while their cages are cleaned. Even if you can't take that floppy-eared dog home with you, you are giving it an extra 30 minutes of love it wouldn't have gotten before.

If that isn't long term enough, what about using your place as a foster home? If you can't keep a dog long-term, providing a foster home allows for some dog to stretch its paws of out the shelter, open up space for another dog and give you a companion without worrying about what to do with the dog.

There are other animal alternatives too. What about a fish or cat? Either way, dogs are companions that need long-term, responsible care--not college roommates.

Maybe You Should Get A Dog

What a terrific video to kick off this blog! What a cute but important message to give to viewers during the super bowl. The ad encourages dog adoption, but I can certainly identify with some of those characters with my own dogs' behavior.

Before I can discuss some of the aspects of the dog-human relationship, I have to strongly encourage people to get a dog. Cats and other pets are fine too, but I am "dogcentric." The first step to enjoying the companionship, love and loyalty a dog brings, you first have to get one.

Unfortunately, millions of dogs are abandoned each year. With too many careless owners who are too busy, tired, sick, whatever--most shelters are stretched beyond capacity and are forced to euthanize a majority of dogs if they can't find a home for them in a couple of weeks.

But there is some hope. It's now easier than ever to adopt a dog with all its medical shots and spaying/neutering completed for a fraction of what pets stores and breeders would cost.

People are willing to spend thousands of dollars on little baubles and gadgets, why not on a pet that will always be happy to see you, never complains, and gives constant love and attention.

I encourage people to take a step back from acquiring the most extreme, exotic or outrageous accessories and make a home for a friend.
So maybe you should get a dog.