dogpark’s posterous

A new book from New Zealand, "Time to Eat the Dog: The real guide to sustainable living" studies the carbon footprint of our animal companions and calculates that a dog the size of a German Shepherd has the relative carbon footprint equal to two SUVs.

The primary culprit? The meat that dogs eat - about 164 kg per year for our German Shepherd, and meat uses a lot of resources in its production. Cats = a VW Golf, a pair of hamsters = a plasma TV and even goldfish don't get off the hook - they are the environmental equivalent of two cellphones.

Their suggestions on how to solve the issue are provocative - Fido-sharing anyone? Human food? Or have pets that produce food - chickens for eggs and rabbits for, well, rabbit.

Although it seems to us that once you've cooked your pet, it's not a pet, it's dinner.

http://bit.ly/ViWuZ

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The Newton Off-Leash Dog Park Task Force met and decided to postpone opening new dog parks this summer, pending the review of multiple applications for dog parks in the area. Limited resources to effectively develop and enforce regulations are behind the postponement, however, the area remains committed to opening new dog parks as a result of strong interest.
 
Read the full article here:
 
http://tinyurl.com/nb92bz

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Pilgrim Bark Park in Provincetown MA has announced a performance by Lily Tomlin on Aug 29. Proceeds benefit the dog park.
 
They are also hosting Run Dog Run, a 5K/10K run for dogs and people on June 20.
 
http://tinyurl.com/lfgmqe

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http://tinyurl.com/mepgz3

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The law actually went into effect 6 months ago, but is about to be enforced as warning signs are posted at L.A. dog parks.
 
A permit will be available to those wanting to bring more than three dogs, but it's as yet unclear how those are awarded.
 
Opponents say that dog walkers bring 'clients' to the dog parks in such great number that they are unable to effectively supervise all the dogs in their care. Dog walkers say that when the new limit is enforced they will have no place to go with the dogs and the dogs will suffer as a result.
 
The law does not seems to have a provision for individuals who have more than three dogs, or those whose per-person dog limit is exceeded on a temporary basis, like being at a dog park with your own dogs and a friend's dogs that you're babysitting.
 
http://www.laanimalservices.org/info_dogparks.htm
 
http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_12530157

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Starting June 17, Southwest Airlines will allow up to 5 pets in cabin on each flight. There will be a $75 fee and pets will have to be small enough to fit in a crate or bag that can be stowed under the seat in front of you.
 
http://travel.latimes.com/articles/sns-trvrail3-wk1-jun2
 
We sometimes receive emails from airport facility managers who are looking for advice on what makes a good pet rest area, and we've starting compiling a list of airport 'dog parks'. These vary in size and amenity, and are really there for potty stops rather than play and socializing, but who are we to tell you how you and your dog should use the facilities?

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Sent from my iPhone. Please excuse typos.

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We got into flyball to give Dino - an active Portuguese Water Dog (and yes, I know that's redundant) a job. Not only did it improve our training, his focus, and our overall relationship, turns out it's good exercise for me as well. Seriously - three hours every weekend of team practice is a real calorie burner, not to mention all those walks and at-home practice sessions.
 
So - think outside the 'jogging with your dog' boundaries when you consider ways you and your dog can play together. But pick something - it's good for both of you!
 
http://tinyurl.com/r7bazv

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Dogpark.com has been contributing dog park information to AAA for their annual "Traveling with Your Pet' book for 9 years, and the 11th edition is now available, with over 13,000 pet-friendly accommodations in the US and Canada, and lots and lots of dog parks listed. See http://www.aaa.com/petbook/ and don't forget to enter your dog's photo in the contest for next year's cover picture!

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