One problem with breed-specific laws is identification of
dogs without registration papers. A dog that one person thinks
is a pit bull may not have any of that breed in its ancestry.
The bigger problem is dogs that are untrained, unsocialized
and living in an undesirable environment. Any dog, regardless
of its ancestry, could become mean, given these conditions.
And a well-trained dog is a good companion, regardless of
its breed. All one has to do is observe American pit bull terriers
at a United Kennel Club show and their counterparts, American
Staffordshire terriers, at an American Kennel Club show. They
are standing quietly beside their owners. They are not barking,
fighting or wearing muzzles. Ditto for Rottweilers, German
shepherd dogs and other dogs that at one time or another have
been deemed vicious only because of breed.
The plea of responsible dog owners is, "Consider the
deed and not the breed."
Seeing clearly
Doggles - goggles for dogs - began as a whimsical fashion
statement a few years ago.
Some military and search-and-rescue dogs began wearing Doggles
to protect their eyes from windy, sandy sites. Now prescription
lenses are being put into the frames.
"Goggles for dogs may seem silly to a lot of people,
but I really do believe there are times when the goggles are
a very good idea," said Margaret Foss, a veterinary ophthalmologist
in Akron. Dogs that are blind in both eyes but are still very
active and, therefore, prone to damaging their corneas could
benefit, she said.
Foss has not had the occasion to write a prescription for
corrective lenses.
Nor have veterinary ophthalmologists at Ohio State University
prescribed Doggles with corrective lenses, said Christine McComas,
in the community relations department. But at times when veterinary
ophthalmologists believed sunglasses would be beneficial to
a particular dog, they've suggested purchasing them over the
counter, she said.
Eye protection could be needed after some surgeries or diseases,
such as chronic superficial keratitis (pannus), which exposure
to sunlight can aggravate.
Coventry Cats in Cleveland Heights carries nonprescription
Doggles. Don't let the store name fool you. Half of the products
sold there are for dogs.
'Max's Rules'
A handsome new black and white pup has joined Max and Annie's
home, and owner-author Sandra Philipson took the opportunity
to write another book about her springer spaniels. "Max's
Rules," the fifth book in the Max and Annie series, addresses
sibling rivalry and Max's rules for his young "brother."
Philipson, a reading specialist who lives in Chagrin Falls,
has visited 260 schools with her reading and writing programs.
She asked the 10,000 children participating in these sessions
to collaborate with her on possible book endings. The book
reflects the mission of the publisher, which is to give children
a voice in what is published for them, said Kathy Bonsignore,
marketing manager.
Jenny Campbell, a nationally syndicated cartoonist, illustrated
the book. The end pages are devoted to enrichment activities.
The book is appropriate for children in kindergarten through
fourth grade or anyone bringing home a new family member or
adopting an animal. The paperback is $9.95 at Borders, Fireside
Books, Barnes & Noble and on the Internet at www.maxandannie.com.
Dogs' Life
"Dogs' Life" is a book written in glossy magazine
format especially for dogs. It will leave you howling. Features
include "Dog Park Etiquette" by Smellany Post, "Leash-less
in Seattle" and "Cat-atrosphe! Giving Puss the Boot."
Pseudo compliments are given by the New Yorkshire Times and
Barker's Bazaar, but then what would you expect from a magazine
whose staff includes: Neopolitan Bonepart, Pablo Pugcasso,
Mona Lhasa, Raquel Welsh Corgi and Wolfgang Pug?
Heidi A. Ott is the creator of this funny farce. It is published
by Riverbank Press and is $18.95 at most bookstores.
Thursday, October 07, 2004
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
shively@plaind.com, 216-999-4554
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