Taking Fido Shopping...and everywhere else, too

Is it my imagination or are there more people bringing their canine friends with them everywhere? And by everywhere, I mean EVERYWHERE! Recently I have encountered dogs at Home Depot, the grocery store, the hairdresser, restaurants, the liquor store and Walmart. Last week my husband watched a dog make a "deposit" in the middle of the bank. It was a sizeable "deposit" and the dog's owner declined to "withdraw". Lack of "interest", I imagine. [Just had to do that.] Here in Florida, it seems to have reached epidemic proportions.

What makes a person think that a dog enjoys being hauled around to public places? Do they gain immeasurable pleasure by watching humans ponder the many selections of canned beans at the Piggly Wiggly? Perhaps they are amused by the footwear of strangers? I cannot believe that most dogs appreciate the nuances of laminate vs. hardwood. Of course we all know that Fido just loves being overstimulated with the various sounds and smells of a noisy, crowded retail store at Christmas time.

There are a few places that dogs can and should be allowed. PetSmart. You want to bring your dog to the store, this is the store they actually WANT to go to. Dog areas at the beach. There are designated areas for our four-legged friends. They can romp, jump into the waves and pee all over the sand that dog owners walk barefooted on. Parks and sidewalks (on leash, thank you very much). It is important to exercise your dog in a safe environment that provides them with just the right dog-friendly stimulation.

Now before you think this is an anti-dog manifesto, think again. I am actually very fond of dogs. I used to own a sweet little Boston terrier (see previous blogs). He came with me on several vacations to pet-friendly hotels and B&Bs (one: The Paw House, Rutland, VT was especially appropriate for dogs). I took my little guy hiking, canoeing, to dog parks and PetSmart. When I had to bring him to homes of friends or family members, I also brought his kennel, where he would retire when I was unable to keep him near me on his leash.

Bringing dogs to inappropriate places is the same as bringing small children to fine dining establishments. The behavior that might be deemed as "cute" and "amusing" to adoring parents is probably not shared by others. Children are usually uncomfortable in an unfamiliar environment. They often have accidents because they are anxious. They usually want a burger and fries. Dogs prefer the backyard, just as children prefer MacDonalds.

Let's face it, folks. The REAL reason people bring their dogs to inappropriate places is for the attention it draws. Throw on a pair of funny glasses and leave the dog at home.

New Years Resolutions

It's at about this time every year that I realize the resolutions I set for myself on January 1 have been broken. I start out with good intentions and firm resolve but ever so slowly, I settle back into old habits and routines.

In the past, I have pledged a solemn vow to shed a few pounds, be a better person, volunteer, save more money and stick with my latest hobby. All have gone by the wayside. My excuses have ranged from not having enough time to having a paper cut. It's hard to admit being defeated by weak willpower and laziness.

This year, however, things are looking up! I made three resolutions and have struggled to keep them.

Read More: Whether it's People Magazine, the local newspaper or a juicy novel, I have actually been squeezing in some extra time to read. My original goal was to read more novels but I am finding it challenging to select books that can hold my interest. I have managed to read Crazy in America (The Hidden Tragedy of Our Criminalized Mentally Ill) by Mary Beth Pfeiffer; Tender at the Bone by Ruth Reichl; and Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez. While I know this is not a staggering number of books, it's a start. I just need to get to Barnes and Noble soon.

Drink More Water: I am notorious for only drinking a large cup of coffee and maybe one glass of Diet Pepsi a day. I can pinch the skin on the back of my hand and it stands up: a sign of dehydration. I just never feel really thirsty and it's challenging to take a water break when dealing with a classroom of teenager hooligans. I got a wake up call recently about the seriousness of not drinking enough when my opthamologist told me my eyes were too dry. I have been doing very well with getting a drink of water whenever I can and always having a bottle nearby. Think I'll get a cold glass of water now...

Stay in Touch With Family and Friends: This is a challenging one for me but I have been making a strong effort. The biggest obstacle is my intense dislike of talking on the phone. I think all those years of selling TVGuide on the phone ruined me for life. However, in this day and age, e-mail is my favorite method of communication. I am a great fan of sending newsy-updates of life at my household to those I hold nearest and dearest. The only discouraging part is the lack of response. So, if you are one of my regular reader that don't respond to my blog posts or my e-mails, GET WITH IT! You are putting a damper on my resolution.

So, there you have it! It's March 22 and I have stuck with my resolutions.
...let's see if I can make it to June...