ID

While I'm a big advocate of microchipping, some owners worry about the risks of injecting this foreign object into a pet's body . . . especially animals with existing health problems. There have been some cases where chip implants have been linked to malignant tumors so the whole concept is up for debate.

And that's what I'm calling for here. Fuzzles writes in about her smooshy Persian, Oliver:

The post about licensing really got me wondering about microchipping. I know that this is the thing to do, but I have a problem introducing something foreign into my cat's body, particularly with Oliver's medical issues. Yet again, I am conflicted as I realize that things happen beyond our control and can see that microchipping could be very helpful. Can we put the topic up for discussion? I would love to hear views from all sides.

Please share your thoughts in the comments below!

When I think about little North going missing, I know I'd want to get him back as soon as possible. Even though he has a microchip, those first few hours are crucial – and there are other hi-tech options for keeping track of your furry, loved one's location . . . even when he wanders away. The Zoombak is a rad tracking device that attaches to Fido's collar, giving you an all-access pass to his location, anytime.The difference between Zombak and microchipping services like Home Again is that Zoombak uses assisted GPS to pinpoint your pup's location via their online maps. Just set your parameters online and, when Fido leaves that area, you'll get an email and text message letting you know where he's wandered off to. What's cooler, you can get text updates on his location while you're on the road tracking him down. Zoombak is also running an awesome deal right now, if you pay for six months in advance, the monthly cost is reduced to $9.99 a month. Even still, at the regular price of $14.99, I think it's a good deal if you have a sneaky pet who likes to live it up and paint the town (or neighborhood) red – assuming he doesn't slip out of the collar that is. Check out the demo of Zoombak when you read more

The noise of North's tags can cause the downstairs dogs to run to the door and begin barking . . . before we even make it off the landing! Because my pup trots in a harness, I only snap it on when it's walk time. If not, he would make quite the racket with his Good Boy tag, ID tag, rabies tag, and HomeAgain microchip tag all clanging together. For those with pals that sport their tags 24/7, learn about possible solutions to the dangling jangling when you read more

When Vanessa Williams' pooch, Enzo, went missing this summer, he was found two weeks later and a state away thanks to his microchip! After this happy return, the actress decided to join forces with HomeAgain to announce Bring Pets Home, a nationwide campaign to microchip and enroll two million pets by the end of the year. I strongly encourage all dog and cat owners to get their pets fitted with a microchip, in addition to providing ID tags with current addresses and phone numbers. It's only a small price to pay – North got fitted with his HomeAgain tag for only $39!

Wanna see more pics of Vanessa and Enzo, read more

I'm lucky to have never lost a pet, but I can't even imagine how I would cope if it happened to me. Microchips and tattoos provide an extra level of protection if a pet becomes separated from you, and from his collar and tags. Providing tags and a microchip or tattoo can help ID him if he is turned in. Both procedures typically cost around $45.

You'll remember, I'm a strong supporter of ID tags – for us pet owners, microchips and tattoos are common knowledge, but those who do not have pets may not even know that these exist. In the chance that your dog escapes, but that his collar remains on, I believe ID tags are the first step in recovery. However, I am equally committed to this additional step of protection.

Want to learn about the differences, click here to read more

Running is one of my favorite ways to burn off a few hundred calories this summer. If you're going to be going for a few runs this summer then here is a list of a few things to consider bringing along so that you can get the most out of them:

1. Good Sneakers/Socks
2. ID
3. Water
4. Music
5. Sport Sunscreen
6. Sunglasses
7. Heart Rate Monitor
8. Portable GPS Device
9. Running Buddy

If you have something you can't run without that did not make the list, then let us know what it is you bring along in the comments section below.

Source

In a recent survey conducted by The Nielsen Company on behalf of Anheuser-Busch, 95% of American adults think that, while inconvenient, ID checking is a worthwile way to reduce underage drinking. The survey was taken to determine how people view the effectiveness of ID checking. The survey also discovered that 94% of the people think that those who sell alcohol should be trained to spot fake IDs.

"Checking IDs is one of the keys to keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors. Simply put, if teens can't get alcohol, they can't drink it, and the survey reflects that America's retailers are doing their part, and that American adults fully embrace this concept," says John Kaestner, vice president of Consumer Affairs for Anheuser-Busch Cos.

In addition to the straightforward questions, the survey also asked a few ridiculous ones. The three that really stood out to me were:

• The person we want to see the ID of (and get to know their real age) is: Joan Rivers (26%), Oprah Winfrey (23%), Simon Cowell (16%) and Ashton Kutcher (15%).
• The lady we want to check our ID when purchasing alcohol is: Ellen Degeneres (32%), Kelly Ripa (24%), Tyra Banks (22%) and Ann Curry (9%).
• The guy we want to check our IDs is Regis Philbin (29%), Conan O'Brien (21%), Ryan Seacrest (19%) and Al Roker (18%).

First of all, who thought to ask those questions? The ID stuff I can understand, it's really interesting, but who do you want to check your ID? What? Also, are you telling me that Regis Philbin really beat out someone like George Clooney? America, I don't get you sometimes...

Source: PR Newswire

I'm hearing a lot about how you ladies love running. I do too. I love it because it's hard, and I can really push myself, and feel every muscle in my body pumping. And afterwards, I feel amazing.
For many, running on a treadmill just isn't an option. Either you think it's lame because the whole point of running is to get outside and breathe in the fresh air. Or maybe you despise going to the gym, or don't own a treadmill because they are way too expensive.

Trail Running is like running on a road or track, but instead, you run on - you're so brilliant - trails. Anywhere that you hike, you can go trail running. Even in the winter.

Running in the woods or charging up a mountain is like going through a giant obstacle course. You've got to watch out for loose rocks, mud, and dog poop. You've got to dodge fallen logs and sticks in your way.

And what else is great? There aren't many other people around. It's just you and nature.

When I go running in the woods, the trees just absorb all my thoughts and worries. When I'm done, I feel refreshed, relaxed, and totally pumped at the same time.

Want to know what you'll need to go trail running? Then read more