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Meet Honk Honk Fisher, the first (and pawsibly only) dog to be driven around the world
This summer, my thoughts are focused on dogs and travel. Having just returned from California, I had the privilege of signing copies of Around the World in 1909: Harriet White Fisher and Her Locomobile (American History Press) at the fabulous Bookshop Santa Cruz venue. This story begins in New Jersey and meanders through the NoCal region so it was especially fitting, and of course it features the incredible Boston bull terrier, Honkie, the first dog to be literally driven around the world. In keeping with this traveling theme, I introduce a pair of sisters who have published a book that has Captured: The Look of the Dog in their own unique manner. Welcome Fern and Gloria!
Cover of Captured!
According to Fern and Gloria, dogs nationwide are begging their humans to read this book. Dog lovers and their best friends now have an evocative whimsical read. This collection of fictional short stories, poems, prose and faceted photographs expose the reader to a fanciful awareness of canines. It answers questions like, “Poo Diddy Poo?” – do dogs have bad hair days – including revealing details of puppy pee-mail.
One reviewer writes…
This book is essential for all dog lovers and pet parents! It captures the essence of dogs – the images itself are beautiful, and the copy is clever and very well-written. You can tell that the authors put their heart and soul (and paws) into this book – and it turned out wonderfully.
Another stated…
It is a good read and not too long and not too short. It is just the right amount of each dog and their little story. It makes you laugh, smile and in some case sad or makes you think. This book makes you want to read more and get to the next dog and the next story. It captures your mind and in some stories your heart!
Captured! is available via Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com.
Websites: http://www.GloriaYarina.com and http://www.FernGoodman.com
In keeping with our summer travel theme, Gloria and Fern offer these “Oddball Pointers” (their own words) for First Time Dog Travelers:
Before you go-go…
If you are staying at a pet friendly establishment for the first time, make sure to ask them if there are adequate outdoor accommodations. You would think since they are pet friendly, they would have thought of the excrement ramifications, but don’t assume. There is nothing worse than being surrounded by cement or stairs or on the fifth floor when your Labradoodle has to diddle in a hurry.
Speaking of the fifth floor. Be aware that all pet rooms/cabins are not created on the ground floor. Does your Border Collie know how to climb stairs? Is your Boxer afraid of being boxed in on an elevator? When that elevator door opens, my 90 pound hound mix charges inside, not caring if there is someone trying to get out of the elevator or if they are afraid of him. Find out what floor you’re on.
A word about packing, well two words…extra towels. This is in case of rain or beach excursions. Wet-dog smell is never an air freshener scent. And another three words…extra dog food. You can’t always find your brand if you run out.
And awaaay you go…
When our moms told us, “wear clean underwear in case you’re in an accident” I think she meant in case you have an accident. For years I stuffed a pair of clean underwear in my purse just in case.
Here’s a scenario. Dog travels in a car long distance for the first time, maybe excited, maybe nervous, maybe both. You have the dog in your lap or your dog leans over the front seat or you open the crate to let them pee and PLAHH. Your precious pup pukes on you and your clothes. Have a change of outfit handy is all I’m sayin’.
You arrive…
Examine the room/house where you will be staying. Dog-proof it to eliminate potential disaster. For instance, dead lizards and bugs in corners should be removed to avoid consumption. Floor vases, tail height glass objects, magazines on coffee tables could be transferred to higher elevations.
Out and about…
Be prepared for attention. Strangers may gawk at you like your clothes are on inside out. They’ll want to pet your pooch or feed ‘em while you’re dining. Hopefully they’ll ask permission first. Know what breed of dog you have. You’ll need to know this for curious minds. If you have answers ready you’ll me more relaxed. And isn’t that the goal of travel, to relax? Go for it.
Thank you Gloria and Fern for sharing with the fans of National Dog Week. Safe travels to all!
I know for many, holiday weekend plans are underway already, but I want to relay this message from my friend and fellow dog-welfare advocate, Janice Fisher Patterson, who is trying to garner support for a very important issue. I hope my dog-loving friends will help by calling, sending e-mails, and sharing. Did you catch Janice on a recent segment of Dr. Brian Voynick’s “The Pet Stop” on News 12 NJ, talking about the new Pet Shop Disclosure Law that was recently instituted in the Garden State? Thank you for your support.
New laws can help to prevent the abusive tethering of dogs
A two-minute phone call and e-mail to your state senator and two assemblymen will make a world of difference to dogs that are tethered 24/7 outdoors in the extreme heat and freezing cold.
District 10 lawmakers, Sen. Jim Holzapfel, Asm. David Wolfe and Asm. Gregory McGuckin, have introduced a bill that will prohibit this cruel treatment of dogs. Besides being subjected to all types of weather extremes causing physical pain, animal attacks, disease and the threat of being stolen for dog fighting, these animals are usually deprived of human interaction, a cruel fate for highly social animals.
Recently local towns have been adopting their own ordinances prohibiting 24/7 tethering, following a sad situation in Plainfield, NJ where a German Shepherd was left outdoors all winter long on a six-foot chain with only a wire crate for shelter. This is only one example of the neglect that these animals are exposed to at the end of a chain. These animals are NOT lawn ornaments and they must not be treated that way.
PLEASE help these animals by contacting your legislators (Senator and two Assemblymen) to ask that they CO-SPONSOR (S3061/A4628) (anti-tethering and proper shelter bill). You can find your legislators by accessing the NJ legislature website: www.njleg.state.nj.us and look to the left of the home page for “Find Your Legislator.”
PLEASE call first and follow up with an e-mail. We thank our caring government officials for promoting the welfare of our Companion Animals. If you have questions for Janice, or you are an animal advocate advocate outside the state of New Jersey, please contact me at pst39crd@aol.com. Thank you.
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