Today is Fun At Work Day, and I filmed client Rylee this morning enjoying his pets as evidenced by his “chop talk”.
It’s easy to have fun at work with clients like Rylee!
Take Your Dog’s Lead and Improve the Health of Your Eyes
January 27th, 2012
Jessie, the natural-born leader, here with a handy tip of the day:
You know, while you humans work tirelessly to teach us dogs some tricks, we can actually teach you a few things, if you just watch and learn. Sure, we know how to relax and unwind when you continue to needlessly burn the midnight oil. We love to romp and play and burn off energy while you sit in front of the TV and munch on snacks. But there is something else we do from which you can benefit if you simply try it yourself, and all it takes is 20 seconds a few times a day!
Ever notice how we just love to sit and stare out the window? Whether we are eye-balling a squirrel or checking out the other dogs across the street, we love to just stare at things in the distance. In essence, we have perfected what is known as the 20/20/20 rule.
If you work at your computer for several hours a day, and, if you are like most people, you do, then you know your eyes can become strained from constantly staring at the screen. According to researchers at the Mayo Clinic, you can develop what is known as repetitive stress injury, or RSI. Your vision can be impaired as a result. In an effort to reduce eye strain, every 20 minutes, spend 20 seconds looking at something 20 feet away. That’s it! In other words, gaze out the window just like we do! Who knows? You might see something wonderful and unexpected….and potentially ward off any annoying headache from constantly staring at that screen. (Unless, of course, you have a cat like Marty here…in that case, there is no cure for THAT type of headache! He’s here to stay!)
It’s All About The Tone
January 26th, 2012Earlier today, I attended a lunch presentation entitled “It’s Not Just What You Say, It’s HOW You Say It”. The presenter, Barb Teicher of etc., an executive coaching company based in the KC area, spoke about all the aspects of communication, other than our words, that determine how effectively we communicate with others.
Although the presentation was about communication between humans, some aspects hold true when communicating with our pets. The jury is still out on just how many words our pets really understand, but it is very easy to tell how pets react to our tone of voice.
When we speak in a harsh tone to pets, they often will shrink away from us. The same words said in a kinder tone produce a much more positive reaction.
Think before you speak, you’ll like the results!
Funny Pet Picture of the Week
January 25th, 2012
When the Cat Needs Ear Plugs!
January 23rd, 2012
Marty Party, the inquisitive cat with the inquiry of the day: WHY DO DOGS NEED SQUEAKY TOYS? It drives me crazy. All I want to do is rest under the window in the embrace of the warm rays from the sun, when out of nowhere comes this irritating squeaky noise. I thought I had destroyed that thing! But, no! Little doggie has a squeaky toy! Fun, fun! For HER!
One theory as to why dogs like such annoying toys is simply due to the nature of the squeak. Evidently, in the wild, an injured prey anmial makes similar sounds and cries, and in doing so reveals its position and condition. (I’ve got GPS…what do I care?) Dogs with those strong natural hunting instincts recognize those replicated sounds in a squeaky toy and are supposedly satisfied with it. Makes them feel like they’ve conquered a few field mice, birds or other small prey. (Note to self: Remain bigger than the family dog!)
Of course, it could just be that dogs love an interactive toy that satisfies their innate desire to chew and gnaw, keeping their minds occupied. Thank you, but I prefer the crossword puzzles in the New York Times. No squeaks. Speaking of which, what’s a six letter word that rhymes with “You’re mine?” That’s right…canine, and that dog is MINE! You hear that, Jessie? I rule! You drool!
Thanks to wisegeek.com for keeping me pleasantly informed and slightly above the family dog!
The Year of the Dragon
January 23rd, 2012
Today marks the Chinese New Year, 2012 is the Year of the Dragon. Good news for those thinking of starting a new business, the Dragon years are lucky for anyone thinking of starting a business or initiating a new project. Money is easier to come by for everyone, whether it’s earned, borrowed or received as a gift.
This Chinese New Year 2012 ushers in the Water Dragon. Water exerts a calming influence on the Dragon’s innate fire. Water Dragons are more open to other people’s opinions than other Dragons which gives them the ability to channel their personal charisma into real leadership qualities.
