The “I need a really great book to read” thought hits me about once a week, and the best thing is finding a great but previously unknown to me author. One I’d like to share is Virginia Lanier. She writes great mysteries and her main character raises and trains bloodhounds. So, lovers of mystery, humor, dogs, and suspense will really enjoy this author. Also, you will painlessly learn a great deal about bloodhounds. Here's the titles in order so you can get started on this fun series.
It's hot out there, and while most people know how to keep yourself cool, you may not know how to keep your four legged best friend cool. I'm talking of your dog of course. The most important thing to remember during the summer is to make sure you're not over doing exercise. Dogs all need exercise everyday all year long, but during the summer especially, you really need to pay attention to make sure they're keeping cool as well. Breeds that are the most sensitive to heat related health issues are the breeds with the "squashed-up" faces, or brachycephalic faces.
We were recently visited by Judith Hawley and her wonderful dog Flora. They presented a program at the Buckner Branch. The really awesome thing about these two visitors is that they have a special relationship. Judith is blind and Flora is her guide dog. Did you know that when a guide dog has his harness on, you shouldn’t talk to him or pet him because he is working? When the harness comes off, he is off work and becomes like any other dog. The children were especially fascinated with the way Judith cleans up after Flora, you know bathroom breaks and such.
I have always been an "animal person". Most library people are, hence, books like Dewey: The Small Town Library Cat Who Touched the World. When I was growing up, we had always at least 2 animals running around the house. However, when I got to college most apartments wouldn’t allow cats or dogs. So, I went and got the next best thing…a rat.
At the library, we have a calendar with pictures of cats. Usually when you think of cats, you picture them as cute and playful. For instance, a famous library cat you may know of is Dewey from Spencer, Iowa.
Does loving a dog make us more human? This is one of the questions that Steven Winn, author of Come Back, Como: Winning the Heart of a Reluctant Dog, answers in his book. As a self-proclaimed dog lover, I was instantly drawn to the sweet picture of Como on the cover of this book, and fell in love with Como and his family as I read.
Save a life. Adopt a pet. When you decide to take on the responsibility of owning a pet; one of the most generous things you can do is to adopt an unwanted animal from a shelter. If you are already a pet owner, one of the smartest things you can do is to have your pet spayed or neutered to prevent any more unwanted animals from ending up in shelters. If you would like to help, but are unable to adopt right now; your local shelter would love a donation of your time or money. Most shelters are in dire need of assistance and appreciate any help you can give.