People born under the Dragon are passionate, brave and self-assured. Dragons in general are blessed with good fortune. They are smart, enterprising and have a wicked sense of humor. They have a natural flair for fashion and are the people to consult if you want to catch up on the latest trends.
Famous celebrities born in under the Dragon include John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Al Pacino, Marlene Dietrich and Matt Dillon.
Happy and prosperous Chinese New Year!
Information for this post from chinesenewyear2012.net
Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day
January 22nd, 2012
Today is Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day, and I have to admit my guy Marty presented me with some interesting ones. Here’s his list:
- Why don’t all humans adore cats and have at least one living with them?
- Why don’t humans have tails?
- Why do humans get in boxes with water to clean themselves? Why don’t they just lick themselves like we felines do?
- Why do dogs go outside when they have to potty? Why don’t they use a litterbox like we do?
- When dogs go outside, why do they wear those long string things that their human holds?
- Why are there so many dogs around, and why do they wear clothes? Do they know how silly they look?
- Why can’t I have constant access to my food?
So, what are the questions your cat had for you?
Star Wars Anyone?
January 21st, 2012This is actually a Volkswagen ad, but it’s a dog chorus and I thought it was pretty funny. Check ‘em out!
When Mere Words Are Not Enough…
January 20th, 2012
Jessie, the compassionate dog (at least when Party Marty, that darned cat, is not around!): Sometimes, a picture says way more than mere words can. I just had to post this today. I don’t know to whom credit should be given for the photo, but I trust it will be appreciated by many posting it here. It warms my heart to see this. Dogs rock!
Guest Post: Becoming A Pet Photographer
January 19th, 2012I admire Jennifer Hague’s work at Fix Your Images and asked her to write a guest post about her journey to becoming a pet photographer. Following are her thoughts, along with a few of her favorite photographs she’s taken. Enjoy!
I studied Journalism and graduated from the University of Central Missouri in 2003. I always assumed I would be a reporter or a writer…. that’s all I had ever known. Little did I realize, my photography career would begin when I discovered a love for photo restoration in 2005.
In 2009, I began offering photography services, quickly learning pet photography was my ultimate passion. This was of course after my husband and I brought a miniature schnauzer puppy, Remington, into our lives. He promptly became my more-than-willing model who would do just about anything I asked of him during a photo shoot.
My heart is always especially happy when I am around animals, especially dogs. I have been an animal lover my entire life, growing up with Lhasa Apsos throughout my childhood. I always knew I wanted to be involved in saving homeless animals– but I was never clear on how I would be involved. My path was shown to me when I began photographing dogs. I received such wonderful feedback when I began taking photographs at local shelters and rescues – the dogs true souls and smiles were shining in the photos and as a result, they were getting recognized and adopted quickly.
I support many local animal rescue organizations, participate in adoption events and offer my photography services complimentary to local rescues and shelters who need assistance photographing their animals up for adoption. My work has been published in various magazines including: Dog Fancy, Fido Friendly, Bella DOG and on the covers of Happy Tails books.
During my journey as a pet photographer, my life has been enriched in more ways than I could have ever imagined. And I have truly seen it all – varying small and large breeds, from the ultra shy to the exceedingly hyper – but there has never been a photo session where I have been frustrated. I never feel like I am working when I am photographing dogs – which is the beauty of following my passion and my dream. Every photo shoot is memorable and every dog I meet stamps a forever paw print on my heart. I believe everything in life happens for a specific reason. I am so blessed that I was led to be where I am today and I look forward to what the future brings.
If you’d like to contact Jennifer, her Email is fixyourimages@Hotmail.com or visit the Fix Your Images website: www.fixyourimages.com
About Joy of Living
Joy of Living provides pet sitting, dog walking, pet taxi and matchmaking services in Overland Park, KS and surrounding areas. This is also the blog of Karen Harrison, owner of Joy of Living and her pets, Bo and Jessie. We blog about pet care and the special bond between people and their pets.
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